[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 233 (Monday, December 7, 2009)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 64375-64393]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28563]
[[Page 64375]]
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Part III
Department of Agriculture
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
[[Page 64376]]
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 2009
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.
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 this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most
important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of
Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, which
appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the
Federal Register that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda.
For this fall 2009 edition, regulations previously developed by
the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service (CSREES) will now appear under the new National Institute
of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
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 18, 2009.
Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
179 National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock)....................... 0581-AC69
180 National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14)............. 0581-AC77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
181 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (Reg Plan Seq No. 1)...................... 0581-AC57
182 National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Final Rule on Amendments to the Order 0581-AC87
(Reg Plan Seq No. 2)..................................................................
183 National Organic Program--Amendments to the National List (Crops, Livestock, and 0581-AC91
Processing) TM-08-06..................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
184 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97
Aquatic Animals, TM-01-08.............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 64377]]
Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
185 Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order (FV-08-702)............... 0581-AC82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186 Emergency Forest Restoration Program.................................................. 0560-AH89
187 Biomass Crop Assistance Program....................................................... 0560-AH92
188 Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities............................................. 0560-AI03
189 Conservation Loan Guarantee Program................................................... 0560-AI04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
190 Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs.................................................... 0560-AI05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
191 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs 0579-AB24
(Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
192 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds (Reg Plan Seq No. 3).............. 0579-AC02
193 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers......................... 0579-AC50
194 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products (Reg Plan 0579-AC68
Seq No. 4)............................................................................
195 Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach............................. 0579-AC82
196 Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................ 0579-AC92
197 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions.................................. 0579-AC98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
198 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities; 0579-AB97
Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
199 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) (Reg Plan Seq No. 5)..............................................
200 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 0579-AC04
Review)...............................................................................
201 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05
202 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06
203 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07
204 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36
Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
205 Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine..................................................... 0579-AC71
206 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain 0579-AC74
Live Fish.............................................................................
207 Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement 0579-AC85
Regulations...........................................................................
208 Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................ 0579-AC86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.
[[Page 64378]]
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
209 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18
210 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34
211 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB44
212 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82
213 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91
214 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14
215 Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering 0579-AC31
216 Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warm- 0579-AC41
Blooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.............................................
217 Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona.............. 0579-AC63
218 Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................ 0579-AC69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
219 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Completion of a Section 610 0579-AA80
Review)...............................................................................
220 Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Completion of a 0579-AC00
Section 610 Review)...................................................................
221 User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products......................... 0579-AC22
222 Pale Cyst Nematode; Quarantine and Regulations........................................ 0579-AC54
223 Bovine Tuberculosis................................................................... 0579-AC73
224 Citrus Canker; Movement of Fruit From Quarantined Areas............................... 0579-AC96
225 User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services......................... 0579-AC99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
226 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
227 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 (Reg Plan
Seq No. 23)...........................................................................
228 Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 24) 0583-AD37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.
Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
229 Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado.......... 0596-AC74
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[[Page 64379]]
Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
230 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA35
231 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................ 0503-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
232 Renewable Energy--Clarify Requirements for Construction/Development of Energy Program 0570-AA69
Projects (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review).............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
179. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
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 products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the
public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy
replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory
language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has
established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic
dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the
development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They
seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy
operation has converted to organic production all future animals be
organic from the last third of gestation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/10
Final Action 12/00/10
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
_______________________________________________________________________
180. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011) (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, 2011.
The AMS published 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 10/00/10
Final Action 08/00/11
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
[[Page 64380]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
181. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of
the Federal Register.
RIN: 0581-AC57
_______________________________________________________________________
182. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM; FINAL RULE ON
AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDER
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of
the Federal Register.
