On January 3, 2018, Commerce published the CVD order on certain softwood lumber from Canada. 1 On January 8, 2025, Commerce published the Preliminary Results of this changed circumstances review (CCR), finding that the following companies are cross-owned entities: ISM, Interfor Corporation, EACOM Timber Corporation, Chaleur Forest Products Inc., and Chaleur Forest Products LP. 2 In the Preliminary Results, we provided interested parties an opportunity to comment regarding Commerce's preliminary findings. On January 21 and February 4, 2025, the petitioner and ISM submitted comments on the Preliminary Results, respectively. 3 The petitioner urged Commerce to maintain the findings of the Preliminary Results in the final results, while ISM took no position on Commerce's preliminary findings.

The merchandise covered by this Order is softwood lumber, siding, flooring, and certain other coniferous wood (softwood lumber products). For a complete description of the scope of the Order, see the Preliminary Results PDM.

For the reasons stated in the Preliminary Results, and because we received no comments from interested parties opposing the Preliminary Results, Commerce continues to find that ISM is cross-owned with Interfor Corporation, EACOM Timber Corporation, Chaleur Forest Products Inc., and Chaleur Forest Products LP. 4 Because our findings remain unchanged from the Preliminary Results, no decision memorandum accompanies this notice. We are adopting the Preliminary Results as the final results of this CCR. See the Preliminary Results PDM for a complete discussion of our findings.

This notice also serves as a final reminder to parties subject to an APO of their responsibility concerning the return or destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written notification of the return or destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and the terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation.

We are issuing this determination and publishing these final results and notice in accordance with sections 751(b)(1) and 777(i)(1) and (2) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.216(e), 351.221(b), and 351.221(c)(3).

On December 26, 2024, Commerce published the countervailing duty order on shrimp from Ecuador. 1 On January 24, 2025, Commerce received requests for an expedited review of the Order from six companies: Empacadora del Pacifico S.A. (Edpacif); Nirsa S.A. (Nirsa); Procesadora Posorja S.A. (Proposorja); Productos Perecibles y Marisco S.A. (Propemar); Exportadora Total Seafood S.A. (Total Seafood); and Natluk S.A. (Natluk). 2 These companies, which were not selected for individual examination during the investigation, made these requests pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(l).

As specified by 19 CFR 351.214(l)(3)(i), the period of review will be the same as the original period of investigation, i.e., January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

The merchandise covered by this expedited review is shrimp from Ecuador. For a full description of the scope of this review, see the appendix to this notice.

All submissions to Commerce must be filed electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS), unless an exemption applies. 3 An electronically filed document must be received successfully in its entirety by the time and date it is due.

In accordance with 19 CFR 351.214(l)(1)(i)-(iii), each company that requested a review certified that it exported the subject merchandise to the United States during the period of investigation; that it was not affiliated with an exporter or producer that Commerce individually examined in the investigation; and that it informed the Government of Ecuador, as the government of the exporting country, that the government will be required to provide a full response to Commerce's countervailing duty questionnaire.

Therefore, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.214(k), we are initiating an expedited review of the countervailing duty order on shrimp from Ecuador. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(i)(1) (l)(3), we intend to issue the preliminary results of this expedited review not later than 180 days from the date of initiation of this review. 4

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(l)(3)(ii), the final results of this expedited review will not be the basis for the assessment of countervailing duties. Instead, this expedited review is intended to establish individual cash deposit rates for those companies that requested an expedited review, or to exclude from the countervailing duty order a company for which the final results of expedited review are zero or de minimis, as provided in 19 CFR 351.214(l)(3)(iii).

Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.214(f), we will rescind the expedited review for any company that withdraws its request for expedited review within 60 days after the date of publication of this notice of initiation.

Factual information is defined in 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) as: (i) evidence submitted in response to questionnaires; (ii) evidence submitted in support of allegations; (iii) publicly available information to value factors under 19 CFR 351.408(c) or to measure the adequacy of remuneration under 19 CFR 351.511(a)(2); (iv) evidence placed on the record by Commerce; and (v) evidence other than factual information described in (i)-(iv). Section 351.301(b) of Commerce's regulations requires any party, when submitting factual information, to specify under which subsection of 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) the information is being submitted  5 and, if the information is submitted to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information already on the record, to provide an explanation identifying the information already on the record that the factual information seeks to rebut, clarify, or correct. 6 Time limits for the submission of factual information are addressed in 19 CFR 351.301, which provides specific time limits based on the type of factual information being submitted. Interested parties should review the regulations prior to submitting factual information in this review.

