[October 31,2005 (Volume 70, Number 209)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua051003.wais] [Page 64308-64392] Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 64308]] 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 2005 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. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272. Dated: September 9, 2005. Geraldine Broadway, Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 164 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97 Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08)............................................................ 165 Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act: Trust Rights (FV-05-373)..................... 0581-AC53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 166 Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY- 0581-AC25 02-003)............................................................................... 167 The National Organic Program: Amending the National List (TM-04-01), Crops and 0581-AC35 Processing............................................................................ 168 Honey Research and Promotion: Packer/Importer Board (FV-03-704)....................... 0581-AC37 169 The National Organic Program: National List--Crops, Livestock, and Processing (TM-04- 0581-AC38 04)................................................................................... 170 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Increase in Fees (FV-04-310)............................. 0581-AC46 171 Update and Clarify a Shell Egg Grading Definition (PY-05-003)......................... 0581-AC47 172 Changes in Fees and Hourly Fee Rates for Science and Technology Laboratory Services 0581-AC48 (ST-05-01)............................................................................ 173 Changes in Fees for Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services (LS-05-05)........ 0581-AC49 174 National Organic Program: Sunset (Expiration) of Allowances and Prohibitions Contained 0581-AC51 on the National List (TM-04-07)....................................................... 175 Standards for Condition of Food Containers (FV-05-332)................................ 0581-AC52 176 National Organic Program: Harvey v. Johanns (Reg Plan Seq No. 1)...................... 0581-AC54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 177 Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10)....................................... 0581-AC12 178 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26 Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04) (Reg Plan Seq No. 2)................. 179 USDA Farmers' Market Operating Procedures (TM-04-09).................................. 0581-AC39 [[Page 64309]] 180 California Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Tree Pull), FV05-82-01 (Reg Plan Seq 0581-AC45 No. 3)................................................................................ 181 Eligibility Requirements for USDA Graded Shell Eggs (PY-98-006)....................... 0581-AC50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 182 Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Certificates: Fee Increase (ST-05-02).................. 0581-AC42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 183 National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (DA-02-03).............................. 0581-AC16 184 Plant Variety Protection Services, Supplemental (ST-02-02)............................ 0581-AC31 185 User Fees for 2005 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers (CN-05-001)......... 0581-AC43 186 Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading: Increase in Fees (2005) (PY-05-001)................. 0581-AC44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Research Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 187 Rules of Conduct at the United States National Arboretum.............................. 0518-AA02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 188 Retaining Preferred Lender Program (PLP) Status, Processing Loss Claims, Payment of 0560-AH07 Interest Accrued During Bankruptcy, and Redemption Rights Periods for Guaranteed Loans 189 Planting Reporting for Tropical Crops--Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.... 0560-AH19 190 Grains and Similarly Handled Commodities--Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan 0560-AH38 Deficiency Payments for the 2002 Through 2007 Crop Years.............................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 191 Policy for Certain Commodities Available for Sale..................................... 0560-AH22 192 Appraisal Updates..................................................................... 0560-AH33 193 Transfer of Sugar Marketing Allocations............................................... 0560-AH37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64310]] Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 194 Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouses for Commodity Credit 0560-AE50 Corporation Storage Contracts......................................................... 195 Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs........ 0560-AF60 196 Interest Assistance Program........................................................... 0560-AG46 197 Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process.................................... 0560-AG49 198 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers........................ 0560-AG76 199 Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures.......................................... 0560-AG88 200 Selection of FSA State and County Committees.......................................... 0560-AG90 201 Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns......................................... 0560-AH02 202 Debt Collection, Debt Settlement, and Assignment of Payments.......................... 0560-AH09 203 Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers.. 0560-AH16 204 Disaster Declaration and Designation.................................................. 0560-AH17 205 Conservation Contract Debt Write-Down................................................. 0560-AH23 206 2004 Cottonseed Program............................................................... 0560-AH29 207 Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information................................... 0560-AH32 208 Guaranteed Loans--Unauthorized Assistance............................................. 0560-AH34 209 Extra Long Staple Cotton Prices....................................................... 0560-AH36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 210 Designated Marketing Associations for Peanuts......................................... 0560-AH20 211 American Indian Livestock Feed Program................................................ 0560-AH26 212 2004 Dairy Assistance Program......................................................... 0560-AH28 213 Collection of State Commodity Assessments............................................. 0560-AH35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 214 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs........ 0579-AB24 215 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review) (Reg Plan Seq No. 4). 0579-AB44 216 Karnal Bunt Compensation.............................................................. 0579-AB45 217 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds, Rats, and Mice (Reg Plan Seq No. 0579-AB69 5).................................................................................... 218 Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 6)............. 0579-AB80 219 Revision of the Nursery Stock Regulations (Section 610 Review) (Reg Plan Seq No. 7)... 0579-AB85 220 Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Records and Reports.................. 0579-AB90 221 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91 222 Trichinae Certification Program....................................................... 0579-AB92 223 Importation of Boneless Beef from Japan (Reg Plan Seq No. 8).......................... 0579-AB93 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 224 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34 225 Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment 0579-AB35 of Indemnity.......................................................................... 226 Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review)............ 0579-AB55 227 Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada........................................... 0579-AB76 228 Importation of Small Lots of Seed Without Phytosanitary Certificates (Reg Plan Seq No. 0579-AB78 9).................................................................................... 229 Importation of Swine and Swine Products From the European Union....................... 0579-AB79 230 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 10)................ 0579-AB82 [[Page 64311]] 231 Requirements for Requests To Amend Import Regulations................................. 0579-AB83 232 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84 and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................ 233 User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services......................... 0579-AB88 234 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AB94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 235 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80 236 Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea......................... 0579-AA93 237 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18 238 Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.................. 0579-AB26 239 Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity....................... 0579-AB29 240 Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries.............................. 0579-AB38 241 Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and Dead 0579-AB43 Stock of Cattle and Other Species..................................................... 242 Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use.............................. 0579-AB54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 243 Cost-Sharing for Animal and Plant Health Emergency Programs........................... 0579-AB50 244 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities. 0579-AB73 245 Federal Measures To Mitigate BSE Risks: Considerations for Further Action............. 0579-AB86 246 Introductions of Plants Genetically Engineered To Produce Industrial Compounds........ 0579-AB89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 247 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...................................................................... 248 Guidelines for Hatch Multistate Research Fund......................................... 0524-AA29 249 Revised Administrative Provisions--Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program.. 0524-AA31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 250 CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions............. 0524-AA26 251 CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions.............. 0524-AA27 252 CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions.......................... 0524-AA28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64312]] Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 253 Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D................................ 0575-AA83 254 National Flood Insurance Regulations.................................................. 0575-AC07 255 Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants......................................... 0575-AC12 256 Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants................................................. 0575-AC20 257 Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update 0575-AC27 Regulations........................................................................... 258 3550--Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants................................... 0575-AC54 259 Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development............................ 0575-AC55 260 Environmental Policies and Procedures................................................. 0575-AC56 261 Community Programs Guaranteed Loans................................................... 0575-AC58 262 Amend 3550--Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants............................. 0575-AC59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 263 Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention................................................ 0575-AC13 264 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 265 Environmental Policies and Procedures................................................. 0575-AC61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 266 General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions......................................... 0563-AB73 267 General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)................... 0563-AB83 268 Common Crop Insurance Regulations and Various Crop Insurance Provisions............... 0563-AB96 269 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions................... 0563-AB97 270 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AB98 271 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Cabbage Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AB99 272 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Cultivated Wild Rice Crop Insurance Provisions..... 0563-AC00 273 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Florida Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions..... 0563-AC01 274 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Fresh Market Sweet Corn Crop Insurance Provisions.. 0563-AC02 275 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Mint Crop Insurance Provisions..................... 0563-AC03 276 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Mustard Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AC04 277 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions.......... 0563-AC05 278 General Administrative Regulations; Appeal Procedures and Standards for Approval-- 0563-AC06 Reinsurance Agreement................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 279 General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System.... 0563-AB66 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64313]] Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 280 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AB80 281 General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of Policies 0563-AB84 and Rates of Premiums................................................................. 282 General Administrative Regulations; Subpart V--Premium Reduction Plans................ 0563-AB95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 283 Process Verification Service and Associated Fees...................................... 0580-AA85 284 Export Inspection and Weighting Waiver for High Quality Specialty Grains Transported 0580-AA87 in Containers......................................................................... 285 Review Inspection Requirements for Graded Commodities................................. 0580-AA89 286 United States Standards for Soybeans.................................................. 0580-AA90 287 United States Standards for Sorghum................................................... 0580-AA91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 288 Fees Assessed by the Service.......................................................... 0580-AA88 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 289 Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the 0584-AB51 Food Stamp Program.................................................................... 290 Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions, 0584-AD12 Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits............................. 291 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers................ 0584-AD15 292 Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment 0584-AD25 and Collection Standards.............................................................. 293 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD36 Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions............................................... 294 FSP: Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171 (Reg 0584-AD37 Plan Seq No. 11)...................................................................... 295 Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program; Serving Fruits and Vegetables 0584-AD40 as Afterschool Snacks................................................................. 296 Data Collection Related to Institutions, Organizations, Sites, and Facilities......... 0584-AD43 297 FSP: Revisions to Bonding Requirements for Violating Retail and Wholesale Food 0584-AD44 Concerns.............................................................................. 298 Donated Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, 0584-AD45 and Charitable Institutions, Including Contracts With Food Service Management Companies............................................................................. 299 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD47 Discretionary WIC Vendor Provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265........................................................... 300 FSP: Regulation Restructuring To Reflect the End of Coupon Issuance Systems........... 0584-AD48 301 Special Nutrition Programs: Fluid Milk Substitutions (Reg Plan Seq No. 12)............ 0584-AD58 302 Food Distribution Programs--Distributing Agency Evaluations of Non-Commercial 0584-AD72 Warehousing and Distribution Systems, Cost Comparisons, System Approval and Implementation........................................................................ 303 WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Implementation of the FMNP Provisions in 0584-AD74 the CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) and FMNP Funding Formula. 304 Food Stamp Program: Expiration of Residual Paper Coupons.............................. 0584-AD75 305 Revisions and Clarifications in Requirements for the Processing of Donated Foods for 0584-AD76 Use in the National School Lunch Program and Other Food Assistance Programs........... 306 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): 0584-AD77 Revisions in the WIC Food Packages (Reg Plan Seq No. 13).............................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 64314]] Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 307 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AB10 Miscellaneous Provisions.............................................................. 308 Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of Food 0584-AC37 Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems............................................. 309 National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs.. 0584-AC72 310 FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections.................................................... 0584-AC75 311 Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under the 0584-AC95 Child Nutrition Programs.............................................................. 312 Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary 0584-AD16 Technical Amendments.................................................................. 313 Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program........................ 0584-AD27 314 FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 0584-AD28 Act of 2002........................................................................... 315 FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD30 Investment Act of 2002 (Reg Plan Seq No. 14).......................................... 316 FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171 0584-AD31 (Reg Plan Seq No. 15)................................................................. 317 FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD32 Investment Act of 2002 (Reg Plan Seq No. 16).......................................... 318 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)...................................... 0584-AD35 319 Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special 0584-AD38 Milk Programs......................................................................... 320 Severe Need Assistance in the School Breakfast Program................................ 0584-AD50 321 District-Wide Use of Provisions 2 and 3............................................... 0584-AD51 322 State Administrative Expenses......................................................... 0584-AD53 323 Applying for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools.................................. 0584-AD54 324 Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004: 0584-AD56 Increasing the Maximum Age for Children in Homeless Shelters That Participate in the CACFP................................................................................. 325 National School Lunch Program: Marketing and Sales of Fluid Milk Products in Schools.. 0584-AD57 326 Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs........ 0584-AD59 327 Categorical Eligibility and Direct Certification for Free and Reduced Price Meals and 0584-AD60 Free Milk in Schools (Reg Plan Seq No. 17)............................................ 328 Revised Verification Procedures in the School Meals Programs.......................... 0584-AD61 329 School Food Safety: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System................. 0584-AD65 330 Implementing Provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004: 0584-AD68 Disregard of Overpayments in the Child Nutrition Programs............................. 331 Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004: 0584-AD70 Seamless Summer Option for Schools Participating in the National School Lunch Program. 332 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC 0584-AD71 Vendor Cost Containment (Reg Plan Seq No. 18)......................................... 333 WIC: Implementation of the Nondiscretionary WIC Certification and General 0584-AD73 Administration Provisions in the CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108- 265).................................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 334 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity......... 0584-AC24 335 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen 0584-AC94 Program Integrity..................................................................... 336 Administrative Error Reduction in the School Meals Programs........................... 0584-AD52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 337 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Plain Language, Program Accountability, 0584-AC84 and Program Flexibility............................................................... 338 Categorical Eligibility of Certain Migratory, Homeless, and Runaway Youth............. 0584-AD62 339 Food Safety Inspections, Audits, and Reports.......................................... 0584-AD64 [[Page 64315]] 340 Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004: 0584-AD66 For-Profit Center Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.............. 341 Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004: 0584-AD69 Permanent Agreements for Day Care Home Providers in the Child and Adult Care Food Program............................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 342 Performance Standards for Pumped or Massaged Bacon (Reg Plan Seq No. 19).............. 0583-AC49 343 Egg Products Inspection Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 20)............................. 0583-AC58 344 Prior Labeling Approval System: Generic Label Approval................................ 0583-AC59 345 Petitions for Rulemaking.............................................................. 0583-AC81 346 Performance Standard for Chilling of Ready-To-Cook Poultry (Reg Plan Seq No. 21)...... 0583-AC87 347 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................... 348 Food Defense Plans.................................................................... 0583-AD06 349 Accredited Laboratory Program......................................................... 0583-AD09 350 Sharing of Firms' Distribution Lists of Retail Consignees During Meat or Poultry 0583-AD10 Product Recalls (Reg Plan Seq No. 22)................................................. 351 Electronic Signatures................................................................. 0583-AD14 352 Definitions and Procedures for Determining the Net Weight Compliance of Meat and 0583-AD17 Poultry Products...................................................................... 353 Allowing Bar-Type Cut Turkey Operations To Use J-Type Cut Maximum Line Speeds......... 0583-AD18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 354 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products (Reg 0583-AC46 Plan Seq No. 23)...................................................................... 355 Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and 0583-AC60 Poultry Products (Reg Plan Seq No. 24)................................................ 356 Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization (Reg Plan Seq No. 0583-AC72 25)................................................................................... 357 Performance Criteria for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry 0583-AC73 Carcasses............................................................................. 358 Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards................................... 0583-AC83 359 Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for 0583-AC88 the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle (Reg Plan Seq No. 26)............... 360 Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems.... 0583-AD00 361 Prohibition on the Use of Air-Injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle.......... 0583-AD03 362 Frequency of Foreign Inspection System Supervisory Visits to Certified Foreign 0583-AD08 Establishments........................................................................ 363 Increases in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Services--Fiscal 0583-AD12 Years 2004 to 2008.................................................................... 364 Addition of Chile to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat Products 0583-AD16 to 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--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 365 Food Standards: Requirements for Substitute Standardized Meat and Poultry Products 0583-AC82 Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term........... 366 Addition of San Marino to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat 0583-AC91 Products to the United States......................................................... 367 Requiring Industry E. Coli O157:H7 Test Results for Raw Beef Products Be Maintained in 0583-AD11 One Specific Location in the Establishment............................................ [[Page 64316]] 368 Termination of Designation of the State of North Dakota With Respect to the Inspection 0583-AD13 of Poultry Products................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 369 Quality Samples Program............................................................... 0551-AA68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 370 New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530.............. 0551-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 371 Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands..................................... 0596-AA52 372 Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs....................................... 0596-AB27 373 Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands..... 0596-AB45 374 Law Enforcement Support Activities.................................................... 0596-AB61 375 Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution.................................... 0596-AB70 376 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution 0596-AB75 Restrictions.......................................................................... 377 Locatable Minerals.................................................................... 0596-AB98 378 Grazing Permit Administration (Interim Directives, Forest Service Handbook 2209.13, 0596-AC12 Chapters 10 and 20)................................................................... 379 Climbing Bolts In Wilderness (Proposed Interim Directive, Forest Service Manual, 0596-AC21 Chapter 2320)......................................................................... 380 Recreation Event Fees (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2720)....... 0596-AC24 381 Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directives, Forest Service 0596-AC25 Handbook 2709.11, Chapters 30 and 40)................................................. 382 Secretary Determination That Domestic Species of Unprocessed Timber Are Surplus to 0596-AC27 Domestic Needs Within the Zone of Southern California................................. 383 Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and 0596-AC28 Activities............................................................................ 384 Clarifying Prohibitions Against Damage to the National Forest by Escaped Fires........ 0596-AC30 385 Revisions to General Prohibitions Regarding Livestock and Wild Free-Roaming Horses and 0596-AC31 Burros on National Forest System Lands................................................ 386 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation for Sporicide Use on National 0596-AC32 Forest System Lands (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30). 387 Piscicide Applications on National Forest System Lands................................ 0596-AC33 388 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Documentation for Surface Use 0596-AC34 Plans of Operation for Exploration or Development of an Oil and Gas Lease (Proposed Directive, FSH 1909.15, Ch. 30)....................................................... 