RIN: 0581-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________
183. <> NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM--AMENDMENTS TO THE
NATIONAL LIST (CROPS, LIVESTOCK, AND PROCESSING) TM-08-06
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6517 and 6518
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the National
List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances contained in the National
Organic Program regulations. This rule would add six new substances and
remove one from the list.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/03/09 74 FR 26591
NPRM Comment Period End 08/03/09
Final Action 12/00/09
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-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
184. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC
CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS, TM-01-08
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 to 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 12/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
185. MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER (FV-08-
702)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6101 to 6112
Abstract: The Farm Bill of 2008 amended the Mushroom Promotion,
Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 by changing the number of
regions for nominations purposes from four to three; adjusting the
number of pounds required to appoint members to the Mushroom Council;
and to allow for the development of good agricultural and good handling
practices.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/07/09 74 FR 15677
Second NPRM 06/05/09 74 FR 26984
Second NPRM Comment Period End 07/17/09
Final Action 10/02/09 74 FR 50915
Final Action Effective 10/05/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: sonia.jimenez@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC82
BILLING CODE 3410-02-S
[[Page 64381]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
186. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part
701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which
was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share
funding to owners of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the
land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land
must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The
2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be
appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to
remain available until expended.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH89
_______________________________________________________________________
187. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop
Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will
collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry,
agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and
selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a
commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if
the facility is not operational at the time of proposal); anticipated
economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation
rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the
impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in
biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has
capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing
funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP
project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area
selection, FSA, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a
term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops and up to 15 years
for woody biomass.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice 10/01/08 73 FR 57047
Notice-EIS 05/13/09
Notice Comment Period End 06/12/09
Notice-NOFA 06/11/09 74 FR 27767
Notice Comment Period End 08/10/09
Notice-EIS 08/10/09 74 FR 39915
Notice Comment Period End 09/24/09
NPRM 12/00/09
Final Rule 01/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH92
_______________________________________________________________________
188. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there
is discretion involved in the implementation. The sections being
implemented are: 5001, Direct Loans; 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher
and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales
Program Down Payment Loan Program; 5101, Farming Experience as an
Eligibility Requirement; 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and
Ranchers for Emergency Loans; 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program; and 5501, Loans to
Purchase Highly Fractionated Land.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts five-
year pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The
program entails FSA making grants to qualified nonprofit organizations
who then deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must
match 50 percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified,
low-income beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would
establish saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by
the grantees. The program funds must match the participants' deposits
at a minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants
must use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland,
livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program
must be operated by and in conjunction with FSA farm loan programs. The
initial applications for the program must be approved no more than one
year after the law is enacted. The program is not mandatory; an
appropriation of up to $5 million annually is authorized to fund the
program.
Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land
Acquisition loans.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 11/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AI03
_______________________________________________________________________
189. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there
is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The
section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan
Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will
[[Page 64382]]
create a new direct and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting
farmers in implementing conservation practices.
The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance
qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent
of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation
plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given
to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion
to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with
highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the
program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The
program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AI04
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
190. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm
Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing
regulations. An overall plan will be established to insure that
borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest
timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all
borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill
emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools
available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they
can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7
percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. FSA believes
graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant
on the overall farm economy.
The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under
Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the
immediate family. Currently, FSA only has 38 properties in Homestead
Protection.
Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a
claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim
pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the
time of the moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim,
the interest, which would have accrued during the moratorium will be
due and offset on the account will be reestablished.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/07/09 74 FR 39565
NPRM Comment Period End 10/06/09
Final Rule 01/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AI05
BILLING CODE 3410-05-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
191. 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 12/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700
[[Page 64383]]
River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________
192. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of
the Federal Register.
RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
193. 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 document will withdraw a proposed rule that we published
on August 24, 2004 (69 FR 51960 to 51962, APHIS Docket No. 03-081-3).
In our August 2004 proposed rule, we proposed to require 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. Instead of
proposing provisions specific to cattle imported for use at rodeos, as
our August 2004 proposal did, APHIS is considering broader changes to
the tuberculosis regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 07/20/04 69 FR 43283
Interim Final Rule Effective 08/19/04
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 09/20/04
Interim Rule; Withdrawal 08/12/04 69 FR 49783
Interim Rule; Withdrawal
Effective 08/12/04
NPRM 08/24/04 69 FR 51960
NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04
NPRM; Withdrawal 01/00/10
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
_______________________________________________________________________
194. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE
PRODUCTS
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of
the Federal Register.
