[December 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 245)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua031003.wais] [Page 72620-72708] Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 72620]] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary 7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX 9 CFR Chs. I-IV 36 CFR Ch. II 41 CFR Ch. 4 Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2003 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the date shown. For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most significant regulatory actions are included in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are listed in the table of contents below and are denoted by a bracketed bold reference, which directs the reader to the appropriate sequence number in part II. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed for that action. Requests for copies of the agenda should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and be directed to: Regulatory Agenda, OBPA, Office of the Secretary, Room 118-E, Jamie Whitten Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272. Dated: October 23, 2003. Geraldine Broadway, Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 151 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild 0581-AB97 Captured Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08) (Reg Plan Seq No. 1)............................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 152 Changes in Fees for Federal Grading and Certification of Livestock for Chicago 0581-AB66 Mercantile Exchange Futures Deliveries.............................................. 153 Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-707)........................ 0581-AC05 154 Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10)..................................... 0581-AC12 155 Exemption of Organic Producers From Research and Promotion/Marketing Order 0581-AC15 Assessment (PY-02-006 and FV-03-900-1).............................................. 156 National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (DA-02-03) (Reg Plan Seq No. 2)....... 0581-AC16 157 Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY- 0581-AC25 02-003)............................................................................. 158 Plant Variety Protection Services (ST-02-02)........................................ 0581-AC31 159 Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Fees (DA-03-03)...................... 0581-AC32 160 Voluntary Shell Egg Grading Regulation-Facilities and Equipment (PY-03-005)......... 0581-AC33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 161 Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program--Lamb Amendment (LS-01-08) (Reg Plan Seq No. 0581-AB98 3).................................................................................. 162 Removal of Cottonseed Chemist Licensing Program and Amendments to Regulations 0581-AC18 Pertaining to Commodity Testing Laboratories (ST-02-03)............................. 163 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26 Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04) (Reg Plan Seq No. 4)............... [[Page 72621]] 164 Good Guidance Practices for the National Organic Program (TM-03-03)................. 0581-AC30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 165 Revision of Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading Service of Manufactured 0581-AB93 or Processed Dairy Products (DA-00-08).............................................. 166 National Organic Program: Add Standards for Mushroom, Apiculture, Greenhouse, and 0581-AB96 Hydroponic Production Systems and the Handling of Honey (TM-01-09).................. 167 Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee: Amendment to Regulations (TB-02-14).......... 0581-AC11 168 Voluntary Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services (LS-02-06)................ 0581-AC13 169 User Fees for 2003 Crop Cotton Classification Services (CN-02-006).................. 0581-AC17 170 National Organic Program, Amendment to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 0581-AC19 Substances.......................................................................... 171 PACA: Coating or Battering Fruits and Vegetables Does Not Alter Their Character (FV- 0581-AC21 02-369)............................................................................. 172 USDA ``Produced From'' Grademark for Shell Eggs (PY-02-007)......................... 0581-AC24 173 National Organic Program: Amendments to the National List (2nd list)................ 0581-AC27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 174 Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouses for Commodity Credit 0560-AE50 Corporation Storage Contracts....................................................... 175 Selection of FSA State and County Committees........................................ 0560-AG90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 176 Elimination of 30-Day Past-Due Period for Farm Loan Program Borrowers............... 0560-AG50 177 2002 Farm Bill Regulations-Loan Eligibility With Prior Debt Forgiveness............. 0560-AG81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 178 Amendments to the Debt Settlement Policies and Procedures To Conform to the Debt 0560-AF22 Collection Improvement Act of 1996.................................................. 179 Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs...... 0560-AF60 180 Emergency Conservation Program...................................................... 0560-AG26 181 Interest Assistance Program......................................................... 0560-AG46 182 Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process.................................. 0560-AG49 183 Tobacco Marketing Quota, Cards, Penalty Provisions, Recordkeeping and Reporting..... 0560-AG52 184 Rescheduling Guaranteed Loans With Balloon Payments, Clarification of Annual 0560-AG53 Analysis Requirements for Guaranteed Lenders, and Subordination Requirements........ 185 Servicing Minor Farm Loan Program Loans............................................. 0560-AG67 186 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Conservation Reserve Program............................ 0560-AG74 187 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers...................... 0560-AG76 188 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Tree Assistance Program................................. 0560-AG83 189 Revision of Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Loan Regulations................. 0560-AG87 [[Page 72622]] 190 Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures........................................ 0560-AG88 191 2003--Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco...... 0560-AG92 192 Revisions to Direct Farm Loan Programs Appraisal Regulations........................ 0560-AH01 193 Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns....................................... 0560-AH02 194 Outside Storage of Extra Long Staple Loan Cotton.................................... 0560-AH03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 195 Deletion of FSA Regulations Regarding Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program. 0560-AE54 196 Prompt Disaster Set-Aside Consideration and Primary Loan Servicing.................. 0560-AG56 197 2002--Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco...... 0560-AG58 198 2002--Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco............... 0560-AG59 199 2002--Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco........... 0560-AG60 200 Producer Disqualification for Crop Insurance Fraud.................................. 0560-AG70 201 2002 Farm Bill Regulations-Bioenergy Program........................................ 0560-AG84 202 2002 Farm Bill Regulations-Income Limits............................................ 0560-AG86 203 Providing Farm Loans in a National Security Emergency............................... 0560-AG89 204 2003--Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco........... 0560-AG91 205 2003--Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco............... 0560-AG93 206 Crop Insurance Linkage.............................................................. 0560-AG94 207 2003 Agricultural Assistance Act--Crop Disaster Program, Livestock Assistance 0560-AG95 Program, and Weather-Related Losses for Sugar Beets................................. 208 Cottonseed Payment Program.......................................................... 0560-AG97 209 Hurricane Assistance for Sugarcane Producers and Processors......................... 0560-AG98 210 Technical Changes to Citizenship Definition and Loan Eligibility Regulations........ 0560-AG99 211 Sugar Beet Disaster Program......................................................... 0560-AH04 212 Removal of Obsolete Regulations..................................................... 0560-AH05 213 Purchase of Crop Insurance for Tobacco Price Support Eligibility.................... 0560-AH06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 214 Plum Pox Compensation............................................................... 0579-AB19 215 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs...... 0579-AB24 216 Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and 0579-AB35 Payment of Indemnity (Reg Plan Seq No. 5)........................................... 217 Karnal Bunt Compensation............................................................ 0579-AB45 218 Cost-Sharing for Animal and Plant Health Emergency Programs......................... 0579-AB50 219 Trichinae Certification Program..................................................... 0579-AB52 220 Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use............................ 0579-AB54 221 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: Minimal Risk Regions and Importation of 0579-AB73 Commodities (Reg Plan Seq No. 6).................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 222 Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing, and Procurement of Animals (Section 610 0579-AA94 Review)............................................................................. 223 Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles From Mexico............................. 0579-AB02 224 Blood and Tissue Collection at Slaughtering Establishments.......................... 0579-AB13 [[Page 72623]] 225 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables....................... 0579-AB18 226 Bees and Related Articles (Section 610 Review)...................................... 0579-AB20 227 Veterinary Diagnostic User Fees--5-Year Plan for Fees (Section 610 Review).......... 0579-AB22 228 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity (Reg Plan Seq No. 7)................... 0579-AB34 229 Infectious Salmon Anemia; Payment of Indemnity...................................... 0579-AB37 230 Animal Welfare; Policy on Training and Handling of Potentially Dangerous Animals.... 0579-AB39 231 Brucellosis in Sheep, Goats, and Horses; Payment of Indemnity (Section 610 Review).. 0579-AB42 232 Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Possession, Use, and Transfer of 0579-AB47 Biological Agents and Toxins (Reg Plan Seq No. 8)................................... 233 Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material; Adoption of International Standards..... 0579-AB48 234 Animal Welfare; Transportation of Animals on International Carriers................. 0579-AB51 235 Procedures for Reestablishing a Region as Free of a Disease......................... 0579-AB53 236 Animal Welfare; Definition of Animal................................................ 0579-AB69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 237 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)........... 0579-AA80 238 Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea....................... 0579-AA93 239 Pseudorabies in Swine; Payment of Indemnity......................................... 0579-AB10 240 Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy................ 0579-AB26 241 Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity..................... 0579-AB29 242 Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries............................ 0579-AB38 243 Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and 0579-AB43 Dead Stock of Cattle and Other Species.............................................. 244 Amend Regulations To Harmonize Our Import Requirements With Proposed National 0579-AB44 Tuberculosis Eradication Program.................................................... 245 Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review).......... 0579-AB55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 246 Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles; Solid Wood Packing Material............ 0579-AA99 247 Nursery Stock Regulations (Completion of a Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB23 248 Salmonella Enteritidis Phage--Type 4; Remove Import Restrictions and Salmonella 0579-AB31 Enteritidis Serotype Enteritidis; Remove Regulations................................ 249 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Payment of Indemnity................................ 0579-AB46 250 Flag Smut Import Prohibitions on Wheat and Related Products......................... 0579-AB49 251 Agricultural Inspection and AI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border............... 0579-AB70 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 252 CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions........... 0524-AA26 253 CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions............ 0524-AA27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72624]] Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 254 Matching Requirements for Formula Funds for Agricultural Research and Extension 0524-AA25 Activities at the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and at the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas....................................................... 255 CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs-Administrative Provisions......................... 0524-AA28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 256 Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D.............................. 0575-AA83 257 National Flood Insurance Regulations................................................ 0575-AC07 258 Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants....................................... 0575-AC12 259 Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants............................................... 0575-AC20 260 Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update 0575-AC27 Regulations......................................................................... 261 Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development.......................... 0575-AC55 262 Environmental Policies and Procedures............................................... 0575-AC56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 263 Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention (Reg Plan Seq No. 9)......................... 0575-AC13 264 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing.................................................... 0575-AC18 265 Operating Assistance for Migrant Farmworker Projects................................ 0575-AC24 266 Technical Assistance To Encourage the Development of Domestic and Migrant Farm Labor 0575-AC25 Housing............................................................................. 267 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program--Secondary Mortgage Market Participation.... 0575-AC28 268 Fire and Rescue and Other Community Facility Projects............................... 0575-AC53 269 3550 Regulation..................................................................... 0575-AC54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 270 Environmental Program............................................................... 0575-AB98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 271 General Administrative Regulations; Subpart D; Application for Crop Insurance....... 0563-AB00 272 General Administrative Regulations; Movement of Business Among Insurance Providers.. 0563-AB71 273 General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions....................................... 0563-AB73 274 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions................ 0563-AB80 275 General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)................. 0563-AB83 276 General Administrative Regulations; Subpart L--Reinsurance Agreement-Standards for 0563-AB86 Approval; Regulations for the 1997 and Subsequent Reinsurance Years................. 277 General Administrative Regulations; Quality Assurance and Performance Measurement 0563-AB88 System for the Federal Crop Insurance Program....................................... 278 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions...... 0563-AB90 279 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Pecan Revenue Crop Insurance Provisions.......... 0563-AB91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72625]] Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 280 General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System.. 0563-AB66 281 General Administrative Regulations; Premium Reductions; Payments of Rebates, 0563-AB70 Dividends, and Patronage Refunds; and Payments to Insured-Owned and Record- Controlling Entities................................................................ 282 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Blueberry Crop Insurance Provisions.............. 0563-AB76 283 Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations; 0563-AB81 Basic Provisions.................................................................... 284 General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of 0563-AB84 Policies and Rates of Premiums...................................................... 285 Common Crop Insurance Regulations................................................... 0563-AB87 286 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Sunflower, Coarse Grains, Safflower, Dry Pea, 0563-AB89 Rice, and Dry Bean Crop Insurance Provisions........................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 287 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Small Grains Crop Insurance Provisions and Wheat 0563-AB63 Winter Coverage Endorsement......................................................... 288 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Basic Provisions and General Administrative 0563-AB85 Regulations, Subpart T, Regulations for Implementation.............................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 289 Livestock Purchase or Sale: Prohibit Nonreporting of Price.......................... 0580-AA65 290 Prohibition on Disguising Grain Quality............................................. 0580-AA77 291 Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services......................... 0580-AA80 292 Process Verification Service and Associated Fees.................................... 0580-AA85 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 293 Tolerances for Dividers............................................................. 0580-AA57 294 Review Inspection Requirements...................................................... 0580-AA58 295 Fees for Processed Commodity Analytical Services.................................... 0580-AA84 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 296 Swine Packer Marketing Contracts.................................................... 0580-AA71 297 Exceptions to Geographic Areas for Official Agencies Under the USGSA................ 0580-AA76 298 Fees for Official Inspection and Weighing Services.................................. 0580-AA81 299 Fees for Rice Inspection Services................................................... 0580-AA82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72626]] Food and Nutrition Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 300 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD39 Revisions to WIC Food Packages (Reg Plan Seq No. 10)................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 301 Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the 0584-AB51 Food Stamp Program.................................................................. 302 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Plain Language, Program Accountability, 0584-AC84 and Program Flexibility (Reg Plan Seq No. 11)....................................... 303 Food Stamp Program: Administrative Cost Reimbursement............................... 0584-AC86 304 Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions, 0584-AD12 Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits........................... 305 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers.............. 0584-AD15 306 Food Stamp Program: Administrative Sanctions Imposed Against Violating Electronic 0584-AD18 Benefits Transfer (EBT) Stores...................................................... 307 Food Stamp Program: Simplification and State Flexibility (Reg Plan Seq No. 12)...... 0584-AD22 308 Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment 0584-AD25 and Collection Standards............................................................ 309 FSP: High Performance Bonuses (Reg Plan Seq No. 13)................................. 0584-AD29 310 FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD30 Investment Act of 2002 (Reg Plan Seq No. 14)........................................ 311 FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD32 Investment Act of 2002 (Reg Plan Seq No. 15)........................................ 312 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) (Reg Plan Seq No. 16).............. 0584-AD35 313 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD36 Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions............................................. 314 FSP: Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171 (Reg 0584-AD37 Plan Seq No. 17).................................................................... 315 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Allowable Costs................................ 0584-AD38 316 Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program: Serving Fruits and 0584-AD40 Vegetables as Afterschool Snacks.................................................... 317 WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Funding Formula Rule.................. 0584-AD41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 318 Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AB10 Miscellaneous Provisions............................................................ 319 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity (Reg 0584-AC24 Plan Seq No. 18).................................................................... 320 Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of 0584-AC37 Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems...................................... 321 National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs 0584-AC72 322 FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections.................................................. 0584-AC75 323 Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under 0584-AC95 the Child Nutrition Programs........................................................ 324 Food Stamp Program: Vehicle and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deduction Provisions 0584-AD13 of Public Law 106-387 (Reg Plan Seq No. 19)......................................... 325 Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary 0584-AD16 Technical Amendments................................................................ 326 Privacy Act: Revision of an Existing System of Records.............................. 0584-AD24 327 Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program...................... 0584-AD27 328 FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 0584-AD28 Act of 2002......................................................................... 329 FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171 0584-AD31 (Reg Plan Seq No. 20)............................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 72627]] Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 330 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen 0584-AC94 Program Integrity................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 331 WIC: Requirements for and Evaluation of WIC Program Requests for Bids for Infant 0584-AB52 Formula Rebate Contracts............................................................ 332 FSP: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems Interoperability and Portability..... 0584-AC91 333 Improving Access to the Food Stamp Program for Persons With Limited English 0584-AD06 Proficiency......................................................................... 334 Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools-Verification 0584-AD20 Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements............................................ 335 Food Stamp Program: Administrative Review Requirements-Food Retailers/Wholesalers... 0584-AD23 336 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)-Allocation of Administrative Funds....... 0584-AD33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 337 Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products (Section 610 Review)................ 0583-AC95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 338 Performance Standards for Bacon (Reg Plan Seq No. 21)............................... 0583-AC49 339 Egg and Egg Products Inspection Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 22)................... 0583-AC58 340 Labeling-Generic Approval and Regulation Consolidation.............................. 0583--AC59 341 Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization................. 0583-AC72 342 Performance Standards for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry 0583-AC73 Carcasses........................................................................... 343 Petitions for Rulemaking............................................................ 0583-AC81 344 Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards................................. 0583-AC83 345 Elimination of Chilling Time and Temperature Requirements for Ready-To-Cook Poultry 0583-AC87 (Section 610 Review) (Reg Plan Seq No. 23).......................................... 346 Emergency Regulations To Prevent Meat Food and Meat Products That May Contain the 0583-AC88 BSE Agent From Entering Commerce (Reg Plan Seq No. 24).............................. 347 Addition of San Marino to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat 0583-AC91 Products to the United States....................................................... 348 Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems 0583-AD00 (Reg Plan Seq No. 25)............................................................... 349 Addition of Mexico to the List of Countries Eligible for the Importation of 0583-AD01 Slaughtered (Fresh) Poultry and Egg Products Into the United States................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 350 Beef or Pork With Barbecue Sauce; Revision of Standards............................. 0583-AC09 351 Performance Standards for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products (Reg Plan Seq No. 0583-AC46 26)................................................................................. 352 Nutrition Labeling of Ground or Chopped Meat and Poultry Products and Single- 0583-AC60 Ingredient Products (Reg Plan Seq No. 27)........................................... 353 Agency Organization................................................................. 0583-AC78 [[Page 72628]] 354 Prohibition on the Use of Air-injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle........ 0583-AD03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food Safety and Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 355 Food Standards: Requirements for Substantive Standardized Meat and Poultry Products 0583-AC82 Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term......... 356 Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry..................... 0583-AD02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 357 Transportation, Storage, and Other Handling of Potentially Hazardous Foods.......... 0583-AC05 358 Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry..................... 0583-AC43 359 Requirements for Disposition and Disposal of Inspected Raw Meat and Poultry Products 0583-AC44 360 Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems.. 0583-AC51 361 Reworking of Meat and Poultry Carcasses Accidentally Contaminated During 0583-AC53 Evisceration........................................................................ 362 Reform of Regulations on Imported Meat and Poultry Products......................... 0583-AC56 363 Food Labeling; Nutrient Content Claims, Definition of the Term Healthy.............. 0583-AC65 364 Elimination of Requirements for Total Quality Control Systems....................... 0583-AC68 365 Incorporation of Food and Color Additives Into 21 CFR............................... 0583-AC69 366 Poultry Inspection: Revision of Finished Product Standards With Respect to Ingesta.. 0583-AC77 367 Addition of Mexico to the List of Countries Eligible for the Importation of 0583-AC92 Slaughtered (Fresh) Poultry and Egg Products Into the United States................. 368 Standards and Labeling Requirements for Mechanically Separated Species and Products 0583-AC93 in Which It Is Used (Completion of a Section 610 Review)............................ 369 Changes in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Service.............. 0583-AC94 370 Use of Any Safe and Suitable Binder or Antimicrobial Agent in Meat and Poultry 0583-AC96 Products With Standards of Identity or Composition.................................. 371 Addition of Australia and New Zealand to the List of Countries Eligible To Export 0583-AC97 Ratites and Ratite Products Into the United States.................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 372 Program To Provide Technical Assistance To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports to 0551-AA62 Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Program)......................................... 373 New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530............ 0551-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Agricultural Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 374 CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program............................................... 0551-AA30 375 Facility Guarantee Program.......................................................... 0551-AA35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72629]] Foreign Agricultural Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 376 Program To Assist U.S. Producers in Developing Domestic Markets for Value-Added 0551-AA60 Wheat Gluten and Wheat Starch Products.............................................. 377 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops............................................ 0551-AA63 378 McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.......... 0551-AA64 379 Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA)....................................... 0551-AA66 380 Clarification of Certain Provisions Contained in the Export Sales Reporting 0551-AA67 Requirements........................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 381 Hydropower Applications............................................................. 0596-AA47 382 Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands................................... 0596-AA52 383 Landownership Adjustments; Conveyance of Small Tracts............................... 0596-AA79 384 Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs..................................... 0596-AB27 385 Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands... 0596-AB45 386 Law Enforcement Support Activities.................................................. 0596-AB61 387 Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution.................................. 0596-AB70 388 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution 0596-AB75 Restrictions........................................................................ 389 Land Uses; Prohibitions; Paleontological Resources.................................. 0596-AB91 390 Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines...................................... 0596-AB92 391 Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines.......................... 0596-AB93 392 Objection Process; Land Management Planning (Interim Directive, Forest Service 0596-AB97 Manual, Chapter 1920)............................................................... 393 Locatable Minerals.................................................................. 0596-AB98 394 Sawtooth National Recreation Area-Private Lands; Increasing Residential Outbuilding 0596-AC00 Size................................................................................ 395 National Forest System Land Management Planning Directives (Proposed Directives, 0596-AC02 Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1920 and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12)......... 396 Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to National Forest System 0596-AC05 Lands in Alaska..................................................................... 397 State Petitions For Roadless Management............................................. 0596-AC10 398 Use and Prohibitions of Motor Vehicles Off National Forest System Roads............. 0596-AC11 399 Grazing Permit Administration....................................................... 0596-AC12 400 National Forest System Appeals and Litigation....................................... 0596-AC13 401 Proposed Revision of Timber Sale Contracts (FS-2400-6 and FS-2400-6T)............... 0596-AC14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 402 Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts.. 0596-AB21 403 Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications 0596-AB36 and Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations........................... 404 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Extension of Timber Sale 0596-AB48 Contracts To Permit Urgent Removal of Timber From Other Lands....................... 405 National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Certain Special Uses 0596-AB73 Permit Actions (Final Interim Directive to FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30)................. 406 Land Uses; Special Uses Requiring Authorizations.................................... 0596-AB74 407 Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products............................... 0596-AB81 408 Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations........... 0596-AB83 409 National Forest System Land Management Planning (Reg Plan Seq No. 28)............... 0596-AB86 410 Revisions to Road Management Policy (Forest Service Manual Chapter 7710)............ 0596-AB90 411 Forest Land Enhancement Program..................................................... 0596-AB95 412 Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program........................... 0596-AB96 413 National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning; Extension of 0596-AC01 Compliance Deadline for Site-Specific Projects...................................... 