Parties may request an extension of time limits before the expiration of a time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301, or as otherwise specified by Commerce. In general, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after the expiration of the time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301, or as otherwise specified by Commerce. 7 For submissions that are due from multiple parties simultaneously, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on the due date. Under certain circumstances, Commerce may elect to specify a different time limit by which extension requests will be considered untimely for submissions which are due from multiple parties simultaneously. In such a case, we will inform parties in a letter or memorandum of the deadline (including a specified time) by which extension requests must be filed to be considered timely. An extension request must be made in a separate, standalone submission; under limited circumstances we will grant untimely filed requests for the extension of time limits, where we determine, based on 19 CFR 351.302, that extraordinary circumstances exist. Parties should review Commerce's regulations concerning the extension of time limits and the Time Limits Final Rule prior to submitting factual information in these investigations. 8

Any party submitting factual information in an antidumping or countervailing duty proceeding must certify the accuracy and completeness of that information. 9 Parties must use the certification formats provided in 19 CFR 351.303(g). 10 Commerce intends to reject factual submissions if the submitting party does not comply with the applicable certification requirements.

Interested parties must submit applications for disclosure under administrative protective orders in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. Parties wishing to participate in these investigations should ensure that they meet the requirements of 19 CFR 351.103(d) ( e.g., by filing the required letters of appearance). Note that Commerce has modified certain of its regulations pertaining to the service of documents in 19 CFR 351.303(f). 11

The MMPA prohibits the “take” of marine mammals, with certain exceptions. Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ) direct the Secretary of Commerce (as delegated to NMFS) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are proposed or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed IHA is provided to the public for review.

Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for taking for subsistence uses (where relevant). Further, NMFS must prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other “means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact” on the affected species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for certain subsistence uses (referred to here as “mitigation”); and requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of the takings. The definition of all applicable MMPA statutory used above are included in the relevant sections below and can be found in section 3 of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1362) and the NMFS's implementing regulations at 50 CFR 216.103.

NMFS' regulations implementing the MMPA at 50 CFR 216.107(e) indicate that IHAs may be renewed for additional periods of time not to exceed 1 year for each reauthorization. In the notice of proposed IHA for the initial IHA, NMFS described the circumstances under which we would consider issuing a renewal for this activity, and requested public comment on a potential renewal under those circumstances. Specifically, on a case-by-case basis, NMFS may issue a one-time 1-year renewal of an IHA following notice to the public providing an additional 15 days for public comments when (1) up to another year of identical, or nearly identical, activities as described in the Detailed Description of Specified Activities section of the initial IHA issuance notice is planned or (2) the activities as described in the Description of the Specified Activities and Anticipated Impacts section of the initial IHA issuance notice would not be completed by the time the initial IHA expires and a renewal would allow for completion of the activities beyond that described in the DATES section of the notice of issuance of the initial IHA, provided all of the following conditions are met:

1. A request for renewal is received no later than 60 days prior to the needed renewal IHA effective date (recognizing that the renewal IHA expiration date cannot extend beyond 1 year from expiration of the initial IHA).

2. The request for renewal must include the following:

• An explanation that the activities to be conducted under the requested renewal IHA are identical to the activities analyzed under the initial IHA, are a subset of the activities, or include changes so minor ( e.g., reduction in pile size) that the changes do not affect the previous analyses, mitigation and monitoring requirements, or take estimates (with the exception of reducing the type or amount of take); and

• A preliminary monitoring report showing the results of the required monitoring to date and an explanation showing that the monitoring results do not indicate impacts of a scale or nature not previously analyzed or authorized.

3. Upon review of the request for renewal, the status of the affected species or stocks, and any other pertinent information, NMFS determines that there are no more than minor changes in the activities, the mitigation and monitoring measures will remain the same and appropriate, and the findings in the initial IHA remain valid.

An additional public comment period of 15 days (for a total of 45 days), with direct notice by email, phone, or postal service to commenters on the initial IHA, is provided to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal. A description of the renewal process may be found on our website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-harassment-authorization-renewals.