RIN: 0579-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________
195. IMPORTATION OF GRAPES FROM CHILE UNDER A SYSTEMS APPROACH
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
Abstract: We are proposing two changes related to our proposed rule
published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2008, that would amend
the fruit and vegetable regulations to allow fresh table grapes from
Chile to be imported into the continental United States under a systems
approach. Currently as a condition of entry, all table grapes from
Chile have to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation
measure for Brevipalpus chilensis. On August 27, 2008, we proposed to
allow a combination of risk-mitigation measures, or systems approach,
to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide fumigation for B. chilensis.
However, there is a new quarantine pest of table grapes, Lobesia
botrana, in Chile, and the proposed systems approach does not address
and was not intended to mitigate the risk for this pest. Therefore,
this supplemental proposed rule modifies the proposed systems approach
so that it is effective for L. botrana. Alternatively, it would require
Chilean grapes that do not meet the conditions of the systems approach
for L. botrana to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a condition of
their importation into the continental United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/27/08 73 FR 50577
NPRM Comment Period End 10/27/08
Supplemental NPRM 12/00/09
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period
End 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Charisse Cleare, Regulatory Coordination Specialist,
Regulations, Permits & Manuals, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 156,
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-0773
RIN: 0579-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________
196. SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AND GOATS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by
changing the risk groups and categories established for individual
animals and for flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a
means of assigning risk levels to animals, reducing movement
restrictions for animals found to be genetically less susceptible or
resistant to scrapie, and simplifying, reducing, or removing certain
recordkeeping requirements. This action would provide designated
scrapie epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when
testing animals in order to determine flock designations under the
regulations. It would change the definition of high-risk animal, which
will change the types of animals eligible for indemnity, and to pay
higher indemnity for certain pregnant ewes and early maturing ewes. It
would also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for
goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes would
affect sheep and goat producers and State governments.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator,
Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
[[Page 64384]]
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________
197. <> PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF GENERAL
PROVISIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2260; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781
to 7786; 19 USC 136; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31
USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332
Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the
movement of plant pests. We are proposing to regulate not only plant
pests, but also biological control organisms and noxious weeds. We are
proposing risk-based criteria for determining the plant pest status of
biological control organisms, providing for the environmental release
of organisms for the biological control of weeds, providing for
exemption from permit requirements for certain plant pests, and adding
relevant definitions. We are also proposing to revise our regulations
regarding the movement of soil. These proposed changes would clarify
the factors that would be considered when assessing the risks
associated with certain organisms, facilitate the importation and
interstate movement of regulated organisms, provide transparency of the
assessment process, and address gaps in the current regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intent to Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement 10/20/09 74 FR 53673
Notice Comment Period End 11/19/09
NPRM 01/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Robert Flanders, Senior Technical Advisor, Plant Health
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-0858
RIN: 0579-AC98
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
198. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND
TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS
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; 42 USC
4331 and 4332
Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant
products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the
regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of
conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin.
Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision.
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease
agent entering the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 11/28/05 70 FR 71213
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 01/27/06
Final Action 12/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade
Services, Animal Products, 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-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
199. 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)
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of
the Federal Register.
RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
200. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING
FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend 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.
