[May 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 87)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua080503.wais] [Page 24636-24649] Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 24636]] 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, Spring 2008 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.'' 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. USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 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: March 7, 2008. Michael Poe, Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97 Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08)............................................................ 2 National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock) (TM-07-03)............ 0581-AC69 3 National Organic Program, 2011 Sunset (Expiration) Review (Crops and Processing) (TM- 0581-AC77 07-14)................................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (TM-05-14)................................ 0581-AC57 5 National Organic Program, Sunset (2008) (TM-07-12).................................... 0581-AC76 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26 Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04)...................................... 7 Mandatory Reporting for Dairy Programs (DA-06-07)..................................... 0581-AC66 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB44 9 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds................................... 0579-AC02 10 Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting 0579-AC03 Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)................................................................... [[Page 24637]] 11 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14 12 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers......................... 0579-AC50 13 Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................ 0579-AC69 14 Bovine Tuberculosis................................................................... 0579-AC73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18 16 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82 17 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84 and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................ 18 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91 19 Trichinae Certification Program....................................................... 0579-AB92 20 Special Need Requests Under the Plant Protection Act.................................. 0579-AB98 21 Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610 0579-AC00 Review)............................................................................... 22 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 0579-AC04 Review)............................................................................... 23 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05 24 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06 25 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07 26 User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products......................... 0579-AC22 27 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36 Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................ 28 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain 0579-AC74 Live Fish............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80 30 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs 0579-AB24 (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)...................................... 31 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34 32 Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of 0579-AC41 Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals......................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 Interstate Movement of Citrus Fruit................................................... 0579-AC34 34 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions; Identification of Ruminants 0579-AC45 and Processing and Importation of Commodities......................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 24638]] Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Thermal Requirements.................................................................. 0575-AC65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products; 0583-AC46 Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products........... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA35 39 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................ 0503-AA36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BILLING CODE 3410--90--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 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. 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 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 2. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK) (TM- 07-03) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the National Organic Program regulations to clarify the regulations. This rule is seeking input on the following issues: (1) Are the current origin of livestock requirements in the NOP regulations adequate for dairy livestock under principles of organic livestock management and production? (2) If the current origin of livestock requirements as described in the NOP regulations are not adequate, how should they be changed? (3) If the regulations should be changed, how much time should be allowed for the industry to implement the regulation change? This action is being taken to ensure that NOP regulations are clear and consistent, stimulate growth of the organic sector, satisfy consumer expectations, and allow organic producers and handlers flexibility in making site-specific, real-time management decisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC69 [[Page 24639]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, 2011 SUNSET (EXPIRATION) REVIEW (CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM-07-14) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2001. The AMS is publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is essential in the review process to determine whether these substances should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and handling of organic agricultural products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 03/14/08 73 FR 13795 ANPRM Comment Period End 05/13/08 NPRM 12/00/08 Final Action 10/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC77 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE (TM-05-14) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established national standards for the production and handling of organically produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 04/13/06 71 FR 19131 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/12/06 NPRM 07/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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-AC57 _______________________________________________________________________ 5. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2008) (TM-07-12) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 Abstract: This rule pertains to The Agricultural Marketing Services' National Organic Program. This amendment announces the sunset of 11 exempted substance and 1 prohibited substance added to the National List. This rule also begins the public comment process on whether the identified existing exemptions or prohibitions should be continued. Finally, this rule discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/28/07 72 FR 73667 ANPRM Comment Period End 01/28/08 NPRM 06/00/08 Final Action 10/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC76 [[Page 24640]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 6. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act (2002 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 107-206) amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities beginning September 30, 2004. Covered commodities include muscle cuts of beef (including veal), lamb, and pork; ground beef, ground lamb, and ground pork; farm-raised fish and shellfish; wild fish and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities; and peanuts. The FY 2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill (2004 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 108-199) delayed implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. The FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill further delayed the implementation date for other covered commodities until September 30, 2008. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/30/03 68 FR 61944 NPRM Comment Period End 12/29/03 Interim Final Rule 10/05/04 69 FR 59708 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/03/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/04/05 Comment Period Extended 11/27/06 71 FR 68431 Comment Period End 02/26/07 Comment Period Extended 06/20/07 72 FR 33851 Comment Period End 08/20/07 Final Action 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Martin O'Connor, Chief, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-6456 Phone: 202 720-4486 Fax: 202 690-4119 Email: cool@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ 7. MANDATORY REPORTING FOR DAIRY PROGRAMS (DA-06-07) Legal Authority: PL 106-532 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to establish a Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program. The program would: (1) Require persons engaged in manufacturing dairy products to provide the Department of Agriculture certain information including price, quantity, and moisture content of dairy products sold by the manufacturer and (2) require manufacturers and other persons storing dairy products to report to USDA information on the quantity of dairy products stored. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/03/07 72 FR 36341 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/02/07 Comment Period Extended 11/02/07 72 FR 62105 Final Action 06/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Mengel, Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4664 Email: john.mengel@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC66 BILLING CODE 3410--02--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 8. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the importation of animals into the United States to establish several levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Regionalization and Evaluation Services, ISTIT, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 9. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for use in research. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Darrel Styles, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection [[Page 24641]] Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-0658 RIN: 0579-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 10. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. We would allow foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would allow us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based on scientific evidence. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis & Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 141, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-5306 RIN: 0579-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 11. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met. Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of these animals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AC14 _______________________________________________________________________ 12. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the animal importation regulations to require that steers and spayed heifers with more than 3 inches of horn growth that are entering the United States from Mexico meet more stringent tuberculosis testing requirements than those with 3 inches or less. In their current form, the regulations do not distinguish between steers and spayed heifers imported strictly as feeders and those with sufficient horn growth to enable them to be used as rodeo cattle. Steers and spayed heifers used as rodeo cattle are often maintained longer than feeder cattle and generally come into contact with other cattle in more locations than do steers and spayed heifers imported for feeding purposes. The longer the lifespan of an animal, the greater the chances are that, if exposed to tuberculosis, it will contract the disease, develop generalized disease, and spread it to other animals. The risk of tuberculosis spread is also increased by the number of animals that are exposed to a tuberculosis-infected animal. We believe the risks of tuberculosis transmission associated with rodeo cattle justify requiring more rigorous tuberculosis testing for such animals than for those imported as feeders. This rulemaking is intended to reduce the risk of imported cattle transmitting tuberculosis to domestic livestock in the United States. This rulemaking replaces a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document, that would have required that steers and spayed heifers with any evidence of horn growth that are entering the United States meet the same tuberculosis testing requirements as sexually intact animals entering the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei, Assistant Director, Ruminant Health Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AC50 _______________________________________________________________________ 13. [bull] HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel by research facilities and by [[Page 24642]] dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and carriers. We are proposing these requirements because we believe all licensees and registrants should develop a contingency plan for all animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act in an effort to better prepare for potential disasters. This action would heighten the awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency or disaster occur. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ 14. [bull] BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine tuberculosis regulations by removing from incorporation by reference the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 1999, and including in 9 CFR part 77 all Federal requirements. We are also proposing a number of substantive changes to the requirements in order to enhance our bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts. The proposed changes include, but are not limited to, tightening certain tuberculosis surveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening the quarantine and quarantine-release requirements; setting minimum testing ages, depending upon the status of the State or zone of origin and/or the purpose of movement, when testing is required for interstate movement of cattle and bison; adding new requirements to prevent the spread of tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle and bison; adding new requirements for interstate movement of dairy cattle; strengthening the requirements for individual cattle and bison that are to be added to accredited herds; and providing for the interstate movement of commuter herds. Finally, we would reorganize 9 CFR part 77 to make the regulations clearer and easier to use. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Tuberculosis Eradication Program, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, MSC 3E20, Ft. Collins, CO 80526 Phone: 970 494-7378 RIN: 0579-AC73 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 15. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign regions. This rule would require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany all noncommercial shipments of fruits and vegetables imported into the United States by air passengers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01 NPRM; Availability of Risk Assessment 05/24/06 71 FR 29846 NPRM; Availability of Risk Assessment Comment Period End 07/24/06 Final Action 10/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy Analysis and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8295 RIN: 0579-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 16. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes available. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/27/07 72 FR 8585 [[Page 24643]] Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/30/07 Final Rule 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB82 _______________________________________________________________________ 17. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rulemaking will 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 APHIS. These will include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in interstate commerce are assembled. APHIS' approval will 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 will 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 will 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 Rule 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 18. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action establishes domestic boll weevil regulations that will 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 regulations will 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 10/31/06 71 FR 63707 NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/07 NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/20/06 71 FR 76224 NPRM Comment Period End 02/01/07 Final Rule 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 19. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622; 15 USC 1828; 21 USC 136a Abstract: This action establishes a voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention conditions. Under the program, we will certify pork production sites that follow prescribed good production practices that reduce, eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of animals to zoonotic parasites of the species Trichinella, a disease of swine. Such a program should enhance the ability of producers to export pork and pork products to overseas markets. This program 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 will 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 05/16/07 72 FR 27656 NPRM Comment Period End 07/16/07 Final Action 05/00/08 Final Rule Effective 06/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room 891, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515 284-4122 RIN: 0579-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 20. SPECIAL NEED REQUESTS UNDER THE PLANT PROTECTION ACT Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action amends our domestic quarantine regulations to establish a process by which a State or political subdivision of a State could request approval to impose prohibitions or restrictions on the movement in interstate commerce of specific articles that are in addition to the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Plant Protection Act provides that States or political subdivisions of States may make such special need requests, [[Page 24644]] but there are currently no procedures in place for their submission or consideration. This action establishes a process by which States may make a special need request. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/04/06 71 FR 16711 NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/06 Final Rule 10/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Osama El-Lissy, Director, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237 Phone: 301 734-5459 RIN: 0579-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 21. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE FACILITIES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking establishes standards for the approval of permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are taking this action because demand for quarantine services for horses exceeds the space available at existing facilities. We believe that allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed criteria facilitates the importation of horses while continuing to protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/13/06 71 FR 74827 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/07 Final Rule 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Freeda Isaac, Assistant Director for Animal Import, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-6479 Ellen Buck, Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, Equine Import, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 22. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828 Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/01/06 71 FR 31109 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/06 Supplemental NPRM 02/27/07 72 FR 8634 Supplemental NPRM Comment Period End 04/30/07 Final Action 05/00/08 Final Rule Effective 06/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Agency Contact: Todd Behre, Program Manager, National Veterinary Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-6188 RIN: 0579-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 23. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This rulemaking establishes provisions under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic effects on affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/08/06 71 FR 33168 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/08/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/07/06 Affirmation of Interim Final Rule 06/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Senior Operations Officer, EDP, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 24. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA BORDER Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 Abstract: This action amends the foreign quarantine and user fee regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and vegetables grown in 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 [[Page 24645]] as airline passengers arriving on flights from Canada, will be subject to inspection and user fees. We are taking this action in part because we are not recovering the costs of our current inspection activities at the U.S./Canada border. In addition, our data show 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. In order to do this and to recover the costs of our existing inspection activity, we need to collect user fees from commercial conveyances and international air passengers entering the United States from Canada. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/25/06 71 FR 50320 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/24/06 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/24/06 Delay of Effective Date 11/22/06 71 FR 67436 Delay of Effective Date 02/26/07 72 FR 8261 Affirmation of Interim Final Rule 06/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ 25. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to list the entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and to amend the requirements for the movement of regulated articles from Florida now that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is no longer being carried out as an objective. It will also amend the regulations to allow regulated articles that would not otherwise be eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for immediate export. These changes are necessary in light of the Department's determination that the established eradication program was no longer a scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/01/06 71 FR 43345 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/01/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/02/06 Technical Amendment 01/12/07 72 FR 1415 Final Rule 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Senior Operations Officer, EDP, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ 26. USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the user fee regulations by adjusting the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant products. The rule would increase these user fees to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services. It would also add a new user fee for Federal export certificates for plants and plant products that an exporter obtains from a State or county cooperator in order to recover administrative costs associated with that service. Finally, it would make several nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These changes would enable us to properly recover the costs of providing export certification services for plants and plant products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/12/07 72 FR 32223 NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/07 Final Rule 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-4382 Kris Caraher, User Fee Section Head, Financial Management Division, 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-AC22 _______________________________________________________________________ 27. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE, Animal [[Page 24646]] Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AC36 _______________________________________________________________________ 28. [bull] VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations to restrict the interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005 and 2006, viral hemorrhagic septicemia was detected in freshwater fish in several of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has been responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the Great Lakes region. This action is necessary to prevent further introductions into, and dissemination within, the United States of viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-6188 Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC74 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 29. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: APHIS is undertaking rulemaking to amend its plant pest regulations by: (1) Setting out the criteria that will be used by APHIS when considering whether an organism is a plant pest; (2) adding a permit category for organisms that would be released into the environment for purposes such as the biological control of weeds; (3) establishing a notification system that could be used in place of permits for the importation and interstate movement of regulated organisms; and (4) revising or amending existing portions of the regulations to clarify or update requirements, eliminate redundancy, and make the regulations easier for the public to use. This action will serve as a follow-up to the advance notice of proposed rulemaking that APHIS published in the Federal Register on September 27, 1996, to solicit input on the need for regulatory changes and alternative methods of addressing plant pest risk. 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 Withdrawal and Reproposal To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robert Flanders Phone: 301 734-5930 RIN: 0579-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 30. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals have been in effect since 1979, and amended in 1984. During this time, advances have been made and new information has been developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. These include 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 To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 31. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 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 [[Page 24647]] 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 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Mark Teachman Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 32. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF WARMBLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would replace those requirements with a single performance standard under which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document, that would have required that the acclimation certificate for a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat being transported rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care and handling. We believe that establishing a single performance standard would ensure that warmblooded animals other than marine mammals are transported in climatic and environmental conditions that are not detrimental to their welfare while allowing for variations in climatic and environmental conditions that are suitable for individual animals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/03/08 73 FR 413 NPRM Comment Period End 03/03/08 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/18/08 73 FR 14403 NPRM Comment Period End 04/17/08 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jerry D. DePoyster Phone: 301 734-7586 RIN: 0579-AC41 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 33. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF CITRUS FRUIT Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations to relieve restrictions that currently require citrus producers to ensure that citrus groves in the State of Florida are certified to be free of citrus canker prior to interstate movement of citrus fruit. This action also requires that all inspection of fruit for symptoms of citrus canker as well as treatments and packaging of citrus fruit to be moved interstate occur in packinghouses that operate under a compliance agreement with APHIS. This action allows the interstate movement of fresh citrus fruit from Florida, provided the fruit does not exhibit symptoms of citrus canker and is handled in accordance with the regulations. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/19/07 72 FR 65172 Final Action Effective 11/19/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ 34. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS; IDENTIFICATION OF RUMINANTS AND PROCESSING AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES Legal Authority: 7 USC 450 ; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the importation of animals and animal products to remove several restrictions regarding the identification of animals and the processing of ruminant materials from regions that present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States. This action will remove these restrictions because they are not necessary to prevent the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/18/08 73 FR 3379 Final Action Effective 02/19/08 [[Page 24648]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 Freeda Isaac Phone: 301 734-6479 RIN: 0579-AC45 BILLING CODE 3410--34--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 35. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 Abstract: The Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will 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 01/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1465 Fax: 202 205-2476 Email: joaquin.tremols@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 36. THERMAL REQUIREMENTS Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 Abstract: The current Agency procedure, section 1924.6 (a)(3)(i)(A), requires that surety be provided when the construction contract exceeds $100,000. This Procedure Notice changes the surety requirements in 1924-A [section 1924.6 (a)(3)(i)(A)] from a $100,000 contract amount to the Rural Development Single-Family Housing area lending limits, which will vary with the locality. This will liberalize the requirement for surety and take into account the increase in construction cost of single-family homes in the Rural Development's Single-Family Housing Program since the last revision (1980) to this section of the regulation. This should ease the burden on small contractors for whom obtaining surety is difficult and expensive, additionally reducing costs to our single-family housing borrowers. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/11/07 72 FR 70220 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Michel Mitias Phone: 202 720-9653 Fax: 202 690-4335 Email: michel.mitias@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC65 BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 37. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat and poultry products, and measures, including testing, to control Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products. The performance standards spell out the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet during their operations in order to produce safe products but allow the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than those prescribed in the earlier regulations. With HACCP, food safety performance standards give establishments the incentive and flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This set of performance standards will include and be consistent with standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/27/01 66 FR 12590 NPRM Comment Period End 05/29/01 NPRM Comment Period Extended 07/03/01 66 FR 35112 NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01 Interim Final Rule 06/06/03 68 FR 34208 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/06/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/31/05 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/24/05 70 FR 15017 [[Page 24649]] NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05 Affirmation of Interim Final Rule 12/00/08 Final Action 04/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC46 BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 38. [bull] VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS Legal Authority: PL 107-171 Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``U.S.D.A. Certified Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and to establish the labeling program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Senior Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0461 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 39. [bull] DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7 Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners, including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers, including durable and non-durable thermal shipping containers as subcategories. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Senior Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0461 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA36 [FR Doc. E8-7340 Filed 05-02-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-90-S