414 Stewardship End Result Contracting (Notice of Interim Guidelines)................... 0596-AC03 [[Page 72630]] 415 Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to the Tongass National 0596-AC04 Forest, Alaska...................................................................... 416 Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals.......................... 0596-AC09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Forest Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 417 Preference for Visitor Service; Alaska National Forest Conservation System Units.... 0596-AB57 418 National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed For Limited Timber Harvest on 0596-AB88 National Forest System Lands (Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30).......... 419 Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for Projects and Activities on National 0596-AB89 Forest System Lands................................................................. 420 National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Fire Management 0596-AB99 Activities (Interim Directive to Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30)....... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Chief Financial Officer--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 421 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 0505-AA11 Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)....................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 422 Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Reference.................. 0503-AA26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 423 General Nonprocurement Regulations.................................................. 0503-AA21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 424 Outreach and Assistance for Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers...................... 0503-AA22 425 Adjudications Under Section 741..................................................... 0503-AA24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 426 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan............................................. 0570-AA24 427 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock.......... 0570-AA26 [[Page 72631]] 428 Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program............................................. 0570-AA28 429 Annual Renewal Fee.................................................................. 0570-AA34 430 Rural Business Investment Program................................................... 0570-AA35 431 Business and Industry Loan Program-Rewrite of Program Regulations................... 0570-AA41 432 National Security Emergency (Reg Plan Seq No. 29)................................... 0570-AA48 433 Tangible Net Equity................................................................. 0570-AA49 434 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements (Reg Plan Seq No. 30)... 0570-AA50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 435 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program................................... 0570-AA19 436 Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program--Farm Bill Changes.......................... 0570-AA36 437 B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria........ 0570-AA39 438 Value-Added Producer Grants and Agriculture Innovation Centers...................... 0570-AA40 439 Intermediary Relending Program...................................................... 0570-AA42 440 Fiscal Transfer Agent-Secondary Market Sales of Guaranteed Loans.................... 0570-AA47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 441 Allocation Formulas................................................................. 0570-AA30 442 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Domestic Lamb Industry Adjustment 0570-AA31 Assistance Program Set-Aside........................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 443 Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and 0572-AB40 Construction........................................................................ 444 Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants........................................ 0572-AB59 445 Technical Assistance Grants......................................................... 0572-AB75 446 Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398............... 0572-AB76 447 Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers........................ 0572-AB77 448 Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification Purposes.................. 0572-AB83 449 Sale or Transfer of Capital Assets.................................................. 0572-AB84 450 High Energy Cost Rural Community Grants (Section 610 Review)........................ 0572-AB91 451 RUS Electric Distribution & G&T Borrowers' Requirements for Assuring the Homeland 0572-AB92 Security of the Rural Electric Infrastructure....................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 452 Electric Program Standard Contract Forms............................................ 0572-AB67 453 Telecommunications Program Specification............................................ 0572-AB69 454 General and Pre-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Insured and Guaranteed Loans. 0572-AB72 455 Seismic Safety...................................................................... 0572-AB74 [[Page 72632]] 456 Launching Our Communities Access to Local Television Act of 2000.................... 0572-AB82 457 Exemption of Certain Borrowers From Controls........................................ 0572-AB85 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 458 Settlement of Debt.................................................................. 0572-AB61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 459 Environmental Policies and Procedures............................................... 0572-AB73 460 Extensions of Payments of Principal and Interest.................................... 0572-AB79 461 Useful Life of Facility Determination............................................... 0572-AB80 462 Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grants............................ 0572-AB90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 463 Emergency Watershed Protection Program.............................................. 0578-AA30 464 Conservation Security Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 31)................................. 0578-AA36 465 Grassland Reserve................................................................... 0578-AA38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 466 Wetland Categorical Minimal Effects Exemptions...................................... 0578-AA27 467 Technical Service Provider Assistance............................................... 0578-AA35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 468 Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation....................................... 0578-AA17 469 NRCS Equitable Relief Procedures.................................................... 0578-AA39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 470 Environmental Quality Incentives Program............................................ 0578-AA31 471 Agricultural Management Assistance Program.......................................... 0578-AA32 [[Page 72633]] 472 Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program............................................. 0578-AA37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Procurement and Property Management--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 473 Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM); Uniform Procedures for the 0599-AA10 Acquisition and Transfer of Excess Federal Property................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 151. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 152. CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL GRADING AND CERTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK FOR CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE FUTURES DELIVERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 53 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this action is to amend the rate and procedures used to charge applicants for Federal grading and certification of livestock inspected for deliveries on commodity futures contracts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John E. Van Dyke, Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2619--South, L&S, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6231 Fax: 202 690-3732 Email: john.vandyke@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB66 _______________________________________________________________________ 153. MANGO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER (FV-01-707) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1206 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order), an industry board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture will conduct a program of promotion, research, and information in order to increase consumption of mangos in the United States. Domestic handlers and importers will pay an assessment of one half cent per pound on the mangos they handle and import, respectively, to fund the program. The board will be supervised by USDA and pay a user fee to USDA to cover the cost of USDA oversight. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/26/02 67 FR 54907 NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/02 Second NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kathie Birdsell, Research and Promotion Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2535-- South, Stop 0244, Fruit and Vegetable Program, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244 Phone: 888 720-9917 Fax: 202 205-2800 [[Page 72634]] Email: kathie.birdsell@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 154. QUALITY SYSTEMS VERIFICATION PROGRAM (LS-02-10) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 62 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is moving the responsibility for the administration of the Quality Systems Certification program from the Livestock and Seed Program's Meat Grading and Certification Branch to the Audit, Review, and Compliance Branch; establishing a new user-fee schedule for the program; expanding the scope of the program to include all agricultural commodities; and changing the name of the program to the Quality Systems Verification Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James L. Riva, Chief, Audit, Review, and Compliance Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, STOP 0252, Room 2627--South, USDA, AMS, LS, ARC Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2052 Phone: 202 720-1124 Fax: 202 690-3428 Email: james.riva@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 155. EXEMPTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCERS FROM RESEARCH AND PROMOTION/ MARKETING ORDER ASSESSMENT (PY-02-006 AND FV-03-900-1) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 10607 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 900; 7 CFR 1150; 7 CFR 1160; 7 CFR 1205; 7 CFR 1207; 7 CFR 1209; 7 CFR 1210; 7 CFR 1215; 7 CFR 1216; 7 CFR 1218; 7 CFR 1219; 7 CFR 1220; 7 CFR 1230; 7 CFR 1240; 7 CFR 1250; 7 CFR 1260; 7 CFR 1280; . . . Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 13, 2003, Final. Abstract: Under the 2002 Farm Bill, section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR Act) was amended on May 13, 2002. The amendment exempts any person that produces and markets solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments under a commodity promotion law. The FAIR Act governs all research and promotion programs and certain marketing order programs. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture is proposing amendments to the 16 research and promotion regulations and 28 applicable marketing order programs for which it has oversight. These amendments will be handled in two separate regulatory actions that will be published simultaneously. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Angela C. Snyder, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, STOP 0256, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4476 Fax: 202 720-5631 RIN: 0581-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 156. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM (DA-02-03) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AC16 _______________________________________________________________________ 157. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING (PY-02-003) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the administrative requirements for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading. The regulations, in effect since the 1950s, contain some outdated terms, references, and phrases that need updating to make them current and clear. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456 Phone: 202 720-3271 Fax: 202 690-3165 Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 158. [bull] PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION SERVICES (ST-02-02) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 2321; 7 USC 2401 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will establish a new fee schedule covering various administrative services that stakeholders are not currently charged for by the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office. PVP, as provided by the Agricultural Marketing Service is a voluntary, user-fee service, conducted under the authority of the PVP Act of 1970. The Act requires reasonable fees be collected from applicants for plant variety protection in order to cover program expenses. Program obligations and administrative costs have increased and user fees have been falling short of projections. Based on current level of activity, new service fees will generate approximately $169,000 of new revenue in fiscal year 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Paul Zankowski, Commissioner, Plant Variety Protection [[Page 72635]] Office, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Room 401, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone: 301 504-5518 RIN: 0581-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 159. [bull] VOLUNTARY FEDERAL DAIRY GRADING AND INSPECTION FEES (DA-03- 03) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 58; 7 CFR 54 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would revise the regulations to increase the fees charged users of dairy inspection and grading services. The increased fees are necessary to recover the increases costs of Federal employee pay and location adjustment as well as increases in operational costs. Also the fee increase would provide a limited amount of funding to automate business practices to improve program efficiency and effectiveness. These changes would also increase the fees charged to applicants for the review of meat and poultry processing equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/03/03 68 FR 57382 NPRM Comment Period End 11/03/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Duane R. Spomer, Associate Deputy Administrator for Standards and Grading, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2746--South, Dairy Programs, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090 Phone: 202 720-7473 Fax: 202 720-2643 Email: duane.spomer@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC32 _______________________________________________________________________ 160. [bull] VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG GRADING REGULATION--FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT (PY-03-005) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reviewed the Voluntary Grading of Shell Egg regulations and identified changes necessary to bring the regulations up-to-date. AMS is proposing to update and clarify the voluntary shell egg grading regulations for facilities required for grading service, the operating requirements of plants utilizing the grading service, and the methods by which the grading service is provided. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456 Phone: 202 720-3271 Fax: 202 690-3165 Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC33 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 161. LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING PROGRAM--LAMB AMENDMENT (LS-01-08) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 162. REMOVAL OF COTTONSEED CHEMIST LICENSING PROGRAM AND AMENDMENTS TO REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO COMMODITY TESTING LABORATORIES (ST-02-03) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622 through 1624 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 91; 7 CFR 96 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is removing the Cottonseed Chemist Licensing Program and the related official grading program. This rule will also update various commodity testing laboratory addresses and will adopt two sheilds that indicate that products have been tested and approved by AMS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/13/03 68 FR 48322 NPRM Comment Period End 09/12/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James V. Falk, Scientist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Technical Services Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 3523--South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4089 Fax: 202 720-6496 Email: james.falk@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 163. [bull] MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AC26 [[Page 72636]] _______________________________________________________________________ 164. [bull] GOOD GUIDANCE PRACTICES FOR THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM (TM-03-03) Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program (NOP) regulations by codifying policies and procedures for the development, issuance, and use of guidance documents. The intended effect of this regulation is to make the NOP's procedures for development, issuance, and use of guidance documents clear to the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510--South, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC30 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 165. REVISION OF REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSPECTION AND GRADING SERVICE OF MANUFACTURED OR PROCESSED DAIRY PRODUCTS (DA-00-08) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 58 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Duane R. Spomer Phone: 202 720-7473 Fax: 202 720-2643 Email: duane.spomer@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ 166. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR MUSHROOM, APICULTURE, GREENHOUSE, AND HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND THE HANDLING OF HONEY (TM-01-09) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/29/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal, State, Local Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 167. FLUE-CURED TOBACCO ADVISORY COMMITTEE: AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS (TB-02-14) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/13/03 68 FR 25484 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John P. Duncan Phone: 202 205-0567 Fax: 202 205-0235 Email: john.duncan3@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ 168. VOLUNTARY FEDERAL MEAT GRADING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES (LS-02- 06) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/03/03 68 FR 39805 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows Phone: 202 720-0343 Fax: 202 690-4119 Email: larry.meadows@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 169. USER FEES FOR 2003 CROP COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES (CN-02-006) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/22/03 68 FR 27897 Final Action Effective 07/01/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Norma Randall McDill Phone: 202 720-3193 Fax: 202 690-1718 Email: norma.mcdill@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 170. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL LIST OF ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/16/03 68 FR 18556 Final Action 10/31/03 68 FR 61987 Final Action Effective 11/03/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 72637]] Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC19 _______________________________________________________________________ 171. PACA: COATING OR BATTERING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DOES NOT ALTER THEIR CHARACTER (FV-02-369) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 46 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/02/03 68 FR 23377 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James R. Frazier Phone: 202 720-4180 Email: james--r--frazier@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC21 _______________________________________________________________________ 172. USDA ``PRODUCED FROM'' GRADEMARK FOR SHELL EGGS (PY-02-007) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/13/03 68 FR25484 Final Action Effective 06/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes Phone: 202 720-3271 Fax: 202 690-3165 Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 173. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL LIST (2ND LIST) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend regulations pertaining to the National Organic Program National List to reflect recommendations submitted by the National Organic Standards Board. This rule would add five substances, along with any restrictive annotations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/22/03 68 FR 27941 NPRM Comment Period End 06/02/03 Final Action 11/03/03 68 FR 62215 Final Action Effective 11/04/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510--South, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC27 BILLING CODE 3410-05-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 174. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSES FOR COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION STORAGE CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 714 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1423; 7 CFR 1427 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend the regulations governing the standards that warehouse operators must meet to enter into storage contracts with CCC to allow additional financial institutions the ability to provide irrevocable letters of credit to CCC to satisfy deficiencies that some warehouse operators may have in meeting their required net worth and provide for the collection of fees to defray the costs incurred by CCC in conducting examinations of non-U.S. Warehouse Act facilities as a result of warehouse operators modifying existing contracts. Costs of about $50,000 will be incurred by CCC to defray examination costs. Separate rules will be promulgated for each CFR part amended. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Reinstated by Agency 10/08/03 NPRM 11/20/03 68 FR 65412 NPRM Comment Period End 01/20/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AE50 _______________________________________________________________________ 175. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to implement the provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill relating to the establishment of FSA county, area, and local committees. The statute provides that committees shall have from three to five members, that they shall be representative of the producers in the [[Page 72638]] area, and that the term of office shall not exceed 3 years. It also provides that the Secretary shall solicit nominations from organizations representing the interests of socially disadvantaged groups and, if determined necessary, promulgate uniform guidelines for conducting elections that will ensure fair representation of socially disadvantaged groups. The Secretary may also ensure inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers by appointing one additional voting member to a committee. The rule will provide for election procedures, including nominations, opening of ballots and reporting of results. Further, the rule will eliminate community committees from the existing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG90 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 176. ELIMINATION OF 30-DAY PAST-DUE PERIOD FOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM BORROWERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3716; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently, borrowers are considered ``past due'' for the first 30 days after a missed Farm Loan Program (FLP) payment and are then ``delinquent.'' This is not consistent with the terminology used by Farm Programs (FP), which considers borrowers ``delinquent'' immediately after a missed payment. This action will eliminate the 30- day past due period prior to delinquency. In addition to clarification and consistency, this change would allow FLP borrowers to receive debt write-down on the day after a missed payment, assuming all other primary loan servicing criteria are met, instead of waiting 31 days. This change will also clarify the use of the word delinquent with regard to all servicing and offsets. The rule will not affect the statutorily required ``90 days past due'' criteria that is currently used to determine the onset of primary loan servicing. This rule will not significantly affect costs for either the Government or borrowers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/09/03 68 FR 1170 NPRM Comment Period End 03/10/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG50 _______________________________________________________________________ 177. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--LOAN ELIGIBILITY WITH PRIOR DEBT FORGIVENESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1941 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will seek to clarify language needed to implement the 2002 Farm Bill provisions relating to borrowers who received debt forgiveness and a change in the eligibility requirements for direct farm ownership loans: (1) The legislation provides that borrowers who received debt forgiveness may also be eligible for new direct or guaranteed operating loans if forgiveness resulted from a declared major emergency or natural disaster. However, besides areas designated as natural disasters, low-interest emergency loans are also available in areas under plant or animal quarantines. This rule will obtain public comments on the types of emergencies or natural disasters to be considered eligible. (2) The legislation changes an eligibility requirement for direct farm ownership loans from persons who ``operated'' a farm to persons who ``participated in the operation of'' a farm. This rule will obtain public comments on the meaning of the new term. The expected cost is minimal. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/09/03 68 FR 17316 NPRM Comment Period End 06/09/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG81 [[Page 72639]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 178. AMENDMENTS TO THE DEBT SETTLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO CONFORM TO THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1996 Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AF22 _______________________________________________________________________ 179. REGULATORY STREAMLINING OF THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY'S DIRECT FARM LOAN PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 18 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AF60 _______________________________________________________________________ 180. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/01/02 67 FR 49879 NPRM Comment Period End 09/30/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG26 _______________________________________________________________________ 181. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ 182. OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405; 7 CFR 1499; 22 CFR 211 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/03/03 68 FR 9944 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG49 _______________________________________________________________________ 183. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTA, CARDS, PENALTY PROVISIONS, RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/13/03 68 FR 1556 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG52 _______________________________________________________________________ 184. RESCHEDULING GUARANTEED LOANS WITH BALLOON PAYMENTS, CLARIFICATION OF ANNUAL ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARANTEED LENDERS, AND SUBORDINATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/19/03 68 FR 49723 NPRM Comment Period End 10/20/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG53 _______________________________________________________________________ 185. SERVICING MINOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 772; 7 CFR 1901-E; 7 CFR 1942-A; 7 CFR 1951-E and F; 7 CFR 1956-C Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/09/03 68 FR 17320 NPRM Comment Period End 06/09/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG67 [[Page 72640]] _______________________________________________________________________ 186. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701; 7 CFR 1410 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement 09/06/02 67 FR 56979 Comment Period End 10/21/02 Interim Final Rule 05/08/03 68 FR 24829 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/07/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG74 _______________________________________________________________________ 187. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG76 _______________________________________________________________________ 188. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 783 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/11/03 68 FR 47499 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG83 _______________________________________________________________________ 189. REVISION OF INDIAN TRIBAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM LOAN REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 770 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/14/03 68 FR 12309 NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG87 _______________________________________________________________________ 190. CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG88 _______________________________________________________________________ 191. 2003--CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR FIVE KINDS OF TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG92 _______________________________________________________________________ 192. [bull] REVISIONS TO DIRECT FARM LOAN PROGRAMS APPRAISAL REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1965 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) regulations governing real estate and chattel appraisals. In the loan making process, the rule proposes to allow FSA to obtain appraisals after loan funds become available and the applicant is determined eligible. Also, the rule proposes to increase the dollar threshold that determines when a real estate appraisal is required. In loan servicing, the rule proposes to raise the dollar threshold for real estate appraisals in partial release situations, and allow the Agency to release real estate security without appraising the retained real estate in some cases. All these changes will reduce FSA's appraisal costs and enhance the timeliness of program delivery of certain loan making and servicing actions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/21/03 68 FR 50479 NPRM Comment Period End 10/20/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS [[Page 72641]] 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH01 _______________________________________________________________________ 193. [bull] ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RELATED CONCERNS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 799 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will provide the Farm Service Agency (FSA) with an environmental compliance regulation that improves and clarifies its requirements to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and numerous other environmental and cultural resource laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH02 _______________________________________________________________________ 194. [bull] OUTSIDE STORAGE OF EXTRA LONG STAPLE LOAN COTTON Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 7213; 15 USC 714b; PL 106-387 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is amending regulations governing loan eligibility to permit outside storage of extra long staple (ELS) loan cotton by producers at facilities meeting certain requirements. Current policy requires that cotton must be stored inside a warehouse to be eligible for a loan. This rule change will reduce storage costs for producers able to meet the technical requirements for outside storage. These storage savings should enable that cotton to be sold at a more competitive price in domestic and export markets. ELS cotton loans are nonrecourse marketing assistance loans that are repaid in full based on an interest rate 1 percent above CCC's cost of borrowing. CCC does not pay any storage or other charges associated with the loan and charges producers a loan-servicing fee. USDA estimates that there will be no increase in ELS cotton production as a result of this rule, and so no increase in loan forfeitures is foreseen. However, the quantity of ELS cotton placed under loan may increase by producers that use outside storage. Thus, some increase in loan volume and gross loan outlays is estimated, but net loan outlays or forfeitures to CCC are estimated as unchanged. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/18/03 68 FR 49327 NPRM Comment Period End 09/17/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11192 Cotton Farming URL For More Information: www.fsa.usda.gov/ URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov/ Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH03 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 195. DELETION OF FSA REGULATIONS REGARDING COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY CONTROL PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 702; 7 CFR 703; 7 CFR 752 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 07/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AE54 _______________________________________________________________________ 196. PROMPT DISASTER SET-ASIDE CONSIDERATION AND PRIMARY LOAN SERVICING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/25/03 68 FR 55299 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG56 [[Page 72642]] _______________________________________________________________________ 197. 2002--CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR FIVE KINDS OF TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn--No further action to be taken 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG58 _______________________________________________________________________ 198. 2002--CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG59 _______________________________________________________________________ 199. 2002--CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR FLUE-CURED TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG60 _______________________________________________________________________ 200. PRODUCER DISQUALIFICATION FOR CROP INSURANCE FRAUD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/02/03 68 FR 39447 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG70 _______________________________________________________________________ 201. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--BIOENERGY PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1424 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/07/03 68 FR 24596 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG84 _______________________________________________________________________ 202. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--INCOME LIMITS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/04/03 68 FR 33341 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG86 _______________________________________________________________________ 203. PROVIDING FARM LOANS IN A NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 763; 7 CFR 775 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/01/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG89 _______________________________________________________________________ 204. 2003--CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR FLUE-CURED TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG91 _______________________________________________________________________ 205. 2003--CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn--No further action to be taken 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG93 _______________________________________________________________________ 206. CROP INSURANCE LINKAGE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405 [[Page 72643]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG94 _______________________________________________________________________ 207. 2003 AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE ACT--CROP DISASTER PROGRAM, LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AND WEATHER-RELATED LOSSES FOR SUGAR BEETS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1412; 7 CFR 1480 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/26/03 68 FR 37936 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG95 _______________________________________________________________________ 208. COTTONSEED PAYMENT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/25/03 68 FR 20331 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG97 _______________________________________________________________________ 209. HURRICANE ASSISTANCE FOR SUGARCANE PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/07/03 68 FR 47010 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG98 _______________________________________________________________________ 210. [bull] TECHNICAL CHANGES TO CITIZENSHIP DEFINITION AND LOAN ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1981 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762; 7 CFR 764; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 1941 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA is amending its regulations governing loan eligibility to conform with recent changes in other regulations and statutes. Specifically, this rule will change the term ``citizenship'' according to that now used by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Naturalization Service, (2) allow a loan to an applicant that is operating in accordance with a confirmed bankruptcy plan, (3) prohibit operating loans to an applicant that is delinquent on an FSA guaranteed loan, (4) remove provisions for making non-farm enterprise loans, which are no longer authorized, (5) remove provisions for annual production loans to delinquent borrowers, which are no longer authorized, (6) correct the definition for socially disadvantaged applicant, and (7) amend the regulation covering installment schedules for balloon payments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/03/03 68 FR 62221 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG99 _______________________________________________________________________ 211. [bull] SUGAR BEET DISASTER PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 108-7; 15 USC 714 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1481 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements provisions of the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003, Public Law 108-7, related to the Sugar Beet Disaster Program. This program will assist sugar beet producers who suffered production losses for either the 2001 or 2002 crop year due to weather related disasters which resulted in the prevention of planting or the reduction of quantity or quality while the beets were in the field. Outlays were $60 million. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/18/03 68 FR 49325 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 111 Crop Production Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH04 _______________________________________________________________________ 212. [bull] REMOVAL OF OBSOLETE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 15 USC 714; PL 106-113; PL 106-387; PL 106-224 [[Page 72644]] CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1411; 7 CFR 1439; 7 CFR 1447; 7 CFR 1464; 7 CFR 1469; 7 CFR 1476; 7 CFR 1477; 7 CFR 1478; 7 CFR 1479; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action removes regulations that have been rendered obsolete by expiration of their statutory authority and the ending of their respective programs. There are no impacts on past or current program operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/28/03 68 FR 61324 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH05 _______________________________________________________________________ 213. [bull] PURCHASE OF CROP INSURANCE FOR TOBACCO PRICE SUPPORT ELIGIBILITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1421; 15 USC 714 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends the Tobacco Loan Program regulations to reflect changes in the law requiring that tobacco must be insured to be eligible for price support loans and to revise various organizational titles and OMB control numbers associated with information collections needed to implement this part. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/20/03 68 FR 65385 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11191 Tobacco Farming Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom--witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH06 BILLING CODE 3410-34-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 214. PLUM POX COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; sec 301.75-15 also issued under sec 204, title II, PL 106-113; 113 Stat 1501A-293; sec 301.75-15 and 301.75.16 also issued under sec 203; title II, PL 106-224, 114 Stat 400 (7 USC 1421 note) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301.74-5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking provides for the payment of compensation to the owners of commercial stone fruit orchards and fruit tree nurseries who had stone fruit trees or nursery stock destroyed in order to control plum pox. The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic impact of the plum pox quarantine on affected commercial stone fruit growers and fruit tree nursery owners. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/14/00 65 FR 55431 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/13/00 NPRM 10/16/03 68 FR 59548 NPRM Comment Period End 12/15/03 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Operations Officer, Program Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB19 _______________________________________________________________________ 215. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the treatment of certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for treatment of these animals have been in effect for over 10 years. During this time, advances have been made and new information has been developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. We intend to develop amendments to the marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. The amendments would be to standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as swim- with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to ensure that [[Page 72645]] the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37731 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02 NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 216. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK AND DEER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 217. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 7 USC 7731; 7 USC 7735; 7 USC 7751 to 7754 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to provide compensation for certain growers and handlers of grain and seed affected by Karnal bunt who are not currently eligible for compensation, for certain wheat grown outside the regulated area that was commingled with wheat grown in regulated areas, and for other parties affected by the Karnal bunt regulations. The payment of compensation is necessary in order to encourage the participation of, and obtain cooperation from, affected individuals in our efforts to contain and reduce the prevalence of Karnal bunt. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/01/02 67 FR 21561 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/01/02 NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Robert G. Spaide, Senior Program Manager, Surveillance and Emergency Programs Planning and Coordination, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-7819 RIN: 0579-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 218. COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 373; 9 CFR 60 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish criteria to determine the Federal share of financial responsibility relative to States and other cooperators in an emergency in which an animal or plant pest or disease threatens the agricultural production of the United States. The cost- sharing arrangements provided in this rule would apply to most emergency program activities, other than the payment of compensation, that are authorized under the Plant Protection Act and the Animal Health Protection Act. The intent of this action would be to facilitate long-term resource planning and funding decisions by cooperators. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/08/03 68 FR 40541 NPRM Comment Period End 11/07/03 Next Action Undetermined To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Kevin Shea, Deputy Administrator, Policy and Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 116, Unit 20, 316-E J. L. Whitten Builidng, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-8015 RIN: 0579-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ 219. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622; 15 USC 1828 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 149; 9 CFR 160 to 161 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: APHIS is considering establishing a voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention conditions. Under the program, APHIS would certify pork production sites that follow prescribed good production practices that reduce, eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of animals to the zoonotic parasite Trichinella spiralis, a disease of swine. Such a program should enhance the marketing of pork and pork products both in the United States and in export markets. [[Page 72646]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, PCMS, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room 891, 210 Walnut Street, Room 891, Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515 284-4122 RIN: 0579-AB52 _______________________________________________________________________ 220. METHYL BROMIDE; AUTHORIZATION AS OFFICIAL QUARANTINE USE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7719 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 304 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish regulations to provide for the submission of requests by State, local, or tribal authorities for a determination whether methyl bromide treatments or applications required by the State, local, or tribal authorities to prevent the introduction, establishment, or spread of plant pests (including diseases) or noxious weeds should be authorized as official quarantine uses. The regulations are necessary to comply with a recent amendment to the Plant Protection Act that requires the Secretary to publish and maintain a registry of authorized State, local, and tribal requirements for methyl bromide treatments or applications. The rule would establish a process by which State, local, or tribal authorities could request and, if warranted, receive, authorization for their methyl bromide requirements as official quarantine uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Elna Hunter, Senior Regulatory Coordinator, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Suite C Unit 118, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-5289 RIN: 0579-AB54 _______________________________________________________________________ 221. [bull] BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY: MINIMAL RISK REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 6 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 222. ANIMAL WELFARE; INSPECTION, LICENSING, AND PROCUREMENT OF ANIMALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would make several amendments to the Animal Welfare Act regulations to clarify them and improve their enforceability. In addition, it would amend a number of administrative procedures to make them more efficient. We believe these actions are necessary to help ensure compliance with the regulations and the Animal Welfare Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/04/00 65 FR 47908 NPRM Comment Period End 10/03/00 NPRM Comment Period Reopened and Extended 10/19/00 65 FR 62650 NPRM Comment Period End 11/20/00 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 223. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES FROM MEXICO Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would add restrictions on the importation of pine [[Page 72647]] and fir logs and lumber, as well as other unmanufactured wood articles, from Mexico. These wood articles from Mexico would have to meet certain treatment and handling requirements to be eligible for importation into the United States. We believe this action is necessary to prevent the introduction into the United States of dangerous plant pests, including forest pests, with unmanufactured wood articles from Mexico. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/11/99 64 FR 31512 NPRM Comment Period End 08/10/99 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Hesham A. Abuelnaga, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 724-6799 RIN: 0579-AB02 _______________________________________________________________________ 224. BLOOD AND TISSUE COLLECTION AT SLAUGHTERING ESTABLISHMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are considering establishing requirements for the collection of blood and tissue samples from livestock (horses, cattle, bison, sheep, and swine) and poultry at slaughter establishments when it is necessary for disease surveillance. Under this proposal, any person who moves an animal interstate for slaughter could only move the animal to a slaughter establishment that has been approved by the Administrator. The Administrator would approve a slaughter establishment after determining that it is not necessary to conduct testing at the establishment or determining that it is necessary to conduct testing at the establishment and the establishment provides space and facilities to collect blood and tissue samples for disease testing. This collection of blood and tissue samples would enable us to identify animals at slaughter that are affected by various communicable diseases. This change would affect persons moving animals interstate for slaughter, slaughter plants that receive animals in interstate commerce, and in cases where an animal that tests positive can be successfully traced back to its herd or flock of origin, the owners of such herds or flocks. The long-term effects of this change would be to improve surveillance programs for animal diseases and to contribute to the eventual control or eradication of such diseases. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/27/02 67 FR 70864 NPRM Comment Period End 01/27/03 NPRM Comment Period Extended 03/28/03 68 FR 3826 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, VS, National Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 7344-44363 RIN: 0579-AB13 _______________________________________________________________________ 225. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign regions. This rule would amend our regulations to require that a phytosanitary certificate accompany all fruits and vegetables imported into the United States, with certain exceptions. The rule would include commercial produce imported into the United States, as well as fruits and vegetables brought in by travelers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-6799 RIN: 0579-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 226. BEES AND RELATED ARTICLES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 281; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 322 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would revise the regulations for the importation of honeybees and honeybee semen. Among other things, it would allow, under certain conditions, the importation into the United States of honeybees from Australia and [[Page 72648]] honeybees and honeybee germ plasm from New Zealand. It also would make these regulations more consistent with standards established by the Office International des Epizooties, update them to reflect current research and terminology, and simplify them and make them more useful. In addition, the rule would combine the regulations for the importation of honeybees and honeybee semen with the regulations established to prevent the introduction of exotic bee diseases and parasites through the importation of bees other than honeybees, certain beekeeping byproducts, and used beekeeping equipment. This change would make the regulations more useful by consolidating all of the requirements related to the importation of bees, beekeeping byproducts, and used beekeeping equipment into one part. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/19/02 67 FR 53844 NPRM Comment Period End 11/18/02 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Wayne Wehling, Permits and Risk Assessment, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1228 Phone: 301 734-8757 RIN: 0579-AB20 _______________________________________________________________________ 227. VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC USER FEES--5-YEAR PLAN FOR FEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716 to 3717; 31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A CFR Citation: 9 CFR 130 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are proposing user fees for multiple fiscal years for APHIS' Veterinary Services' veterinary diagnostic user fee goods and services. We are proposing this action in order to ensure that we recover the full costs of providing these goods and services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/24/03 68 FR 43661 NPRM Comment Period End 09/22/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Donna Ford, User Fee Section Head, FSSB, BASE, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8351 RIN: 0579-AB22 _______________________________________________________________________ 228. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 7 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 229. INFECTIOUS SALMON ANEMIA; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amended the regulations regarding the control and eradication of certain communicable diseases of livestock or poultry to provide for the payment of indemnity to producers in the State of Maine for fish destroyed due to infectious salmon anemia. Because depopulation is necessary to control infectious salmon anemia, a successful control program will provide for indemnification of depopulated fish to gain producer support. This action will, therefore, increase the effectiveness of our efforts to control infectious salmon anemia in Maine and prevent further outbreaks of the disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/11/02 67 FR 17605 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/10/02 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Otis Miller Jr., National Aquaculture Coordinator, NAHP, Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 36, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-6188 RIN: 0579-AB37 _______________________________________________________________________ 230. ANIMAL WELFARE; POLICY ON TRAINING AND HANDLING OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: APHIS's Animal Welfare Act regulations require exhibitors and other regulated entities that handle potentially dangerous animals to provide a sufficient number of adequately trained personnel to handle and care for the animals and to provide adequate protection from risk for the general public when animals are exhibited. APHIS sought comment on a policy statement to provide guidance to exhibitors and other regulated entities for the training and handling of potentially dangerous animals, [[Page 72649]] adequate experience and training of trainers, handlers, and attendants, and points to consider when developing emergency contingency plans. After reviewing the comments received and considering alternative ways to provide guidance and promote compliance with the regulations, APHIS has decided not to proceed with a final policy statement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Draft Policy Statement 02/18/00 65 FR 8318 Comment Period End 04/18/00 Agency Decision 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AB39 _______________________________________________________________________ 231. BRUCELLOSIS IN SHEEP, GOATS, AND HORSES; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 51 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the brucellosis indemnity regulations to allow us to pay indemnity for sheep, goats, and horses destroyed because of brucellosis. This action would make it easier to eliminate affected herds/flocks and infected animals as sources of infection by encouraging herd and flock owners to cooperate with our brucellosis eradication program. This action is intended to help reduce the incidence of brucellosis and the likelihood of it spreading within the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/13/01 66 FR 47593 NPRM Comment Period End 11/13/01 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Valerie Ragan, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-7708 RIN: 0579-AB42 _______________________________________________________________________ 232. AGRICULTURAL BIOTERRORISM PROTECTION ACT OF 2002; POSSESSION, USE, AND TRANSFER OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 8 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB47 _______________________________________________________________________ 233. IMPORTATION OF SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL; ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the importation of unmanufactured wood articles to adopt an international standard entitled ``Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade'' that was approved by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention on March 15, 2002. The standard calls for wood packaging material to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, in accordance with the Guidelines, and marked with an approved international mark certifying treatment. The rule would adopt the IPPC Guidelines because recent analyses of pest interceptions at ports show an increase in pests associated with certain wood packaging material. This increase in pests was found in wood packaging material that does not meet the IPPC Guidelines' (e.g., wood packaging material from everywhere except China, which must already be treated due to past pest interceptions). There has been a decrease in pests associated with wood packaging material from China, however, since we began requiring that material be treated prior to importation. This change would affect all persons using wood packaging material in connection with importing goods into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/20/03 68 FR 27480 NPRM Comment Period End 07/21/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Hesham A. Abuelnaga, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 724-6799 RIN: 0579-AB48 _______________________________________________________________________ 234. ANIMAL WELFARE; TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS ON INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 72650]] Abstract: This document gives notice that we intend to begin consistently and routinely applying the standards in the Animal Welfare Act regulations for the humane transportation of animals in commerce to international carriers operating with the United States, its territories, possessions, or the District of Columbia. While these standards have been enforced on domestic carriers, international carriers, for the most part, have not been held to the same requirements, and there have been instances of foreign carriers arriving in the United States with sick, dying, or dead animals, possibly as a result of improper handling or transportation conditions. This action will ensure that any animal covered by the Animal Welfare Act, whether coming into, traveling from point to point in, or leaving the United States, its territories, possessions, or the District of Columbia, will be provided the protection of the Animal Welfare Act while in transportation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Determination to Regulate 10/10/03 68 FR 58575 Comment Period End 12/09/03 Determination to Regulate Effective 04/07/04 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Jerry DePoyster, Senior Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-7586 RIN: 0579-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 235. PROCEDURES FOR REESTABLISHING A REGION AS FREE OF A DISEASE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 92 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish procedures that APHIS will follow when a region that we recognize as free of a disease experiences an outbreak of that disease. The procedures include steps we would take to prevent the introduction of disease from that region and steps we would take to further assess the region's animal health status. The procedures would allow for timely reinstatement of the region's disease-free status if supported by the reassessment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/24/03 68 FR 37426 NPRM Comment Period End 08/25/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Gary Colgrove, Assistant Director, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 38, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB53 _______________________________________________________________________ 236. [bull] ANIMAL WELFARE; DEFINITION OF ANIMAL Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to reflect an amendment to the Act's definition of the term animal. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended the definition of animal to specifically exclude birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research. While the definition of animal in the regulations excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, that definition also excludes all birds (i.e., not just those bred for use in research). To make the definition of animal in the regulations consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA, this final rule amends the regulations by narrowing of the scope of the exclusion for birds to only those birds bred for use in research. This final rule is intended only to make the definition of animal in the regulations consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA. We do not intend to immediately begin regulating birds not bred for use in research as a result of this action. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Jerry DePoyster, Senior Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-7586 RIN: 0579-AB69 [[Page 72651]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 237. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 330 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/27/96 61 FR 50767 ANPRM Comment Period End 12/26/96 NPRM 10/09/01 66 FR 51340 NPRM Comment Period End 02/06/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Flanders Phone: 301 734-5930 RIN: 0579-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 238. IMPORTATION OF FUJI VARIETY APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56-2cc Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/26/00 65 FR 24423 NPRM Comment Period End 06/26/00 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/22/00 65 FR 50937 NPRM Comment Period End 10/23/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett Phone: 301 734-6799 RIN: 0579-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________ 239. PSEUDORABIES IN SWINE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 52 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/99 64 FR 2545 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/16/99 Interim Final Rule 04/18/00 65 FR 20706 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/19/00 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Adam G. Grow Phone: 301 734-3752 RIN: 0579-AB10 _______________________________________________________________________ 240. IMPORTATION PROHIBITIONS BECAUSE OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94.18; 9 CFR 95.1; 9 CFR 95.4; 9 CFR 95.29 (New) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ IRM Retroactively Effective 12/07/00 Interim Final Rule 08/14/01 66 FR 42595 Sec 95.29 Effective 08/14/01 Comment Period End 10/15/01 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy Phone: 301 734-3277 RIN: 0579-AB26 _______________________________________________________________________ 241. ANIMALS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/20/02 67 FR 7583 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/22/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Terry Beals Phone: 301 734-5467 RIN: 0579-AB29 _______________________________________________________________________ 242. IMPORTATION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FROM FMD COUNTRIES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/18/03 68 FR 7722 NPRM Comment Period End 04/21/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ 243. RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR POTENTIAL BSE PATHWAYS INVOLVING DOWNER CATTLE AND DEAD STOCK OF CATTLE AND OTHER SPECIES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/21/03 68 FR 2703 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa Ferguson Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB43 _______________________________________________________________________ 244. AMEND REGULATIONS TO HARMONIZE OUR IMPORT REQUIREMENTS WITH PROPOSED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS ERADICATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman [[Page 72652]] Phone: 301 734-4929 RIN: 0579-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 245. GYPSY MOTH; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED ARTICLES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/23/03 68 FR 28157 NPRM Comment Period End 07/22/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Weyman Fussell Phone: 301 734-5705 RIN: 0579-AB55 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 246. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES; SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Replaced by 0579-AB48 08/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert Flanders Phone: 301 734-5930 RIN: 0579-AA99 _______________________________________________________________________ 247. NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 300; 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amended the regulations for importing nursery stock to require additional treatment certifications for imported niger seed and lilac, to reflect changes in plant taxonomy and pest distributions, and to make various changes to the requirements for postentry quarantine of imported plants. The rule also made several changes to update and clarify the regulations and improve their effectiveness. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/28/01 66 FR 67123 NPRM Comment Period End 02/26/02 Final Action 08/20/03 68 FR 50039 Final Action Effective 09/19/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: William Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-6799 RIN: 0579-AB23 _______________________________________________________________________ 248. SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS PHAGE--TYPE 4; REMOVE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS AND SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS SEROTYPE ENTERITIDIS; REMOVE REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71; 9 CFR 82; 9 CFR 94 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/20/03 68 FR 36898 Final Action Effective 06/20/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael David Phone: 301 734-8093 RIN: 0579-AB31 _______________________________________________________________________ 249. LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/18/03 68 FR 42565 Final Action Effective 07/18/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cheryl Hall Phone: 301 734-4924 RIN: 0579-AB46 _______________________________________________________________________ 250. FLAG SMUT IMPORT PROHIBITIONS ON WHEAT AND RELATED PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM Comment Period End 04/08/03 Withdrawn 11/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeanne Van Dersal Phone: 301 734-8537 RIN: 0579-AB49 _______________________________________________________________________ 251. [bull] AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./ CANADA BORDER Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 [[Page 72653]] CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 354 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending the foreign quarantine and user fee regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for agricultural products imported from Canada and the exemptions from user fees for commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international passengers entering the United States from Canada. As a result of this action, agricultural products imported from Canada will be subject to inspection, and the commercial conveyances in which they are moved, as well as airline passengers arriving on flights from Canada, will be subject to inspection user fees. We are taking this action because recent inspections along the U.S./Canada border resulted in numerous interceptions of prohibited regulated material that originated in regions other than Canada that presents a high risk of introducing plant pests or animal diseases into the United States. This action is necessary to prevent the introduction of plant pests and animal diseases through unauthorized importations into the United States through Canada. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/20/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Alan S. Green, Assistant Director, Quarantine Policy Analysis and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 36, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8295 RIN: 0579-AB70 BILLING CODE 3410-09-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 252. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1444 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has resulted in the need for CSREES to clarify its distribution of funding, matching requirements, carryover provisions, and reporting requirements for Extension programs at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 253. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 1445; 7 USC 1622; 16 USC 582a et seq CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, sections 7202, 7204, 7212, and 7213, has resulted in the need for CSREES to clarify its distribution of funding, matching requirements, carryover provisions, and reporting requirements for the Hatch Act funds, Hatch Multi-State Research funds, Evans-Allen Program funds, McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act funds, and Animal Health and Disease Research funds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA27 [[Page 72654]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 254. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMULA FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT THE 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS AND AT THE 1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR AREAS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1449 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3419 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has changed the matching requirements for the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in insular areas. Issues regarding the use of matching funds, sources of matching funds, and matching waivers for the Insular 1862 Land-Grant Institutions need to be clarified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/29/03 68 FR 23014 NPRM Comment Period End 06/30/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA25 _______________________________________________________________________ 255. CSREES NON-FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450i; PL 101-624; PL 105-185; PL 104-127; . . . CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3427; 7 CFR 3400; 7 CFR 3402; 7 CFR 3405; 7 CFR 3406; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: CSREES plans to propose one administrative provision that contains the elements common to all of the competitive and noncompetitive grant programs it administers. In a relatively short period of time, this will allow the Agency to apply basic rules to grant programs that are currently operating without them, including new non-formula grant programs created by the passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Erin Daly, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-3319 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edaly@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA28 BILLING CODE 3410-XV-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 256. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS--1901-E TO 1940-D Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 100-259; 29 USC 794; PL 94-135; 42 USC 6101 et seq; PL 94-239; 15 USC 1601 et seq; EO 11246; PL 88-352; 42 USC 2000d et seq; PL 90-284; 42 USC 3601 to 3619; PL 100-430; PL 92-318; 20 USC 1681 et seq; PL 93-112; EO 12898 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 15; 12 CFR 202; 28 CFR 42; 45 CFR 90; 41 CFR 60 to 64; 24 CFR 14; 7 CFR 1940 subpart D; 7 CFR 1901 subpart E Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency intends to publish a proposed rule to effectuate a comprehensive civil rights regulation implementing the following laws: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (The Fair Housing Act); section 504 Federally Conducted and Federally Assisted Programs; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Executive Orders 11246 and 12898 (Environmental Justice). The revised regulations will provide detailed guidelines for field offices for improved enforcement and compliance with these laws, which heavily impact the Agency's programs. Mechanisms for monitoring compliance by field offices and recipients of Federal financial assistance at all levels will decrease the Agency's vulnerability that exists due to noncompliance with recently enacted Civil Rights legislation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0703, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 692-0097 TDD Phone: 202 692-0107 Fax: 202 692-0305 Email: carlton.lewis@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AA83 _______________________________________________________________________ 257. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 4012a; 42 USC 4104b; 42 USC 4106; 42 USC 4128; PL 91-152; PL 93-234; PL 103-325; . . . CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1926, subpart B; 7 CFR 1806, subpart B Legal Deadline: None [[Page 72655]] Abstract: The Agency is rewriting its regulations to conform to the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (NFIRA). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist, Program Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9647 RIN: 0575-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ 258. SERVICING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3711; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3570 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart O; 7 CFR 1955 subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 subpart C; 7 CFR 1956 subpart C; 7 CFR 1951 subpart F Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency is combining seven regulations affecting the servicing of Community Programs loans and grants into one regulation. There are no policy or procedural changes. The published regulation will be simplified by removing the administrative portion and will only contain the information affecting the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/ Stop 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1498 Email: beth.jones@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 259. SELF-HELP TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944; 7 CFR 3551 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations for 7 CFR 1944-I ``Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants'' is being rewritten and renumbered to 7 CFR 3551. Changes are proposed for clarification of policy and procedures relative to the: 1) Application procedure, which is changing to an annual competitive grant process; 2) labor contribution of participating families; 3) monitoring of grantee progress through Self- Help Automated Reporting and Evaluation System (SHARES); and 4) define the roles of Technical and Management Assistance Contractors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carolyn Bell, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1532 Fax: 202 720-2232 RIN: 0575-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 260. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM--CONSOLIDATE, SIMPLIFY, AND UPDATE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942, subpart A; 7 CFR 1942, subpart C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Community Programs, a division of the Rural Housing Service, is seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update the Agency's regulations used to administer the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program. This effort will produce a user-friendly tool to help constituents and rural communities seeking to develop their essential community facilities for public use. The proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Angela Lausman, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/STOP 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1497 Email: angela.lausman@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC27 _______________________________________________________________________ 261. [bull] PLANNING AND PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926; 42 USC 1472; 42 USC 1476; 42 USC 1479; 42 USC 1490 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924, subpart A; 7 CFR 1924, subpart C; 7 CFR 1942, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) an Agency in Rural Development is consolidating, simplifying, and updating the Agency standards for planning and developing sites and buildings to bring them in line with contemporary industry standards. This Agency regulation will contain the policies and procedures for planning and developing sites and buildings proposed for RHS financial assistance. This effort will produce a user-friendly tool to help program constituents, rural communities and Agency personnel. The consolidation effort will also being the requirements of these two regulations in line with the Agency's [[Page 72656]] Single Family Housing, Multi-Family Housing, Community Programs, and Business and Industry regulations and handbooks. This action will have no financial impact on the public or Agency. These consolidations and technical revisions are in the best interest of the Government and public. This is a positive and needed action in RHS program delivery and will add value to the access and delivery of the Agency's programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Keith A. Suerdieck, Deputy Director, Program Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th Floor, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9651 Fax: 202 690-4335 Email: keith.suerdieck@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC55 _______________________________________________________________________ 262. [bull] ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1940, subpart G Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Development Agencies (Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business-Cooperative Service) are seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update the different Agency environmental requirements into a common environmental regulation. This Rural Development regulation will replace 7 CFR 1794, the current RUS environmental regulation and 7 CFR 1940-G, the current RHS/RBS environmental regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural communities and personnel of the Rural Development Agencies and bring the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar actions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist, Program Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9647 RIN: 0575-AC56 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 263. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING (MFH) REINVENTION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 9 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0575-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 264. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3555; 7 CFR 1980, subpart D Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is rewriting the regulations governing the Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program to provide better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 70124 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Robert Keyes, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2248/STOP 0784, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4507 Fax: 202 205-2476 Email: robert.keyes@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 265. OPERATING ASSISTANCE FOR MIGRANT FARMWORKER PROJECTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486; 42 USC 1490a; PL 105-276, sec 599c CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D; 7 CFR 1930, subpart C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Regulation implements the provisions of Public Law 105-276, enacted October 21, 1998, which amended section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949. This amendment provides that, for migrant farmworker housing projects financed under section 514 or 516 of the Housing Act, the Secretary may, at the request of the owner, permit amounts provided for rental assistance under section 521 to be used to provide assistance for the costs of operating the project. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/02/00 65 FR 65790 [[Page 72657]] NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/01 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1627 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 266. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC AND MIGRANT FARM LABOR HOUSING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 514 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes USDA to make loans for farm labor housing. Section 516 of the Act authorizes USDA to make grants for the same purpose. These authorities are implemented through 7 CFR part 1944, subpart D. Section 516 also authorizes USDA to provide financial assistance to private and public nonprofit agencies to encourage the development of farm labor housing. Recipients of this financial assistance, in turn, assist other organizations to obtain loans and grants for the construction of farm labor housing. This regulation change will incorporate the ``technical assistance'' provision of the statute into 7 CFR 1944. The amount of assistance is limited by statute to 10 percent of the total section 516 allocation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/01/01 66 FR 29739 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/01 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1627 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 267. GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM--SECONDARY MORTGAGE MARKET PARTICIPATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 538 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes USDA to make commitments to guarantee loans for the development of housing and related facilities. By this authority, the Rural Housing Service (RHS) administers the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program. The RHS, through consultation with industry and government experts in the loan guarantee field, has identified barriers to the success of the program. In the case of default, regulations will be revised to allow for a timely payment to the investor. In addition, lenders will be allowed to submit a claim for ``estimated'' losses. The RHS also intends to lower the annual guarantee fee from 50 to 25 basis points. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/10/03 68 FR 34552 NPRM Comment Period End 08/11/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1627 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC28 _______________________________________________________________________ 268. [bull] FIRE AND RESCUE AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITY PROJECTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to publish a Direct Final Rule which would allow essential community facility projects currently defined under 7 CFR 1942, subpart A to be processed under 7 CFR 1942, subpart C if these projects are $300,000 and under. This action will streamline the existing regulation by not requiring a preapplication for all projects $300,000 and under. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dan Riggs, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1490 Fax: 202 690-0471 Email: dan.riggs@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC53 _______________________________________________________________________ 269. [bull] 3550 REGULATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1472 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3550 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rural Housing Service intends to revise the definitions of new and existing dwellings to remove the reference to a 10-year warranty plan; remove requirement that all CLT imposed restrictions terminate upon foreclosure by the Agency; remove dollar limits and use 1 percent of insurance coverage on loss deductible clauses with the objective of recognizing the increasing cost of home ownership insurance due to higher cost of home purchase; and require homeowner education for new home buyers. [[Page 72658]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ethen Gillesppie, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1482 Fax: 202 690-0702 Email: ethen.gillespie@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 270. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 40 CFR 300; 40 CFR 260; 40 CFR 700; 40 CFR 400; 7 CFR 1940 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/10/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers Phone: 202 720-9647 RIN: 0575-AB98 BILLING CODE 3410-08-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 271. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART D; APPLICATION FOR CROP INSURANCE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation amends the General Administrative Regulations by revising the ``Collection of Information and Data (Privacy Act)'' statement found on the general crop insurance application. The proposed amendments to the statement include defining ``substantial beneficial interest'' as those persons whose interest in the policyholder is in excess of 10 percent. Other minor changes have been made to more fully comply with provisions of the Privacy Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB00 _______________________________________________________________________ 272. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; MOVEMENT OF BUSINESS AMONG INSURANCE PROVIDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To ensure that the interests of policyholders are protected and that the policies and policyholder data are transferred in an orderly manner, the Risk Management Agency is providing comprehensive regulations that will apply to agents, managing general agents, policy- issuing companies, and reinsured companies. The objective of this regulation is to prescribe uniform administrative requirements for the movement or assumption of crop insurance policies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6727 South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB71 _______________________________________________________________________ 273. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); PL 106-224 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RMA plans to supplement the existing sanction authority found at 7 CFR 400.451 in order to include the revised sanctions available for offenses which occur after June 20, 2001, the date of passage of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. This action will supplement the existing regulations which remain effective for all offenses occurring before June 20, 2000. This rule will contain guidelines for the level of sanctions that may be imposed, waiver authority on the part of the Administrator or designee, examples of sanctionable offenses, and the evidentiary standards to be followed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Crockett, Sanction Officer, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 430 G Street, Suite 4167, Davis, CA 95616-4167 Phone: 530 792-5864 RIN: 0563-AB73 [[Page 72659]] _______________________________________________________________________ 274. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Nursery Crop Provisions (99-073) for the 2005 crop year to: Specify that container grown and field grown plants are separate crops, provide optional units by location for field grown nursery plants, incorporate the ``lower of'' rule into section 6 of the provisions, permit insureds to purchase insurance coverage on a year-round basis, and incorporate provisions to provide a rehabilitation payment for plants damaged by an insured cause of loss. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 275. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY (APH) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To revise actual production history regulations to reflect changes in calculation of approved APH yields as mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. Revisions will include: Assigned yields for crops produced on land not farmed before (added land), rotations to crops not previously produced (new crops), and for prevented planting acreage if planted to a substitute crop; adjustments for successful pest control efforts and for organic crops destroyed to maintain organic certification; and substitution of 60 percent of the transitional yield for low actual yields if producers elect that option. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 276. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART L--REINSURANCE AGREEMENT--STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL; REGULATIONS FOR THE 1997 AND SUBSEQUENT REINSURANCE YEARS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1508 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) proposes to amend its General Administrative Regulations to publish the terms of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) in the Federal Register. This will improve the integrity of the public/private partnership by avoiding ad hoc changes to important definitions and terms during negotiations involving compensation paid to each insurance provider. The current SRA has not been published in the Federal Register; therefore, the intent of this proposal is to codify the definitions and terms. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6727 South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 277. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; QUALITY ASSURANCE AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l), 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) proposes a regulation to amend its General Administrative Regulations that includes an additional subpart which contains the Quality Assurance and Performance Measurement System for private sector delivery of the Federal Crop Insurance program. This regulation will establish a standard of measure for determining acceptable and unacceptable levels of performance by private insurance providers. It will define how monetary errors will be identified, classified, and reported. It will also establish a system of incentives and sanctions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6727 South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB88 [[Page 72660]] _______________________________________________________________________ 278. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PROCESSING TOMATO CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to amend the Common Crop Insurance Policy: Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions to clarify that producers who have production contracts with tomato brokers are eligible for insurance. Current provisions do not clearly relay this intent. The proposed rule requires a tomato broker to have all licenses and permits required by the state in which it operates, and to have a long term agreement in writing with a processor to purchase and deliver processing tomatoes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/14/03 68 FR 64570 NPRM Comment Period End 01/13/04 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 279. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PECAN REVENUE CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the pecan revenue pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2004 and succeeding crop years. The pilot was initiated for the 1998 crop year for selected counties in Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas and covered only the improved pecan varieties. On September 19, 2002, FCIC's Board of Directors voted to expand the pilot pecan program into 79 additional counties in Georgia for the 2003 crop year and to convert the program to a permanent program effective for the 2004 crop year. As a result of the pilot review, several changes were made to the policy as follows: Changed the cancellation and termination dates, end of insurance date, and sales closing date to better meet the needs of the pecan producer; removed language that prohibited insurance to be provided by written agreement only for counties where the pecan actuarial documents have been filed; and removed language that is a duplication of the Basic Provisions language. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 280. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; NONSTANDARD UNDERWRITING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System (NCS): NCS was criticized by producers and their representatives for several years and became a major issue with the repetitive floods in the upper Midwest and multi-year droughts in the Southwest. Complaints included claims that the NCS procedures: 1) Did not adequately exclude widespread causes of loss (disaster adjustment); 2) failed to recognize diverse conditions within a county; 3) unfairly hit new or struggling producers caught by repetitive disasters; and 4) set too high a premium for those producers listed. Additionally, administration of the NCS process was complicated, sometimes subjective, and labor intensive. The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was published in the Federal Register in September 1997 sought comments from the public on options to improve NCS. Twenty-two comments were received in response to the advanced notice. RMA decided to replace NCS with a process that charged appropriate rates for those producers with adverse loss experience and less than average production histories. RMA examined increasing premium rates based on producers' lower APH yields and using a surcharge based on use of the yield floor (or some other identifiable indicator of adverse experience) to determine if these measures would adequately address the need to increase premiums for those producers with the most adverse loss histories based on the frequency and severity of losses. After reviewing past NCS experience on the existing book of business, it was determined that appropriate rate increases for those producers whose APH yields were less than average would compensate entirely for the elimination of NCS. RMA implemented the following actions to accomplish the goal of replacing NCS beginning with the 1999 crop year: -- Removed and reserved the current NCS regulation (7 CFR part 400, subpart O) by publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. The final rule is pending clearance; however, the Agency proceeded with the process and has waived NCS since 1999. [[Page 72661]] -- Developed and implemented appropriate rate adjustments to offset the removal of NCS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/17/97 62 FR 48798 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/17/97 NPRM 09/02/98 63 FR 46703 NPRM Comment Period End 10/19/98 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB66 _______________________________________________________________________ 281. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; PREMIUM REDUCTIONS; PAYMENTS OF REBATES, DIVIDENDS, AND PATRONAGE REFUNDS; AND PAYMENTS TO INSURED-OWNED AND RECORD-CONTROLLING ENTITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p); 7 USC 1508(e)(3) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To allow approved insurance providers to apply to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for authority to reduce the premium charged producers in accordance with section 508(e)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended, and to provide the limitations and requirements applicable to the payment of rebates, dividends, and patronage refunds to insureds and payments to insured-owned and record- controlling entities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/12/99 64 FR 25464 NPRM Comment Period End 07/12/99 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6727 South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 282. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BLUEBERRY CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the blueberry pilot insurance program to a permanent insurance program. The pilot was initiated for the 1995 crop year for selected counties in Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and North Carolina and covered highbush and rabbiteye blueberry varieties. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/30/03 68 FR 44668 NPRM Comment Period End 09/29/03 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 283. CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTECTION ENDORSEMENT; GROUP RISK PLAN OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l), 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 402; 7 CFR 407; 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 30, 2000, Final. Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) amends the Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement (7 CFR part 402), the Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations (7 CFR part 407), and the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions (7 CFR part 457) to revise those provisions affected by the changes in the administrative fees and subsidies and the substitution of yields in the producer's actual production history mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule Effective 06/28/00 65 FR 40483 Interim Final Rule 06/30/00 65 FR 40483 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/29/00 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 284. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND PROVISIONS OF POLICIES AND RATES OF PREMIUMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Minor revisions will be made to the regulation for clarification and other revisions will be made as specified: Remove the need to publish policies from 508(h) submissions as a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register; information will be made available electronically to producers and approved insurance providers; confidential information may be withheld from the public under the standard for privileged or confidential information pertaining to trade secrets and commercial or financial information even after approval by the [[Page 72662]] Board; there will be an expert review of submissions; the applicant will be notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the Board disapproving a submission, if the Board intends to disapprove the submission; a submission will be deemed approved by the Board if the Board fails to make a determination within a prescribed time period; applicants will be reimbursed for research and developmental costs and maintenance costs; and companies selling the product will pay fees to the developer of the product after the fourth year of the applicant being paid maintenance costs unless maintenance for the product is transferred to FCIC. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/01 66 FR 36951 NPRM Comment Period End 08/15/01 Interim Final Rule 09/17/01 66 FR 47949 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/16/01 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 285. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l), 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457.101; 7 CFR 457.161 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) amends the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Small Grains Crop Provisions (7 CFR section 457.101), and Canola and Rapeseed Crop Insurance Provisions (7 CFR section 457.161) to implement the quality loss adjustment procedures contained in section 10003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule Effective 06/26/02 Interim Final Rule 06/28/02 67 FR 43525 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/27/02 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB87 _______________________________________________________________________ 286. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SUNFLOWER, COARSE GRAINS, SAFFLOWER, DRY PEA, RICE, AND DRY BEAN CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to amend policies for the crops listed above, to implement the quality loss adjustment procedures contained in section 10003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that allows quality determinations to be made by warehouse operators that are licensed under State law or are not licensed under State law but are in compliance with State law regarding warehouses, provided they have entered into a storage agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation. The sunflower and coarse grain crop provisions currently provide for the samples to be analyzed by a grader licensed to grade the crop under the authority of the United States Grain Standards Act or the United States Warehouse Act, and the safflower, dry pea, rice, and dry bean crop provisions currently provide for the samples to be analyzed by a grader licensed to grade the crop under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act or the United States Warehouse Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule Effective 08/28/02 67 FR 55689 Interim Final Rule 08/30/02 67 FR 55689 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/29/02 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB89 [[Page 72663]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 287. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SMALL GRAINS CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS AND WHEAT WINTER COVERAGE ENDORSEMENT Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457.101; 7 CFR 457.102 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action Effective 06/04/03 68 FR 34261 Final Action 06/09/03 68 FR 34261 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB63 _______________________________________________________________________ 288. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS, SUBPART T, REGULATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400; 7 CFR 457 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/25/03 68 FR 37697 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB85 BILLING CODE 3410-EN-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 289. LIVESTOCK PURCHASE OR SALE: PROHIBIT NONREPORTING OF PRICE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 204; 7 USC 228 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201.54 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Following a review of comments received in response to the ANPRM, the Agency is proposing a regulation that would make purchasing or selling livestock with the condition that the price not be reported a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/10/98 63 FR 48450 ANPRM Comment Period End 12/09/98 NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ 290. PROHIBITION ON DISGUISING GRAIN QUALITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.61 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise regulations under the U.S. Grain Standards Act to prohibit the disguising of grain quality by adding various substances during post-harvest marketing. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA77 _______________________________________________________________________ 291. FEES FOR OFFICIAL INSPECTION AND OFFICIAL WEIGHING SERVICES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.71 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is proposing several changes in the way the Agency charges fees for official inspection and weighing services performed in the United States, under the United States Grain Standards Act. Currently, GIPSA assesses fees by using hourly and unit rates and by assessing an administrative tonnage fee. The proposed action will increase the hourly and unit rates. GIPSA is also proposing to increase the administrative tonnage fee and adopt a new, regional fee structure. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 292. [bull] PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31 [[Page 72664]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to establish a process verification service for grain, rice, pulses and processed commodities derived there from, and associated user fees under the authority of the AMA of 1946. This service is being proposed to provide United States Agriculture assistance in facilitating the marketing of grain and similar commodities. GIPSA also proposes to remove regulations which prohibit crop year, variety, and origin statements because the process verification program could serve as an industry tool for identifying these traits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA85 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 293. TOLERANCES FOR DIVIDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 801.10 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA proposes to remove section 801.10, Tolerance for Dividers, from the CFR. Since GIPSA no longer tests dividers, the rule is no longer needed. By using the direct final rule process, GIPSA will give the public general notice of its intent to remove the rule and provide interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking through submission of comments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA57 _______________________________________________________________________ 294. REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.125; 7 CFR 800.135; 7 CFR 800.87 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise regulations under the U.S. Grain Standards Act to allow interested persons to stipulate the quality factors that would be redetermined during a reinspection or appeal inspection for grade. Currently reinspections and appeal inspections for grade must include a review for all factors that: (1) may determine the grade; (2) are reported on the original certificate; or (3) are required to be shown. The Agency has determined that mandating all quality factors be reexamined during a review inspection is inefficient, time consuming, and costly. Further, such a complete review of the preceding inspection service is usually not needed to confirm the true quality of the grain. This proposed action will allow interested parties to specify which official factors should be redetermined during the reinspection or appeal inspection service. However, to safeguard against inadvertent misgrading, official personnel may determine other factors, when deemed necessary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/21/02 67 FR 54136 NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 295. [bull] FEES FOR PROCESSED COMMODITY ANALYTICAL SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is proposing to increase fees for the analytical testing of processed commodities and remove certain tests from the fee schedule for services that are no longer requested. These tests apply only to official processed commodity testing services performed under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. These changes are needed to generate revenue sufficient to cover, as nearly as practicable, rising fixed costs and the 4.1 percent January 2003 Federal pay increase. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/18/03 68 FR 42644 NPRM Comment Period End 09/16/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers [[Page 72665]] and Stockyards Administration, STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA84 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 296. SWINE PACKER MARKETING CONTRACTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 206 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/11/03 68 FR 47802 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA71 _______________________________________________________________________ 297. EXCEPTIONS TO GEOGRAPHIC AREAS FOR OFFICIAL AGENCIES UNDER THE USGSA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.81; 7 CFR 800.99; 7 CFR 800.116 to 800.118; 7 CFR 800.185; 7 CFR 800.196 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/18/03 68 FR 19137 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 720-4628 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA76 _______________________________________________________________________ 298. FEES FOR OFFICIAL INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.71 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/02/03 68 FR 32623 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA81 _______________________________________________________________________ 299. FEES FOR RICE INSPECTION SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.91 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/09/03 68 FR 24859 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA82 BILLING CODE 3410-30-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 300. [bull] SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): REVISIONS TO WIC FOOD PACKAGES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 10 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD39 [[Page 72666]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 301. DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT REPORTING AND COMPUTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS THAT AFFECT THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 552(a) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act; 7 USC 2015(b) Food Stamp Act CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule describes requirements for State agencies to report information on individuals disqualified from the program for intentional program violations to FNS and codifies prisoner verification and death master file matching mandated by legislation and previously implemented through agency directive. (89-010) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Final Action 06/00/05 Final Action Effective 09/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 302. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP): PLAIN LANGUAGE, PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 11 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AC84 _______________________________________________________________________ 303. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE COST REIMBURSEMENT Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 105-185, sec 502 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 1998, Final. Abstract: This rule will allow State agencies to charge the FSP for its share of common costs for determining eligibility of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) households for FSP in accordance with new HHS policy and approved cost allocation plans. (99-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Final Action 02/00/05 Final Action Effective 07/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC86 _______________________________________________________________________ 304. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS: RESOURCE LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS, EXTENDED CERTIFICATION PERIODS, AND TRANSITIONAL BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend FDPIR regulations by: 1) Bringing the maximum level of allowable resources in line with the Food Stamp Program by: a) Establishing a new resource limit of $3,000 for households with a disabled member, and b) increasing the resource limit from $1,750 to $2,000 for households without elderly or disabled members; 2) allowing a resource exclusion for the first $1,500 of the value of one prepaid funeral arrangement per household member; 3) allowing households in which all members are elderly or disabled to be certified for up to 24 months; and 4) allowing State agencies the option to provide transitional benefits to households that leave the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families. The above provisions are modeled after Food Stamp Program provisions. (01-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period Ends 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD12 _______________________________________________________________________ 305. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP): AT-RISK AFTERSCHOOL SUPPERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243(i) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations to allow reimbursement of suppers provided by at-risk afterschool care programs in seven States. Six States were initially authorized by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act (Pub. L. 106-224); the seventh State was authorized by fiscal year 2002 appropriation legislation. At-risk suppers in these States (Delaware, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Oregon) are reimbursed under the same conditions [[Page 72667]] set forth in the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) for at-risk snacks in the CACFP. Children who are 18 or younger and enrolled in qualifying afterschool programs located in the seven States may receive free suppers. To qualify, afterschool care programs must be located in low- income areas, provide care to children, and have an educational or enrichment purpose. (01-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD15 _______________________________________________________________________ 306. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST VIOLATING ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) STORES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 12 USC 2021; 13 USC 2022 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.6 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is proposing to revise section 278.6 of the Food Stamp Program Regulations entitled ``Disqualification of Retail Food Stores and Wholesale Food Concerns and Imposition of Civil Money Penalties In Lieu of Disqualifications.'' This section of the regulation is being revised as a result of the implementation of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. This section of the regulations addresses the administrative sanctions (i.e., imposing a period of disqualification or assessing a monetary penalty) that may be imposed by FNS against retail food stores and wholesale food concerns that are found violating the Food Stamp Program. (01-012) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD18 _______________________________________________________________________ 307. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: SIMPLIFICATION AND STATE FLEXIBILITY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 12 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD22 _______________________________________________________________________ 308. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO RECIPIENT CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION STANDARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 13 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, requires State agencies to pursue collection of recipient overissuances in the Food Stamp Program. On July 6, 2000, FNS published a major rule that revised many of the processes and procedures in this area. This proposed rule provides clarifications and corrections to the July 6, 2000, rulemaking. (02-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD25 _______________________________________________________________________ 309. FSP: HIGH PERFORMANCE BONUSES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 13 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD29 _______________________________________________________________________ 310. FSP: ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 14 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD30 _______________________________________________________________________ 311. FSP: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD32 _______________________________________________________________________ 312. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD35 _______________________________________________________________________ 313. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR-RELATED PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule amends the WIC regulations to clarify issues that have arisen subsequent to the [[Page 72668]] publication of the WIC Food Delivery Systems final rule. It includes the following provisions: Allows the release of vendor information such as telephone numbers, e-mail/website addresses, store type, and whether the vendor has been disqualified; requires State agencies to document the number of cans of infant formula purchased by participants; prohibits provision of incentive items solely to WIC participants; protects State agencies against loss of revenue due to vendor nonselection; and provides for an abbreviated administrative review when a State agency issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC disqualification. The rule also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from $10,000 to $25,000, in accordance with Public Law 105-336. (02-013) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD36 _______________________________________________________________________ 314. FSP: DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC LAW 107-171 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD37 _______________________________________________________________________ 315. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM (NSLP) ALLOWABLE COSTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Update NSLP regulations 7 CFR 210 regarding the use of federal funds for the provision of meals for school children under the NSLP. This rule will prohibit school food authorities (SFA) from using funds in the non-profit school food service account for expenditures made under any cost reimbursable provision of a contract that permits the contractor to receive payments in excess of the contractor's actual net allowable costs. The expected result is that regulatory language will ensure optimum utilization of funds in the non-profit school food service account. (03-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD38 _______________________________________________________________________ 316. [bull] CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS: NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: SERVING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AS AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et. seq.) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210.10 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would require that a fresh vegetable or a fresh/dried fruit be one of the components served in the afterschool snack service under the National School Lunch Program and that it be served at least three times per 5-day week. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is establishing this requirement to promote the health of the Nation's school children by encouraging them to consume more fruits and vegetables. (03-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD40 _______________________________________________________________________ 317. [bull] WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): FUNDING FORMULA RULE Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FMNP is a fixed grant program with limited funds. Funding increases are not guaranteed from year to year. Section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, sets forth broad funding requirements for the FMNP. By law, after base grants are provided to current State agencies, i.e., total Federal funds received in the prior fiscal year, the remaining funds are divided so that 75 percent is provided for expansion funds for current State agencies and 25 percent is provided for new State agencies. Currently, beyond the division of funds noted above, there are no requirements for how to allocate funds for expansion and new State agencies when funds requested exceed the amount of available funds. This proposed regulation would amend 7 CFR Part 248 to set forth a funding formula in cases where FMNP funds requested exceed available funds to allocate. The proposed methodology would provide a base funding level for each State agency. Funding above the base level would be based on the individual State agency's need relative to all other State agencies' needs. (03-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 [[Page 72669]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD41 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 318. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends certain provisions of the WIC program regulations in response to issues raised by WIC State agencies and incorporates longstanding program policies into regulations, with the intention to strengthen services to WIC participants, improve Program administration, and increase State agency flexibility in managing the Program. It also takes into consideration comments received on the proposed rule, which was published on December 12, 2002 (67 FR 71774). (89-515) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/02/02 67 FR 71774 NPRM Comment Period End 04/01/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB10 _______________________________________________________________________ 319. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 18 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 320. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REGULATORY REVIEW: FSP STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL AND OPERATION OF FOOD STAMP ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes revisions to food stamp regulations affecting the standards and administration of EBT systems for food stamp issuance. Current regulations at 7 CFR 274.12 delineate the standards that EBT systems must meet in order to be approved for operation. This rule will revise those regulations to provide the State agency more flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. Clarifications and FNS settlement improvements will also be incorporated into the rule. (96-016) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/12/01 66 FR 36495 NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ 321. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: REIMBURSEMENT FOR SNACKS IN AFTERSCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-336 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 235; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize reimbursement for snacks served under the NSLP in afterschool care programs operated by schools. The afterschool program must be organized primarily to provide care for children and have an educational or enrichment purpose. Additionally, the statute mandates free snacks for all children enrolled in afterschool care programs operated by schools in areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals. (98-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/00 65 FR 60502 NPRM Comment Period End 01/09/01 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 [[Page 72670]] Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 322. FSP: CIVIL RIGHTS DATA COLLECTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 88-352, sec 601 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires the collection of racial/ethnic data for all programs utilizing Federal funds. State agencies are required to collect the data by racial/ethnic categories set by the Federal Government. In 1997, those categories changed. This proposed rule would change the racial categories for State Food Stamp Program reporting to comply with the new Federal racial categories. (98-010) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/27/02 67 FR 70861 NPRM Comment Period End 01/27/03 Final Action 09/00/04 Final Action Effective 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC75 _______________________________________________________________________ 323. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: DISCLOSURE OF CHILDREN'S ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION UNDER THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 242; PL 103-448, sec 108 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000. Abstract: This rule establishes requirements for the disclosure of children's free and reduced price meal and free milk eligibility information by agencies that make the free and reduced price meal or free milk determination under the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. The rule responds to amendments to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, which allow limited disclosure of children's free and reduced price meal or free milk eligibility information, Public Law 103-448, the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994, Public Law 106- 224, the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, comments received on the July 25, 2000, proposed rule on ``Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information'' (65 FR 45725 issued under RIN 0584-AC21), and comments received on the January 11, 2001, interim rule on ``Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information to State Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program`` (66 FR 2195 issued under RIN 0584-AC95). This rule incorporates the proposed rule and interim rule into one final rule. Therefore, RIN 0584-AC21 is withdrawn, and the final provisions will be issued under RIN 0584-AC95. The final rule will adopt or modify as necessary many of the provisions mandated by the statute and required by the interim rule. Many of these same provisions were presented as recommendations in the proposed rule. The objective is to provide consistency in procedures when determining agencies' option to disclose children's eligibility information and to provide some protection against unauthorized disclosures and misuse of personal information, regardless of whether the disclosure is to Medicaid or SCHIP or to an education or other program. (00-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule Effective 10/01/00 Interim Final Rule 01/11/01 66 FR 2195 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/11/01 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ 324. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: VEHICLE AND MAXIMUM EXCESS SHELTER EXPENSE DEDUCTION PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 106-387 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 19 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD13 _______________________________________________________________________ 325. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS; NONDISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 31 USC 503, 111, and 7501; PL 98-502; PL 104-156 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, and 235 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule makes a number of technical changes to the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and State Administrative Expense Funds. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising its grants management regulations in order to bring the entitlement programs it administers under the same regulations that already apply to nonentitlement programs and to identify exceptions to these general rules that apply only to entitlement programs. (01-008) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State [[Page 72671]] Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD16 _______________________________________________________________________ 326. PRIVACY ACT: REVISION OF AN EXISTING SYSTEM OF RECORDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036; PL 100-103 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This is a revision to the existing system of records entitled ``Claims Against Food Stamp Recipients--USDA/FNS-3.'' The revision is being made to comply with the requirements of Treasury Offset Program. This notice announces that FNS will now share data with private sources for the purpose of obtaining addresses to locate individuals who may owe delinquent food stamp recipient claims and employment information for administrative wage garnishment. (02-002) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/04 Final Action Effective 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD24 _______________________________________________________________________ 327. AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS UNDER THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-336 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize reimbursement for snacks served under CACFP in afterschool care programs operated by at-risk centers. The afterschool program must be organized primarily to provide care for children and have an educational or enrichment purpose. All snacks are served free to participants because at-risk centers are located in eligible areas (that is, areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals). (02- 004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/00 65 FR 60502 NPRM Comment Period End 01/09/01 Final Action 07/00/04 Final Action Effective 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD27 _______________________________________________________________________ 328. FSP: EBT AND RETAIL FOOD STORES PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4108, 4110, 4113, and 4117 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12; 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 13, 2002, Other. Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, Other. Abstract: Section 4108--This rule allows alternate methods for issuing food stamp benefits during disasters when reliance on electronic benefit transfer systems (EBT) is impracticable. Section 4110--This rule eliminates the requirement that Federal costs for electronic benefit transfer systems cannot exceed the costs of the paper systems they replace. Section 4113--This rule allows group homes and institutions to redeem EBT benefits directly through banks in areas where EBT has been implemented rather than going through authorized wholesalers or other retailers. Section 4117--This rule allows the Secretary of Agriculture to use mailing methods other than certified mail when notifying retailers of the above mentioned adverse actions so long as the method provides evidence of delivery. (02-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/06/03 68 FR 23927 NPRM Comment Period End 07/07/03 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD28 _______________________________________________________________________ 329. FSP: NON-DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC LAW 107-171 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 20 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD31 [[Page 72672]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 330. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATIVE REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM INTEGRITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/27/02 67 FR 43448 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/29/02 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC94 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 331. WIC: REQUIREMENTS FOR AND EVALUATION OF WIC PROGRAM REQUESTS FOR BIDS FOR INFANT FORMULA REBATE CONTRACTS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn--Reevaluating current provisions 11/18/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB52 _______________________________________________________________________ 332. FSP: ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) SYSTEMS INTEROPERABILITY AND PORTABILITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272.1; 7 CFR 274.12 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/25/03 68 FR 37693 Final Action Effective 07/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC91 _______________________________________________________________________ 333. IMPROVING ACCESS TO THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272.4(b) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn No activity anticipated 08/15/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD06 _______________________________________________________________________ 334. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IN SCHOOLS--VERIFICATION REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/11/03 68 FR 53483 Final Action Effective 10/14/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD20 _______________________________________________________________________ 335. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW REQUIREMENTS--FOOD RETAILERS/WHOLESALERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/10/03 68 FR 41051 Final Action Effective 09/08/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD23 _______________________________________________________________________ 336. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)--ALLOCATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 247.10 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/28/03 68 FR 51675 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD33 BILLING CODE 3410-DM-S [[Page 72673]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 337. NUTRITION LABELING OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 610; 21 USC 601; 21 USC 453; . . . CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, June 2004, Other. Section 610 of the RFA mandates that this review be concluded within 12 months after its commencement date. Abstract: On January 6, 1993, the Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) amended the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations with promulgation of the aforementioned final rule (58 FR 632) to (1) permit voluntary nutrition labeling on single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products; and (2) to establish mandatory nutrition labeling requirements for all other meat and poultry products, notwithstanding specific exceptions. Promulgation Purpose and Legal Basis: Sections 1(n) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), and 4(h) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) establish the Secretary of Agriculture's statutory responsibility for ensuring that meat and meat food products, prepared and intended to be distributed in commerce, are not adulterated, misbranded, or improperly marked, labeled, and packaged (21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1); 21 U.S.C. 453(4)(h)). On November 8, 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) was enacted by Public Law 101.535 (104 Stat. 2353). The statute amended certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and required: (1) Mandatory nutrition labeling for most of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulated packaged food products; and (2) issuance of voluntary nutrition guidelines to food retailers for providing nutrition information on 20 of each most frequently consumed during a year varieties of raw vegetables, raw fruits, and raw fish. However, if food retailers failed to substantially comply with the voluntary guidelines, the NLEA requires FDA to issue mandatory requirements. FSIS' final rule entitled, ``Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products,'' will be reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act's section 610 provisions within the succeeding 12 months. Accordingly, the FSIS invites all interested parties to submit comments on: (1) The continued need for the rule; (2) the complexity of the rule; (3) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State, and local rules; (4) the nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the public; and (5) the technology and economic conditions, or other factors, which have changed the specific area affected by the rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 01/06/93 58 FR 632 End Review 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 338. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR BACON Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 21 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 339. EGG AND EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 22 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 340. LABELING--GENERIC APPROVAL AND REGULATION CONSOLIDATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 412 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will continue an effort initiated several years ago by amending FSIS's regulations to expand the types of labeling that are generically approved. FSIS plans to propose that the submission of labeling for approval prior to use be limited to certain types of labeling, as specified in the regulations. In addition, FSIS plans to reorganize and amend the regulations by consolidating the nutrition labeling rules that currently are stated separately for livestock products and poultry products (in part 317, subpart B, and part 381, subpart Y, respectively) and by amending their provisions to set out clearly various circumstances under which these products are misbranded. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC59 [[Page 72674]] _______________________________________________________________________ 341. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are proposing to modernize their food standards. The agencies are proposing a set of guiding principles for food standards. The adherence to these principles will result in standards that will better promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers, protect the public, allow for technological advances in food production, are consistent with international food standards, and are clear, simple, and easy to use for both manufacturers and the agencies that enforce compliance with the standards. The proposed guiding principles will establish the criteria that the Agnencies will use in considering whether a petition to establish, revise, or eliminate a food standard will be the basis for a proposed rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 342. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ON-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL REPROCESSING OF PRE-CHILL POULTRY CARCASSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 424 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule is proposing to allow, on a voluntary basis, the on-line reprocessing of pre-chill poultry carcasses that are accidentally contaminated with digestive tract contents during slaughter. The treated carcasses must meet a standard at pre-chill, in addition to pre-chill standards for generic E. coli and Salmonella already prescribed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/01/00 65 FR 75187 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/01 Second NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC73 _______________________________________________________________________ 343. PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 553 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 392 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to add a new part that prescribes procedures for the submission, consideration, and disposition of petitions for rulemaking. The proposal also describes the Agency's expectations for the type of documentation that should be submitted in support of a petition and that will facilitate regulatory development. FSIS is proposing this action to provide clear guidance to those who would like to participate in the rulemaking process by petitioning FSIS to issue, amend, or repeal a rule administered by the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC81 _______________________________________________________________________ 344. CLASSES OF POULTRY UPDATING POULTRY CLASS STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.170(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend the official U.S. classes of poultry so that they more accurately and clearly describe the characteristics of poultry in the market today. Poultry classes are defined primarily in terms of age and sex of the bird. Genetic improvements and new poultry management techniques have reduced the grow-out period for some poultry classes while extensive cross breeding has produced poultry with higher meat yields but blurred breed distinctions. This action is being taken to ensure that poultry products are labeled in a truthful and non-misleading manner. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC83 [[Page 72675]] _______________________________________________________________________ 345. ELIMINATION OF CHILLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR READY-TO-COOK POULTRY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 23 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC87 _______________________________________________________________________ 346. EMERGENCY REGULATIONS TO PREVENT MEAT FOOD AND MEAT PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN THE BSE AGENT FROM ENTERING COMMERCE Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 24 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC88 _______________________________________________________________________ 347. ADDITION OF SAN MARINO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add San Marino to the list of countries from which meat or meat food products may be imported into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC91 _______________________________________________________________________ 348. [bull] MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND MEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 25 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AD00 _______________________________________________________________________ 349. [bull] ADDITION OF MEXICO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE IMPORTATION OF SLAUGHTERED (FRESH) POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS INTO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add Mexico to the list of countries from which fresh slaughtered poultry and egg products may be imported into the United States Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD01 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 350. BEEF OR PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE; REVISION OF STANDARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been petitioned to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations by removing a meat yield requirement for the standardized products ``Beef With Barbecue Sauce'' and ``Pork With Barbecue Sauce.'' Current regulations for these products require that the product contain not less than 50 percent of the species identified on the label and that the weight of the cooked pork or beef not exceed 70 percent of the uncooked weight of the meat. The first requirement is consistent with other meat and sauce requirements, but the second requirement is not. The petitioner asserts that the product standard (promulgated in 1952) does not reflect current production practices or the commercial marketability of beef or pork with barbecue sauce. The petitioner further states that producers of these products are at a competitive disadvantage with other meat and sauce producers, because other meat and sauce producers do not have a 70 percent yield requirement. For example, producers of the standardized products ``Beef with Gravy,'' ``Meat Pies,'' and ``Spaghetti with Meat and Sauce'' and similar standardized products do not have any meat yield requirements. FSIS has determined that the petitioner's request should be granted. This action would permit fair competition between meat and barbecue sauce producers, and poultry and sauce producers, and would provide consistent requirements in both the meat and poultry inspection regulations. [[Page 72676]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/03/97 62 FR 46450 NPRM Comment Period End 11/03/97 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ 351. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR READY-TO-EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 26 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 352. NUTRITION LABELING OF GROUND OR CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS AND SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 27 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC60 _______________________________________________________________________ 353. AGENCY ORGANIZATION Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695; 21 USC 1031 to 1056 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 300; 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 306; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 590 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will amend FSIS's regulations adopted under the FMIA, PPIA, and EPIA by updating and consolidating organizational provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC78 _______________________________________________________________________ 354. [bull] PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF AIR-INJECTION STUNNERS FOR THE SLAUGHTER OF CATTLE Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act; . . . CFR Citation: 9 CFR 313 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal meat inspection regulations to prohibit the use of penetrative captive bolt stunning devices that deliberately inject air into the cranial cavity of cattle. This rulemaking responds to the findings of a risk assessment on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) conducted by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (referred to as the Harvard study) and is part of a series of actions that the USDA is taking to strengthen its BSE prevention programs. BSE has never been detected in the United States (U.S.) despite active surveillance for the disease by the USDA since May 1990. Furthermore, the Harvard study found that, owing to already ongoing Federal programs, the U.S. is highly resistant to the introduction and spread of the disease. Even so, the USDA response to BSE has always been proactive and preventive. Therefore, FSIS is taking this action to address the potential risk posed by stunning devices that may force visible pieces of brain, known as macro-emboli, into the circulatory system of stunned cattle. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD03 [[Page 72677]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 355. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDIZED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS NAMED BY USE OF AN EXPRESSED NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM AND A STANDARDIZED TERM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.172; 9 CFR 319.10 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/29/95 60 FR 67474 NPRM Comment Period End 02/27/96 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ 356. [bull] ANTE-MORTEM AND POST-MORTEM INSPECTION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 et seq; 7 USC 138 et seq; 21 USC 450 et seq; 21 USC 451 to 470 et seq; 7 CFR 2.18 to 2.53 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 309; 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing ante- mortem and post-mortem inspection of livestock and poultry. A number of the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed today (e.g., splitting of sterna, prohibition of inflating carcasses). Others are duplicative regulations (e.g., those dealing with bruises and contamination) applying separately to meat and to poultry that could be combined into single regulations applying to both meat and poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving regulatory objectives rather than the objectives themselves. This proposal would remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete regulations or convert them to performance standards that are consistent with FSIS requirements for establishment-operated hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) systems and with the Agency's food safety regulatory strategy. Under the proposal, the current ante-mortem requirements, listing objectionable diseases or conditions and corresponding actions to be taken, would be replaced by performance standards intended to ensure that only ``normal,'' healthy animals that do not pose an evident hazard to public health are permitted to enter a slaughtering establishment. ``Normal'' animals would include those, for example, that are not running a temperature or that do not exhibit lesions of disease or behaviors characteristic of central nervous system disorders. Similarly, the post-mortem regulations, with their lists of conditions and detailed, command-and-control procedures, would be streamlined. The prescriptive provisions would be replaced by performance standards relating to food safety. This proposal would also recodify the ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection regulations for livestock and poultry. To the extent possible, consistent with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, regulations concerning livestock and meat carcasses and parts, and those concerning poultry carcasses and parts, would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the ongoing Agency effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user- friendly. This proposal would focus on the performance standards that establishments should meet through operation of their HACCP systems for slaughtering and dressing operations. It would remove impediments to the development and operation of HACCP plans by making the current regulations compatible with the HACCP approach to food safety. Besides the proposed action, FSIS considered the alternative of no rulemaking and the alternative of eliminating all regulations on livestock, poultry, and the carcasses and parts of livestock and poultry, affected by specific diseases and conditions. The first alternative would leave in place numerous detailed prescriptions and procedural requirements inconsistent with, or duplicative of, HACCP systems. The second would risk exposing the public to products that may be unwholesome or otherwise adulterated. The Agency believes the alternative represented by this proposal-- converting to performance standards the ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection regulations--would offer the best prospect for the efficient and effective implementation of HACCP. It would also maximize the flexibility establishments have to adopt technological innovations that would increase the assurance of food safety. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD02 [[Page 72678]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 357. TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE, AND OTHER HANDLING OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 9 CFR 308; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn because the Agency has published guidelines on these matters 08/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 358. ANTE-MORTEM AND POST-MORTEM INSPECTION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 9 CFR 309; 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC43 _______________________________________________________________________ 359. REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPOSITION AND DISPOSAL OF INSPECTED RAW MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 9 CFR 311; 9 CFR 314; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 428; 9 CFR 455 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC44 _______________________________________________________________________ 360. MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND MEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301.2; 9 CFR 318.24 (Revision); 9 CFR 320.1(b)(10) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC51 _______________________________________________________________________ 361. REWORKING OF MEAT AND POULTRY CARCASSES ACCIDENTALLY CONTAMINATED DURING EVISCERATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 433 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC53 _______________________________________________________________________ 362. REFORM OF REGULATIONS ON IMPORTED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC56 _______________________________________________________________________ 363. FOOD LABELING; NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS, DEFINITION OF THE TERM HEALTHY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC65 _______________________________________________________________________ 364. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR TOTAL QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/11/03 [[Page 72679]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC68 _______________________________________________________________________ 365. INCORPORATION OF FOOD AND COLOR ADDITIVES INTO 21 CFR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318.7; 9 CFR 381.147 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ 366. POULTRY INSPECTION: REVISION OF FINISHED PRODUCT STANDARDS WITH RESPECT TO INGESTA Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Despite the merit of this matter, withdrawn because of competing Agency priorities 08/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC77 _______________________________________________________________________ 367. ADDITION OF MEXICO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE IMPORTATION OF SLAUGHTERED (FRESH) POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS INTO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/12/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC92 _______________________________________________________________________ 368. STANDARDS AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICALLY SEPARATED SPECIES AND PRODUCTS IN WHICH IT IS USED Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 610(c) CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317.2(j)(13)(ii); 9 CFR 318.18; 9 CFR 319.5 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 2003, Other. Provisions of the RFA mandate that this review conclude within 12 months after the initial announcement. Abstract: On June 29, 1982, the Department of Agriculture amended the Federal meat inspection regulations with promulgation of the final rule (47 FR 28214) to (1) modify the definition, standard, and permitted uses for the finely comminuted product resulting from the mechanical separation and removal of most of the bone from attached skeletal muscle of livestock carcasses and parts of carcasses, and the labeling requirements for meat food products in which it is used as an ingredient; and (2) to establish labeling requirements for such products. Promulgation Purpose and Legal Basis: Sections 1(m), (n), 7, and 10 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) establishes the Secretary of Agriculture's statutory responsibility for ensuring that meat and meat food products, prepared and intended to be distributed in commerce, are not adulterated, misbranded, or improperly marked, labeled, and packaged. (21 U.S.C. 601(m)(n), 607, 610) The final rule governing the production and use of mechanically separated species was issued in 1978 (43 FR 26416). However, despite the availability of technology and raw materials, a potential food source was not being made available to the general public. In the interim, the Pacific Coast Meat Association (PCMA) and the American Meat Institute (AMI) contended that its failure to market products containing Mechanically Processed (Species) Product (MP(S)P) was due to regulatory requirements that extended beyond the perimeters necessary to protect the public, and argued that they were effectively precluded from producing or marketing mechanically deboned beef, pork, or veal or lamb by the misleading labeling and the unreasonable compositional standards imposed by the regulations. PCMA and the AMI petitioned the agency to reconsider the requirements in light of information compiled since the promulgation of the 1978 regulations. PCMA and AMI submitted a report on a series of consumer focus group's sessions exploring attitudes towards various types of meat food product labeling, and an analysis of the economic impacts of the 1978 regulations. Based on the original petition's argument, data compiled since 1978, and the Agency's internal review and reevaluation of its regulations in accordance with Executive Order 12291 (now Executive Order 12866), the Department decided to amend the requirements and issue a new final rule entitled ``Standards and Labeling Requirements for Mechanically Separated (Species) and Products in Which It Is Used.`` This regulation has been reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act's section 610 provisions. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to publish the results of its mandatory review in the Federal Register by May 31, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ End Review 06/01/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 72680]] Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy & Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC93 _______________________________________________________________________ 369. CHANGES IN FEES FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 391; 9 CFR 590; 9 CFR 592 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/26/03 68 FR 37954 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC94 _______________________________________________________________________ 370. [bull] USE OF ANY SAFE AND SUITABLE BINDER OR ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT IN MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS WITH STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f; 7 USC 450, 1901 to 1906; 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 319 and 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is amending its regulations to permit the use of any safe and suitable binder or antimicrobial agent in the production of meat and poultry products that are subject to a standard of identity or composition that provides for the use of such ingredients. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/03 68 FR 22576 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 RIN: 0583-AC96 _______________________________________________________________________ 371. [bull] ADDITION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT RATITES AND RATITE PRODUCTS INTO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f, 450; 21 USC 451 to 470; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS will add Australia and New Zealand to the list of countries eligible to import poultry products (ratite only) into the U.S. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/23/03 68 FR 37069 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Clark Danford, Acting Director, Import Export Programs Staff, Office of International Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6400 RIN: 0583-AC97 BILLING CODE 3410-10-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 372. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS (EMERGING MARKETS PROGRAM) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the Emerging Markets Program, currently authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The Emerging Markets Program currently operates under agency guidelines. The proposed rule would amend and codify the existing guidelines. Codification of the guidelines should not change program administration noticeably. Because the program is already in operation under agency guidelines, this proposal would have no significant impact on the U.S. economy. The proposed rule will provide specific regulations concerning program administration. Significant provisions include definitions of emerging market and country eligibility, program objectives and priorities, eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and review processes, decisions and appeals, reimbursement rules and procedures, reporting requirements, evaluations, and program controls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of [[Page 72681]] Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 373. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS UNDER 7 CFR 1530 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 19 USC 1202; 19 USC 3314 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1530 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation governs the importation of world price sugar and its subsequent use as a refined reexport, product ingredient, or input into the production of polyhydric alcohols. The proposed amendments and/or modifications are principally aimed at reorganizing and simplifying the complexity of the current Regulation; clarifying certain definitions, including the coverage of beet and cane sugar, extending the scope of the Regulation to specially include toll operations which was inadvertently omitted; establishing a reexport program for raw sugar; and implementing Mexico-NAFTA legal commitments. The proposed action will provide for increased operational efficiencies and promote the Government's objectives regarding regulatory simplification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/01/03 68 FR 23230 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/02/03 NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 374. CCC SUPPLIER CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1493 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/19/95 60 FR 37025 NPRM Comment Period End 09/18/95 Interim Final Rule 07/01/96 61 FR 33825 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/30/96 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/30/96 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 375. FACILITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 17; 7 CFR 1493 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/01/93 58 FR 11786 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/01/93 Interim Final Rule 08/08/97 62 FR 42651 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/07/97 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA35 [[Page 72682]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 376. PROGRAM TO ASSIST U.S. PRODUCERS IN DEVELOPING DOMESTIC MARKETS FOR VALUE-ADDED WHEAT GLUTEN AND WHEAT STARCH PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1482 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 05/07/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA60 _______________________________________________________________________ 377. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1487 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/18/03 68 FR 42563 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 378. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1499 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/20/03 68 FR 36885 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA64 _______________________________________________________________________ 379. TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS (TAA) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1580 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/23/03 68 FR 20062 Final Action 08/20/03 68 FR 50048 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 380. [bull] CLARIFICATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE EXPORT SALES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 101-624; PL 96-72 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 20 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Export Sales Reporting requirements Regulation to clarify certain definitions and terms of reporting as they relate to the list of commodities subject to this regulation to ensure the accuracy of U.S. Export Sales and incorporate new technologies. Under this final rule, exporters are still required to report on a weekly basis information concerning the quantity, country of destination, and marketing period of shipment for their export sales. Information collected is aggregated and included in the weekly ``U.S. Export Sales'' report published by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In addition, the rule responds to comments on electronic reporting. Electronic submission, including the use of ASCII comma delimited files, for all reportable commodities is another option given to program participants. (Reference, Federal Register, Vol. 66, No. 197, October 11, 2001, ``Electronic Submission of Export Sales Reporting Requirements.'') Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 11/03/03 68 FR 62214 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA67 BILLING CODE 3410-11-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 381. HYDROPOWER APPLICATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is revising its current policy and procedures, implemented in February 1987, concerning administration of hydropower authorizations and the processing of proposals for hydropower projects affecting National Forest System lands. These revisions are necessary to make Agency policy and procedures consistent with regulatory changes by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The proposed policy was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 1995 (60 [[Page 72683]] FR 27153), for a 60-day public comment period, which was extended for another 45 days (60 FR 36401). As a result of the comments received, substantial changes were made to the proposed policy (60 FR 36401). Therefore, the Forest Service is publishing a revised proposed policy for public comment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/22/95 60 FR 27153 NPRM Comment Period Extended 07/17/95 60 FR 36401 NPRM Comment Period End 09/05/95 Second NPRM 06/00/04 Second NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 382. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1603; 43 USC 1740; 25 USC 337 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule sets forth the Forest Service role and procedures in the conveyance of Indian allotments on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Indian Allotment Act of 1910, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make allotments of NFS lands to American Indians for homesteading and agricultural and grazing purposes, but only after a determination by the Secretary of Agriculture that the lands are more valuable for agriculture or grazing than for timber. The Forest Service has relied upon U.S. Department of the Interior rules and procedures at 43 CFR 2533 to govern its involvement in Indian allotment cases. Litigation and a decision by the Interior Board of Land Appeals require the Forest Service to set forth its own regulations. This proposed rule clarifies the role of the Forest Service in the allotment process. It preserves the rights of affected individual American Indians who wish to apply for allotments on NFS lands. An earlier version of this proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 1987 (52 FR 23473). Very few comments were received on the 1987 proposed rule, and this revision of the proposed rule makes only limited changes needed to update the rule due to the passage of 15 years since publication of the first version of the proposed rule. Because of the amount of time that has elapsed since the earlier version of the proposed rule was published, the agency believes that it is in the public interest to publish a revised proposed rule and request comment prior to adopting a final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/22/87 52 FR 23473 NPRM Comment Period End 07/22/87 Second NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Second NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 383. LANDOWNERSHIP ADJUSTMENTS; CONVEYANCE OF SMALL TRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 521(c) to 521(i) CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would reorganize the current rule for conveyance of small tracts at 36 CFR part 254 into more logical subject matter groupings, make editorial changes to clarify requirements, and add new provisions to facilitate the processing of applications for persons seeking a conveyance of small tracts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA79 _______________________________________________________________________ 384. SPECIES SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 et seq CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend 36 CFR 223.200 to list species proposed to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. This proposed rule would implement a portion of section 620a(b) of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620 et seq.). Section 620a(a) of the Act provides that no person who acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States may export such timber from the United States, or sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise convey such timber from the United States, unless such timber has been determined under subsection (b) to be surplus to the needs of timber manufacturing facilities in the United States. Section 620a(b) of the Act provides that the prohibition contained in section (a) shall not apply to specific quantities of grades and species of unprocessed timber originating in Federal lands which the Secretary determines, through rulemaking, to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. [[Page 72684]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ 385. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to redesignate appeals of decisions relating to occupancy and use of National Forest System lands from 36 CFR part 251 to 36 CFR part 214, thus placing all appeal rules in close proximity. The current rule at 36 CFR part 251 also needs to be updated for conformance with the Appeal Reform Act. The proposed rule would revise a number of existing provisions. For example, changes to part 251 would remove the review of decisions subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and place this kind of appeal under 36 CFR 215, thus narrowing the scope of part 251 subpart C to actions that administer existing special use authorizations, such as written decisions that modify, suspend, or cancel an authorization. Additionally, the proposed rule would clarify that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to locatable mining operations. Among specific changes being proposed are establishing the Regional Forester as the appellate level for review of both District Ranger and Forest Supervisor decisions; eliminating the discretionary review option; establishing timeframes for scheduling oral presentations; clarifying that decisions to deny permits for noncommercial group use are not subject to appeal, but rather are immediately subject to judicial review; and making changes to conform terminology and definitions with 36 CFR part 215. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 386. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1011(f); 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 559(a) to 559(g); 40 USC 484(m) CFR Citation: 36 CFR 262 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On February 16, 1994 (59 FR 7880), the Forest Service published a proposed rule for 36 CFR part 261, Prohibitions, and part 262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. Due to the high level of interest in and comment on part 261, the decision was made to publish second proposed rules separately for each part. The Forest Service is proceeding with publication of a second proposed rule for part 262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. The proposed revisions to part 262 are narrow in scope and are meant to clarify specific administrative provisions. In particular, they address the limitations and conditions for paying rewards in connection to fire or property prosecution; clarify the rules regarding the purchase of information or evidence in furtherance of investigations; and clarify certain actions and regulations regarding the impoundment, removal, and disposition of animals and personal property from National Forest System lands. The proposed rule also responds to comments concerning part 262 that were received in response to the proposed rule published in 1994. The majority of those comments referred to how the rule defines certain terms; to address those comments in this second proposed rule, the agency proposes to add a new section for definitions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/16/94 59 FR 7880 NPRM Comment Period End 05/18/94 Second NPRM 11/00/03 Second NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ 387. NONCOMPETITIVE SALE OF TIMBER; TIMBER SUBSTITUTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472(a) CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.85 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 223.85 by removing references to section 2001(k) of Public Law 104-19 (109 Stat. 246) and defining the conditions under which forest officers, without advertisement, could make modifications to existing timber sale contracts and forest product sales contracts, which result in the substitution of timber or forest products from outside the sale area specified in the contract. Under the proposed rule, substitute timber or forest products would have to come from the same administrative national forest and meet Agency requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws. Forest Service officials would be authorized to propose timber sale [[Page 72685]] modifications and to enter into discussions with purchasers on such modifications. However, timber purchasers would not be compelled to accept any modifications offered under this rule. To the extent that timber sale cancellations and partial cancellations are avoided, the effect of this proposed rule would be to reduce future damage claims on timber sales. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 388. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER EXPORT AND SUBSTITUTION RESTRICTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223; 36 CFR 261 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule for timber export and substitution restrictions would implement the provisions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended. The proposed rule defines the certain terms necessary to facilitate uniform compliance; prohibits transfer of unprocessed private timber for export by a person who possesses or acquires unprocessed Federal timber; prohibits export of such unprocessed private timber by a third or successive party; prescribes procedures for reporting the acquisition and disposition of National Forest System (NFS) and private timber requiring domestic processing, including transfers; prescribes procedures for identifying unprocessed NFS and private timber requiring domestic processing; and establishes procedures for assessing civil and criminal penalties and applying administrative remedies for violations of the Act, its implementing regulations, and contracts subject to the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ 389. LAND USES; PROHIBITIONS; PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 18 USC 641 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251.51; 36 CFR 251.53; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 261.9(i) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule consists of several technical changes to the Agency's special uses and prohibited acts regulations regarding fossil collecting. First, the proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 251.50 to make clear that special use permits for collecting vertebrate paleontological resources are authorized under the Act of 1897. Noncommercial vertebrate fossil collecting by academic and other similar institutions would be added as an activity that requires a special use authorization. The commercial collection of paleontological resources would not be authorized on National Forest System Lands. Second, this proposed rule would revise the definition for ``paleontological resource'' at 36 CFR 261.2 to make it scientifically correct and to make clear that mineral resources are excluded from the definition. The revised definition for ``paleontological resource'' would be added to 36 CFR 251.51. Third, the prohibitions related to paleontology at 36 CFR 261.9 would be revised to reflect the changes at 36 CFR part 251. Other conforming amendments to 36 CFR parts 251 and 261 will be made to accommodate the changes identified in this abstract. This proposed rule is consistent with the Forest Service's stated commitment to develop a unified policy for management of fossil resources on Federal and Indian lands in accordance with the seven principles established in the May 2000 Secretary of the Interior's Report to the Senate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 390. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 49 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR 15e require that new or reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the highest level of accessibility to pedestrian/hiker trails for the greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. The proposed [[Page 72686]] policy also would incorporate the definition of a wheelchair and clarify direction that a mobility device that meets that definition of a wheelchair may be used anywhere foot travel is permitted. Comments will be considered in development of the final guidelines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 391. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR 15e require that new or reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the highest level of accessibility for the greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. Outdoor recreation facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access and other access routes, and so on. The proposed policy also would clarify direction regarding existing requirements for the Golden Access Passport eligibility and documentation utilized by all Federal agencies under the 1980 amendment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. Comments will be considered in development of the final guidelines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ 392. OBJECTION PROCESS; LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING (INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1920) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 36 CFR 219 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency is proposing to issue an interim directive (ID) to Forest Service Manual chapter 1920, Land and Resource Management Planning to provide Agency-wide guidance on objections filed against land and resource management plan decisions. The pre-decisional objection process is authorized in the National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning rule at 36 CFR 219.32 (65 FR 65714, November 9, 2000). The 2000 Planning Rule is currently being revised to address concerns raised regarding the Agency's ability to implement some portions of the rule's provisions. Nevertheless, this objection process is a viable tool for field units to use to attempt to resolve issue(s) prior to making a final Agency decision on land and resource management plans. Therefore, it is prudent to provide interim direction on the objection process in order to ensure Agency-wide consistency in its implementation. Upon issuance of this ID, notice will be given in the Federal Register with a request for public comment. Comments will be reviewed and considered in developing the final policy on the objection process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 393. LOCATABLE MINERALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This revision follows recommended changes developed by GAO and OIG audits and recommendations in the National Research Council's 1999 report titled ``Hardrock Mining on Federal Lands.'' The proposed rule would improve the administration of the locatable minerals program. The proposed rule's objectives are to improve the process for modifying, suspending, and terminating plans of operation; improve the process of reviewing and adjusting reclamation bonds to cover the full cost of reclamation; improve the process of managing temporary closures; define proper occupancy and use; and improve noncompliance and enforcement actions. This proposed rule revision will increase the efficiency of locatable minerals administration and protect the public from funding mine reclamation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 [[Page 72687]] NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 394. SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA--PRIVATE LANDS; INCREASING RESIDENTIAL OUTBUILDING SIZE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 92-400 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 292.16 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing a limited amendment to the rules at 36 CFR 292.16(e)(2)(ii) applicable to private lands on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho. This proposed rule would revise the standard for residential outbuildings on the SNRA to a maximum area of 850 square feet (currently, 400 square feet) and would limit such outbuildings to one story. This change would accommodate the storage needs for residents within the SNRA. The new standard would facilitate replacement of the temporary structures and also the unsightly, unprotected outdoor storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles. In general the residents within the SNRA are supportive of the proposed amendment, which should be considered as noncontroversial based on comments previously received in response to an environmental assessment prepared in 2000 for a proposed revision of the Sawtooth National Forest land and resource management plan. At that time, numerous comments stated that the existing standard for the size of outbuildings is inadequate, and they expressed support for revising the outbuilding standard. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 395. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) 1920 AND FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 1909.12) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq, 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1900, Planning, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Land and Resource Management Planning Handbook. These directives would provide the detailed direction to agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in the final rule to be adopted at 36 CFR part 219 governing land and resource management planning. The proposed rule was published on December 6, 2002 (67 FR 72770). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Final Rule 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 396. [bull] SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN ALASKA Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1604 ; 42 USC 4321 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 Legal Deadline: Other, Judicial, August 10, 2003, Other. As required by a settlement agreement signed on June 10, 2003, between the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Alaska, the Forest Service must publish this advance notice of proposed rule in the Federal Register within 60 days of the signing of the settlement agreement. . Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to seek further public comment on possible amendments to 36 CFR 294.14(d) that would permanently exempt the Tongass and Chugach National Forests in Alaska from the scope and applicability of the Roadless Area Conservation final rule (the ``roadless rule'') published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2001, which established prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas at 36 CFR part 294 (66 FR 3244). Since publication, the roadless rule has been challenged by nine lawsuits filed in six judicial districts, including the Alaska district, and in four Federal circuits. On May 10, 2001, a Federal judge issued a preliminary injunction order preventing the Department from implementing the roadless rule. On April 14, 2003, the injunction order was reversed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On July 14, 2003, a Federal district judge in the Tenth Circuit issued a permanent injunction order which is now pending appeal before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. On June 10, 2003, a settlement agreement was signed between the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Alaska to resolve the suit filed by the [[Page 72688]] State of Alaska and other plaintiffs. As required by the settlement agreement, an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) was published on July 15, 2003 (68 FR 41864). This proposed rule is being prepared after evaluation and consideration of public comments received on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking published in July. As further stipulated by the settlement agreement, the agency also published on July 15, 2003 (68 FR 41865), a proposed amendment to the roadless rule that would exclude the Tongass National Forest from its applicability until USDA promulgates a revised final roadless rule as announced in the July 10, 2001, advance notice of proposed rulemaking (66 FR 35918). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/15/03 68 FR 41864 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/14/03 ANPRM Comment Period Extended 08/18/03 68 FR 49395 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/02/03 NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.roadless.fs.fed.us Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 397. [bull] STATE PETITIONS FOR ROADLESS MANAGEMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 231 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2001, the Forest Service published the Roadless Area Conservation final rule (the ``roadless rule'') in the Federal Register establishing prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas at 36 CFR part 294, subpart B (66 FR 3244). Since publication, the roadless rule has been challenged by nine lawsuits filed in six judicial districts and in four Federal circuits. On July 14, 2003, the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming issued a permanent injunction order enjoining the Department from implementing the roadless rule. That ruling has been appealed. Due to the continued legal uncertainty of providing protection for roadless areas through the application of the roadless rule, the agency is proposing a separate procedural rule at 36 CFR part 231 that will set out an administrative process for Governors of States to petition the Secretary of Agriculture to establish or adjust management direction for roadless within their State. Such petitions would be evaluated and, if agreed to, addressed by the Secretary in subsequent rulemaking on a State-by-State basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ 398. [bull] USE AND PROHIBITIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES OFF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261 and 295 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing an advance notice of proposed rule that would amend 36 CFR part 295 to update language in current usage, coordinate the rule with other Forest Service programs that have been updated or are in the process of being updated to complement those changes, and incorporate current guidance on off- highway vehicle management. The proposed changes would also clarify definitions and direction, and improve consistency in management of off-highway vehicles on National Forest System lands in an effort to blend broad agency policy with local decisionmaking. These changes would ensure that collaborative efforts at the local level are integrated into decisionmaking. The proposed rule would also amend 36 CFR part 261 to update language in current usage, consistent with the proposed changes in 36 CFR part 295, and to add prohibitions not currently covered in existing regulations that would clarify the management and use of off-highway vehicles on National Forest System lands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ 399. [bull] GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Updated national direction is needed to ensure the agency is both current and consistent in working with [[Page 72689]] grazing permittees in all Forest Service Regions. The Forest Service is proposing to issue amendments to certain chapters and sections of Forest Service Manual (FSM) title 2200, Rangeland Management, and to all chapters of Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2209.13, Grazing Permit Administration. The last substantive amendments to both FSM 2200 and FSH 2209.13 were made in 1985. Clarifications and adjustments in policy are necessary to respond to changing needs of both the Forest Service and the livestock industry and to make the agency's policy current with legislation, court decisions, and agency management. The Forest Service has determined that two chapters in FSH 2209.13 require public notice and comment before the amendments can be finalized: chapter 10, Permits With Term Status, and chapter 20, Grazing Agreements. Both chapters contain substantive changes to agency operating procedures that affect how the Forest Service does business with permittees, grazing associations, and applicants for livestock grazing authorizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 400. [bull] NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM APPEALS AND LITIGATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1570, Appeals and Litigation, to reestablish the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) for appeals filed pursuant to notice, comment, and appeal procedures for National Forest System projects and activities at 36 CFR part 215. These proposed directives would provide additional direction to agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in 36 CFR part 215, adopted on June 4, 2003 (68 FR 33582). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 401. [bull] PROPOSED REVISION OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS (FS-2400-6 AND FS-2400-6T) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 36 CFR 223.110-223.117 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise timber sale contracts FS-2400-6 for scaled sales procedures and FS-2400-6T for tree measurement timber sale procedures. A notice with request for public comment is being published in the Federal Register to seek public input on the proposed changes to these contracts, which include: (1) Clarifying the remedies available when contracts are suspended, modified, or terminated for environmental reasons; (2) incorporating special provisions that are required by the National Forest Management Act and Forest Service regulations at 36 CFR part 223; (3) correcting inconsistencies and clarifying ambiguous language in the existing contract provisions; and (4) making organizational and editorial changes intended to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary provisions. These proposed contracts will be available for public review electronically via the Internet, as well as in paper copy at the Forest and Rangeland Staff office. Public comments received will be considered in the preparation of the final revised timber sale contracts. These timber sale contracts were originally brought into use in the early 1970s. Contract revisions were made to FS-2400-6 in September 1973 and to FS-2400-6T in October of 1973. From that time until July 2001, new legislation and policy changes were incorporated into these contracts by adding new provisions and making existing provisions nonapplicable. There is now a need to reduce the complexity of the contracts, make the above changes part of the standard contracts, and include needed changes that affect the rights and obligations of the Forest Service and purchasers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC14 [[Page 72690]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 402. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 618 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.30; 36 CFR 223.40; 36 CFR 223.116 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to revise current Agency regulations regarding cancellation of timber sale contracts, permits, and other such instruments authorizing the sale or harvest of timber or other forest products. This rule is needed to clarify when, why, and by whom contracts may be cancelled to remove redundant provisions and to provide a new formula for compensation when the Government must cancel timber sale contracts. The Forest Service takes every precaution before authorizing a particular activity on National Forest System lands to ensure that its authorization conforms with existing laws and with existing conditions on the ground at the time of the authorization. The current regulations place an inappropriate amount of financial liability on the Forest Service when the agency must, for reasons of public policy, judicial decision, or statutory direction, cancel a timber sale contract or permit. The regulatory changes are necessary because the Forest Service is unable to continue bearing the majority of the financial risk and burden of contract cancellations. This rule would more reasonably allocate the risk between the Government and private parties. Establishing these reasonable limits to the Government's exposure to financial liability and burden of risk in the event of contractual changes or contract cancellations is critical to protecting the public's financial interests. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/30/96 61 FR 68690 NPRM Comment Period End 02/13/97 Final Action 12/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB21 _______________________________________________________________________ 403. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 43 USC 1764; 30 USC 181 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule, as authorized by the Mineral Leasing Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, would provide for recovering costs associated with processing applications for special use authorizations to use and occupy National Forest System (NFS) lands and with monitoring compliance with these special use authorizations. The action is needed to provide timely reviews and evaluations of special use applications; to ensure that forest resources are adequately protected; and to ensure that holders comply with the terms and conditions of their authorization. Promulgation of this rule would comply with requirements of OMB Circular A-27, section 7, which directs that user charges be instituted through promulgation of agency regulations implementing the authority for Federal agencies to recover costs under the Independent Officers Appropriations Act (IOAA). The rule would also respond to recommendations in GAO reports RCED-96-84 (April 1996) and RCED 97-16 (December 1996) that the Forest Service (1) operate its special uses program in a more cost-efficient and businesslike manner and (2) promulgate regulations allowing the Agency to exercise existing authority to recover from applicants and holders the Agency's costs to process special-use applications and monitor compliance with those authorizations. This rule would also make Forest Service procedures and fees related to cost recovery consistent with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) rules at 43 CFR parts 2800, 2880, and 2930. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/24/99 64 FR 66341 NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/29/99 64 FR 72971 NPRM Comment Period End 02/04/00 NPRM Comment Period Extended 02/25/00 65 FR 10042 NPRM Comment Period End 03/09/00 Final Action 12/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Cost reimbursement for processing special use applications and administration of special use authorizations was originally included under RIN 0596-AA36. All provisions pertaining to the special use application and administration process were merged into the final rule published November 30, 1998 (63 FR 65950, RIN 0596- AB35). Thus, this rulemaking addresses only the cost-reimbursement provisions. Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ 404. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; EXTENSION OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS TO PERMIT URGENT REMOVAL OF TIMBER FROM OTHER LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.50; 36 CFR 223.53 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to provide for extension of National Forest System (NFS) timber sale contracts when such an extension will permit the prompt removal and utilization of non-NFS timber damaged by catastrophic events. This rule defines the responsibilities of the [[Page 72691]] parties for requesting and approving such extensions and specify when such extensions should be approved. This rule also allows for the use of scarce timber resources and the recovery of economic benefits from timber that might otherwise be lost because of contractual obligations to harvest undamaged timber. This rule provides the regulatory foundation for extending existing contracts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/21/02 67 FR 70166 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/21/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB48 _______________________________________________________________________ 405. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL USES PERMIT ACTIONS (FINAL INTERIM DIRECTIVE TO FSH 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no significant effect on the human environment, either individually or cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. Therefore, the Forest Service is adding a new category of categorical exclusions from NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 31.2 of FSH 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This action gives clearer direction regarding the NEPA obligation when issuance of a special use authorization is a purely ministerial action and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or facilities. The proposed policy, published September 20, 2001 (66 FR 48412), also contained a proposed revision to section 30.3 to clarify documentation that is needed for a categorical exclusion when extraordinary circumstances exist. This revision to section 30.3 regarding extraordinary circumstances was incorporated as a separate action in RIN 0596-AB94, and the final policy was published August 23, 2002 (67 FR 54622). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/20/01 66 FR 48412 NPRM Comment Period End 11/19/01 Final Action 02/00/04 Final Action Effective 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 406. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 477 to 482; 16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761 to 1771 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251, 261, 295 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program on how to manage the program in a more businesslike, customer-service-oriented way. The Agency plans to promulgate a final rule at 36 CFR 251.50 that would implement recommendations from this study. The study determined that many units are issuing special use authorizations unnecessarily, thereby increasing workloads. The study concluded that the Agency should clarify the special uses rules at section 251.50(a) to make explicitly clear that special use authorizations should not be issued for activities that are addressed by other Forest Service regulations; for example, those governing the disposal of timber (part 223); minerals (part 228); and the grazing of livestock (part 222). The study also concluded that section 251.50(e) should be added to direct that special use authorizations should not be issued where such authorization would serve no land or resource management objective and would have nominal effects on National Forest System lands; for example, where activities are adequately regulated by other governmental entities or where an authorized officer determines that normal operation and maintenance by the holder is within the scope of a right-of-way, easement, or other valid existing real property interest. Further, the rule at section 251.50(d) would clarify requirements regarding authorizations for special uses involving National Forest System roads and trails. The current regulation requires the issuance of closure orders for regulation of special uses on NFS roads and trails. The revised regulation would eliminate the necessity of individual closure orders for common public service permit programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/22/03 68 FR 2948 NPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Final Action Effective 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB74 [[Page 72692]] _______________________________________________________________________ 407. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS AND FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 106-113 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to promulgate regulations for managing special forest products and forest botanical products. The regulations will guide the Forest Service in the administration of the broader category of special forest products. The proposed rule also implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products (Appropriations Act H.R. 3423, section 339, Forest Botanical Products). Forest botanical products include products, such as herbs, berries, seeds, and wildflowers that are not wood products. The intended effect of this rule is to give guidance and consistency for the sustainability and sale of special forest products including forest botanical products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 408. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Appropriations Act for the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-291) contains provisions in title VI ``Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000'' to ensure consistent and fair processes for appraising the fee simple value of recreation residence lots on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Forest Service is adopting final regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, and final policy in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2347 and FSM 2721, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, section 33, and FSH 5409.12, chapter 6, that would provide the regulatory framework and Agency management direction necessary to implement the provisions of the act. The proposed policies and proposed rule were published on May 13, 2003 (68 FR 25748), with a 60-day comment period ending August 11, 2003. The proposed rule and proposed policy included provisions for establishing a base annual fee and a new appraisal cycle, conducting inventories of recreation residence lots, and setting out appeal and judicial review processes and appraisal guidelines for appraising the fee simple value of recreation residence lots. An estimated 2,500 comments were received, the majority of which were submitted by permit holders or organized associations of permit holders. The comments are being analyzed and will be considered in development of the final rule and policy. There are approximately 15,000 recreation residences nationally on NFS lands. Recreation residence permit holders and their immediate families and friends are particularly interested in the outcome of this rule and policymaking, as well as a few specific members of Congress. A cursory review of the comments received suggests that most of the substantive concerns either can be accommodated with minor changes in the draft policy revisions and rulemaking or, alternatively, can be addressed in the preamble to the final rulemaking and policymaking documents. The general nature of the comments do suggest the need for major, substantive changes to the draft of the proposed rule and policy, as published on May 13, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/13/03 68 FR 25748 NPRM Comment Period End 08/11/03 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 409. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 28 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0596-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 410. REVISIONS TO ROAD MANAGEMENT POLICY (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL CHAPTER 7710) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 23 USC 205 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2001 (66 FR 3205), the Forest Service adopted a new road management policy to improve the analysis and decisionmaking of the National Forest System road system. As part of a Governmentwide review of recently adopted rules and policies announced January 20, 2001, the Chief conducted an internal review of the new road management policy. As a consequence, the Agency identified several changes to be made to Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 7710. The first of these was to issue an interim directive (ID No. 7710-2001-1) to redelegate the authority for extending deadlines for completion of forest-scale analysis from the Chief to the Regional Foresters. Additionally, the ID granted all units an additional year to complete road inventories and analysis. This ID was effective May 31, 2001. Upon issuance, the Agency gave notice in the Federal Register with a [[Page 72693]] request for comment. The Agency later determined that the interim requirements of the road management policy limiting road construction in inventoried roadless and contiguous unroaded areas were not relevant to the road management policy; rather, these requirements should be dealt with in the context of overall management planning of roadless areas. Moreover, field units were generally finding it difficult to determine how to define and map contiguous unroaded areas consistently. In some recent cases, the interim requirements were resulting in EIS's for minimal road construction or reconstruction along the edge of inventoried roadless areas and contiguous unroaded areas, with resultant delays in project decisions. Therefore, the Agency issued a second ID effective December 14, 2001 (ID No. 7710-2001-3), to rescind these interim requirements from FSM chapter 7710 and simultaneously issued a third ID (ID No. 1920-2001-1) to relocate these roadless requirements to FSM chapter 1920, Land and Resource Management Planning. Although the second ID was immediately effective, a notice with a request for comment was published in the Federal Register on December 20, 2001 (66 FR 65796). The direction previously issued in ID No. 7710-2001-3 was reissued, without substantive change, as ID No. 7710-2003-1, effective June 12, 2003. Comments on ID No. 7710-2001-1 and ID No. 7710-2001-3 have been considered in developing the next appropriate steps concerning the road management policy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/20/01 66 FR 65796 NPRM Comment Period End 02/19/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 411. FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart C (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule for the implementation of the Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) authorized in the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) through an amendment to the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (16 U.S.C. 2103). The FLEP program was implemented through an interim final rule published on June 9, 2003 (68 FR 25748). The final rule focuses on guidance needed to allow State forestry agencies to implement the program throughout its existence. In developing the final rule, the Department is considering comments on the interim rule, information and experience gained during the first year of implementing FLEP, and consultation with other State and Federal government agencies. The goals of FLEP are to: (1) enhance the productivity of timber, fish and wildlife habitat, soil and water quality, wetland, recreational resources, and aesthetic values of private nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF); and (2) establish, manage, maintain, enhance, and restore such forests. The act requires establishing a coordinated and cooperative Federal, State, and local grants program directed to achieve sustainable forestry; assisting owners of nonindustrial private forestlands to more actively manage these lands and related resources; and encouraging such owners to use State, Federal, and private sector resource management expertise, financial assistance, and educational programs. The FLEP program replaces two previous conservation incentives programs: The Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) and the Forestry Incentives Program (FIP). It is very similar to other cooperative grant and agreement programs that the Forest Service has managed over the past 50 years. Program funding is expected to remain at an average of about $20 million annually over a 5-year period (FY 2003 through FY 2007). The FLEP program is administered by the Forest Service through State forestry agencies and the Forest Service State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Deputy Area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/09/03 68 FR 34309 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/08/03 Final Action 06/00/04 Final Action Effective 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB95 _______________________________________________________________________ 412. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart D (new) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program, to be administered by the Forest Service and implemented through the State Foresters. The Forest Service is issuing an interim rule to provide for the implementation and administration of the program, which would allow the following activities on both Federal and non-Federal lands: Fuel hazard mitigation and prevention, invasive species management, multi-resource wildfire planning, community protection planning, community and landowner education, market development and expansion, improved wood utilization, and special restoration projects. [[Page 72694]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/00/04 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 413. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING; EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINE FOR SITE-SPECIFIC PROJECTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 16 USC et seq CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219.35(d) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On November 9, 2000 (65 FR 67514), a rule substantially revising National Forest System land and resource management planning was adopted. Previous planning regulations to implement the National Forest Management Act applied only to the development, revision, and amendment of land and resource management plans. The November 2000 rule also applied to site-specific project decisions. Section 219.35 of that rule provided for the transition from the 1982 planning rule to the 2000 rule. November 9, 2003, is the date by which all site-specific decisions must be in conformance with the provisions of the 2000 rule. However, early in 2001, the Department determined that the November 2000 planning regulation needed to be revised in order to improve its implementation by field personnel. On December 6, 2002, the Forest Service published a proposed planning rule (67 FR 72770). Like the 1982 planning regulation, this proposed rule would not apply the provisions of the planning regulations to site-specific project decisions. The revised planning rule was not completed by November 9, 2003; thus the Department needs to extend the compliance deadline in 36 CFR 219.35(d) regarding site-specific project decisions until the adoption of a final planning rule. This action is needed immediately because planning for site-specific projects often begins at least 6 to 9 months before an anticipated decision. It is necessary to grant relief to field units of the National Forest System from being held to the provisions of the 2000 rule for site-specific project decisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/10/03 68 FR 53294 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/10/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ 414. STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING (NOTICE OF INTERIM GUIDELINES) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-7 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is developing proposed interim directives to set out the detailed policy and procedures in Forest Service Manual 2400 and Related Handbooks needed to implement the provisions for stewardship contracting projects authorized for a period of 10 years by section 323 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Pub. L. 108-7). The expanded authority for these projects would provide for collaboration with the States and local communities; opportunities for local communities to respond to contract proposals; agreements and contracts with private or other public entities; the exchange of goods for services; use of receipts for land restoration and enhancement efforts; and contract awards based on ``best value.'' Comments received on the proposed interim directives would be considered in the development of final directives. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/27/03 68 FR 38285 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/28/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 415. [bull] SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST, ALASKA Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1604; 42 USC 4321 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, August 10, 2003, NPRM. As required by a settlement agreement signed on June 10, 2003, between the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Alaska, the Forest Service must publish this proposed rule in the Federal Register within 60 days of the signing of the settlement agreement. Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule at 36 CFR 294.14(d) to exempt the Tongass National Forest in Alaska from the scope and applicability of the prohibitions in the Roadless Area [[Page 72695]] Conservation final rule (the ``roadless rule'') until USDA promulgates a revised final roadless rule as announced in the July 10, 2001, advance notice of proposed rulemaking (66 FR 35918). This final rule will provide a more balanced approach for the management of roadless areas on the Tongass National Forest. On January 12, 2001, the Forest Service published the roadless rule in the Federal Register establishing prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas at 36 CFR part 294, subpart B (66 FR 3244). Since publication, the roadless rule has been challenged by nine lawsuits filed in six judicial districts, including the Alaska district, and in four Federal circuits. On May 10, 2001, a Federal judge issued a preliminary injunction order preventing the Department from implementing the roadless rule. On April 14, 2003, the injunction order was reversed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On July 14, 2003, a Federal district judge in the Tenth Circuit issued a permanent injunction order which is now pending appeal before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. On June 10, 2003, a settlement agreement was signed by the United States and the State of Alaska to resolve the suit filed by the State of Alaska and other plaintiffs. As required by the settlement agreement, a proposed rule was published on July 15, 2003 (68 FR 41865), with a 30-day comment period ending August 14, 2003. Subsequently, a notice was published on August 18, 2003, extending the comment period to September 2, 2003 (68 FR 49395). In developing this final rule, the Department is reviewing the public comments received on the proposed rule, along with the existing information, including the 2003 Supplemental EIS for the Revised Tongass Forest Plan, and evaluating the existing situation in Southeast Alaska. As further stipulated by the settlement agreement, the agency also published on July 15, 2003 (68 FR 41864), an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to seek public comment on a proposal that would permanently exclude National Forest System lands in Alaska (that is, the Tongass and Chugach National Forests) from the prohibitions established by the roadless rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/03 68 FR 41865 NPRM Comment Period End 08/14/03 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/18/03 68 FR 49395 NPRM Comment Period End 09/02/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.roadless.fs.fed.us Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 416. [bull] DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FREE USE BY INDIVIDUALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.8 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is developing an interim final rule to revise the current regulations at 36 CFR 223.8 to increase the value of timber and special forest products on National Forest System lands made available for free use. The current regulation, which has not been updated for over 30 years, provides for free use of timber up to $20 in value in any one fiscal year. Forest Supervisors may grant permits of material not exceeding $100 in value. Regional Foresters may approve permits for larger amounts , and in times of emergency may delegate authority to Forest Supervisors for up to $500 in value. Prior approval is required by the Chief if the amount exceeds $5,000 in value. The market value of timber and special forest products has increased, however, and therefore, the regulation needs to be updated to reflect current values. This increase will authorize Forest Supervisors and Regional Foresters to provide free use of timber and special forest products up to $5,000 and $10,000 in value respectively. The interim final rule will be published in the Federal Register with request for public comment. Comments received will be considered in the development of the final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC09 [[Page 72696]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 417. PREFERENCE FOR VISITOR SERVICE; ALASKA NATIONAL FOREST CONSERVATION SYSTEM UNITS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/11/03 68 FR 35116 Final Action Effective 07/11/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB57 _______________________________________________________________________ 418. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR LIMITED TIMBER HARVEST ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/29/03 68 FR 44598 Final Action Effective 07/29/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB88 _______________________________________________________________________ 419. NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215 (Revision) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/04/03 68 FR 33582 Final Action Effective 07/07/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB89 _______________________________________________________________________ 420. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (INTERIM DIRECTIVE TO FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/05/03 68 FR 33814 Final Action Effective 06/05/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB99 BILLING CODE 3410-90-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) _______________________________________________________________________ 421. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3017 and 3021 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/26/03 68 FR 66534 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley Phone: 202 720-9983 Fax: 202 690-3561 Email: abradley@cfo.usda.gov RIN: 0505-AA11 BILLING CODE 3410-90-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 422. GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATING BIOBASED PRODUCTS FOR FEDERAL REFERENCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, October 10, 2002, NPRM. Abstract: These proposed regulations are for purposes of establishing guidelines for biobased products that would be afforded federal procurement preference. The guidelines would provide for establishment of a new program for the purchase of biobased products by Federal agencies. These purchases are intended to stimulate production of new biobased products and to energize the emerging markets for these products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 361, Reporters Building, Office [[Page 72697]] of Energy Policy and New Uses, Washington, DC 20024 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 423. GENERAL NONPROCUREMENT REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 901 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3020 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: USDA published 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, in 1981 to establish and codify departmentwide policies and standards for administering grants and cooperative agreements to governmental and nongovernmental entities. Since that time, the Office of Management and Budget has led efforts to establish Governmentwide common rules for governmental and nongovernmental recipients of grants and cooperative agreements. Consequently, over the years, USDA has codified its Governmentwide common rules in other parts of title 7 of the CFR. This has resulted in corresponding amendments to part 3015 to revise its scope accordingly. We are proposing to remove part 3015 and to add part 3020 to parts of title 7. We are proposing to include other administrative requirements that were never codified. The alternative would be to continue to work with the disjointed, outdated part 3015. Expected results are that the new part 3020 will be more clear and concise and will only contain those cross-cutting requirements not included in other USDA departmentwide administrative regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/03 68 FR 41947 NPRM Comment Period End 08/15/03 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley, Acting Director Planning and Accountability, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 4632 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9983 Fax: 202 690-3561 Email: abradley@cfo.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 424. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 26 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 10/30/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Geraldine Herring Phone: 202 720-6350 Fax: 202 720-7489 Email: 2501rfp@usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA22 _______________________________________________________________________ 425. ADJUDICATIONS UNDER SECTION 741 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 15f Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 11/01/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Day Phone: 202 720-8106 RIN: 0503-AA24 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 426. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703 subpart B; 7 CFR 1942 subpart G; 7 CFR 4284 subpart D; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4274, subpart D; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A; 7 CFR 4287, subpart H Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will incorporate the requirement for housing- related projects (such as apartment buildings, nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living type facilities) to develop an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (plan) when receiving funding from the Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business [[Page 72698]] Enterprise Grant Program, Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs, and the Business and Industry Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs. The plan will describe strategies to attract applications from all groups in a housing market area and efforts to reach those persons in the market area who traditionally would not be expected to apply for housing. The Rural Housing Service Multifamily Housing Program regulations currently include this borrower requirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Nichelle Daniels, Loan Specialist, B&I Servicing Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6858/Stop 3224, Room 6858/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1754 Email: nichelle.daniels@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 427. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--FINANCING COOPERATIVE STOCK Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise the Business and Industry Program regulations to incorporate additional guidance and eliminate or reduce certain requirements when financing cooperative stock. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Debi Raygor, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6849/STOP 3224, Room 6849/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0894 Email: debi.raygor@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 428. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to completely rewrite and renumber 7 CFR 1942, subpart G to 7 CFR part 4284, subpart B. This rewrite will incorporate public law changes and clarify administrative regulatory procedures and guidelines in order to improve program administration. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1400 Email: amy.cavanaugh@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA28 _______________________________________________________________________ 429. ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its regulation for Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans to provide for an annual renewal fee. The intended effect of this rule is to reduce the subsidy rate and its associated budget authority dollar level, which will result in a greater level of assistance to the public (i.e., higher supportable loan level). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/ Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-3808 Email: michael.foore@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 430. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which amended the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act by adding ``Subtitle H-- Rural Business Investment Program.'' Section 6029 provides that the Secretary ``shall'' establish the program and provides mandatory no- year funding out of the Commodity Credit Corporation at a level sufficient to guarantee $280 million of debentures and $44 million in grants. The purpose of the program is the establishment of equity capital investment in Rural Business Investment Companies and other entities through a combination of grants and guarantees of debentures with the objective of fostering economic development in rural areas. By law, the program is required to be administered by another Federal agency that has considerable expertise in operating a similar program; the joint Explanatory Statement of the Conference Committee refers to the Small Business [[Page 72699]] Administration (SBA) in this context. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is currently working with SBA to develop the program; negotiations are ongoing. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/ Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-3808 Email: michael.foore@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 431. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM--REWRITE OF PROGRAM REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations are being completely rewritten to make changes that will ultimately reduce delinquencies, enhance program effectiveness, correct minor inconsistencies, and make the regulations more clear and easier to understand. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ 432. [bull] NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 29 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0570-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 433. [bull] TANGIBLE NET EQUITY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932(a) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4279 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rulemaking amends 7 CFR parts 4279 and 1980 by modifying the equity requirement considered in the underwriting of business and industry loans by guaranteed lenders and/or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service as follows: -- In the case of direct or guaranteed refinancing loans only, apply an adjusted equity requirement, where tangible net equity is modified by (i) including asset value to the extent of the difference between the depreciated book value of real property assets and current market value supported by an independent appraisal, or the original loan amount, whichever is less and (ii) family capital subordinated debt, where the subordinated debt is held by and represents a cash infusion to the business by the owner or close family member, and the repayment terms are such that repayment is not ahead of Agency direct and/or guaranteed loan exposure. -- Increase the equity requirement for energy loans to 40 percent for existing businesses (in existence for three years) and 50 percent for new businesses. Construction financing is not an eligible energy loan purpose; energy project that produce biomass fuel, biogas, fuel cells or batteries as an output must have completed two operating cycles at design performance levels acceptable to the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Bill Hagy, Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 5050/Stop 3220, Room 5811/Stop 3220, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7287 Fax: 202-690-0097 Email: bill.hagy@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA49 _______________________________________________________________________ 434. [bull] RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 30 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0570-AA50 [[Page 72700]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 435. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 940c CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703, subpart B; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action is part of a reinvention laboratory initiative of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Business-Cooperative Service. The regulations will be written in a ``plain language'' style. The regulation will be simpler and improve the ease of use by the public and program beneficiaries. The regulation will be written in a question and answer format from the perspective of questions from the applicant under this program. The regulations will simplify the application format, review and selection process, and recipient's recordkeeping requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse decisions. The comment period on the proposed rule ended February 14, 2000. The Agency received 28 written comments. The Agency conducted a meeting, which was open to the public on August 2, 2000, to allow the Agency to listen to oral presentations from the general public on the proposed rule. The Agency will respond to the comments made at the meeting in the preamble to the final rule as part of the rulemaking processing under the Administrative Procedures Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 69937 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Berger, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2383 Fax: 202-720-2213 Email: diane.berger@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ 436. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM--FARM BILL CHANGES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: President Bush signed the Farm Bill May 13, 2002, changing the definition of rural and rural area in the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act for certain programs including the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. The definition now reads ``any area other than a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such as a city or town.'' The previous definition of rural and rural area was ``any area that is not within the outer boundary of any city having a population of 50,000 or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized and urbanizing areas with a population density of more than 100 persons per square mile.`` Therefore, the RBEG program, which is authorized under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, must be changed to reflect the current definition. The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act also amended the definition of small and emerging private business enterprise to include nonprofit entities and other tax exempt organizations who have a principal office located on land of an existing or former Native American reservation in a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of not more than 5,000 inhabitants as an eligible small and emerging business regardless of the number of employees or operating capital of the enterprise. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/20/02 67 FR 77907 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/18/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1400 Email: amy.cavanaugh@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA36 _______________________________________________________________________ 437. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 6013 of the Act adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose. Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and loan guarantees in nonrural areas under certain conditions and expands eligibility and relaxes financial reporting requirements for the B&I Cooperative Stock Purchase Program. It also allows the Agency to require specialized appraisals for the B&I program. Section 6019 requires the Agency to provide a short, simplified application form for guarantees of $400,000 or less initially. 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B, must be changed to incorporate these provisions of the statute. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ 438. VALUE--ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS AND AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6401; PL 107-171, sec 6402 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4284 [[Page 72701]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action sets forth the policies and procedures for awarding value--added producer grants and grants for establishing pilot agricultural innovation centers Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/13/03 68 FR 35321 NPRM Comment Period End 08/12/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James E. Haskell, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Services, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, MS 3250, Stop 3250, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-8460 Email: james.haskell@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ 439. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 9812(a) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory action is to effectively clarify, simplify, and strengthen the existing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Lori Washington, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9815 Fax: 202-720-6561 Email: lori.washington@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ 440. [bull] FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT--SECONDARY MARKET SALES OF GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988; 7 USC 1989 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279-A; 7 CFR 4279-C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 338(b)(2)(A) of the CONACT authorizes the Secretary, either directly or through a market maker, to issue pool certificates representing ownership of part or all of the guaranteed portion of any loan guaranteed by the Secretary for certain guaranteed programs. The sale of Government guaranteed loan portions to investors in the secondary market increases earnings, liquidity, and the capital available to lenders. Lenders in the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan program are selling loans by using an SBA-approved Fiscal Transfer Agent (FTA) that pools and markets loans on the secondary market. Rural Development seeks to use Section 338(b)(2)(A) of the CONACT to provide the same service to lenders. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/06/03 68 FR 46509 NPRM Comment Period End 10/06/03 Final Action 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Pandor H. Hadjy, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, Room 5811/Stop 3220, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9693 Fax: 202-690-0097 Email: pandor.hadjy@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 441. ALLOCATION FORMULAS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1940, subpart L Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/26/03 68 FR 14527 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Berger Phone: 202 720-2383 Fax: 202 720-6561 Email: diane.berger@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 442. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--DOMESTIC LAMB INDUSTRY ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SET-ASIDE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/10/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Debi Raygor Phone: 202 205-0894 Email: debi.raygor@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA31 BILLING CODE 3410-15-S [[Page 72702]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 443. TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend 7 CFR 1755 to include requirements presently contained in RUS Bulletin 345-3. This rule would establish and codify provisions for the inclusion and removal for products from I.P. 344-2. This rule also proposes to integrate the existing section on field trials in the procedures for product acceptance and inclusion in this codification, as well as clarifying and reorganizing the field trials section. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ 444. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed action combines nine existing loan-servicing regulations of Water Programs into one. The new regulations will codify and clarify Water Programs policy relating to loan-servicing by incorporating simplified language without significantly changing any of the Agency's servicing policies or procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB59 _______________________________________________________________________ 445. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS proposes to amend the regulation to separate the technical assistance and training grant and solid waste management grant programs for clarification purposes and to bring the regulation in line with revisions to OMB circulars. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement that applicants submit a pre-application when applying for grant funds and transfers grant processing and servicing from the National Office to Rural Development State Offices. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ 446. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION), RUS FORM 398 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 CFR 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations on Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and Construction to revise RUS Form 398, Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 447. ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1770 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS proposes to revise subpart B, Uniform System of Accounts, to reflect changes to 47 CFR part 32, Uniform System of Accounts, by the Federal Communications Commission. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 72703]] Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 448. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR ELECTRIFICATION PURPOSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1720 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, January 8, 2003, NPRM. Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to include section 313A: Guarantees For Bonds And Notes Issued For Electrification Or Telephone Purposes. The Farm Bill became law on May 13, 2002, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations that carry out the amendments within 180 days. Furthermore, the implementation of the amendments shall take effect no later than 240 days. The new section 313A: Guarantees for Bonds And Notes Issued For Electrification Or Telephone Purposes, states that the Secretary shall guarantee payments on bonds or notes issued by cooperative or other lenders organized on a not-for-profit basis. Section 313A provides limits to the amount of guarantees, the purpose for the guarantee, and qualifications of eligible lenders seeking a guarantee of a bond or note. The section also provides for a fee to be charged to lenders that receive a guarantee under section 313A, which will be deposited in the Rural Economic Development Subaccount. The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing the development of rules that carry out the amendments made by section 313A. The rules will establish regulations that allow the Secretary to comply with the requirements outlined and set the limitations provided for in the Farm Bill. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 449. [bull] SALE OR TRANSFER OF CAPITAL ASSETS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 to 950(b), 1981; PL 99-591; 100 Stat. 3341- 16, PL 103-354 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The RUS will amend 7 CFR 1717, subpart M, Operational Controls, to codify the regulatory policy and procedures of RUS Bulletin 115-1 ``Sales of Capital Assets by Electric Borrowers.'' RUS is proposing this change to regulation as a part of its ongoing effort to minimize administrative burden, and update regulations to reflect current requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 450. [bull] HIGH ENERGY COST RURAL COMMUNITY GRANTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 106-472; title III, sec 301, 7 USC 918a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1709 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth the policies and procedures for awarding grants to rural communities with very high energy costs. The grants may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 451. [bull] RUS ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION & G&T BORROWERS' REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSURING THE HOMELAND SECURITY OF THE RURAL ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Undetermined CFR Citation: 1730 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The RUS will amend the CFR to establish RUS policy requiring Electric Program distribution and Generation and Transmission borrowers to expand their currently required Electric Restoration Plans to include Homeland Security concerns of preventive measures and emergency recovery from physical and cyber attacks to their electric systems and core businesses. [[Page 72704]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 452. ELECTRIC PROGRAM STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1724; 7 CFR 1726; 7 CFR 1755 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS will amend its regulations to revise its standard forms of contracts that borrowers are required to use when contracting for construction and procurement financed through loans made or guaranteed by RUS, in accordance with applicable RUS regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/16/98 63 FR 49503 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/16/98 NPRM 07/02/02 67 FR 44396 NPRM Comment Period End 10/30/02 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB67 _______________________________________________________________________ 453. TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM SPECIFICATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing to amend its regulations to update telecommunications field trial requirements and update the listing of contract forms for use in telecommunications systems of RUS borrowers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB69 _______________________________________________________________________ 454. GENERAL AND PRE-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO INSURED AND GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations to clarify that the purchase or acquisition of existing electric facilities and implementation of demand side management and energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems are eligible loan purposes under the Rural Electrification Act, as amended. The rule also makes several technical corrections to conform the language of the regulations to existing law and to correct a typographical error. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB72 _______________________________________________________________________ 455. SEISMIC SAFETY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 42 USC 7701 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1792-C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The revision to the existing CFR is made to update the requirements of the Agency. The direct final rule provides RUS borrowers, grant recipients, Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) borrowers, and the public with updated rules for compliance with seismic safety requirements for new building construction using RUS or RTB loan, grant, or guaranteed funds or funds provided through lien accommodations or subordinations approved by RUS or RTB. [[Page 72705]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB74 _______________________________________________________________________ 456. LAUNCHING OUR COMMUNITIES ACCESS TO LOCAL TELEVISION ACT OF 2000 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 1101 et seq; PL 106-553; PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2200; 7 CFR 2201 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), on behalf of the Local Television Loan Guarantee Board, is proposing to draft regulations to implement title X, Local TV Act, of H.R. 5548. The purpose of this Act is to facilitate access, on a technology neutral basis, to signals of local television stations for households located in non-served and under-served areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/15/03 68 FR 48814 NPRM Comment Period End 09/15/03 NPRM Comment Period End (ICR) 10/14/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB82 _______________________________________________________________________ 457. [bull] EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN BORROWERS FROM CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS is removing section 1717.656(a)(3) in its entirety. This section exempts certain borrowers from controls, became effective October 23, 1995. Effective January 29, 1996, RUS established new loan contract requirements that conflict with this section. This administrative action is taken to eliminate confusion in the rule and provide consistency to the regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB85 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 458. SETTLEMENT OF DEBT Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 459. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/01/03 68 FR 45157 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: rannan@rus.usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB73 [[Page 72706]] _______________________________________________________________________ 460. EXTENSIONS OF PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1721 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/26/03 68 FR 37952 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB79 _______________________________________________________________________ 461. USEFUL LIFE OF FACILITY DETERMINATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/07/03 68 FR 24335 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0736 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 462. [bull] EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1778 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service is amending its regula