[[Page 64385]]
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 12/00/09
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
_______________________________________________________________________
201. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish 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 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
202. 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 amended 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 are 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 took this
action in part because we were not recovering the costs of our
inspection activities at the U.S./Canada border. In addition, our data
showed 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
indicated that we needed 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
Final Action 12/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Cynthia Stahl, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy,
Analysis, and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-8415
RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________
203. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action amended the citrus canker regulations to list the
entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and
amended 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 also amended 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 were 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 Action 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
204. 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
[[Page 64386]]
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 12/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE,
Animal 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
_______________________________________________________________________
205. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: We are quarantining 10 counties in California and the entire
State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting
the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined
areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the
spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 12/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deborah McPartlan, Staff Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5356
RIN: 0579-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________
206. 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 (IFR) 09/09/08 73 FR 52173
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/10/08
IFR; Delay of Effective Date 10/28/08 73 FR 63867
Interim Final Rule Effective 01/09/09
IFR; Delay of Effective Date 01/02/09 74 FR 1
Amended Interim Final Rule 02/00/10
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
_______________________________________________________________________
207. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE
MOVEMENT REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the
State of Florida and one parish in Louisiana as quarantined areas for
citrus greening, and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, three counties in South Carolina, and
portions of two counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian
citrus psyllid, a vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It
would also establish restrictions on the interstate movement of
regulated articles from the quarantined areas, as well as treatments
under which Asian citrus psyllid host material may be moved interstate
from a quarantined area. These actions follow the discovery of citrus
greening and/or Asian citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are
necessary in order to prevent the spread of the disease and its vector
to noninfested areas of the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Availability of an Environmental
Assessment 09/09/09 74 FR 46409
Environmental Assessment Comment
Period End 11/09/09
Interim Final Rule 01/00/10
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patrick J. Gomes, National Project Coordinator, Citrus
Health Response Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200,
Raleigh, NC 27606-5213
[[Page 64387]]
Phone: 919 855-7313
RIN: 0579-AC85
_______________________________________________________________________
208. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 to
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex
woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of
regulated articles from these quarantined areas. This action is
necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the artificial spread of
this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 12/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7228
RIN: 0579-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
209. 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 will require that a phytosanitary certificate
accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh 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
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa
Phone: 301 734-8295
RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________
210. 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 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
_______________________________________________________________________
211. 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 To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________
212. 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
[[Page 64388]]
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
Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 04/30/07
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones
Phone: 301 734-8247
RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________
213. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
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
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 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
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Grefenstette
Phone: 301 734-8676
RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________
214. 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 05/09/08 73 FR 26344
NPRM Comment Period End 07/08/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 07/31/08 73 FR 44671
NPRM Comment Period Extended 09/02/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________
215. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH
GENETIC ENGINEERING
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the regulations regarding the
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain
genetically engineered organisms in order to bring the regulations into
alignment with provisions of the Plant Protection Act. The revisions
would also update the regulations in response to advances in genetic
science and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing
the current regulations. This is the first comprehensive review and
revision of the regulations since they were established in 1987. This
rule would affect persons involved in the importation, interstate
movement, or release into the environment of genetically engineered
plants and certain other genetically engineered organisms.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intent to Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement 01/23/04 69 FR 3271
Comment Period End 03/23/04
Notice of Availability of Draft
Environmental Impact Statement 07/17/07 72 FR 39021
Comment Period End 09/11/07
NPRM 10/09/08 73 FR 60007
NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/08
Correction 11/10/08 73 FR 66563
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 01/16/09 74 FR 2907
NPRM Comment Period End 03/17/09
NPRM; Notice of Public Scoping
Session 03/11/09 74 FR 10517
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 04/13/09 74 FR 16797
NPRM Comment Period End 06/29/09
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Turner
Phone: 301 734-5720
RIN: 0579-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________
216. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR
TRANSPORTATION OF WARM-BLOODED 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
[[Page 64389]]
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 warm-blooded 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: Gerald Rushin
Phone: 301 734-0954
RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________
217. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS,
ARIZONA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the
importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port
through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or
exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the
United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be
constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis,
AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper
chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such
cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations
to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been
infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne
diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited
the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed.
These changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve
restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 01/29/08 73 FR 5132
NPRM Comment Period End 03/31/08
Final Rule 01/02/09 74 FR 1
Final Rule Effective; But the
Amendment to 93.427(b)(2)
Effective Date Is Delayed
Indefinitely 01/02/09
Final Rule; Correction 05/12/09 74 FR 22090
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
Phone: 301 734-8364
RIN: 0579-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________
218. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations
to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel
by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, intermediate
handlers, and carriers. These requirements are necessary 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 will 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 10/23/08 73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End 12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/19/08 73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/09
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
219. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (COMPLETION OF
A 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 plans to amend its plant pest regulations to align them
more closely with the Plant Protection Act and to update them in
response to advances in science and technology and our accumulated
experiences in implementing the regulations.
