2010-8928. Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2010  

  • [Federal Register Volume 75, Number 79 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Pages 21729-21747]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 2010-8928]
    
    
    [[Page 21729]]
    
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    Part III
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Agriculture
    
    
    
    
    
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    ###Semiannual Regulatory Agenda###
    
    [[Page 21730]]
    
    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    
    Office of the Secretary
    
    7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX
    
    9 CFR Chs. I-IV
    
    36 CFR Ch. II
    
    41 CFR Ch. 4
    
    Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2010
    
    AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
    not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
    Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 
    12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''
    
        USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory 
    reviews pending at the time of publication, except for minor and 
    routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently 
    missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item 
    from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each 
    action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the 
    date shown.
    
        USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
    www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
    mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
    entries include only:
    
        (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact 
    on a substantial number of small entities; and
    
        (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of 
    the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
    specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
    for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
    please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
    Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3275.
    
    Dated: March 9, 2010.
    
     Michael Poe,
    
    Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
    
                                   Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1           National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock).......................    0581-AC69
    2           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
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3           National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Dairy Import Assessments...............    0581-AC87
    4           National Organic Program: Amendments to the National List (Crops, Livestock, and          0581-AC91
                Processing) TM-08-06..................................................................
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                    Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5           National Organic Program: Access to Pasture, TM-05-14.................................    0581-AC57
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                        Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6           Emergency Forest Restoration Program..................................................    0560-AH89
    7           Biomass Crop Assistance Program.......................................................    0560-AH92
    8           Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities.............................................    0560-AI03
    9           Conservation Loan Guarantee Program...................................................    0560-AI04
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 21731]]
    
    
                                          Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    10          Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs....................................................    0560-AI05
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                             Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    11          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs            0579-AB24
                (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
    12          Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds...................................    0579-AC02
    13          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products..........    0579-AC68
    14          Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain      0579-AC74
                Live Fish.............................................................................
    15          Importation of Lemons From Northwest Argentina........................................    0579-AC79
    16          Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................    0579-AC92
    17          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions..................................    0579-AC98
    18          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their    0579-AD10
                Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts...................................................
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                              Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    19          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)...................................................................
    20          Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................    0579-AC05
    21          Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida.....................................    0579-AC07
    22          Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly             0579-AC36
                Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
    23          Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement              0579-AC85
                Regulations...........................................................................
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                              Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    24          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
    25          Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
    26          Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations...............................................    0579-AB91
    27          Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals.................................    0579-AC14
    28          Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering    0579-AC31
    29          Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warm-         0579-AC41
                Blooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.............................................
    30          Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................    0579-AC69
    31          Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine.....................................................    0579-AC71
    32          Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................    0579-AC86
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                              Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    33          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity..........................................    0579-AB34
    34          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Completion of a Section 610 Review)......    0579-AB44
    35          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities;    0579-AB97
                Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
    
    [[Page 21732]]
    
     
    36          National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Completion of a Section 610 Review)........    0579-AC04
    37          Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................    0579-AC06
    38          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers.........................    0579-AC50
    39          Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona..............    0579-AC63
    40          Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach.............................    0579-AC82
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                         Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    41          Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                 Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    42          Mandatory Inspection of Catfish and Catfish Products..................................    0583-AD36
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                  Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    43          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...........
    44          Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program......................    0583-AD37
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                           Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    45          Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado..........    0596-AC74
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                      Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    46          Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................    0503-AA36
    47          Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 8........................    0503-AA39
    48          Revised Program Guidelines............................................................    0503-AA40
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                                        Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         Regulation
     Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
      Number                                                                                               Number
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    49          Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products...........................    0503-AA35
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
    
    [[Page 21733]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    1. 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                            08/00/10
    Final Action                    03/00/11
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division, 
    NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
    2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
    20250
    Phone: 202 720-3252
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0581-AC69
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    2. 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: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division, 
    NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
    2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
    20250
    Phone: 202 720-3252
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0581-AC77
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    3. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM; DAIRY IMPORT 
    ASSESSMENTS
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 to 4514; 7 USC 7401
    