389 Wilderness Management (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)...... 0596-AC36 390 Clarification for the Appropriate Use of a Criminal or a Civil Citation To Enforce 0596-AC38 Mineral Regulations................................................................... 391 Travel Management (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Manual 2300 and 7700) (Reg Plan 0596-AC39 Seq No. 27)........................................................................... 392 Advertising and Sponsorship in Concessions With Privately Developed Facilities........ 0596-AC41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 64317]] Forest Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 393 Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts.... 0596-AB21 394 Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications and 0596-AB36 Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations................................. 395 Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products................................. 0596-AB81 396 Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations............. 0596-AB83 397 National Forest System Land Management Planning Categorical Exclusion (Final 0596-AB86 Directive, Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30)............................... 398 Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines (Final Interim Directive, Forest 0596-AB92 Service Manual, Chapter 2350)......................................................... 399 Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (Final Interim Directive, 0596-AB93 Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2330).................................................. 400 Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program............................. 0596-AB96 401 National Forest System Land Management Planning Directives (Final Directives, Forest 0596-AC02 Service Manual, Chapter 1330, 1900, and Forest Service Handbook 1909.12).............. 402 Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals............................ 0596-AC09 403 Travel Management, Designated Routes, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use................. 0596-AC11 404 Predecisional Administrative Review and Objection Process for Projects Authorized 0596-AC15 Under Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003......................................... 405 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts; 0596-AC16 Modification of Contracts............................................................. 406 Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Onshore Oil and 0596-AC20 Gas Order Number 1, Approval of Operations............................................ 407 Integrated Resource Contracts, FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T (Notice of Final Contracts). 0596-AC26 408 Market-Related Contract Term Additions................................................ 0596-AC29 409 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Implementation............................... 0596-AC35 410 Revisions Regarding Advertisement and Bids............................................ 0596-AC40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 411 Watershed Forestry Assistance Program................................................. 0596-AC18 412 Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program.......................................... 0596-AC19 413 Predator Damage Management (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320).. 0596-AC22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 414 Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to National Forest System 0596-AC05 Lands in Alaska....................................................................... 415 State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management.............................. 0596-AC10 416 National Forest System Appeals and Litigation (Final Directives, Forest Service 0596-AC13 Manual, Chapter 1570)................................................................. 417 Clarification as to When a Notice of Intent and/or a Plan of Operations Is Needed for 0596-AC17 Locatable Mineral Operations on National Forest System Lands.......................... 418 Maximum Term for Outfitter/Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directive, 0596-AC23 Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, Chapter 40).......................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the General Counsel--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 419 Department of Agriculture Civil Monetary Penalties Adjustment......................... 0510-AA01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64318]] Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 420 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 421 General Nonprocurement Regulations.................................................... 0503-AA21 422 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement................................. 0503-AA29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 423 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock............ 0570-AA26 424 Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations.................... 0570-AA41 425 National Security Emergency........................................................... 0570-AA48 426 Secondary Market Pooling by Fiscal Transfer Agent..................................... 0570-AA53 427 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations......................................... 0570-AA61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 428 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program..................................... 0570-AA19 429 Rural Business Investment Program..................................................... 0570-AA35 430 B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria.......... 0570-AA39 431 Fiscal Transfer Agent--Secondary Market Sales of Guaranteed Loans..................... 0570-AA47 432 Tangible Net Equity................................................................... 0570-AA49 433 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Implement the Debt Collection 0570-AA54 Improvement Act (DCIA) of 1996........................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 434 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan............................................... 0570-AA24 435 Annual Renewal Fee.................................................................... 0570-AA34 436 Intermediary Relending Program........................................................ 0570-AA42 437 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements........................... 0570-AA50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 438 Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and 0572-AB40 Construction.......................................................................... 439 Water and Waste Loans and Grants...................................................... 0572-AC03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64319]] Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 440 Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants.......................................... 0572-AB59 441 Elimination of Subpart M: Operational Controls........................................ 0572-AB97 442 Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program............................ 0572-AC02 443 Rural Area Definitions for RUS WEP Programs........................................... 0572-AC04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 444 Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398................. 0572-AB76 445 Exemption of Certain Borrowers From Controls.......................................... 0572-AB85 446 Telecommunications System Construction Policies and Procedures........................ 0572-AB98 447 Lien Accommodations and Subordinations for 100 Percent Private Financing.............. 0572-AB99 448 Seismic Safety........................................................................ 0572-AC01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 449 Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers.......................... 0572-AB77 450 Household Water Well System Grant Program............................................. 0572-AC00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 451 Conservation Security Program......................................................... 0578-AA36 452 Grassland Reserve..................................................................... 0578-AA38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 453 Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information................................... 0578-AA40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Agricultural Statistical Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 454 Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting..................................................... 0535-AA00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Procurement and Property Management--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 455 Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Use of Biobased Materials.................. 0599-AA12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BILLING CODE 3410-90-S [[Page 64320]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 164. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to establish production and handling standards for operations that capture aquatic animals from the wild. AMS has defined ``aquatic animal'' as any finfish or shellfish used for human consumption, whether taken from regulated but free roaming marine and fresh water populations (wild captured) or propagated and raised in a controlled or selected environment (aquaculture). Production standards for operations producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping. Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of contact between organically produced and prohibited substances. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 165. [bull] PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES ACT: TRUST RIGHTS (FV- 05-373) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 4990 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 46 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Branch, is issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in response to concerns raised by the industry that sellers may lose their status as trust creditors when using electronic data interchange (EDI) for invoicing. The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) imposes a statutory trust on the assets, including inventory and receivables of a licensee or firms operating subject to the PACA that have not paid for perishable agricultural commodities. The PACA provides that a creditor may preserve its rights under the trust by including specified language on billing or invoicing statements. In 1997, the PACA regulations were amended to state that electronic transmissions are considered ``ordinary and usual billing and invoicing statements.'' While perfecting PACA trust rights on paper invoices is fairly straightforward, due to the nature of technology, perfecting trust rights using EDI is not. Sellers who use EDI transmissions to perfect their trust rights perceive a threat that their trust rights may not be preserved. AMS is soliciting comments on the preservation of PACA trust rights in connection with EDI invoicing so that the Agency will be able to provide greater direction to the industry of how PACA trust rights can be preserved when invoicing electronically. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Bruce W. Summers, Chief, PACA Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4180 Fax: 202 690-4413 Email: bruce.summers@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC53 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 166. 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, contains some outdated terms, references, and phrases that need updating to make them current and clear. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Johnson, Chief, Grading Branch, Poultry Programs, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, AMS, Stop 0258-South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-3153 Fax: 202 690-2746 Email: charles.johnson@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC25 [[Page 64321]] _______________________________________________________________________ 167. THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDING THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04- 01), CROPS AND PROCESSING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 21, 2000, the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) established within the National Organic Program (NOP) the National List. The National List regulations identify synthetic (natural) substances and ingredients that are prohibited for use in organic production and handling. Under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), the National List can be amended by the Secretary based on proposed amendments developed by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This proposed rule would amend the National List to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the NOSB from November 15, 2000, through March 3, 2005. Between the specified time period, the NOSB has recommended that the Secretary add 4 substances to section 205.601 and 11 substances to section 205.605 of the National List regulations. This proposed rule would also amend the mailing address for where to file a Certification or Accreditation appeal pursuant to section 205.681(d). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC35 _______________________________________________________________________ 168. HONEY RESEARCH AND PROMOTION: PACKER/IMPORTER BOARD (FV-03-704) Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) received a request from the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association, dated July 8, 2003, to develop an industry-funded research, promotion, consumer education, and information program for honey and honey products. This proposed new program, the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Education and Industry Order (Order), will assist the honey industry to: (1) Develop and finance an effective and coordinated program to strengthen the position of the honey industry and (2) maintain, develop, and expand existing markets for honey and honey products. Under the proposed Order, first handlers (packers) and importers of 250,000 or more pounds of honey and honey products would pay an assessment on $0.01 per pound to the National Honey Packers and Importers Board (Board). At this initial rate, revenue for the program would be approximately $3 million. Of this amount, about 47 percent would be generated by assessments on imported honey and honey products. The Board would be appointed by the Department to conduct a program of research and promotion, industry information, and consumer information needed to strengthen and increase the consumption of honey and honey products in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Margaret B. Irby, Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0244, Fruit & Vegetable Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244 Phone: 202 720-9915 Fax: 202 205-2800 Email: margaret.irby@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ 169. THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: NATIONAL LIST--CROPS, LIVESTOCK, AND PROCESSING (TM-04-04) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 21, 2000, The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) established, within the National Organic Program (NOP), the National List regulations. The National List regulations identify synthetic substances and ingredients that are allowed and nonsynthetic (natural) substances and ingredients that are prohibited for use in organic production and handling. Under the authority of the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), the National List can be amended by the Secretary based on proposed amendments developed by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This proposed rule would amend the List to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the NOSB from November 15, 2000, through March 3, 2005. Between the specified time period, the NOSB has recommended that the Secretary add fourteen substances to the National List regulations for organic livestock production. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 [[Page 64322]] Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC38 _______________________________________________________________________ 170. [bull] FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, INCREASE IN FEES (FV-04-310) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 51 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Services' Fresh Products Branch needs to increase fees by 15 percent in order to maintain the required reserve balance while continuing to provide first rate inspection services to customers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rita Bibbs-Booth, Program Support Section Head, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2049, South, Washington, DC 20250-0240 Phone: 202 720-0391 Fax: 202 720-5136 Email: rita.bibbs-booth@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 171. [bull] UPDATE AND CLARIFY A SHELL EGG GRADING DEFINITION (PY-05- 003) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627; 7 USC 1031 through 1056 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 and 57 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service routinely reviews its regulations to ensure that they are current and up-to-date. The latest review identified several changes that are needed to bring the regulations up-to-date with current egg production and processing technology. Changes include clarifying the definition of ``washed ungraded eggs'' and status eggs that have been sized. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles L. Johnson, Acting Chief, Grading Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0250, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3271 RIN: 0581-AC47 _______________________________________________________________________ 172. [bull] CHANGES IN FEES AND HOURLY FEE RATES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY SERVICES (ST-05-01) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 91; 7 CFR 92 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to increase the hourly fee rates for performing laboratory testing to the agricultural industry by approximately 24 percent each, yielding additional program revenues of $1,248,000 annually. The current fees, last increased in October 2000, are no longer adequate to cover current obligations. The program must also maintain an adequate program reserve balance called for by Agency policy and prudent financial management. In addition, this proposed rule will eliminate obsolete laboratory tests from, and add new laboratory tests to, the fee schedules in the regulations. The hourly rate for each regular laboratory analysis will be based on an hourly rate of $56.00. The premium laboratory rate for appeals, holiday, and overtime services will be $84.00 per analysis hour. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James V. Falk, Docket Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Technical Services Branch, USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Technical Services Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4089 Fax: 202 720-6496 Email: james.falk@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC48 _______________________________________________________________________ 173. [bull] CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL MEAT GRADING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES (LS-05-05) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to increase the fees for voluntary meat grading and certification services provided by the Meat Grading and Certification Branch. This amendment will allow the Branch to offset increased operating expenses and decreased revenue hours and allow the Branch a 4-month operating reserve required by the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows, Chief, Meat Grading and Certification Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, L&S, Meat Grading Branch, STOP 0248, Room 2628-South, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0343 Fax: 202 690-4119 Email: larry.meadows@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 174. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: SUNSET (EXPIRATION) OF ALLOWANCES AND PROHIBITIONS CONTAINED ON THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-07) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 [[Page 64323]] CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising regulations pertaining to the use of allowed and prohibited substances contained on the National List. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), authorizes the establishment of the National List of allowed and prohibited substances. The National List identifies synthetic substances that are allowed and nonsynthetic substances that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock production. The National List also identifies nonsynthetics and synthetics that are allowed for use in organic handling. The allowances and prohibitions granted under the OFPA are required to be reviewed every 5 years by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). If they are not reviewed by the NOSB and renewed by the Secretary within 5 years of their inclusion on the National List, their authorized use or prohibition expires. This means that a synthetic substance currently allowed for use in organic production will no longer be allowed for use after October 21, 2007; a non-synthetic substance currently prohibited from use in organic production will be allowed after October 21, 2007; and a synthetic or nonsynthetic substance currently allowed for use in organic handling will be prohibited after October 21, 2007. Expiration of the exempted or prohibited use of substances is provided for under the OFPA's sunset provision. AMS will conduct informal rulemaking to facilitate the sunset review of 165 exempted and 9 prohibited substances currently on the National List. On June 17, 2005, AMS published an ANPRM that establishes October 21, 2007, as the date by which the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded. This ANPRM discussed how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process. The ANPRM also began the public comment process on whether the existing specific exemptions or prohibitions on the National List should be continued for organic production and handling. The comment period for the ANPRM closed on August 16, 2005. The NOSB will have approximately 90 days from the close of the comment period to provide a recommendation to AMS concerning the continued use and prohibition of over 150 materials. AMS expects to publish a proposed rule by March 2006. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC51 _______________________________________________________________________ 175. [bull] STANDARDS FOR CONDITION OF FOOD CONTAINERS (FV-05-332) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622 through 1624 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 42 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise regulations pertaining to 7 CFR part 42, Standards for Condition of Food Containers. Periodically, AMS reviews inspection standards to determine if they meet current industry practices. Based on our most recent analysis, we believe that the standards need to be revised. The revisions are necessary in order to provide standards that reflect current U.S. industry practices. Revisions to the standards include, but are not limited to: (1) Incorporating new defects and updating current defects for metal, glass, rigid and semi-rigid, and flexible containers; (2) updating the standards to include new packaging technology such as aseptic packaging, metal cans with easy open lids, plastic rings that hold several containers together; and (3) removing the Operating Characteristic (OC) curves for on-line sampling and inspection. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 Final Action 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynne Eyre Yedinak, Food Technologist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9939 Fax: 202 690-0102 Email: fqastaff@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC52 _______________________________________________________________________ 176. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: HARVEY V. JOHANNS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 177. 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 services within the scope of the Livestock and Seed Program; and changing the name [[Page 64324]] of the program to the Quality Systems Verification Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/07/05 70 FR 17611 NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 178. 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. 2 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ 179. USDA FARMERS' MARKET OPERATING PROCEDURES (TM-04-09) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 96 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is establishing operating procedures for the USDA Farmers Market. These procedures would allow AMS the means to demonstrate and experiment with direct marketing techniques (operate a farmers market), while at the same time educate consumers on the significance of small farms, the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the merits of food recovery. Included in this action would be the establishment of vendor criteria, selection procedures, and guidelines for governing the operation of the USDA Farmers Market. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/17/05 70 FR 8040 NPRM Comment Period End 04/18/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Errol R. Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Room 2646, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-8317 Fax: 202 690-0031 Email: usdafmcomments@usda.gov. RIN: 0581-AC39 _______________________________________________________________________ 180. CALIFORNIA CLINGSTONE PEACH DIVERSION PROGRAM (TREE PULL), FV05-82- 01 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581-AC45 _______________________________________________________________________ 181. [bull] ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR USDA GRADED SHELL EGGS (PY-98- 006) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Shell egg grading is a voluntary program provided under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 and is offered on a fee-for-service basis. It is designed to assist the orderly marketing of shell eggs by providing for the official certification of egg quality, quantity, size, temperature, packaging, and other factors. Currently about one- third of the Nation's table eggs are marketed under the voluntary shell egg-grading program. Shell egg processors that choose to use this service pay a fee to have graders in their plants monitor processing operations and verify the grade and size of eggs packaged into packages bearing the USDA grade shield. The proposal would provide that, in order to be officially identified with a USDA consumer grade shield, shell eggs must not be more than 15 days old (or some other period between 15 and 30 days if justified by public comment) and must not have been previously shipped for retail sale. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/27/99 64 FR 40522 NPRM Comment Period End 09/27/99 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Bowden, Jr., Chief, Standardization Branch, Poultry Programs, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 3944-S, MS 0259, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0259 Phone: 202 720-3506 Fax: 202 690-0941 Email: david.bowden@usda.gov Related RIN: Previously reported as 0581-AB56 RIN: 0581-AC50 [[Page 64325]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 182. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION (PVP) CERTIFICATES: FEE INCREASE (ST-05- 02) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/05 70 FR 40921 NPRM Comment Period End 08/15/05 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janice M. Strachan Phone: 301 504-5518 Fax: 301 504-5291 Email: janice.strachan@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC42 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 183. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM (DA-02-03) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1150 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/10/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Johnson Phone: 202 720-6909 RIN: 0581-AC16 _______________________________________________________________________ 184. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION SERVICES, SUPPLEMENTAL (ST-02-02) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/19/05 70 FR 28783 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Zankowski Phone: 301 504-5518 RIN: 0581-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 185. USER FEES FOR 2005 CROP COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES TO GROWERS (CN-05-001) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/31/05 70 FR 30895 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Darryl Earnest Phone: 202 720-3193 RIN: 0581-AC43 _______________________________________________________________________ 186. EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING: INCREASE IN FEES (2005) (PY-05- 001) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 and 70 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/22/05 70 FR 42254 Final Action Effective 09/25/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AC44 BILLING CODE 3410--02--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Research Service (ARS) _______________________________________________________________________ 187. [bull] RULES OF CONDUCT AT THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 104-127 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 500 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed regulatory action would update the rules of conduct at the United States National Arboretum (USNA) and the schedule of fees to be charged for certain uses of the facilities, grounds, and services at USNA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/20/04 69 FR 75880 NPRM Comment Period End 02/18/05 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dana Laster, Administrative and Marketing Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202 245-4539 RIN: 0518-AA02 BILLING CODE 3410--03--S [[Page 64326]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 188. RETAINING PREFERRED LENDER PROGRAM (PLP) STATUS, PROCESSING LOSS CLAIMS, PAYMENT OF INTEREST ACCRUED DURING BANKRUPTCY, AND REDEMPTION RIGHTS PERIODS FOR GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise its regulations governing the servicing of guaranteed farm loans in three general areas. First, to establish a grace period for PLP lenders to develop and implement a plan to reduce loss rate to an acceptable rate for retaining PLP status; second, to expedite loss claim processing; and third, to extend the time period for which the Agency will pay interest on a loan in certain bankruptcy cases or when foreclosure redemption rights apply. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/15/05 70 FR 47730 NPRM Comment Period End 10/14/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 52211 Commercial Banking; 115116 Farm Management Services Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 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@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH07 _______________________________________________________________________ 189. PLANTING REPORTING FOR TROPICAL CROPS--NONINSURED CROP DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7333 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1437 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commodity Credit Corporation will amend 7 CFR section 1437.7(c) to provide that producers of crops in tropical areas do not have to report every planting period. The affected producers will be required to maintain a contemporaneous record of when and where the specific crop is planted and when harvested. This change will reduce producer travel to the Agency offices for reporting. The record will be used to determine the crops vulnerable to loss at the time of the disaster event. This will provide a more accurate loss measure for the agency to use in determining eligibility for NAP assistance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/03/05 70 FR 57520 NPRM Comment Period End 11/02/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 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@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH19 _______________________________________________________________________ 190. [bull] GRAINS AND SIMILARLY HANDLED COMMODITIES--MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOANS AND LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR THE 2002 THROUGH 2007 CROP YEARS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 7931; 15 USC 714b CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends existing regulations governing the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) and Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) Program of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The amendments to the rule are intended to clarify, support, and implement the requirements of title 1, subtitle B, Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments of the Farm Security Rural Investment Act of 2002. The regulatory changes impact the overall mission and administration of the MAL and LDP programs. This rule amends regulations governing (1) beneficial interest with regards to eligible commodities that are delivered to storage facilities, such as feedlots, feed yards, and dairies; (2) the announcement time of the adjusted world price (AWP) for rice; (3) the handling of payments and collections of $24.99 or less; (4) CCC's processes in conducting lien searches and the associated fees necessary to record and file such liens on marketing assistance loans; (5) personal liability of the producer when it is determined by CCC that the producer violated the MAL terms and conditions by which the producer disposed of a quantity of commodity that is collateral for a CCC farm-stored loan without prior written approval from CCC; and (6) the producer's responsibility for requesting loan deficiency payment benefits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 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@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH38 [[Page 64327]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 191. POLICY FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7285 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1402 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will update the regulations regarding the dissemination of general sales offering information to reflect current sales policies. 7 CFR part 1402 provides policy for the sale of certain commodities. Section 1402.1 provides that ``. . .CCC will disseminate general sales offering information in the CCC Sales List, which is published in press release form. The CCC Sales List will be revised and republished as necessary.'' The methods of disseminating sales offering information have evolved with better technology, including inventory listings on CCC's Commodity Operations website (http:// www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/catalogs.htm) and the capability for cotton buyers to purchase CCC-owned cotton (including transfer of title) through an on-line, web-based system. This action will have no budget impact. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 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@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH22 _______________________________________________________________________ 192. APPRAISAL UPDATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 761; 7 CFR 762 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Service Agency is amending 7 CFR parts 761 and 762 regarding appraisals required for Farm Loan Programs Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs. Current regulations allow an appraisal of real estate that is or is proposed to be security for an FSA direct or guaranteed farm loan to be considered a current appraisal when it is not completed in the previous 12 months, if it has been updated in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). However, USPAP was recently amended to provide that an update of an appraisal does not meet USPAP standards. This amendment will make FSA regulations comply with USPAP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 5313 Activities Related to Real Estate; 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 522292 Real Estate Credit 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-AH33 _______________________________________________________________________ 193. [bull] TRANSFER OF SUGAR MARKETING ALLOCATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1359aa to 1359jj; 7 USC 7272 et seq; 15 USC 714b and 714c CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) proposes several changes to the sugar program regulations. First, CCC proposes to amend the regulations for transferring sugar marketing allocation when a mill closes and growers request to move their allocation. The rule codifies the concept used to transfer allocation when Louisiana sugar mills closed in 2003 and 2004. Second, CCC proposes adding a deadline for the program's information reporting requirements. The required monthly information would be due on the 20th of each month. This rule is intended to enforce reporting compliance, allowing CCC to assign a civil penalty for noncompliance. Third, CCC proposes to amend the requirements for the maintenance and inspection of records to require each cane processor, cane refiner, and beet processor to provide an annual audit by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) that verifies the company's data submitted to CCC. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 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@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH37 [[Page 64328]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 194. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSES FOR COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION STORAGE CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1423; 7 CFR 1427 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Reinstated by Agency 10/08/03 NPRM 11/20/03 68 FR 65412 NPRM Comment Period End 03/11/04 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AE50 _______________________________________________________________________ 195. 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 02/09/04 69 FR 6056 NPRM Comment Period End 05/04/04 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AF60 _______________________________________________________________________ 196. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/22/05 70 FR 36055 Correction 08/11/05 70 FR 46799 NPRM Comment Period End 09/06/05 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ 197. OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS Priority: Other Significant 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 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG49 _______________________________________________________________________ 198. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG76 _______________________________________________________________________ 199. CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/27/05 70 FR 43262 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/26/05 Next Action Undetermined 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 200. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 08/17/04 69 FR 51052 Comment Period End 09/22/04 69 FR 56742 Notice 01/18/05 70 FR 2837 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG90 _______________________________________________________________________ 201. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RELATED CONCERNS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 799 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH02 [[Page 64329]] _______________________________________________________________________ 202. DEBT COLLECTION, DEBT SETTLEMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov Related RIN: Previously reported as 0560-AF22 RIN: 0560-AH09 _______________________________________________________________________ 203. PAYMENT LIMITATION AND PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY; TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH16 _______________________________________________________________________ 204. DISASTER DECLARATION AND DESIGNATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 791; 7 CFR 1945 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH17 _______________________________________________________________________ 205. CONSERVATION CONTRACT DEBT WRITE-DOWN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 766 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH23 _______________________________________________________________________ 206. 2004 COTTONSEED PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/24/05 70 FR 36536 NPRM Comment Period End 07/26/05 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH29 _______________________________________________________________________ 207. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH32 _______________________________________________________________________ 208. GUARANTEED LOANS--UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANCE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AH34 _______________________________________________________________________ 209. [bull] EXTRA LONG STAPLE COTTON PRICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7231; 7 USC 7931; 15 USC 714b CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: CCC is changing Competitiveness Payment Program for Extra Long Staple (ELS) Cotton to provide that the price currently used, ``U.S. spot quotes,'' will be replaced by the ``American Pima c.i.f. Northern Europe quote.'' American Pima c.i.f. Northern Europe is a comparison of foreign and U.S. quotes from the same source and within the same geographical area. This measure is a net of the payment rate and based on the export market. The Agency feels that this measure is appropriate because 90 percent of U.S.-produced ELS cotton is exported. This change is expected to reduce the payment rate and, consequently, budget outlays in the future. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/20/05 70 FR 35367 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/05/05 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department [[Page 64330]] 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@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH36 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 210. DESIGNATED MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS FOR PEANUTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/10/05 70 FR 33798 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH20 _______________________________________________________________________ 211. AMERICAN INDIAN LIVESTOCK FEED PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/25/05 70 FR 29200 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH26 _______________________________________________________________________ 212. 2004 DAIRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/25/05 70 FR 30009 Final Action 09/26/05 70 FR 56113 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH28 _______________________________________________________________________ 213. COLLECTION OF STATE COMMODITY ASSESSMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/07/05 70 FR 33043 Final Action 09/02/05 70 FR 52283 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH35 BILLING CODE 3410--05--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 214. 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 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 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/ rad/webrepor.html. [[Page 64331]] Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 215. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 216. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7712 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 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Matthew H. Royer, Senior Program Advisor, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room 626, 4700 River Road, Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-7819 Related RIN: Related to 0579-AA83 RIN: 0579-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 217. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS, RATS, AND MICE Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB69 _______________________________________________________________________ 218. REVISION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPORT REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 6 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 219. REVISION OF THE NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 7 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB85 _______________________________________________________________________ 220. VIRUSES, SERUMS, TOXINS, AND ANALOGOUS PRODUCTS; RECORDS AND REPORTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 151 to 159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 101; 9 CFR 116 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act regulations concerning records and reports to require veterinary biologics licensees and permittees to record and submit reports to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) concerning adverse events associated with the use of biological products that they produce or distribute. We would specify the information that must be included in the adverse event report and would require veterinary biologics manufacturers to report to APHIS the number of doses of each licensed product that they distribute. These actions would assist APHIS in providing complete and accurate information to consumers regarding adverse reactions or other problems associated with the use of licensed biological products. This proposed rule replaces a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document, that contained fewer specifics concerning the information that would have to be recorded in adverse event reports associated with the use of veterinary biologics that are submitted to the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/17/05 70 FR 48325 NPRM Comment Period End 10/17/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Albert P. Morgan, Chief Staff Veterinarian, VS, Center for Veterinary Biologics, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 148, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237 Phone: 301 734-8245 RIN: 0579-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 221. [bull] BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish domestic boll weevil regulations that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton producing States. The proposed regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 [[Page 64332]] 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: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8676 RIN: 0579-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 222. [bull] TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 149; 9 CFR 160 to 161 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish a voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention conditions. Under the proposed program, we 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 ability of producers to export pork and pork products to overseas markets. This proposed program, which would be funded by program fees, has been developed as a cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Pork Board, and the pork processing industry. If adopted, this program would include those producers who choose to participate in the program, as well as slaughter facilities and other persons that handle or process swine from pork production sites that have been certified under the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses 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: Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 210 Walnut Street, Room 891, Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515 284-4122 RIN: 0579-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 223. [bull] IMPORTATION OF BONELESS BEEF FROM JAPAN Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 8 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 224. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/01/02 67 FR 21934 NPRM Comment Period Extended 06/28/02 67 FR 43566 NPRM Comment Period End 07/01/02 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/02 Final Action 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Mark Teachman, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Emergency Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 41, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 225. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK AND DEER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 55; 9 CFR 81 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would establish requirements for the interstate movement of farmed elk and deer and provide indemnity for the depopulation of farmed elk and deer that have been infected with, or exposed to, chronic wasting disease (CWD). [[Page 64333]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/08/02 67 FR 5925 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/09/02 NPRM 12/24/03 68 FR 74513 NPRM Comment Period End 02/23/04 Final Rule 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dean Goeldner, Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 736-4916 RIN: 0579-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 226. GYPSY MOTH; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 77701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the gypsy moth regulations by removing restrictions on the interstate movement of wood chips, which do not pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses, and by adding restrictions on the movement and importation of bark and bark products, which pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses. In addition, the rule would extend by 2 months the period during which regulated articles originating outside of any generally infested area must be safeguarded from infestation in order to be eligible for interstate movement directly through any generally infested area without a certificate or permit. These changes are necessary to update the provisions in the regulations to ensure consistent actions by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, our cooperators, and industry in order to limit the artificial spread of gypsy moth. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/23/03 68 FR 28157 NPRM Comment Period End 07/22/03 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Weyman Fussell, Program Manager, Invasive Species and Pest Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-5705 RIN: 0579-AB55 _______________________________________________________________________ 227. PINE SHOOT BEETLE HOST MATERIAL FROM CANADA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would establish restrictions on the importation of pine shoot beetle host material into the United States from Canada. Pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist of pine bark or have pine bark attached, would have to meet certain requirements relating to documentation, treatment, handling, and utilization as a condition of importation into the United States from Canada. These restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction and spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/20/04 69 FR 61577 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/20/04 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Frederick A. Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8367 RIN: 0579-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 228. IMPORTATION OF SMALL LOTS OF SEED WITHOUT PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 9 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB78 _______________________________________________________________________ 229. IMPORTATION OF SWINE AND SWINE PRODUCTS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 94; 9 CFR 98 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for importing animals and animal products into the United States to (1) apply a uniform set of importation requirements related to classical swine fever (CSF) to a region consisting of all of the 15 Member States of the European Union (EU) that comprise the EU as of April 30, 2004 (the EU-15), and (2) prohibit for a specified period of time the importation of live swine and swine products from any area in the EU-15 that is identified by the veterinary authorities of the region as a restricted zone. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/08/05 70 FR 17928 [[Page 64334]] NPRM Comment Period End 06/07/05 Final Action 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Chip Wells, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB79 _______________________________________________________________________ 230. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 10 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AB82 _______________________________________________________________________ 231. REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS TO AMEND IMPORT REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish regulations governing the submission of requests for changes in our regulations that restrict the importation of plants, plant parts, and plant products. Despite existing non-regulatory guidance on the submission of requests, few applicants provide the basic information we need to properly consider their requests. If adopted, this rule would help ensure that we are provided with the information we need to prepare a risk analysis and/or other analyses that evaluate the risks and other effects associated with a proposed change to the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/28/04 69 FR 62823 NPRM Comment Period End 12/27/04 Final Action 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Ronald Sequeira, National Science Program Leader for Risk and Pathway Analysis, CPHST, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1015 Main Campus Drive, Suite 2500, Raleigh, NC 27602-5202 Phone: 919 513-2663 RIN: 0579-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 232. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by us. This would include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in interstate commerce are assembled. Our approval would be contingent on the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other conditions would be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats. This rule would provide for the establishment of standards for the approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/26/04 69 FR 52451 NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04 Final Action 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 233. USER FEES FOR AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE AND INSPECTION SERVICES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 354 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will amend the user fee regulations by adjusting the fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) services that are provided in connection with certain commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international airline passengers arriving at ports in the customs territory of the United States. Due to the events of September 11, 2001, and the resulting increased security concerns, a greater volume and variety of cargo entering the United States is being inspected. The fee adjustments are needed to recover the costs of this increased inspection activity and to account for routine inflationary increases in the cost of doing business. The adjusted [[Page 64335]] AQI user fees will cover fiscal years 2005 through 2010. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/09/04 69 FR 71660 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/01/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/07/05 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Jennifer Lemly, Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy, Analysis and Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232 Phone: 301 734-5901 Donna Ford, Branch Chief, Financial Services Branch, FMD, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232 Phone: 301 734-5901 RIN: 0579-AB88 _______________________________________________________________________ 234. [bull] AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./ CANADA BORDER Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 354 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend the foreign quarantine and user fee regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and vegetables imported from Canada and the exemptions from user fees for commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international air passengers entering the United States from Canada. As a result of this action, all agricultural products imported from Canada will be subject to inspection, and commercial conveyances, as well as airline passengers arriving on flights from Canada, will be subject to inspection and user fees. We are taking this action based on data showing an increasing number of interceptions on the U.S./Canada border of prohibited material that originated in regions other than Canada that presents a high risk of introducing plant pests or animal diseases into the United States. These findings, combined with additional Canadian airport preclearance data on interceptions of ineligible agricultural products approaching the U.S. border from Canada, strongly indicate that we need to expand and strengthen our pest exclusion and smuggling interdiction efforts at that border. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/00/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Alan S. Green, Executive Director, Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 36, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8261 RIN: 0579-AB94 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 235. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 236. 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 Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian Phone: 301 734-4382 RIN: 0579-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________ 237. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637 [[Page 64336]] NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian Phone: 301 734-4382 RIN: 0579-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 238. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/14/01 66 FR 42595 IRM Retroactively Effective 12/07/00 Sec 95.29 Effective 08/14/01 Interim Final Rule 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 239. 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 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael J. Gilsdorf Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB29 _______________________________________________________________________ 240. 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 Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ 241. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 242. METHYL BROMIDE; AUTHORIZATION AS OFFICIAL QUARANTINE USE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 304 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/12/04 69 FR 49824 NPRM Comment Period End 10/12/04 NPRM Comment Period Extended 10/12/04 69 FR 60567 NPRM Comment Period End 11/12/04 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Inder Paul Gadh Phone: 301 734-6799 RIN: 0579-AB54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 243. COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 373; 9 CFR 60 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/05/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Gregoire Phone: 301 734-5136 RIN: 0579-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ 244. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL RISK REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95 [[Page 64337]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Affirmation of Final Rule 04/08/05 70 FR 18252 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 245. FEDERAL MEASURES TO MITIGATE BSE RISKS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR FURTHER ACTION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50 to 85 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Close Case 08/05/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: S. A. Goodman Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 246. INTRODUCTIONS OF PLANTS GENETICALLY ENGINEERED TO PRODUCE INDUSTRIAL COMPOUNDS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 340 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Affirmation of Interim Rule 05/04/05 70 FR 23009 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Turner Phone: 301 734-8365 RIN: 0579-AB89 BILLING CODE 3410--34--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 247. 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 11/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 248. GUIDELINES FOR HATCH MULTISTATE RESEARCH FUND Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 361c CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The guidelines will be the administrative provisions for the Hatch Multistate Research Funds allocated to the State Agricultural Experiment Stations. This rule also includes the allocation and distribution method for these funds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janet Downey, Staff Accountant, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Phone: 202 205-0453 Fax: 202 401-3481 Email: jdowney@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ 249. REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 15 USC 638; PL 99-591, 100 Stat 3341; PL 106-554 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3403 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: CSREES proposes revising the existing administrative provisions for the Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program Administrative Regulations to implement changes compliant with the Small Business Innovation Research Policy Directive (67 FR 60072) of September 24, 2002. [[Page 64338]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Winston Sherman, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299 Phone: 202 401-5061 RIN: 0524-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 250. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 251. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA27 _______________________________________________________________________ 252. CSREES NON-FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3427; 7 CFR 3400; 7 CFR 3402; 7 CFR 3405; 7 CFR 3406; . . . Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Erin Daly Phone: 202 401-3319 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edaly@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA28 BILLING CODE 3410--09--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 253. 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 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0703, Washington, DC 20250-0703 Phone: 202 692-0097 TDD Phone: 202 692-0107 Fax: 202 692-0305 Email: carlton.lewis@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AA83 [[Page 64339]] _______________________________________________________________________ 254. 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 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 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-9647 Email: linda.rodgers@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ 255. 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 will consolidate seven regulations containing Community Facility (CF) servicing information into one, streamlined regulation. The Agency will also make changes to improve the servicing options available to CF borrowers. The goal is to work with borrowers to enable them to continue operating and providing essential community services to rural residents. This consolidation and the proposed changes will improve service to borrowers and will ensure that the Government's investment is protected and maximized. The proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or the Agency. The consolidation and revisions of these regulations will be in the best interest of the Government and the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 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 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-1498 Fax: 202-690-0471 Email: beth.jones@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 256. 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 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0783, Washington, DC 20250-0783 Phone: 202 720-1532 Fax: 202 720-2232 Email: carolyn.bell@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 257. 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: The Rural Housing Service is seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update its 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 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 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 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-1497 Email: angela.lausman@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC27 [[Page 64340]] _______________________________________________________________________ 258. 3550--DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 Community Land Trust (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. This package has been separated into two rules. All revisions, except the homeowner education requirement and the CLT, were published as a direct final rule. The Agency is in the process of developing a proposed rule to implement the homeowner education requirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 02/08/05 70 FR 6551 NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Second NPRM 06/00/06 Second NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janet Carter, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0783, Washington, DC 20250-0783 Phone: 202 720-1489 Fax: 202-690-2232 Email: janet.carter@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ 259. 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) 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 bring the requirements of these two regulations in line with the Agency's 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 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 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- 0761 Phone: 202 720-9651 Fax: 202 690-4335 Email: keith.suerdieck@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC55 _______________________________________________________________________ 260. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1901, subpart F; 7 CFR 1940, subpart G; 7 CFR 1940, subpart J 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; 7 CFR 1940-G, the current RHS/RBS environmental regulation; 7 CFR 1901-F, the current Historic Preservation regulation; and 7 CFR Part 1940-J, the current Intergovernmental Review regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural communities, and Rural Development staff and bring the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar actions. This rule consists of subparts A through O. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-9647 Email: linda.rodgers@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC56 [[Page 64341]] _______________________________________________________________________ 261. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3575, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service proposes to amend its regulations utilized to service the Community Facilities guaranteed loan program by adding terms and definitions applicable to this subpart, amend or add existing regulation to establish reporting responsibilities for lenders participating in the program, and amend or add regulation to clarify program parameters in making, guaranteeing, holding, servicing, or liquidating guaranteed loans. The intended effect of this action is to provide a precise understanding of terms as they apply to eligibility and program implementation and maintenance, and to establish accountability for adequate servicing on guaranteed loans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kendra L. Doedderlein, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-1503 Fax: 202-690-0471 Email: kendra.doedderlein@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 262. AMEND 3550--DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1996, a new payment assistance formula was implemented to provide assistance to Rural Housing Service customers to make home ownership affordable through the section 502 Direct Loan Program. No analysis has been conducted on the formula and its actual impacts since the change was implemented. Anecdotal information reveals that the formula may result in disparate treatment for some customers, especially those in the more rural counties. In addition, the formula is complex and difficult to explain to customers and partners. USDA has contracted for a study of the formula to determine the extent of disparate or unintended borrower treatments/consequences of the existing formula and develop more equitable and simplified alternatives to provide payment assistance to our customers without increasing the cost of the program to the Government. The Agency intends to solicit public comments on potential alternatives to the current formula and to publish proposed and final rule changes to the formula. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael S. Feinberg, Acting Director, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1474 Fax: 202-720-2232 Email: michael.feinberg@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC59 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 263. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING (MFH) REINVENTION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 1490a; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1475; 42 USC 1479; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 1481; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1485; 42 USC 1486 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1806, subpart A; 7 CFR 1955, subpart B; 7 CFR 1955, subpart C; 7 CFR 1956, subpart B; 7 CFR 1965, subpart B; 7 CFR 1965, subpart E; 7 CFR 1930, subpart C; 7 CFR 1944, subpart D; 7 CFR 1944, subpart E; 7 CFR 1951, subpart C; 7 CFR 1951, subpart D; 7 CFR 1951, subpart K; 7 CFR 1951, subpart N; 7 CFR 1955, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has consolidated and streamlined the regulations pertaining to section 515 Rural Rental Housing, section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans, section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants, and section 521 Rental Assistance Payments. Fourteen published regulations have been reduced to one regulation and handbooks for program administration. This will simplify loan origination and portfolio management for applicants, borrowers, and housing operators, as well as Rural Development field staff. This also provides flexibility for program modifications to reflect current and foreseeable changes. It reduces regulations that address solely internal Agency program administration. Finally, the regulation is more customer-friendly and responsive to the needs of the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/02/03 68 FR 32872 NPRM Comment Period End 08/01/03 Interim Final Rule 11/26/04 69 FR 69032 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/27/04 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/22/05 70 FR 8503 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 64342]] Agency Contact: Sue Harris-Green, Deputy Director, Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th Floor, Stop 0782, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1660 Fax: 202-690-3444 Email: susie.harris@wdc.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0575-AC24 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 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Roger Glendenning, Director, Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2248/Stop 0784, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0780 Phone: 202 720-1480 Fax: 202 205-2476 Email: roger.glendenning@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 265. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1970; 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1940 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 10/31/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Davis Phone: 202 720-9619 Related RIN: Merged with 0575-AC56 RIN: 0575-AC61 BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 266. 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 04/00/06 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 267. 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: The purpose of this rule is to update the rules governing establishment and maintenance of APH databases by incorporating changes in the Common Crop Insurance Provisions--Basic Provisions as mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA) and to incorporate existing Risk Management Agency procedures and language used in procedural handbooks and crop insurance provisions and making other changes and clarifications to better meet the needs of insureds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 64343]] 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 268. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS AND VARIOUS CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Basic Provisions and crop provisions for the Common Crop Insurance Policy are published in 7 CFR part 457. The Income Protection (IP) plan of insurance is a pilot program. The Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC) and the Revenue Assurance (RA) plans of insurance programs approved by the FCIC Board of Directors under 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act. IP, CRC, and RA are revenue products, and have many duplicate features between them and the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions and applicable crop provisions. Therefore, IP, CRC, and RA will be combined into the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions and small grains, cotton, coarse grains, malting barley, rice, canola, and rapeseed crop provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 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-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 269. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, PEANUT 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 solicit comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions in 7 CFR part 457.134 due to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, which eliminated the peanut quota program by FSN as administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). FCIC is soliciting public comment on the removal of references to quota and non-quota peanuts and to add crop insurance coverage for peanuts grown under a processor contract. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 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-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 270. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, TOBACCO 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 solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to remove and reserve section 457.156 Quota Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions and to revise Guarantee Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions as Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 eliminated the USDA Tobacco Marketing Quota Regulations and price support program by FSN as administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The revisions will remove references to quota and add coverage for tobacco grown under a processor contract. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 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-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 271. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, CABBAGE 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the cabbage pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The cabbage pilot program began in the 2000 crop year by offering cabbage crop insurance coverage to producers in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia (Colquitt and Rabun Counties), Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Following an evaluation of the cabbage pilot program, FCIC's Board of Director's approved conversion of the pilot program to permanent program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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 [[Page 64344]] Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB99 _______________________________________________________________________ 272. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, CULTIVATED WILD RICE 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the cultivated wild rice pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The cultivated wild rice pilot program began in the 1999 crop year by offering cultivated wild rice crop insurance coverage to producers in Minnesota and California. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 273. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, FLORIDA CITRUS FRUIT 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to amend the Florida Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance provisions by replacing the provisions currently contained at 7 CFR part 457.107 with revised provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ 274. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposal to modify, clarify, and standardize the provisions to be consistent with other crop provisions. Some of the proposed changes are to remove and/ or to add definitions to enable the expansion of sweet corn into other areas; to revise provisions to allow coverage in some regions for sweet corn that is direct marketed to consumers; to revise the end of the insurance period to allow flexibility for coverage to be expanded into other areas; and to clarify the computations for computing the amount of harvested production. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 275. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MINT 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the mint pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The mint pilot program began in the 2000 crop year by offering mint crop insurance coverage to producers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington, and Indiana. Following an evaluation of the mint pilot program, FCIC's Board of Director's approved conversion of the pilot program to permanent program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 276. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MUSTARD 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the mustard pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The mustard pilot program began in the 1999 crop year by offering mustard crop insurance coverage to producers in North Dakota. Following an evaluation of the mustard pilot program, FCIC's Board of Directors approved conversion of the [[Page 64345]] pilot program to a permanent program and approved expansion for the 2005 crop year into counties in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington where actuarially sound rates can be established. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 277. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, NORTHERN POTATO 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposal to revise the Northern Potato Crop provisions and endorsements for the 2007 crop year by: 1) Changing loss adjustment procedure; 2) enhancing the Northern Potato Processing Quality Endorsement; 3) clarifying the Northern Potato Quality Endorsement, Certified Seed Endorsement, and Storage Coverage Endorsement; and 4) clarifying the Central and Southern Potato Crop Provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 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-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 278. [bull] GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; APPEAL PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL--REINSURANCE AGREEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will solicit comments to amend the Appeal Procedures and the Standards for Approval regulations by making some clarifications to the appeal process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nancy Kreitzer, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4619, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1683 Email: nancy.kreitzer@rma.usda.gov RIN: 0563-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 279. 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 [[Page 64346]] rule is pending clearance; however, the Agency proceeded with the process and has waived NCS since 1999. -- 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 04/00/06 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 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 280. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/28/05 70 FR 37222 Final Action Effective 06/28/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 281. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND PROVISIONS OF POLICIES AND RATES OF PREMIUMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/02/05 70 FR 44222 Final Action Effective 09/01/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 282. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART V--PREMIUM REDUCTION PLANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action Effective 06/30/05 70 FR 41822 Final Action 07/20/05 70 FR 41822 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Craig Witt Phone: 202 690-2539 RIN: 0563-AB95 BILLING CODE 3410--08--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 283. PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AA85 _______________________________________________________________________ 284. EXPORT INSPECTION AND WEIGHTING WAIVER FOR HIGH QUALITY SPECIALTY GRAINS TRANSPORTED IN CONTAINERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/28/05 70 FR 21921 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/27/05 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AA87 _______________________________________________________________________ 285. [bull] REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADED COMMODITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.1; 7 CFR 868.60 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to revise the regulations under the United States Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to [[Page 64347]] allow interested persons to specify the quality factor(s) that would be redetermined during an appeal inspection or a Board appeal inspection for grade. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/07/05 70 FR 39199 NPRM Comment Period End 09/06/05 Final Action To Be Determined 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-AA89 _______________________________________________________________________ 286. [bull] UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR SOYBEANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800; 7 CFR 810 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA proposes to revise the United States Standards for Soybeans to change the minimum test weight per bushel from a grade determining factor to an informational factor. GIPSA also proposes to change the reporting requirements for test weight per bushel in soybeans from whole and half pounds with a fraction of a half pound disregarded to reporting to the nearest tenth of a pound. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined 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-AA90 _______________________________________________________________________ 287. [bull] UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR SORGHUM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 810 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is initiating a review of the sorghum standards. GIPSA will assess the need for revisions on the various sections of the United States Standards for Sorghum, the potential for improvements, and language clarity. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined 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-AA91 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 288. FEES ASSESSED BY THE SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/26/05 70 FR 50149 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AA88 BILLING CODE 3410--EN--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 289. 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 12/00/05 [[Page 64348]] NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Final Action 12/00/06 Final Action Effective 03/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 290. 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 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period Ends 02/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD12 _______________________________________________________________________ 291. 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 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 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD15 _______________________________________________________________________ 292. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO RECIPIENT CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION STANDARDS Priority: Info./Admin./Other 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 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD25 _______________________________________________________________________ 293. 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 [[Page 64349]] that have arisen subsequent to the 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; provides for an abbreviated administrative review when a State agency issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC disqualification; and prohibits State agencies from requiring infant formula manufacturers to provide free formula or other items as part of their infant formula rebate solicitations and contracts. (02-013) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/27/05 70 FR 43332 NPRM Comment Period End 11/25/05 Final Action 07/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD36 _______________________________________________________________________ 294. FSP: DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC LAW 107-171 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 11 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD37 _______________________________________________________________________ 295. 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: 42 USC 1751 et seq, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act 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 10/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD40 _______________________________________________________________________ 296. DATA COLLECTION RELATED TO INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, SITES, AND FACILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: EO 13279 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 246; 7 CFR 247; 7 CFR 251 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Executive Order 13279, which was signed on December 12, 2002, instructs Federal agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to collect data regarding the participation of faith-based and community-based organizations in social service programs that receive Federal financial assistance. This rulemaking would authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to require State agencies to collect and submit data to the Food and Nutrition Service that identifies the numbers, by categories to be determined by the Secretary, of institutions, organizations, sites, and facilities that apply to and participate in the Federal nutrition assistance programs. This rulemaking would add requirements to the following programs: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The data collection effort will end 5 years after the effective data of the interim final rule. (04-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD43 _______________________________________________________________________ 297. FSP: REVISIONS TO BONDING REQUIREMENTS FOR VIOLATING RETAIL AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 7 USC 2021 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.1(b)(4); 7 CFR 278.2(f) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed rule will revise the current bonding requirements set forth in section 278.1(b)(4) of Food Stamp Program (FSP) regulations that are imposed against retailers who have violated FSP rules and regulations. Section 12(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (the Act), as amended, gives the Secretary of Agriculture the discretionary authority to require that retailers who have been sanctioned for program violations present a collateral bond as a condition of future authorization. The Act also gives the Secretary the authority to prescribe the amount, terms, and conditions of such [[Page 64350]] bonds by regulation. Currently, all violating retailers that are sanctioned for a specified period of time or imposed a civil money penalty are required to submit a bond if they wish to continue to participate in the FSP. The bond must be valid as long as the firm is authorized to participate in the FSP regardless of the period of disqualification imposed or the amount of the civil money penalty assessed. Retailers are required to renew their bond through a financial institution on a periodic basis. The proposed rule will: 1) Eliminate the current bonding requirement for retailers who are disqualified for a period of 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 6-month disqualification period; and 2) limit the requirement to no more than 1 year for retailers who are disqualified for a specified period of time greater than 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a specified period of time greater than 6 months. Section 278.2(f) of the FSP regulations stipulates that retail food stores may not accept food stamp benefits in payment for any eligible food sold to food stamp households on credit. Thus, the proposed rule will also assign a specified period of time for retailers to be removed from the program for accepting food stamp benefits in payment for eligible food on credit. (04-002) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD44 _______________________________________________________________________ 298. DONATED FOODS IN CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE NUTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING CONTRACTS WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.12, 250.19, 250.24, 250.40, 250.41; 7 CFR 250.42, 250.48, 250.49, 250.50 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise or clarify requirements with respect to the distribution, management, and use of donated foods in child nutrition programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, and by charitable institutions. Most significantly, it would establish specific requirements to ensure that school food authorities and other recipient agencies in child nutrition programs receive the benefit of all donated foods provided under contract with food service management companies to conduct the food service. It would require the food service management company to credit the recipient agency for donated foods received, through invoice reductions, refunds, or other means of crediting. The rule would provide some flexibility in crediting for and use of donated foods by allowing the recipient agency to use donated food values other than the USDA purchase price and by allowing the food service management company to substitute donated foods with commercially purchased foods, with the exception of (1) donated ground beef and ground pork, and (2) end products received from processors. (04-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD45 _______________________________________________________________________ 299. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): DISCRETIONARY WIC VENDOR PROVISIONS IN THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004, PUBLIC LAW 108-265 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 2004. Abstract: This rule proposes to amend regulations for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) by adding three requirements mandated by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265, concerning retail vendors authorized by WIC State agencies to provide supplemental food to WIC participants in exchange for WIC food instruments. This rulemaking would require WIC State agencies to notify WIC-authorized retail vendors of an initial violation, for violations requiring a pattern of occurrences in order to impose a sanction, before documenting a subsequent violation unless notification would compromise an investigation. In addition, State agencies would maintain a list of State-licensed wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, and manufacturers registered with the Food and Drug Administration, and would require WIC-authorized retail vendors to purchase infant formula only from sources on the list. Further, State agencies would prohibit the authorization of or payments to WIC-authorized vendors that derive more than 50 percent of their annual food sales revenue (``above-50- percent vendors'') and which provide incentive items or other free merchandise except food or merchandise of nominal value to program participant customers unless the vendor provides the State agency with proof that the vendor obtained the incentive items or merchandise at no cost. The intent of these provisions is to, respectively, enhance due process for vendors; prevent defective infant formula from being consumed by infant WIC [[Page 64351]] participants; and, prevent increased WIC food costs caused by above-50- percent vendors who provide incentive items to participants which ultimately are derived from the proceeds of WIC purchases. (04-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Final Action Effective 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD47 _______________________________________________________________________ 300. FSP: REGULATION RESTRUCTURING TO REFLECT THE END OF COUPON ISSUANCE SYSTEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.8 and 274.12; 7 CFR 278 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed changes to the Food Stamp Program's regulations are being put forth to account for the replacement of the paper coupon issuance system with the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system as the nationwide method of distributing benefits to program recipients. These changes will remove coupon issuance regulations that are no longer applicable, revise regulatory language to more appropriately connote the new EBT issuance system (such as eliminating the use of the term ``coupon,'' and replacing it with either ``benefits'' or ``EBT card''), and reorganize sections to develop a more cohesive set of issuance and retailer regulations. None of the changes will have any policy impacts. The regulatory revisions, however, are necessary to avoid confusion by ensuring that the issuance and redemption requirements are clear and comprehensible. The sections that will be updated and reorganized by the proposed rule are 7 CFR parts 274 and 278. (04-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Final Action 05/00/07 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD48 _______________________________________________________________________ 301. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK SUBSTITUTIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 12 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD58 _______________________________________________________________________ 302. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS--DISTRIBUTING AGENCY EVALUATIONS OF NON- COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, COST COMPARISONS, SYSTEM APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 612c, 612c note, 1431, 1431b, 1431e, 1431 note, 1446a-1, 1859, 2014, 2025; 15 USC 713c; 22 USC 1922; 42 USC 1751, 1755, 1758, 1760, 1761, 1762a, 1766, 3030a, 5179, 5180 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Food Distribution Program regulations at 7 CFR part 250.14(a) currently require all distributing agencies to, at minimum, evaluate non-commercial systems, perform cost comparisons of existing systems with commercial systems, and seek FNS approval to use non-commercial facilities once every 3 years by March 31. This rule would amend current regulations at section 250.14(a) by removing the regulatory requirements above. By this time, per legislative mandate and the more stringent regulatory requirements, most States required to do so have conducted warehousing and distribution system evaluations and cost comparisons on multiple occasions. Through cycles of cost comparisons, we believe that conversions to commercial systems have already taken place where appropriate. The limited number of States that operate their own systems do so because no commercial system is available, or because the State-run system is more cost-effective. The removal of the above regulatory requirements, in addition to other minor changes to the provisions of section 250.14(a), will decrease the burden on State distributing agencies in terms of both paperwork and man hours, while providing those State agencies greater flexibility in program operations. The proposed rule would also rewrite the provisions of section 250.14(a) in a ``plain language'' format in order to make them easier to read and understand. The proposed rule will provide a public comment period, which would allow State agencies and other interested parties the forum to provide feedback and voice any concerns. All comments received during the specified comment period would be taken into consideration by FNS prior to publication of the rule in its final form. (05-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 [[Page 64352]] Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD72 _______________________________________________________________________ 303. WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FMNP PROVISIONS IN THE CN AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004 (PUB. L. 108-265) AND FMNP FUNDING FORMULA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule amends the FMNP regulations to implement the nondiscretionary FMNP provisions in Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The legislative provisions include: (1) An option for State agencies to authorize roadside stands without prior FNS approval; (2) revising the match requirement to apply the 30 percent to the administrative cost of the program instead of 30 percent of the total cost of the program (administrative and food costs); and (3) increasing the maximum Federal benefit level from $20 to $30. Also included in this rulemaking will be a funding formula methodology for the FMNP when funds requested exceed available funds to allocate. 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's need relative to all other State agencies' needs. (05-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Final Action Effective 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Additional Information: This action consolidates two previous actions: the FMNP Funding Formula Rule, RIN 0584-AD41 (withdrawn in the spring 2005 agenda), and the Implementation of the FMNP Provisions Included in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, RIN 0584-AD46 (withdrawn from the fall 2004 agenda). URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD41 RIN: 0584-AD74 _______________________________________________________________________ 304. [bull] FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: EXPIRATION OF RESIDUAL PAPER COUPONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 104-193 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Food stamp benefits are now issued and redeemed electronically as of the completion of nationwide electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system implementation in June 2004. However, residual coupons from the old paper issuance system remain in circulation. This rule proposes to set an expiration date for all paper coupons. Such action is necessary because there is no longer an infrastructure for redeeming the coupons. Retailers are becoming unfamiliar with coupons and how to process them, and some banks are refusing to redeem them because of the diminishing amount. Furthermore, despite decreased coupon redemptions, the FNS contract with the Federal Reserve Bank to redeem coupons deposited by retailers into financial institutions continues to cost FNS approximately $3 million per year due to overhead costs. In order to give clients ample opportunity to spend any remaining coupons they still have in their possession, we will propose to give clients 1 year from the final rule's publication date to spend their coupons. After 1 year, grocery stores will no longer be able to accept coupons. This timeframe is consistent with procedures for permanently expunging EBT food stamp accounts that have not been accessed for 1 year. (05-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Final Action 12/00/06 Final Action Effective 01/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD75 _______________________________________________________________________ 305. [bull] REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS IN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROCESSING OF DONATED FOODS FOR USE IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM AND OTHER FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.3, 250.13, 250.16, 250.17, 250.18; 7 CFR 250.19, 250.24, 250.30 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 64353]] Abstract: This proposed rule would amend current regulations to require multi-State processors to sign National Master Processing Agreements (NMPA) with the Department to process donated foods into end products, as under a current demonstration project. Under NMPA, the Department would be responsible for the review and approval of end product data schedules and the management of the processor's performance bond to protect the value of donated food inventories. Processors would still be required to enter into State Participation Agreements (SPA) to sell end products in the State and to meet other State-specific processing options. The proposals would reduce the workload currently required of State agencies in approving end product data schedules and accounting for donated foods provided to processors. However, State agencies may continue to ensure that processing requirements are met under current agreement or contract options. This proposed rule would also amend other processing requirements to reduce the paperwork burden and workload and to more fully integrate donated foods with commercial business practices. It would amend current regulations to: (1) Allow processing agreements or contracts of up to 5 years duration, rather than the current 1 year, with an option for two 1-year extensions; (2) allow substitution of donated beef and pork with like commercial foods of U.S. origin and of equal or better quality; (3) reduce the frequency of submission of processors' performance reports to distributing agencies with which they have entered into SPA to quarterly, rather than monthly; (4) reduce the frequency of verification of end product sales through commercial distributors to annually, rather than semiannually; (5) reduce independent CPA audit requirements for multi-State processors by revising upward the donated food value thresholds that determine the required frequency of such audits; and (6) require in-State processors to obtain an independent CPA audit every 3 years, and remove the requirement that distributing agencies conduct an on-site review of such processors at least once every 2 years. Lastly, we would use the rule to rewrite and reorganize processing regulations in a ``plain language'' format to make them easier to understand for the general public. (05-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD76 _______________________________________________________________________ 306. [bull] SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC): REVISIONS IN THE WIC FOOD PACKAGES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 13 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD77 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 307. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION 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. The final rule takes into consideration comments received on the proposed rule, which was published on December 12, 2002 (67 FR 71774). It also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from $10,000 to $25,000, in accordance with a nondiscretionary provision of Public Law 105-336. (89-515) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/02/02 67 FR 71774 NPRM Comment Period End 04/01/03 Final Action 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB10 _______________________________________________________________________ 308. 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 makes 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 revises those regulations to provide the State agency more flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. Clarifications and FNS settlement improvements are also incorporated into the rule. The rule [[Page 64354]] contains a provision to provide State agencies with a new option to allow retailers with commercial equipment to use a Store and Forward process instead of the manual voucher process when the system is down. This provision will go forward as an interim provision so that the Department can solicit additional comments. All the other provisions will go forward as final. (96-016) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/12/01 66 FR 36495 NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01 Interim Final Rule 04/11/05 70 FR 18263 Final Rule 04/11/05 70 FR 18263 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/11/05 Final Rule Effective 05/11/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/10/05 Final Action 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ 309. 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 10/00/05 Final Action Effective 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 310. 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 final rule changes 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 10/00/05 Final Action Effective 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC75 _______________________________________________________________________ 311. 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, 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 was withdrawn, and the final provisions are issued under RIN 0584-AC95. The final rule adopts or modifies as necessary many of the provisions mandated by the statute and required by the interim 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 [[Page 64355]] 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 10/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ 312. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS; NONDISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 31 USC 503, 111, and 7501; PL 98-502; PL 104-156 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, 226, 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 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD16 _______________________________________________________________________ 313. 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 11/00/05 Final Action Effective 12/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD27 _______________________________________________________________________ 314. FSP: EBT AND RETAIL FOOD STORES PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant 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, PL 107-171, sec 4108, 4113, and 4117. Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4110. 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 10/00/05 Final Action Effective 11/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD28 [[Page 64356]] _______________________________________________________________________ 315. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 316. FSP: NON-DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC LAW 107-171 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD31 _______________________________________________________________________ 317. FSP: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD32 _______________________________________________________________________ 318. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 4306 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 249 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule will implement the provision of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that gives the Department the authority to promulgate regulations for the operation and administration of the SFMNP. The purposes of the SFMNP are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, developing, and/or aiding in the development of domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. (02-012) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/26/05 70 FR 30558 NPRM Comment Period End 07/25/05 Final Action 05/00/06 Final Action Effective 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov URL For Public Comments: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD35 _______________________________________________________________________ 319. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH, SCHOOL BREAKFAST, AND SPECIAL MILK PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule updates the regulations for the National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program, and the School Breakfast Program regarding the use of federal funds for the provision of meals for school children. This rule prohibits school food authorities (SFA) from using funds in the non-profit school food service account for expenditures made under improperly procured contracts. 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 12/30/04 69 FR 78340 NPRM Comment Period End 02/28/05 Final Action 03/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD38 _______________________________________________________________________ 320. SEVERE NEED ASSISTANCE IN THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently, in order to receive the higher severe need School Breakfast Program reimbursements, schools must have served 40 percent + of their lunches free or at a reduced price in the second preceding year and must document their costs. They receive the lesser of their documented costs or the severe need rate. In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 7 CFR 220, the School Breakfast Program's regulations will be revised to remove the requirement to document costs. This law was also revised to require that the Secretary determine how schools without a 2nd preceding year history may qualify for severe need reimbursements. (04-008) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD50 [[Page 64357]] _______________________________________________________________________ 321. DISTRICT-WIDE USE OF PROVISIONS 2 AND 3 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently, schools may choose to use ``Provision 2'' or ``Provision 3,'' to reduce application burdens and simplify meal counting and claiming procedures. Provision 2 allows schools to establish claiming percentages and to serve all meals at no charge for a 4-year period. Provision 3 allows schools to simply receive the same level of Federal cash and commodity assistance each year, with some adjustments, for a 4-year period. Both provisions are used by schools with significant percentages of children eligible for free and reduced- price school meals. Schools serve all meals at no cost to the child but continue to be reimbursed at the rate determined in the year that the actual number of free and reduced price eligible children was determined. In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to allow school districts to use ``Provision 2`` or ''Provision 3`` on a district-wide basis as well as on a school basis. (04-009) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD51 _______________________________________________________________________ 322. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 235 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: State Administrative Expense Fund regulations will be revised to increase the minimum State grant for administrative expenses to $200,000 a year (indexed after fiscal year 2008) and requires that: For fiscal years 2005 through 2007, no State will receive less than its fiscal year 2004 allocation. This rule will also require States to submit, for the Secretary's approval, an amendment to their State plan indicating how it will allocate their State administrative expense funds for information management systems that improve program integrity by (1) monitoring the nutrient content of meals; (2) training schools and school food authorities in how to use technology and information management systems for menu planning, collecting ``point-of-sale'' data, processing applications for free and reduced-price meals, and verifying eligibility; and (3) using electronic data to establish benchmarks to monitor program integrity, program participation, and financial data across schools and school food authorities. (04-011) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD53 _______________________________________________________________________ 323. APPLYING FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IN SCHOOLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations for determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk in schools will be revised to require that: (1) Descriptive materials distributed to parents and guardians contain a notification that: -- Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (the WIC program), the Food Stamp Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, and State Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF) programs may be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals; and -- Documentation may be requested for verification of eligibility for free or reduced-price meals; (2) Eligibility determinations for free or reduced-price school meals (other than cases where ``direct certification'' is used) are to be made on the basis of a complete application executed by an adult member of the household or in accordance with guidance issued by the Secretary. It will also stipulate that the household application must identify the names of each child in the household for whom free or reduced-price meal benefits are being requested and bars State agencies and local educational authorities from requesting separate applications for each child in cases where the children attend schools in the same local educational authority; (3) Explicitly permits applications with electronic signatures if the application is submitted electronically and the application filing system meets confidentiality standards set by the Secretary; and (4) Eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals remains valid for 1 year for most students. Eligibility would remain in effect beginning with approval for the current school year and ending on a date during the subsequent school year determined by the Secretary. An exception is included for cases where verification activities indicate ineligibility. (04-012) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/05 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 [[Page 64358]] Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD54 _______________________________________________________________________ 324. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: INCREASING THE MAXIMUM AGE FOR CHILDREN IN HOMELESS SHELTERS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE CACFP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that authorizes the reimbursement of CACFP meals served to children through age 18 who are residing in emergency shelters. Previously, CACFP reimbursements to emergency shelters were limited to meals served to children through age 12. (04- 014) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/00/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD56 _______________________________________________________________________ 325. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: MARKETING AND SALES OF FLUID MILK PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 108-265 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit schools from entering into contracts that directly or indirectly restrict the sale or marketing of fluid milk products on school premises or at school sponsored events at any time or any place. This amendment was in response to procurement contracts that limited the types of products that schools could sell outside of the reimbursable meal programs. This rule would incorporate that requirement into the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program. (04-015) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/05 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD57 _______________________________________________________________________ 326. NUTRITION STANDARDS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 103 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 108-265 requires the Secretary to issue regulations that reflect specific recommendations for increased consumption of foods and food ingredients in school nutrition programs based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The current regulations specify that reimbursable meals offered by schools meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that are specified in the regulations. This final rule would revise the current regulations on nutrition standards to require that participating schools meet the applicable recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans as specified in program guidance. This revision would permit USDA and schools to more promptly conform to any new recommendations in the nutrition standards. (04-017) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD59 _______________________________________________________________________ 327. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY AND DIRECT CERTIFICATION FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS AND FREE MILK IN SCHOOLS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD60 _______________________________________________________________________ 328. REVISED VERIFICATION PROCEDURES IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the verification procedures in 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to require that, starting July 2005: 1. Local Educational Authorities (LEAs) verify the eligibility of children in a sample of approved free and reduced-price school meal applications. The basic sample size would be the lesser of 3 percent of all approved applications (as of October 1 of the school year) selected from error-prone [[Page 64359]] applications or 3,000 approved error-prone applications. Error-prone applications would be those defined as within $100 a month or $1200 annually of the applicable income limit or, alternately, under criteria set by USDA. However, local educational agencies could choose 1 of 2 alternate sample sizes (effectively the options established in current regulations) if: -- Their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is less than 20 percent, or -- For a local educational agency with more than 20,000 children approved by application as eligible for free or reduced-price school meals as of October 1, their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is improved by 10 percent from the nonresponse rate for the second preceding school year. A nonresponse rate is the percentage of approved household applications for which verification information has not been obtained by a LEA. However, second-preceding-school-year nonresponse rates may not be available for all schools for the 2005-2006 school year. As a result, this rule would also provide that, for the 2005-2006 school year, large local educational agencies (20,000+ approved students) also could qualify to use 1 of the 2 alternate sample sizes (the options in current regulations) if they attempt to verify all approved household applications through the use of direct verification. When verifying eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, local educational agencies can first use direct verification and obtain and use income and program participation information from public agencies administering certain programs. The programs are: The Food Stamp Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, State TANF programs, State Medicaid programs, or similar income-tested programs (or other sources of information). In cases in which there are not enough error-prone applications to comply with the options, local educational agencies would be required to randomly select additional applications to fulfill the percentage or number requirement. 