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
Rulemaking Proceeding Under RIN
0579-AC98 07/16/09
[[Page 64390]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Agency Contact: Robert Flanders, Senior Technical Advisor, Plant Health
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-0858
RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________
220. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE
FACILITIES (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish standards for the approval of
permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are
taking this action because regional and seasonal demand for quarantine
services for horses often exceeds the space available at existing
facilities. 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 07/02/09 74 FR 31582
Final Rule Effective 08/03/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ellen Buck, Veterinary Medical Officer, Import/Export
Animals, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
221. 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 amends the user fee regulations by adjusting
the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant products.
We are increasing these user fees for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to
reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services
during each year. This action adds 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 our costs
associated with that service. Finally, the action makes several
nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These changes
will enable us to properly recover the costs of providing export
certification services for plants and plant products.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Rule 07/08/09 74 FR 32391
Final Rule Effective 10/01/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine
Phone: 301 734-4382
Kris Caraher
Phone: 301 734-0882
RIN: 0579-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________
222. <> PALE CYST NEMATODE; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This action will quarantine parts of Bingham and Bonneville
Counties, ID, due to the discovery of the potato cyst nematode there
and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated
articles from the quarantined area. This action is necessary on an
emergency basis to prevent the spread of the potato cyst nematode to
noninfested areas of the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 09/12/07 72 FR 51975
Interim Final Rule Effective 11/01/07
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/13/07
Final Rule 04/29/09 74 FR 19374
Final Rule Effective 04/29/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Eileen Smith, National Program Manager, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5235
RIN: 0579-AC54
_______________________________________________________________________
223. 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.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Agency Is Reevaluating the
Domestic Tuberculosis Program 07/30/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench
[[Page 64391]]
Phone: 970 494-7378
RIN: 0579-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________
224. <> CITRUS CANKER; MOVEMENT OF FRUIT FROM
QUARANTINED AREAS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to
modify the conditions under which fruit may be moved interstate from a
quarantined area. We will eliminate the requirement that each lot of
finished fruit be inspected at the packinghouse and found to be free of
visible symptoms of citrus canker, and we will remove the current
prohibition on the movement of fruit from a quarantined area to
commercial citrus-producing States. We will continue to require fruit
moved interstate from a quarantined area be treated with an approved
disinfectant and packed in a commercial packinghouse that operates
under a compliance agreement. These changes will relieve some
restrictions on the interstate movement of fresh citrus fruit from
quarantined areas while maintaining conditions that will prevent the
artificial spread of citrus canker.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/30/09 74 FR 31201
NPRM Comment Period End 08/31/09
Final Action 10/22/09 74 FR 54431
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, 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-AC96
_______________________________________________________________________
225. <> USER FEES FOR AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE AND
INSPECTION SERVICES
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 action 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. The recent downturn in the U.S.
economy has negatively impacted travel volumes, and, as a result, our
user fee collections, which fund these services, have diminished.
Because there has been no corresponding decrease in the risk of plant
and animal pest and disease introduction into the United States, we
have continued to provide inspection and related support services at
the same level as we did before the downturn; however, our user fee
collections have not been sufficient to enable us to recover fully the
costs of providing those services and maintain a reasonable reserve
balance. We are therefore increasing our AQI user fees in order to
provide adequate funds for these purposes.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 09/28/09 74 FR 49311
Interim Final Rule Effective 10/01/09
Interim Final Rule Effective
Date Delayed 10/02/09 74 FR 50915
Notice of Public Meeting 10/23/09 74 FR 54758
Interim Final Rule Withdrawal
Effective 10/30/09
Delayed Interim Final Rule
Effective 11/01/09
Interim Final Rule Withdrawn 11/04/09 74 FR 57057
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/27/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William E. Thomas, Director, Quarantine Policy,
Analysis, and Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale,
MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-5214
Kris Caraher, User Fee Section, Financial Services Branch, Financial
Management Division, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 55, Riverdale, MD
20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-0882
RIN: 0579-AC99
BILLING CODE 3410-34-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
226. 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 02/00/10
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
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-S
[[Page 64392]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
227. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND
POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT 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
_______________________________________________________________________
228. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 24 in part II of this issue of
the Federal Register.