    Abstract: The Dairy Act authorizes the Order for dairy product 
    promotion, research, and nutrition education as part of a comprehensive 
    strategy to increase human consumption of milk and dairy products and 
    to reduce milk surpluses. The program functions to strengthen the dairy 
    industry's position in the marketplace by maintaining and expanding 
    domestic and foreign consumption of fluid milk and dairy products. 
    Amendments to the Order are pursuant to the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. 
    The 2002 Farm Bill mandates that the Order be amended to implement an 
    assessment on imported dairy products to fund promotion and research. 
    The 2008 Farm Bill specifies a mandatory assessment rate of 7.5-cent 
    per hundredweight of milk, or equivalent thereof, on dairy products 
    imported into the United States. Additionally, in accordance with the 
    2008 Farm Bill, the term ``United States'' is the Dairy Act is amended 
    to mean all States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of 
    Puerto Rico. Producers in these areas will be assessed 15 cents per 
    hundredweight for all milk produced and marketed.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            05/19/09                    74 FR 23359
    NPRM Comment Period End         06/18/09
    Final Action                    10/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Promotion and Research Branch Chief, 
    Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 
    Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 720-6909
    Fax: 202 720-0285
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0581-AC87
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    4. 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                    06/00/10
    
    [[Page 21734]]
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division, 
    NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
    2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
    20250
    Phone: 202 720-3252
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0581-AC91
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    5. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE, TM-05-14
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq
    
    Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the 
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established 
    national standards for the production and handling of organically 
    produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some 
    members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory 
    standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy 
    animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory 
    language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement 
    based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not 
    provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals 
    that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for 
    livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments 
    received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining 
    the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Final Action: Comments Requested02/17/10                     75 FR 7154
    Comments Due                    04/19/10                     75 FR 7154
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally
    Phone: 202 720-3252
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0581-AC57
    BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
    Farm Service Agency (FSA)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    6. 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: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0560-AH89
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    7. 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 and 
    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                            02/08/10                     75 FR 6264
    NPRM Comment Period End         04/09/10
    Final Rule                      09/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
    Department of Agriculture, Farm
    
    [[Page 21735]]
    
    Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
    Phone: 202 205-5851
    Fax: 202 720-5233
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0560-AH92
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    8. 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                            04/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10
    Final Rule                      09/00/10
    
    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: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0560-AI03
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    9. 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 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                            04/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10
    Final Rule                      09/00/10
    
    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: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0560-AI04
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
    Farm Service Agency (FSA)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    10. 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.
    
    [[Page 21736]]
    
    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                      09/00/10
    
    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: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0560-AI05
    BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    11. 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                            06/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, 
    Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
    4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
    Phone: 301 734-7833
    
    RIN: 0579-AB24
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    12. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
    
    Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling, 
    care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for 
    use in research.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            08/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, 
    Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
    4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
    Phone: 301 734-0954
    
    RIN: 0579-AC02
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    13. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE 
    PRODUCTS
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 
    to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
    
    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
    importation of bovines and bovine products. Under this rulemaking, 
    countries would be classified as either negligible risk, controlled 
    risk, or undetermined risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). 
    Some commodities would be allowed importation into the United States 
    regardless of the BSE classification of the country of export. Other 
    commodities would be subject to importation restrictions or 
    prohibitions based on the type of commodity and the BSE classification 
    of the country. The criteria for country classification and commodity 
    import would be closely aligned with those of the World Organization 
    for Animal Health.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            08/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Christopher Robinson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
    Technical Trade Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, 
    Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
    4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
    Phone: 301 734-7837
    
    RIN: 0579-AC68
    
    [[Page 21737]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    14. 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: We are establishing 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. Viral hemorrhagic 
    septicemia has been 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. This proposed rule replaces a previously published but not 
    effective interim rule that contained substantially different 
    restrictions on the interstate movement and importation of VHS-
    susceptible live fish.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Interim Final Rule              09/09/08                    73 FR 52173
    Interim Final Rule Comment 
    Period End                      11/10/08
    Interim Final Rule: Delay of 
    Effective Date                  10/28/08                    73 FR 63867
    Interim Final Rule Effective    01/09/09
    Interim Final Rule: Delay of 
    Effective Date                  01/02/09                        74 FR 1
    NPRM                            07/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/10
    
    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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    15. IMPORTATION OF LEMONS FROM NORTHWEST ARGENTINA
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
    USC 136 and 136a
    