2. Requires local educational agencies to complete all verification activities (including required ``follow-up'' activities) by November 15 of each school year; States may extend this deadline to December 15 under criteria set by the Secretary. It will also require local educational agencies to make appropriate modifications to eligibility determinations based on their verification activities. 3. It also allows local educational agencies to ``decline'' to verify up to 5 percent of their verification sample and replace the declined applications with other approved applications. 4. Requires that the local educational agency provide written notice to households selected for verification. The notice must include a toll- free phone number that the household can call for assistance with the verification process. (04-019) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD61 _______________________________________________________________________ 329. SCHOOL FOOD SAFETY: HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Regulations will be revised to require that school food authorities implement a school food safety program for the preparation and service of meals that complies with any ``hazard analysis and critical control point'' system established by USDA through guidance, training, and technical assistance. (04-023) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD65 _______________________________________________________________________ 330. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: DISREGARD OF OVERPAYMENTS IN THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule implements a provision of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265). It creates uniform regulations related to the disregard of overpayments made to a school or institution in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), or Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It allows the Department and State agencies, when conducting management evaluations, reviews, or audits in the NSLP, SBP, or CACFP, to disregard overpayments to a school or institution under certain conditions. However, no overpayment would be disregarded where there is substantial evidence of violations of criminal law or civil fraud statutes. (04-026) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/00/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 64360]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD68 _______________________________________________________________________ 331. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: SEAMLESS SUMMER OPTION FOR SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 116 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) amended section 13(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to authorize a Seamless Summer Option for public or private nonprofit school food authorities to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The law stipulates that schools that participate under the Seamless Summer Option must be reimbursed for breakfasts served at the School Breakfast Program free rates and for lunches and snacks served at the National School Lunch Program free rates. The Committee Report (108-279) accompanying the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 notes that the provision closely tracks the current Seamless Summer Feeding Waiver, which has been available to school sponsors nationwide since fiscal year 2002. This interim final rule will amend 7 CFR parts 210 and 220 to incorporate the Seamless Summer Option that will be available to public and private nonprofit school food authorities that participate in the NSLP and SBP. The Department also intends to incorporate into the NSLP and SBP regulations much of the policy that has been developed for schools that were approved by State agencies or FNS to operate the waiver. (04-028) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/00/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/00/06 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD70 _______________________________________________________________________ 332. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): WIC VENDOR COST CONTAINMENT Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 18 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0584-AD71 _______________________________________________________________________ 333. WIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRETIONARY WIC CERTIFICATION AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS IN THE CN AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004 (PUB. L. 108-265) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule implements the nondiscretionary WIC provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265). It contains provisions that address the following aspects of WIC Program administration and operation: 1.Expansion of definitions of ``nutrition education'' and ``supplemental foods'' 2.Infant formula rebate contracts -- Adds new definitions (``State alliance'' and ``primary contract infant formula'') -- Limits the size of State alliances -- Requires State agencies to use primary contract infant formula as the first choice of issuance -- Allows State agencies to round up to the next whole can of infant formula as part of the prescribed food package -- Requires uncoupling of bids for milk- and soy-based infant formula in certain rebate solicitations -- Requires that bid solicitations require manufacturers to make a cent-for-cent increase or decrease in rebate amounts to match changes in national wholesale prices occurring subsequent to the bid opening -- Requires a State agency to have a system to ensure that rebate invoices provide a reasonable estimate or actual count of the number of units sold in the program 3.Program eligibility -- Provides additional exceptions to the physical presence requirement 4.Food delivery systems -- Requires State agencies to allow participants to receive supplemental foods from any of the authorized stores under retail food delivery systems -- Requires the State plan to include a description of the State agency's procedures for accepting and processing vendor applications outside the established timeframes -- Prohibits a State agency from imposing the cost of electronic benefit transfer equipment, systems, or processing on retail vendors 5.Funding and financial management -- Increases State agency carry-forward authority for nutrition services and administration funds from 1 percent to 3 percent -- Allows State agencies to use funds recovered through local agency claims in the same way that it uses funds recovered from vendors and participants. (04-006) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/00/06 Final Action Effective 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal [[Page 64361]] Additional Information: This rule was initially assigned RIN 0584-AD49, and was withdrawn from the Fall 2004 Unified Agenda and Plan on September 14, 2004. URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD73 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 334. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/12/00 65 FR 55103 NPRM Comment Period End 12/11/00 Interim Final Rule 09/01/04 69 FR 53502 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/01/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/01/05 Final Action 12/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 335. 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 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/24/02 Final Action 12/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 336. ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR REDUCTION IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions 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-AD52 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 337. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP): PLAIN LANGUAGE, PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 247 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 08/11/05 70 FR 47052 Final Rule Effective 09/12/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AC84 _______________________________________________________________________ 338. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN MIGRATORY, HOMELESS, AND RUNAWAY YOUTH Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn--The provisions of this rule have been combined with 0584-AD60. 06/10/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 64362]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD60 RIN: 0584-AD62 _______________________________________________________________________ 339. FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS, AUDITS, AND REPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/15/05 70 FR 34627 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/15/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations 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-AD64 _______________________________________________________________________ 340. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: FOR-PROFIT CENTER PARTICIPATION IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/27/05 70 FR 43259 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/26/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/26/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AD66 _______________________________________________________________________ 341. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: PERMANENT AGREEMENTS FOR DAY CARE HOME PROVIDERS IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/15/05 70 FR 34630 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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-AD69 BILLING CODE 3410--30--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 342. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PUMPED OR MASSAGED BACON Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 19 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 343. EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 20 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 344. PRIOR LABELING APPROVAL SYSTEM: GENERIC LABEL APPROVAL 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 meat 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 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robert Post, Ph.D., 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 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC59 _______________________________________________________________________ 345. 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 [[Page 64363]] 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 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC81 _______________________________________________________________________ 346. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR CHILLING OF READY-TO-COOK POULTRY Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 21 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC87 _______________________________________________________________________ 347. 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 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 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6400 Fax: 202 720-7990 Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC92 RIN: 0583-AD01 _______________________________________________________________________ 348. FOOD DEFENSE PLANS Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 1031 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 420 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to require that official establishments develop, implement, and maintain food security plans to prevent intentional product contamination. FSIS is also proposing to require establishments to review these plans at least once a year and modify them as appropriate. FSIS is taking this action to enhance protection of the nation's food supply against possible terrorist acts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Bobby Palesano, Acting Deputy Executive Associate for Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2932, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2490 Fax: 202 205-0080 Email: bobby.palesano@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD06 _______________________________________________________________________ 349. ACCREDITED LABORATORY PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318, 381, and 439 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposal revises, edits, and consolidates provisions to establish standards and procedures for the accreditation of non-Federal analytical chemistry laboratories. FSIS is proposing to amend the regulations to accommodate more readily the adoption of newer methods for analyzing an expanded number of chemical residues and to correct some factual data. In addition, FSIS is proposing to make other editorial changes to reflect Agency reorganizations and program changes since a rule was published in 1993. This rule also proposes to consolidate the regulations, now in two parts, into a single part, 9 CFR part 439. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Ph.D, Director, Regulations and Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD09 _______________________________________________________________________ 350. SHARING OF FIRMS' DISTRIBUTION LISTS OF RETAIL CONSIGNEES DURING MEAT OR POULTRY PRODUCT RECALLS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 22 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AD10 [[Page 64364]] _______________________________________________________________________ 351. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 USC 601 et seq); Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 USC 451 et seq); Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 USC 1031 et seq); Government Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998 (PL 105-277, title XVII) CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to accept electronic signatures as equal to handwritten signatures so long as the electronic report-generating and recordkeeping system uses procedures and controls designed to ensure authenticity, integrity, and where necessary, confidentiality. Such systems must also ensure that signatures are linked to records; that signatures cannot be excised, copied, transferred, or otherwise falsified; and that the signer cannot repudiate signed records as not genuine. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wanda Haxton, Program Analyst, Regulations and Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0299 Fax: (202)6900486 Email: wanda.haxton@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD14 _______________________________________________________________________ 352. [bull] DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING THE NET WEIGHT COMPLIANCE OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 USC 601 et seq); Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 USC 451 et seq); Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 USC 1031 et seq); Government Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998 (PL 105-277, title XVII) CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 442 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend its inspection regulations to reflect the changes in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133 standards for determining the reasonable variations allowed, definitions, and procedures used to determine net weight and net weight compliance for meat and poultry products. FSIS' meat and poultry regulations (9 CFR 317.18 through 317.22 and 381.121a through 381.121e) incorporate, by reference, the NIST standards in Handbook 133 as the mandatory requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Ph.D., 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 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD17 _______________________________________________________________________ 353. [bull] ALLOWING BAR-TYPE CUT TURKEY OPERATIONS TO USE J-TYPE CUT MAXIMUM LINE SPEEDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.68 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend the Federal poultry products inspection regulations to provide that turkey slaughter establishments that open turkey carcasses with Bar-type cuts may operate at the maximum line speeds established for J-type cuts, if the establishment uses the specific type of shackle described in this proposed rule. Under this proposed rule, as under current regulations, the inspector in charge will reduce line speeds when, in his or her judgment, the prescribed inspection procedure cannot be adequately performed within the time available because of the health conditions of a particular flock or because of other factors. Such factors include the manner in which birds are being presented to the inspector for inspection and the level of contamination among the birds on the line. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/05 70 FR 53582 NPRM Comment Period End 12/08/05 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Shaukat Sued, Director, New Technology Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0675 Email: shaukat.syed@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD18 [[Page 64365]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 354. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 23 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 355. NUTRITION LABELING OF SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS AND GROUND OR CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 24 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC60 _______________________________________________________________________ 356. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 25 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 357. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 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 will allow, on a voluntary basis, the on-line antimicrobial reprocessing of pre-chill poultry that are accidently contaminated with digestive tract contents during slaughter. Generic E. coli will be the indicator organism. This pre-chill criterion will be in addition to the post-chill standards for generic E. coli and Salmonella already required by the HACCP regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/01/00 65 FR 75187 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/01 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC73 _______________________________________________________________________ 358. 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. The rule will update existing regulations to reflect current poultry characteristics and production practices. Therefore, the impact on the poultry industry is expected to be minimal. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/29/03 68 FR 55902 NPRM Comment Period End 02/09/04 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Ph.D., 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 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC83 _______________________________________________________________________ 359. PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF SPECIFIED RISK MATERIALS FOR HUMAN FOOD AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF NON-AMBULATORY DISABLED CATTLE Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 26 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC88 _______________________________________________________________________ 360. MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND MEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301.2; 9 CFR 318.24 (Revision); 9 CFR 320.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations. The rule is designed, in part, to prevent human exposure to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent by ensuring that Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery (AMR) systems are not a means of introducing central nervous system (CNS)-type tissue into product labeled as ``meat.'' Meat may be derived by mechanically separating skeletal muscle tissue from the bones of livestock, other than skulls or vertebral column bones of cattle 30 months of age and older, using advances in mechanical meat/bone separation machinery; i.e., AMR systems. The recovered meat product may not incorporate any brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal root ganglia tissues. In addition, there must be no more than a non- significant incorporation of bone solids or bone marrow as measured by the presence of calcium and iron in excess of the requirements in the interim final rule. This rule also requires that federally inspected establishments that process cattle develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of specified risk materials (SRMs), including non-complying products from beef AMR systems. These procedures are required to be incorporated into an establishment's HACCP plan, Sanitation Standard Operation Procedures, or other prerequisite program. FSIS took [[Page 64366]] this action in response to the diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the Department of Agriculture of a positive case of BSE in an adult Holstein cow in the State of Washington. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/04 69 FR 1874 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/12/04 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC51 RIN: 0583-AD00 _______________________________________________________________________ 361. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF AIR-INJECTION STUNNERS FOR THE SLAUGHTER OF CATTLE Priority: Other Significant 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/04 69 FR 1885 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/07/04 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD03 _______________________________________________________________________ 362. FREQUENCY OF FOREIGN INSPECTION SYSTEM SUPERVISORY VISITS TO CERTIFIED FOREIGN ESTABLISHMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 7 USC 138f, 450; 21 USC 451 to 470 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327.2; 9 CFR 381.96 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to change the required frequency of foreign inspection system supervisory visits to certified foreign establishments so as to bring FSIS import requirements into agreement with its requirements for domestic establishments. FSIS is proposing to delete the current requirement that supervisory visits take place ``not less frequent[ly] than one such visit per month.'' In its place, FSIS is proposing to require foreign inspection systems to make ``periodic supervisory visits`` to certified establishments in order to ensure that such establishments continue to meet FSIS requirements for certification to export meat and poultry to the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/18/04 69 FR 51194 NPRM Comment Period End 10/18/04 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6400 Fax: 202 720-7990 Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD08 _______________________________________________________________________ 363. INCREASES IN FEES FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION SERVICES--FISCAL YEARS 2004 TO 2008 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 USC 601, et seq); Poultry Product Inspection Act (21 USC 451, et seq); Egg Product Inspection Act (21 USC 1031, et seq) CFR Citation: 9 CFR 391.2; 9 CFR 391.3; 9 CFR 391.4; 9 CFR 590.126; 9 CFR 590.126(a); 9 CFR 592.2; 9 CFR 592.3; 9 CFR 592.4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will adjust the fees which FSIS charges meat and poultry establishments, egg products plants, importers, and exporters for providing voluntary inspection services, overtime and holiday inspection services, identification services, certification services, and laboratory services. The Agency is proposing to raise these fees to reflect, among other factors, the national and locality pay raises for Federal employees and inflation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/20/05 70 FR 41635 NPRM Comment Period End 08/19/05 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 64367]] Agency Contact: Wanda Haxton, Program Analyst, Regulations and Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0299 Fax: (202)6900486 Email: wanda.haxton@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD12 _______________________________________________________________________ 364. [bull] ADDITION OF CHILE TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: None CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to add Chile to the list of countries eligible to export meat and meat products to the United States. Reviews by FSIS of Chile's laws, regulations, and other materials show that its meat inspection system includes requirements equivalent to all provisions in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and its implementing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/10/05 70 FR 24485 NPRM Comment Period End 07/11/05 Final Action 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffrey L. Brown, Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2096 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: jeffrey.brown@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD16 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 365. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTITUTE 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 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/09/05 70 FR 33803 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ 366. ADDITION OF SAN MARINO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/04/05 70 FR 57725 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sally White Phone: 202 720-6400 Fax: 202 720-7990 Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC91 _______________________________________________________________________ 367. REQUIRING INDUSTRY E. COLI O157:H7 TEST RESULTS FOR RAW BEEF PRODUCTS BE MAINTAINED IN ONE SPECIFIC LOCATION IN THE ESTABLISHMENT Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 320 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn because of new priorities 06/28/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: rachel.edelstein@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD11 _______________________________________________________________________ 368. TERMINATION OF DESIGNATION OF THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA WITH RESPECT TO THE INSPECTION OF POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.221; 9 CFR 381.224 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/17/05 70 FR 35165 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD13 BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S [[Page 64368]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 369. QUALITY SAMPLES PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the Quality Samples Program (QSP), currently authorized by section 5(f) of the CCC Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f). This proposed rule would codify existing guidelines. The rule would provide specific regulations concerning program administration. Significant provisions include program objectives and priorities, eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and review processes, reimbursement rules and procedures, financial reporting and program evaluation requirements, and program controls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.fas.usda.gov Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4055 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: liliana.silva-castellanos@usda.gov 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-AA68 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 370. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS UNDER 7 CFR 1530 Priority: Other Significant 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; 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 01/21/05 70 FR 3150 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4055 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: liliana.silva-castellanos@usda.gov 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 BILLING CODE 3410--10--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 371. 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 [[Page 64369]] part 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 18 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 12/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 372. 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 subsection (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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ 373. 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 212; 36 CFR 214; 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 228; 26 CFR 241; 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 254; 36 CFR 292 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to revise the process by which certain parties can appeal decisions relating to authorizations for use and occupancy of National Forest System lands and resources. This proposed rule would create a new part 214 to replace regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C. The Forest Service has a continuing commitment to review its regulations periodically, to identify specific problems in administering them, and to determine whether they meet agency and public needs. Experience with the procedures at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, has shown that certain provisions in the rule consistently raise questions. Thus, the agency has identified a need to amend the procedures at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, to correct and clarify aspects of the part 251 appeals process and its relationship to the amended appeal rule at 36 CFR part 215. Among specific changes being proposed are acknowledgement that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to locatable mining operations; making terminology consistent with part 215; establishing timeframes for intervening, scheduling oral presentations or requesting stays; 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 conforming technical revisions to 36 CFR parts 212, 215, 228, 241, 251, 254, and 292. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 374. 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, [[Page 64370]] 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 01/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ 375. 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 changing the reference to 16 U.S.C. 472(d) to 16 U.S.C. 472a(d). This proposed rule would revise the existing regulations regarding noncompetitive sale of timber based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that ``extraordinary conditions'' exist to apply to sales agency wide. This proposed rule would add paragraph (c), which further defines extraordinary conditions to allow forest officers, without advertisement, to make modifications to awarded timber and forest product sales, which result in the substitution of timber or forest products from outside the sale area specified in the contract. This would be applied to situations where replacement timber from outside the sale area could be substituted for timber lost as a result of litigation or catastrophic events. Substitute timber or forest products must be from the same National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis area, and meet agency requirements for compliance with the NEPA, the National Forest Management Act, and notice, comment, and appeal procedures at 36 CFR part 215. This proposed rule would authorize the Forest Service to propose timber sale modifications and to enter into discussions with purchasers on such modifications. But, timber purchasers would not be obligated to accept any proposed modifications. 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 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 376. 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 in 1997. 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 12/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ 377. LOCATABLE MINERALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A [[Page 64371]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This revision follows recommended changes developed by the Government Accountability Office and Office of Inspector General 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 11/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 378. GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION (INTERIM DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2209.13, CHAPTERS 10 AND 20) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5801 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Updated national direction is needed to ensure the agency is both current and consistent in working with grazing permittees in all Forest Service Regions. The Forest Service issued 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: 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directives 07/19/05 70 FR 41370 Comment Period End 08/20/05 Proposed and Interim Directives 08/19/05 70 FR 48663 Comment Period End 12/19/05 Notice--Previous Actions Withdrawn for Reconsideration 09/20/05 70 FR 55102 Proposed Directives 12/00/07 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 379. CLIMBING BOLTS IN WILDERNESS (PROPOSED INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1131 to 1136 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed interim directive to Forest Service Manual 2320 to establish policy regarding the use and placement of climbing bolts (fixed anchors) for rock climbing in wilderness. The need for managing the use of climbing bolts in wilderness arose in the late 1980s with disputes over their use in the Superstition Wilderness in Arizona. Since that time, a number of efforts have been initiated to resolve the issue, but have all failed. This includes the establishment of the Fixed Anchors in Wilderness Negotiated Rulemaking Committee in 1999, to develop and recommend a policy to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee could not reach unanimous consensus on a proposed policy, and was therefore terminated. Representatives of the climbing community have been in frequent contact with the Forest Service since the committee was terminated requesting resolution of the issue. This proposed interim directive would assure consistent treatment of the use and placement of climbing bolts in wilderness throughout the National Forest System. It would establish policy to address where the use and placement of fixed anchors is appropriate for recreational purposes and emergency needs, and limitations on associated equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 02/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC21 _______________________________________________________________________ 380. RECREATION EVENT FEES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2720) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497, 551 [[Page 64372]] CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to amend Forest Service Manual 2721.49 regarding the basis of determining fees for recreation events. Currently, fees are based on a percentage of gross revenues. The proposed fee system would establish a fee based on the number of people involved in the event. This modification in the fee system would result in fees similar to the Bureau of Land Management for this type of use. Additionally, the modification would reduce the administrative workload, for both holders and the Government, associated with the auditing of records for permits that generate less than $100,000 in revenue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 02/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 381. OUTFITTER AND GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTERS 30 AND 40) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to amend certain portions of agency direction for outfitter/guide special use authorizations. This action is being taken to ensure quality long- term public service and reduce administrative burden to small business and the Agency. The proposed directive would revise a number of existing provisions and provide new direction. For example, the current fee system would change from one based on a percentage of gross revenue to a flat rate concession fee for minor uses; guidance for considering capacity analysis would be developed, and the transfer and renewal of existing authorizations and the accommodation of short term use would be clarified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directives 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 382. SECRETARY DETERMINATION THAT DOMESTIC SPECIES OF UNPROCESSED TIMBER ARE SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC NEEDS WITHIN THE ZONE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200(d) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend 36 CFR 223.200 to add a new paragraph (d) to address the Secretary of Agriculture's proposed determination that domestic species of unprocessed timber within the zone of southern California are being considered surplus to domestic needs. Section 439 of Public Law 101-382, the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act (16 U.S.C. 620 note, 620, 620a-j) established special authorities for determining if specific quantities of grades and species of unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands is surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. Extended drought conditions, overstocking, and increased bark beetle activities have created a forest health and fuels management crisis on national forests in southern California. The San Bernardino National Forest, the most heavily impacted national forest, has identified over 100,000 acres of dead and dying timber for priority treatment, with an estimated 140 million board feet of salvage volume. As of September 2003, over 474,000 acres of the gross acreage within the forest boundary is showing significant vegetative mortality. Processing infrastructure such as loggers, log truckers, or mills do not exist in the area. Most of this timber volume is economically inaccessible to the domestic timber market. The Secretary's proposed determination that domestic species of unprocessed timber is surplus to domestic needs would allow the lifting of export restrictions so unprocessed timber could be offered on the foreign market. This action would increase utilization of dead and dying timber, increase capability to reduce hazardous fuels, and decrease government costs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC27 _______________________________________________________________________ 383. NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472, 551, 1612 note CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service promulgated a final rule on June 4, 2003 (68 FR 33595), at 36 CFR part 215, revising the process by which the [[Page 64373]] public can receive notice and be provided an opportunity to comment on proposed actions for projects and activities implementing a land management plan prior to a decision by the Responsible Official. The rule also established an appeal process and identified the decisions that may be appealed, who may appeal those decisions, the responsibilities of the participants in an appeal, and the procedures that apply for the prompt disposition of the appeal. Since publishing the current rule at 36 CFR part 215, the Forest Service has identified inconsistencies between sections of this regulation, sections that are inconsistent with other regulations, and some inadvertent omissions. Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing a technical amendment to the rule to resolve inconsistencies and clarify intent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC28 _______________________________________________________________________ 384. CLARIFYING PROHIBITIONS AGAINST DAMAGE TO THE NATIONAL FOREST BY ESCAPED FIRES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.1; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 261.5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service intends to amend 36 CFR 261.1, 261.2, and 261.5 to clarify that strict liability will be applied to a person who commits a prohibited action under section 261 that results in a fire escaping and damaging or threatening National Forest System lands. This section has not been interpreted consistently in the courts. Amending the CFR to align with the Model Penal Code definitions of criminal intent will achieve consistency in application and interpretation. In addition, the CFR will be amended to clarify that a person conducting a legitimate prescribed fire on private or public lands adjacent to National Forest System Lands will be subject to the Model Penal Code standard of negligence. This will bring the law enforcement action in line with the objectives and goals of the National Fire Plan and the Healthy Forest Initiative by assuring those who conduct those activities with due diligence will not be subject to a strict liability interpretation in 36 CFR 261.5. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC30 _______________________________________________________________________ 385. REVISIONS TO GENERAL PROHIBITIONS REGARDING LIVESTOCK AND WILD FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.7 ; 36 CFR 261.21 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, subpart A, section 261.7 and section 261.21, to clarify ambiguity regarding whether strict liability must be proven for the general prohibitions in each section. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 386. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) DOCUMENTATION FOR SPORICIDE USE ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is considering development of a new Categorical Exclusion (CE) to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook, chapter 30, which addresses categories of action that normally do not require either an environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA). The new category would be applicable to the use of fungicide on recently cut trees through thinning or other tree cutting activity in conjunction with the Healthy Forest Initiative categorical exclusions (and possibly other situations). Coordination with other governmental agencies will be conducted during development of the aforementioned CE. The Healthy Forest Initiatives (HFI) Categorical Exclusion 31.2(10) states `Hazardous fuels reduction activities ... (d) shall not include the use of herbicide or pesticides. . ..' It has come to our attention that a frequently connected action of thinning for fuels reduction is the use of sporax or borax fungicide to maintain stand health. Such fungicides, although commonly used in forestry and elsewhere, are technically classified as a pesticide and as such are not allowed under 31.2(10). This incongruity has had the following [[Page 64374]] effect: (a) Some units may be alternatively using timber sale improvement category 31.2(6) or other categories, because they do not preclude the use of fungicides. This results in an underreporting of HFI accomplishments, and given the scope of the other categories, it is likely that fewer acres are being treated; (b) Although not confirmed, some units may not be treating the harvested stands to protect against fungal agents which could put stands at risk; and (c) Some units may be alternatively using environmental assessments. This results in increased planning costs and time and underreporting of HFI accomplishments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 03/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC32 _______________________________________________________________________ 387. PISCICIDE APPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 241; 36 CFR 251.50(a); 36 CFR 261.9(f) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: State Fish and Game agencies typically use piscicides as a tool for managing fish populations in water bodies of the U.S. At times, these State agencies apply piscicides when they conduct fisheries management on water within the National Forest Systems lands. Current regulations at 36 CFR 251.5 and 261.9(f), require permits for all land uses and prohibit the use of any pesticide on National Forest System lands ``. . . except for personal use as an insect repellent or as provided by special-use authorization for other minor uses.`` The wording in these regulations has led to confusion and inconsistent application of Forest Service piscicide policy that has delayed restoration projects and strained working relationships with State cooperators. Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing that the regulations at 36 CFR part 241 (Fish and Wildlife), 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, (Special Uses, 251.50(a)), and 36 CFR part 261, subpart A (General Prohibitions, 36 CFR 261.9(f)) be modified to allow State Game and Fish agencies to apply piscicides without first having to obtain a special use authorization, under certain conditions. A special use authorization would still be required for piscicide application within wilderness areas. The regulation could help eliminate redundancy with other State and Federal laws and regulations and improve the implementation of restoration and management projects. Eliminating the Forest Service special use authorization requirement for this use is not expected to change the frequency of piscicide applications on National Forest System lands or change how piscicides are used. States are required to comply with other Federal laws when applying piscicides, such as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Endangered Species Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC33 _______________________________________________________________________ 388. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION FOR SURFACE USE PLANS OF OPERATION FOR EXPLORATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF AN OIL AND GAS LEASE (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FSH 1909.15, CH. 30) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to add a new categorical exclusion to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook, chapter 30, which addresses categories of actions that normally do not require either an environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA). The new category will be applicable to the issuance of Surface Use Plans of Operation for exploration or development of an oil and gas lease. Executive Order 13212 states that ``For energy-related projects, agencies shall expedite their review of permits or take other actions as necessary to accelerate the completion of such projects, while maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. The agencies shall take such actions to the extent permitted by law and regulation, and where appropriate.`` The National Energy Policy and the Forest Service Energy Implementation plan call for streamlining of processing Applications for Permit to Drill (APDs) and other energy related permits in an environmentally sound manner. Comments received on the proposed categorical exclusion will be used in development of the final direction in FSH 1909.15, chapter 30. In accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations, the Forest Service must give prior notice and opportunity for comment by publishing the proposed categorical exclusion in the Federal Register before the agency adopts final direction. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 64375]] Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ 389. WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives issued in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2320, Wilderness Management. Updated manual direction is needed to provide clarifications and adjustments to agency policy to ensure that the agency is current in policy direction regarding management of wilderness units located on National Forest System lands. The last substantive amendments to FSM 2320 were made in 1990. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 02/00/06 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC36 _______________________________________________________________________ 390. CLARIFICATION FOR THE APPROPRIATE USE OF A CRIMINAL OR A CIVIL CITATION TO ENFORCE MINERAL REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.10 (b); 36 CFR 261.10 (k) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend the regulations at 36 CFR 261.10 to clarify when a criminal citation should be used for unauthorized mining operations. This revision is necessary to address recent adverse District Court decisions which have found that sections 261.10(b) and (k) do not apply to the enforcement of unauthorized mining operations. These sections deal with taking possession of, occupying, or using National Forest System lands for residential purposes, and the use or occupancy of the lands or facilities, respectively. Adding appropriate language would make it clear that these sections do apply to mineral operations. In addition, in the definitions section where operating plan is defined, references to other mineral-related regulations will be added to indicate that 36 CFR 261.10 applies to them as well. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC38 _______________________________________________________________________ 391. [bull] TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2300 AND 7700) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 27 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0596-AC39 _______________________________________________________________________ 392. [bull] ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP IN CONCESSIONS WITH PRIVATELY DEVELOPED FACILITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed agency interim directive (ID) to Forest Service Manual 2343.03 regarding (1) advertising in concessions involving privately developed facilities operated under special use authorization on National Forest System (NFS) lands and (2) sponsorship of new public services associated with those concessions. With respect to advertising, the current policy addresses only exterior advertising while the proposed policy would add direction to allow the permit holder to advertise inside buildings and other interior spaces owned by the holder. With respect to sponsorship, the proposed policy would add new direction on sponsorships that promote public participation in the management of NFS lands. The proposed ID describes the duration, location, and content of recognition of sponsors. Additionally, the proposed ID addresses special events and would waive a prohibition on exterior advertising during a short-term event and would require the holder to not display the Forest Service shield or other agency symbol in conjunction with product names, services, and advertising. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC41 [[Page 64376]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 393. 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 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 12/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB21 _______________________________________________________________________ 394. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant 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, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and other statutes, 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-25, 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 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ 395. 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 is promulgating 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 interim final rule also implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of charges and fees for harvest [[Page 64377]] of 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 provide consistency for the sustainability and sale of special forest products including forest botanical products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 396. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251 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. Approximately 950 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/13/03 68 FR 25748 NPRM Comment Period End 08/11/03 Final Action 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 397. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION (FINAL DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service requested comment on a proposed revision to its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations. This revision is being proposed at Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, chapter 30, which describes categorical exclusions, that is, categories of actions that will not result in significant impacts on the human environment and which are therefore exempt from requirements to prepare further NEPA documentation absent extraordinary circumstances. The proposal would add one such category of actions to the agency's NEPA procedures for final approvals on proposals to develop, amend, or revise land management plans that are comprised of five components which are desired conditions, objectives, guidelines, suitability of areas, and special areas for a forest. This proposal was published in conjunction with the final Forest Service planning regulations published January 5, 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/06/02 67 FR 72770 NPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Final Rule 01/05/05 70 FR 1023 Proposed Directive 01/05/05 70 FR 1062 Comment Period End 03/07/05 Final Action 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 398. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (FINAL INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2350) 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 part 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 [[Page 64378]] 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 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 02/17/05 70 FR 8066 Comment Period End 04/18/05 Final Action 12/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 399. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (FINAL INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2330) 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 part 15e require that new or reconstructed facilities be accessible. The proposed Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines would amend Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities, by establishing 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 02/17/05 70 FR 8060 Comment Period End 04/18/05 Final Action 12/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ 400. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 401. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVES (FINAL DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1330, 1900, AND FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.12) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service published 12 interim directives to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1330, New Management Strategies; 1900, Planning; 1920, Land and Resource Management Planning; and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Land and Resource Management Planning Handbook. These directives provide the detailed direction to agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in the final rule adopted at 36 CFR part 219 governing land and resource management planning. The final rule was published on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 1023). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directives 03/23/05 70 FR 14637 Comment Period End 06/21/05 Final Directives 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: [[Page 64379]] www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/index.htm Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB86 RIN: 0596-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 402. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FREE USE BY INDIVIDUALS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a 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 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ 403. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT, DESIGNATED ROUTES, AND AREAS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE USE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 23 USC 205 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, and 295 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service will be publishing a final rule amending 36 CFR part 212 by establishing three subparts. Subpart A will be established for Administration of the Forest Transportation System; subpart B will be established for Designation of Roads, Trails, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use; subpart C will be for use by over-snow vehicles; 36 CFR part 295 will be incorporated into 36 CFR part 212, subpart B. The final rule will also clarify definitions and direction, and improve consistency in management of motor vehicles on National Forest System lands in an effort to blend broad agency policy with local decisionmaking. These changes ensure that collaborative efforts at the local level are integrated into decisionmaking. Additionally, the final rule amends 36 CFR part 261 and 36 CFR part 251 to update language in current usage consistent with the changes to 36 CFR part 295 and 36 CFR part 212, and to add prohibitions not currently covered in existing regulations that would clarify the management and use of motor vehicles on National Forest System lands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/04 69 FR 42381 NPRM Comment Period End 09/13/04 Final Action 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ 404. PREDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND OBJECTION PROCESS FOR PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-148 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 218, subpart A Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2004, PL 108-148, sec 105. The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate interim final regulations within 30 days after the enactment of the Act. Abstract: The Forest Service promulgated an interim final rule on January 9, 2004 (69 FR 1529), at 36 CFR part 218, to establish a predecisional administrative review process whereby persons can seek administrative review and file objections for hazardous fuel reduction projects authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA). The Agency solicited public comment on the interim final rule for a 90-day period. The comments received will be utilized to finalize 36 CFR part 218. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/09/04 69 FR 1529 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/08/04 Final Action 09/00/06 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, [[Page 64380]] ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 405. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS; MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620 to 620j CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.112 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule at part 223, subpart B, of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 223.112. This final rule authorizes timber sale contracting officers to modify contracts to provide a redetermination of stumpage rates and deposits to reflect significant timber market declines. This rule applies to existing timber sale contracts awarded after October 1, 1995, that have been suspended for more than 90 days, during the normal operating season because of administrative appeals or litigation, through no fault of the timber purchaser. This final rule provides relief for purchasers in this situation by enabling them to obtain stumpage rate redeterminations to continue existing contracts after the suspension has been lifted to ensure the economic viability of the sale. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/09/04 69 FR 18813 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/08/04 Final Action 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC16 _______________________________________________________________________ 406. ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS; FEDERAL AND INDIAN OIL AND GAS LEASES; ONSHORE OIL AND GAS ORDER NUMBER 1, APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 223 et seq CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Through a joint Federal Register publication, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), acting as lead agency, and the Forest Service are proposing to revise the current 1983 Onshore Oil and Gas Order Number 1 (Order). The new proposed Order is being jointly published by the Forest Service and the BLM to facilitate common conservation practices and procedures across agency boundaries. The Order provides the requirements necessary for the approval of all proposed oil and gas exploratory, development, or service wells on all Federal and Indian (except Osage Tribe) onshore oil and gas leases. The revision is necessary due to provisions of the 1987 Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act, legal opinions, court cases since the Order was issued in 1983, and other policy and procedural changes. The revised Order would address the submittal of a complete Application for Permit to Drill or Deepen package, including a Drilling Plan, Surface Use Plan or Operations, evidence of bond coverage, operator certification, and clarification as to when a BLM right-of-way grant or Forest Service special use permit are needed to authorize secondary uses supporting the oil and gas operation. The proposed rule changes to 36 CFR part 228 would include: (1) Removal of a specific reference to the 1983 Order to a reference that plans of operations or master development plans be submitted ``in accordance with the current applicable Onshore Oil and Gas Order,'' (2) removal of the appendix (text of 1983 Order), and (3) removal of a non-existent cross-reference to appeal procedures at 36 CFR part 217 and replacing that reference with ``the current applicable agency appeal procedures.'' The proposed rule provides for a 60-day notice and comment period. Comments received on the proposed rule will be considered in the development of a final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/27/05 70 FR 43349 NPRM Comment Period End 08/26/05 Final Action 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 407. INTEGRATED RESOURCE CONTRACTS, FS-2400-13 AND FS-2400-13T (NOTICE OF FINAL CONTRACTS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-7 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 323 of Public Law 108-7, the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution (16 U.S.C. 2104 note) established special authorities for stewardship contracting not addressed in existing Forest Service timber sale contracts. In general, the new authorities provide for including service work in timber sale contracts and applying the value of timber or other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of services received. Integrated Resource Contracts FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T are being developed for use with stewardship end result contracting when the value of timber exceeds the cost of service work. Except where they deviate to address the new authorities, the FS-2400- 13 and FS-2400-13T contracts parallel recently revised timber sale contracts FS-2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, which became effective upon notice in the Federal Register on May 6, 2004 (69 FR 25367). In order to fully implement the authorities under section 323 of Public [[Page 64381]] Law 108-7, and because they are so similar to timber sale contracts FS- 2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, the Agency implemented interim use of the integrated resource contracts while public comments are being sought. Comments received will be considered in the development of the final contracts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Interim Contracts 10/05/04 69 FR 59577 Comment Period End 11/04/04 Notice of Final Contracts 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ 408. MARKET-RELATED CONTRACT TERM ADDITIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.52 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service published an interim final rule amending the current regulation at 36 CFR 223.52 to require the use of three alternative Producer Price Indices (PPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in lieu of the four PPI that the Forest Service has monitored for timber sale contract market-related contract term additions. As of January, 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics discontinued providing three of the four PPI that the Forest Service has monitored and changed the reference number for the fourth PPI. By using the three alternative PPI, the Forest Service will be able to continue providing market-related contract term additions during drastic reductions in wood products market prices. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/29/05 70 FR 37266 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/29/05 Final Action 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC29 _______________________________________________________________________ 409. FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT IMPLEMENTATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-447 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 291.2; 36 CFR 261.15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Appropriations Act for the Department of the Interior and related agencies for fiscal year 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447) contains the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act that allows the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish, modify, change, and collect recreation fees at Federal recreation lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service. In addition, the act (1) specifies criteria for how different types of fees may be established and charged in a consistent manner across all the Federal land management agencies; (2) establishes an interagency national recreation pass; (3) requires the establishment of Recreation Resource Advisory Committees to make recommendations relating to public concerns with certain fees in the area covered by the Committee(s); and (4) identifies requirements for providing the public with opportunities to participate in the development of or changing of a recreation fee established under this act. The Forest Service proposes to amend title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, by removing section 291.2, and revising section 261.15. Revisions to section 261.15 would more accurately describe the types of fees punishable for nonpayment and remove the maximum $100 fine with language from the act specifying that the failure to pay a required recreation fee under the act is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC35 _______________________________________________________________________ 410. [bull] REVISIONS REGARDING ADVERTISEMENT AND BIDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.41; 36 CFR 223.63; 36 CFR 223.83; 36 CFR 223.84 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a direct final rule to amend the current regulation at 36 CFR 223.41 and 223.82 (5)(b) by raising the total specified road construction cost threshold for a small business concern road election from $20,000 to $50,000. Congress raised the limit to $50,000 via the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277, sec. 329 (c)) (Act). The Act eliminated the restriction that precluded small business concerns in the State of Alaska from exercising the road option. The Act also directed the Forest Service to eliminate purchaser credit from timber sales sold after April 1, 1999. The Forest Service implemented these changes upon passage of the law and corrected agency manual and handbook direction. The CFR references to these minimum values have not been changed. This [[Page 64382]] change to the CFRs corrects this policy oversight. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 10/00/05 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 Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC40 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 411. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Advance Notice of Proposed Guideline 05/25/04 69 FR 29688 Comment Period End 07/26/04 Proposed Guideline To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC19 RIN: 0596-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 412. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Advance Notice of Proposed Guideline 05/25/04 69 FR 29687 Comment Period End 07/26/04 Proposed Guideline To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC18 RIN: 0596-AC19 _______________________________________________________________________ 413. PREDATOR DAMAGE MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC22 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 414. SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN ALASKA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 08/19/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC04, Previously reported as 0596-AB85 RIN: 0596-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 415. STATE PETITIONS FOR INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294, subpart B Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/13/05 70 FR 25654 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ 416. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM APPEALS AND LITIGATION (FINAL DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1570) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None [[Page 64383]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Directives 07/29/05 70 FR 43839 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 417. CLARIFICATION AS TO WHEN A NOTICE OF INTENT AND/OR A PLAN OF OPERATIONS IS NEEDED FOR LOCATABLE MINERAL OPERATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228.4 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/06/05 70 FR 107 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB98 RIN: 0596-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 418. MAXIMUM TERM FOR OUTFITTER/GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTER 40) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Directive 04/14/05 70 FR 19727 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202-260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC23 BILLING CODE 3410--11--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Office of the General Counsel (OGC) _______________________________________________________________________ 419. [bull] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES ADJUSTMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 101-410; PL 104-134 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3, 278, 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Office of General Counsel within USDA is proposing an inflation adjustment for all applicable civil monetary penalties imposed by agencies within USDA in accordance with the Federal Civil Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/24/05 70 FR 29573 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Adam J. Hermann, Attorney, Department of Agriculture, Office of the General Counsel, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1400 Phone: 202 260-1615 RIN: 0510-AA01 BILLING CODE 3410--01--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 420. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 12, 2003. Abstract: This rulemaking would define, establish, and implement a voluntary labeling program for a preferred procurement program for biobased products within the Federal Government. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.biobased.oce.usda.gov Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA28 [[Page 64384]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 421. 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 11/00/05 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 422. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 12, 2002. Abstract: This rulemaking will amend 7 CFR 2902 to designate six items that are made with biobased products that would be afforded Federal procurement preference, as provided for under section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The six items are: Mobile equipment hydraulic fluids; urethane roof coatings; water tank coatings; diesel fuel additives; penetrating lubricants; and bedding, bed linens, and towels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/05/05 70 FR 38612 NPRM Comment Period End 09/06/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.biobased.oce.usda.gov Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA29 BILLING CODE 3410--90--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 423. 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 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Fax: 202-720-6003 Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 424. 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 [[Page 64385]] regulations more clear and easier to understand. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Fax: 202-720-6003 Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ 425. NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1963 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to streamline procedures for loans and grants for existing business and industry direct and guarantee loan programs. This rulemaking will also establish emergency regulations for the community facilities program currently administered within the Rural Housing Service (RHS). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569 Phone: 202 720-9452 Fax: 202-720-7491 Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 426. SECONDARY MARKET POOLING BY FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988, sec 388 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation provides for the development of pool certificates that are fully backed by the USDA guarantee to enhance the RBS business and industry secondary market fiscal transfer initiative and conform it more to the longstanding Small Business Administration secondary market program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569 Phone: 202 720-9452 Fax: 202-720-7491 Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA53 _______________________________________________________________________ 427. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4274; 7 CFR 4279 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to amend RD Instructions 1980-E, 4274-D, and 4279-B to remove the prohibition on making financial assistance available to faith-based organizations. These regulations are to be further amended to provide guidance regarding the separation of inherently religious activities and those for which assistance is provided. This guidance is the same in both justification and purpose to that provided in the final rule amendments to 7 CFR part 16, published in the Federal Register on July 9, 2004, Volume 69, pages 41375 to 41383. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3221, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1804 Fax: 202-690-3808 Email: rick.bonnet@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA61 [[Page 64386]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 428. 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 improves the ease of use by the public and program beneficiaries. The regulations will simplify the application format, review and selection process, and recipient's record keeping requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse decisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 69937 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cindy Mason, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250- 3225 Phone: 202 690-1433 Fax: 202-720-2213 Email: cindy.mason@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ 429. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4290 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which authorizes the Rural Business Investment Program. 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 Rural Business-Cooperative Service has contracted with the Small Business Administration. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/08/04 69 FR 32200 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/08/04 Final Action 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Program Advisor, Office of the Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-4737 Email: michael.foore@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 430. 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 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose. Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and loan guarantees in non-rural 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 11/09/04 69 FR 64829 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/09/04 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/09/04 Final Action 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Fax: 202-720-6003 Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ 431. 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 Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (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 [[Page 64387]] NPRM Comment Period End 10/06/03 Final Action 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569 Phone: 202 720-9452 Fax: 202-720-7491 Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 432. 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 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 3 years) and 50 percent for new businesses. Construction financing is not an eligible energy loan purpose; energy projects 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 01/16/04 69 FR 2521 NPRM Comment Period End 03/16/04 Final Action 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569 Phone: 202 720-9452 Fax: 202-720-7491 Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA49 _______________________________________________________________________ 433. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--IMPLEMENT THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT (DCIA) OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to revise RD Instruction 4279-B to require personal and corporate guarantees for the term of the guaranteed loan and to develop Agency-approved personal and corporate guaranteed forms to identify that the financial assistance received is a Federal debt and subject to the Debit Collection Improvement Act of 1996. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/07/05 70 FR 17616 NPRM Comment Period End 06/06/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: David W. Lewis, Branch Chief, B&I Servicing Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-0797 Fax: 202-720-6003 Email: david.lewis@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 434. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. 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 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 10/05/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: David W. Lewis Phone: 202 690-0797 Fax: 202-720-6003 Email: david.lewis@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 435. ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B [[Page 64388]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/03/05 70 FR 57483 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet Phone: 202 720-1804 Fax: 202-690-3808 Email: rick.bonnet@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 436. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 07/05/05 70 FR 38571 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Lori Washington Phone: 202 720-9815 Fax: 202 720-2213 Email: lori.washington@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ 437. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4280 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/18/05 70 FR 41264 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Georg Shultz Phone: 202 720-2976 Fax: 202-690-0097 Email: georg.scultz@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA50 BILLING CODE 3410--XY--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 438. 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 of 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 08/05/05 70 FR 45314 NPRM Comment Period End 10/04/05 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, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ 439. [bull] WATER AND WASTE LOANS AND 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 1780 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service is proposing to amend its regulation used to process water and waste disposal (WWD) loans and grants. The regulation will be amended to provide predevelopment planning grants for low-income and poverty-stricken areas, enhancements for water and sewer systems with significant security weaknesses, changes to the use of grant funds for rural or Native Alaskan Villages, mandatory use of pre-authorized debit (PAD) repayment for borrowers, modified reserve requirements for borrowers, simplified application process, requirements for alternative project delivery methods, and planning for future enhancements to delivery of the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 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, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC03 [[Page 64389]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 440. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service consolidates and amends the regulations utilized to service water and waste loan and grant programs. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements for water and waste loan and grant servicing under the program will be eliminated. The streamlining will allow RUS to provide better service to entities needing assistance in resolving financial and economic problems in their communities and in general improve the quality of life in rural areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/15/04 69 FR 65546 NPRM Comment Period End 01/14/05 Final Action 11/00/05 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: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB59 _______________________________________________________________________ 441. ELIMINATION OF SUBPART M: OPERATIONAL CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq, 1921 et seq, 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS will eliminate subpart M as it has achieved the goal of providing a bridge during the transition from old to new loan documents. Most borrowers eligible for new loan documents have already made the change and many of the remaining ``legacy'' borrowers do not plan to be active borrowers in the future. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/08/04 69 FR 64689 NPRM Comment Period End 01/07/05 Final Action 12/00/05 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, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 442. [bull] PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION DIGITAL TRANSITION GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission had required all television broadcasters to initiate the broadcast of a digital television signal and to cease analog television broadcasts. To assist stations with the transition, Congress recognized the need to facilitate the digital transition in public television stations that serve rural areas. This grant program will assist rural public television to finance the conversion of television services to digital broadcasting. To continue this program in Y 2005, Congress provided $10 million for grant funds in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447). Congress also authorized additional purposes, which were specifically excluded in the NOFA. This regulation will incorporate the new statutory requirements and updates this competitive grant program for FY 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/05 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, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 443. [bull] RURAL AREA DEFINITIONS FOR RUS WEP PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775; 7 CFR 1778; 7 CFR 1779; 7 CFR 1780; 7 CFR 1783 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS is issuing a regulation to standardize the definition of ``rural'' and ``rural area'' to implement section 6020 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, to amend section 343 (13) (B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, which defines the term ``rural'' and ``rural area'' for the purpose of water and waste disposal grants, and direct and guarantee loans provided under paragraphs (1), (2), and (24) of section 306 (a). This rule will create a standard definition of ``rural'' and ``rural area'' with respect to RUS Water and Environmental Programs in 7 CFR 1775, 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1783. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 11/00/05 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, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 [[Page 64390]] Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 444. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION), RUS FORM 398 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 445. EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN BORROWERS FROM CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB85 _______________________________________________________________________ 446. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1753 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 447. LIEN ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUBORDINATIONS FOR 100 PERCENT PRIVATE FINANCING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717-R Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB99 _______________________________________________________________________ 448. SEISMIC SAFETY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1792 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 449. ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1770 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/16/05 70 FR 25753 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 450. HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1776 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/19/05 70 FR 28786 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 [[Page 64391]] Email: richard.annan@usda.gov Related RIN: Previously reported as 0572-AB93 RIN: 0572-AC00 BILLING CODE 3410--15--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) _______________________________________________________________________ 451. CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 16 USC 3838 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1470 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the Conservation Security Program (CSP) NRCS is authorized to provide financial and technical assistance to owners and operators of agricultural operations to promote conservation and improvement of the quality of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/02/04 69 FR 193 NPRM Comment Period End 03/02/04 Interim Final Rule 06/21/04 69 FR 34502 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/20/04 Interim Final Rule 03/25/05 70 FR 15201 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/25/05 Final Action 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Martha Joseph, Resource Conservationist, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 6027-S, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-7157 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: martha.joseph@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA36 _______________________________________________________________________ 452. GRASSLAND RESERVE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171; 16 USC 3838 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) the Department enters into easement or rental agreements with owners of grazing land to protect and restore such lands. The Department will designate payment for cost share to restore the functions and values of grasslands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/21/04 69 FR 29173 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/04 Final Action 11/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Leslie Deavers, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-1067 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: leslie.deavers@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA38 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) _______________________________________________________________________ 453. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 609 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Dwight Holman Phone: 202 720-2588 Email: dwight.holman@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA40 BILLING CODE 3410--16--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) _______________________________________________________________________ 454. DAIRY PRODUCT MANDATORY REPORTING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1637 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Would establish a program of mandatory dairy product information by requiring each manufacturer to report to USDA information concerning the price, quantity, and moisture content of dairy products sold by the manufacturer. This rulemaking would [[Page 64392]] comply with laws enacted in 2000 and 2002 that amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch, Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistical Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3570 Email: dan--kerestes@nass.usda.gov RIN: 0535-AA00 BILLING CODE 3410--20--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) _______________________________________________________________________ 455. AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): USE OF BIOBASED MATERIALS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan Phone: 202 720-5729 Fax: 202-720-5729 Email: joe.daragan@usda.gov RIN: 0599-AA12 [FR Doc. 05-18777 Filed 10-28-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-98-S