RIN: 0583-AD37
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
229. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT:
COLORADO
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
Abstract: On April 11, 2007, Governor of Colorado Ritter submitted a
petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to
promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for the
management of inventoried roadless areas within the State of Colorado.
After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation
National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's
petition and initiated a proposed rulemaking for inventoried roadless
areas in Colorado. The proposed rulemaking would manage Colorado's
inventoried roadless areas by prohibiting road building and tree
cutting, with some exceptions, on 4.1 million acres of inventoried
roadless areas in Colorado. The 4.1 million acres reflect the most
updated IRA boundaries for Colorado, which incorporate planning rule
revisions since 2001 on several Colorado national forests. Inventoried
roadless areas that are allocated to ski area special uses
(approximately 10,000 acres) would also be removed from roadless
designation. Road construction and reconstruction plus timber
harvesting would be prohibited in inventoried roadless areas, with some
exceptions, on the Arapaho-Roosevelt, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre, Gunnison,
Manti-La Sal, Pike-San Isabel, Rio Grande, Routt, San Juan, and White
River National Forests in Colorado. Exceptions to the prohibitions
would be allowed for certain health, safety, valid existing rights,
resource protection, and ecological management needs.
Web site: http://roadless.fs.fed.us
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/25/08 73 FR 43544
NPRM Comment Period End 10/23/08
Final Action 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-6560
Fax: 202 205-6539
Email: lsparker@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC74
BILLING CODE 3410-11-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
230. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA 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 07/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program,
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters
Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: ronb.buckhalt@da.usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________
231. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
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-
[[Page 64393]]
durable thermal shipping containers as subcategories.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 02/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program,
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters
Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: ronb.buckhalt@da.usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA36
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________
232. RENEWABLE ENERGY--CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT
OF ENERGY PROGRAM PROJECTS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610
REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
Abstract: This regulation provides financial assistance to agricultural
producers and rural small businesses for the purpose of purchasing and
installing renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements
in rural areas. Financial assistance to any single entity may be
provided as a guaranteed loan or grant, or a combination of a loan and
grant. Since the programs inception, it has become evident that some of
the language in the existing regulation was misinterpreted by field
offices and applicants. The changes are as follows:
- Clarify that surety requirements for projects under $100,000, no
surety is required. For projects between $100,000 and $200,000, no
surety would be required if the contractor will accept payment as a
``lump sum'' at the end of the work. For projects more than $200,000,
surety is required.
- The requirements for a review of plans and specifications by the
Agency will refer to either the State Architect or State Engineer to
perform the review rather than just an Agency employee.
- Clarify contract administration requirements for a design/build
contract of more than $200,000.
- Compliance with Executive Order 11246 is necessary for all
construction contracts issued by non-profit applicants (not just those
in excess of $10,000).
- Non-profits must meet the requirements of 7 CFR 3019.40-48(e).
Additional changes for non-for-profit entities are required as well.
(The vast majority of Renewable Energy applicants are ``for profit''
entities. However, some non-profits are acceptable applicants.) The
regulation does not adequately cover the additional requirements for a
non-profit entity.
- Revise procurement, construction contract and construction
administration requirements. The present language needs to incorporate
``lessons learned'' with the experience gained in the five years since
the inception of this new program.
- Include minor revisions to the application, application processing,
and grant/loan-making requirements to clarify intentions not fully
explained in the existing 7 CFR 4280 language.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Senior Architect, Department of
Agriculture, STOP 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250
Phone: 202 720-8547
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: larry.fleming@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA69
[FR Doc. E9-28563 Filed 12-04-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S