    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the fruits and vegetables 
    regulations to allow the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina 
    into the continental United States. Lemons from northwest Argentina 
    would be required to be imported in commercial consignments, produced 
    and packed under specified conditions, treated with a surface 
    disinfectant and inspected for quarantine pests before shipping, and 
    accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. This action would allow for 
    the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina into the United 
    States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction 
    of quarantine pests.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            08/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Meredith Jones, Regulatory Coordination Specialist, 
    Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
    Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
    Phone: 301 734-7467
    
    RIN: 0579-AC79
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    16. 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                            06/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/10
    
    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
    Phone: 301 734-6954
    
    RIN: 0579-AC92
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    17. 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; 7 USC 8301 to 8817; 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 the movement of 
    not only plant pests, but also biological control organisms and 
    associated articles. We are proposing risk-based criteria regarding the 
    movement of biological control organisms, and are proposing to exempt 
    certain types of plant pests from permitting requirements for their 
    interstate movement and movement for environmental release. We are also 
    proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of soil, and 
    to establish regulations governing the biocontainment facilities in 
    which plant pests, biological control organisms, and associated 
    articles are held. This proposed rule replaces a
    
    [[Page 21738]]
    
    previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of 
    this document. This proposal would clarify the factors that would be 
    considered when assessing the risks associated with the movement of 
    certain organisms, facilitate the movement of regulated organisms and 
    articles in a manner that also protects U.S. agriculture, 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                            04/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Chief, Pest Permitting Branch, 
    Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
    Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 
    20737-1236
    Phone: 301 734-8453
    
    RIN: 0579-AC98
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    18. <> BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY AND SCRAPIE; 
    IMPORTATION OF SMALL RUMINANTS AND THEIR GERMPLASM, PRODUCTS, AND 
    BYPRODUCTS
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
    to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
    
    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine spongiform 
    encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation 
    of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen, 
    products, and byproducts. Some countries from which such imports would 
    be allowed under this rule are currently those from which the 
    importation of live sheep, goats, wild ruminants, their embryos, and 
    ruminant products and byproducts are prohibited under existing BSE 
    regulations. Some products would be allowed importation without 
    restriction due to the inherent lack of BSE risk regarding the product. 
    Certain other products and live animals would be allowed importation if 
    it can be certified that the live animals or the animals from which the 
    products were derived were born after implementation of an effective 
    feed ban. The proposed scrapie revisions regarding the importation of 
    sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other than immediate 
    slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World Organization 
    for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such animals to 
    those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free flocks.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            10/00/10
    NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Staff Veterinarian, Technical Trade 
    Services, 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: 301 734-5677
    
    RIN: 0579-AD10
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    19. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF 
    PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK 
    ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
    USC 136 and 136a
    
    Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations 
    governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for 
    planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose 
    importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. We would allow 
    foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted 
    for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk 
    evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would 
    conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if 
    determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to 
    expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting 
    regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would allow 
    us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for 
    planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based 
    on scientific evidence.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            07/23/09                    74 FR 36403
    NPRM Comment Period End         10/21/09
    Final Rule                      07/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Risk Manager, Commodity 
    Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
    and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
    Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
    Phone: 301 734-5306
    
    RIN: 0579-AC03
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    20. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
    
    Abstract: This action follows a rulemaking that established 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.
    
    [[Page 21739]]
    
    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
    Final Action                    04/00/10
    
    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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    21. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
    
    Abstract: This action follows an interim rule that 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                    09/00/10
    
    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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    22. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED 
    WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a
    
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the 
    importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the 
    importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from 
    regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry 
    of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This 
    action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on 
    articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic 
    Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. 
    The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on 
    articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Interim Final Rule              04/00/10
    Interim Final Rule Comment 
    Period End                      06/00/10
    
    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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    23. 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 
    States of Florida and Georgia, Puerto Rico, two parishes in Louisiana, 
    and two counties in South Carolina as quarantined areas for citrus 
    greening and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, 
    Mississippi, Texas, three counties in South Carolina, portions of one 
    county in Arizona, and all of three and portions of an additional three 
    counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian citrus psyllid, a 
    vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It also establishes 
    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              04/00/10
    Interim Final Rule Comment 
    Period End                      06/00/10
    
    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
    Phone: 919 855-7313
    
    RIN: 0579-AC85
    
    [[Page 21740]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    24. 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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    25. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
    
    Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations 
    to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS 
    in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate 
    movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in 
    California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update 
    conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from 
    quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all 
    other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also 
    updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the 
    list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other 
    miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary 
    to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United 
    States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional 
    rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes 
    available.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Interim Final Rule              02/27/07                     72 FR 8585
    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: Prakash Hebbar
    Phone: 301 734-5717
    
    RIN: 0579-AB82
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    26. 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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    27. 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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    28. 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
    
    [[Page 21741]]
    
    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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    29. 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 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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    30. 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
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    31. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
    
    Abstract: We are quarantining 16 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               To Be                       Determined
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Andrea Simao
    Phone: 301 734-0930
    
    RIN: 0579-AC71
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    32. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
    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.
    
    [[Page 21742]]
    
    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               To Be                       Determined
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner
    Phone: 301 734-7228
    
    RIN: 0579-AC86
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    33. 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.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated 
    Within the Next 12 Months       02/02/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
    Phone: 301 734-8073
    
    RIN: 0579-AB34
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    34. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (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 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
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Withdrawn: APHIS Will Address 
    This Issue as Part of a Broader 
    Approach                        02/02/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
    Regionalization and Evaluation Services, ISTIT, NCIE, VS, Department of 
    Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
    Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
    Phone: 301 734-4356
    
    RIN: 0579-AB44
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    35. 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.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Withdrawn: Superseded by the BSE 
    Comprehensive Rule and Will Be 
    Addressed Under RIN 0579-AC68   02/02/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
    Phone: 301 734-8172
    
    RIN: 0579-AB97
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    36. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 
    610 REVIEW)
    
    Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828; 21 USC 
    136a
    
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the National 
    Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation 
    categories in place of the former single category, to add requirements 
    for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer 
    program certifications. We are making these changes in order to support 
    the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve 
    accredited veterinarians in integrated
    
    [[Page 21743]]
    
    surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our 
    National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent. 
    These changes will increase the level of training and skill of 
    accredited veterinarians in the areas of disease prevention and 
    preparedness for animal health emergencies in the United States.
    
    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 Rule                      12/09/09                    74 FR 64998
    Final Rule Effective            02/01/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
    
    Agency Contact: Todd Behre, National Veterinary Accreditation Program, 
    VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
    Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 200, Riverdale, MD 20737
    Phone: 301 734-0853
    
    RIN: 0579-AC04
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    37. 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 adopts as a final rule, with changes, an interim 
    rule that 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 are 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 all 
    commercial conveyances, with certain exceptions, and international air 
    passengers entering the United States from Canada.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Final Action                    03/09/10                    75 FR 10634
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Cynthia Stahl
    Phone: 301 734-8415
    
    RIN: 0579-AC06
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    38. 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.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Withdrawn: APHIS Will Address 
    This Issue as Part of a Broader 
    Approach                        02/02/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei
    Phone: 301 734-6954
    
    RIN: 0579-AC50
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    39. 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.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated 
    Within the Next 12 Months       02/02/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
    Phone: 301 734-5677
    
    RIN: 0579-AC63
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    40. 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
    
    [[Page 21744]]
    
    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.
    
    Completed:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Withdrawn: Program Will 
    Repropose With New Supporting 
    Documents and a Different 
    Approach                        02/02/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Charisse Cleare
    Phone: 301 734-0773
    
    RIN: 0579-AC82
    BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
    Rural Housing Service (RHS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    41. 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                    11/00/10
    Final Action Effective          12/00/10
    
    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, STOP 0784, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 720-1465
    Fax: 202 205-2476
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0575-AC18
    BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
    Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    42. MANDATORY INSPECTION OF CATFISH AND CATFISH PRODUCTS
    
    Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; PL 110-249, sec 11016
    
    Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-
    246, sec. 11016), known as the 2008 Farm Bill, amended the Federal Meat 
    Inspection Act (FMIA) to make catfish an amenable species under the 
    FMIA. Amenable species must be inspected, so this rule will define 
    inspection requirements for catfish. The regulations will define 
    ``catfish'' and the scope of coverage of the regulations to apply to 
    establishments that process farm-raised species of catfish and to 
    catfish and catfish products. The regulations will take into account 
    the conditions under which the catfish are raised and transported to a 
    processing establishment.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            04/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Quita Bowman Blackwell, Acting Assistant Administrator, 
    Office of Catfish Inspection Program, Department of Agriculture, Food 
    Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
    DC 20250
    Phone: 202 720-5735
    Fax: 202 690-1742
    
    RIN: 0583-AD36
    
    [[Page 21745]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
    Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    43. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND 
    POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT 
    AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
    
    Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq
    
    Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance 
    standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat 
    and poultry products, and measures, including testing, to control 
    Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products. The performance standards spell 
    out the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must 
    meet during their operations in order to produce safe products, but 
    allow the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other 
    than those prescribed in the earlier regulations. With HACCP, food 
    safety performance standards give establishments the incentive and 
    flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing 
    procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable 
    standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This 
    set of performance standards will include and be consistent with 
    standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry 
    products.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            02/27/01                    66 FR 12590
    NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/01
    NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/03/01                    66 FR 35112
    NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
    Interim Final Rule              06/06/03                    68 FR 34208
    Interim Final Rule Effective    10/06/03
    Interim Final Rule Comment 
    Period End                      01/31/05
    NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/24/05                    70 FR 15017
    NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
    Affirmation of Interim Final 
    Rule                            03/00/11
    Final Action                    03/00/11
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
    Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of 
    Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence 
    Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 205-0495
    Fax: 202 401-1760
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0583-AC46
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    44. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
    
    Legal Authority: PL 110-246, sec 11015
    
    Abstract: FSIS is proposing regulations to implement a new voluntary 
    Federal-State cooperative inspection program under which State-
    inspected establishments with 25 or fewer employees would be eligible 
    to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. State-
    inspected establishments selected to participate in this program would 
    be required to comply with all Federal standards under the Federal Meat 
    Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). 
    These establishments would receive inspection services from State 
    inspection personnel that have been trained and certified to assist 
    with enforcement of the FMIA and PPIA. Meat and poultry products 
    produced under the program that have been inspected and passed by 
    selected State-inspection personnel would bear a Federal mark of 
    inspection. FSIS is proposing these regulations in response to the 
    Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, enacted on June 18, 2008 (the 2008 
    Farm Bill). Section 11015 of 2008 Farm Bill provides for the interstate 
    shipment of State-inspected meat and poultry product from selected 
    establishments and requires that FSIS promulgate implementing 
    regulations no later than 18 months from the date of its enactment.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            09/16/09                    74 FR 47648
    NPRM Comment Period End         11/16/09
    Final Action                    09/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Director, Policy Issuances Division, 
    Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 
    Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 720-0399
    Fax: 202 690-0486
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0583-AD37
    BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
    Forest Service (FS)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    45. 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
    
    [[Page 21746]]
    
    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
    Second NPRM                     06/00/10
    
    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: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0596-AC74
    BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
    Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    46. 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-durable thermal shipping containers as 
    subcategories.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            08/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
    Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
    Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 205-4008
    Fax: 202 720-8972
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0503-AA36
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    47. <> DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL 
    PROCUREMENT, ROUND 8
    
    Legal Authority: PL 110-246
    
    Abstract: Designates an additional 15 groups of biobased products for 
    preferred procurement.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            11/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
    Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
    Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 205-4008
    Fax: 202 720-8972
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0503-AA39
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    48. <> REVISED PROGRAM GUIDELINES
    
    Legal Authority: PL 110-246
    
    Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires USDA to address how the 
    BioPreferred Program will designate complex products and intermediate 
    materials and feed stocks and make other changes to update program 
    guidelines.
    
    Timetable:
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    Action                            Date                      FR Cite
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    NPRM                            12/00/10
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
    Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
    Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 205-4008
    Fax: 202 720-8972
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0503-AA40
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
    Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    49. 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                            07/31/09                    74 FR 38296
    NPRM Comment Period End         09/29/09
    Final Action                    09/00/10
    
    [[Page 21747]]
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
    Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
    Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
    Phone: 202 205-4008
    Fax: 202 720-8972
    Email: [email protected]
    
    RIN: 0503-AA35
    [FR Doc. 2010-8928 Filed 04-23-10; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
04/26/2010
Department:
Agriculture Department
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Semiannual regulatory agenda.
Document Number:
2010-8928
Pages:
21729-21747 (19 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FR Doc. 2010-8928 Filed 04-23-10, 8:45 am
PDF File:
2010-8928.pdf
CFR: (3)
7 CFR 1
7 CFR 701
36 CFR None