On December 21, 2022, NMFS announced issuance of an IHA to NOAA OMAO to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with vessel relocation at NAVSTA in Newport, RI (87 FR 78072), effective from February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025. On November 15, 2024, NMFS received an application for the renewal of that initial IHA. As described in the application for renewal IHA, the activities for which incidental take is authorized consist of activities that are covered by the initial authorization but will not be completed prior to its expiration. As required, the applicant also provided a preliminary monitoring report which confirms that the applicant has implemented the required mitigation and monitoring, and which also shows that no impacts of a scale or nature not previously analyzed or authorized have occurred as a result of the activities conducted. The notice of the proposed renewal incidental harassment authorization was published on January 23, 2025 (90 FR 8009). There are no changes from the proposed renewal IHA to the final renewal IHA.

NOAA OMAO's initial IHA authorized take of marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with NOAA research vessel relocation at NAVSTA in Newport, RI. NOAA OMAO plans to establish adequate pier, shoreside, and support facilities for four NOAA research vessels in Coddington Cove at NAVSTA. All facilities must meet NOAA docking and berthing requirements for the four relocated research vessels. As part of this activity, a new pier, trestle, and bulkhead have been constructed over a total of approximately 191 days. Due to unanticipated delays, NOAA OMAO will be unable to complete the remaining activities before the expiration date of the current IHA. The remaining necessary activities include removal of abandoned guide piles along the bulkhead, demolition of the current floating dock, installation of gangway support piles and fender piles, installation and removal of piles for a construction template, and construction of a small boat floating dock. Vibratory pile driving and removal, impact pile driving, and down-the-hole (DTH) mono-hammer pile installation will be used to complete these remaining construction activities. Approximately 110 days will be necessary to complete these remaining activities.

The potential impacts of NOAA OMAO's planned activities on marine mammals could involve acoustic stressors and are unchanged from the impacts described in the notice of the proposed 2022 IHA (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022). Underwater sound resulting from NOAA OMAO's activities has the potential to result in incidental take of marine mammals in the form of Level A harassment and Level B harassment in the specified geographic region.

This renewal IHA is for the remainder of the work that will not be completed by the expiration date of the initial IHA. The renewal IHA will authorize incidental take, by Level A harassment and Level B harassment, of seven species (comprising seven stocks) of marine mammals for a subset of the construction activities to be completed in 1 year, in the same area, using identical construction methods (vibratory pile driving and removal, impact pile driving, and DTH mono-hammer pile installation) described in the initial IHA. Neither NOAA OMAO nor NMFS expect serious injury or mortality to result from this activity and, therefore, an IHA is appropriate. The anticipated effects on marine mammals and the affected stocks also remain the same. All mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures would remain exactly as described in the Federal Register notice of the initial IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022).

A detailed description of the construction activities for which incidental take is proposed here may be found in the notices of the proposed IHA (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022) and final IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022) for the initial authorization. The location, timing, and nature of the activities, including the types of equipment planned for use, are nearly identical to those described in the previous notices. The only differences are in the timing of activities, as described here and in the renewal IHA request. The NOAA OMAO proposed trestle rotary drilling, over a total of 4 in-water work days, and mono-hammer DTH drilling for bulkhead construction, over a total of 12 in-water work days. These actions were not required once construction activities began, thus there was a reduction of 16 in-water work days. In addition, 57 of the 30-inch steel pipe piles for the pier were installed incorrectly. These piles were cut at the mudline, but 57 new 30-inch steel pipe piles needed to be installed instead. The in-water work time for installing the 30-inch steel pipe piles was 4 piles/day, leading to an additional 15 in-water work days than was allotted for these piles. There was also a decrease of 45 in-water work days due to the ability to use a construction template that accommodates 12 piles instead of 4 piles. Lastly, construction activities did not occur concurrently, as previously proposed, and remaining construction activities are not proposed to occur concurrently. The renewal IHA will be effective for a period not exceeding 1 year from the date of issuance.

A description of the marine mammals in the area of the activities for which authorization of take is proposed here, including information on abundance, status, distribution, and hearing, may be found in the Federal Register notice of the proposed initial IHA (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022). NMFS has reviewed the monitoring data from the initial IHA, recent Stock Assessment Reports (SARs), information on relevant Unusual Mortality Events, and other scientific literature and determined there is no new information that affects which species or stocks have the potential to be affected or the pertinent information in the descriptions of marine mammals provided in the supporting documents for the initial IHA. Since the initial IHA was issued, NMFS released its final 2023 stock assessment reports (SARs). NMFS has reviewed the 2023 SARs (Hayes et al., 2024), which included updates to certain stock abundances since the initial IHA was issued, information on relevant unusual mortality events (UME), and other scientific literature. The 2023 SARs updated information related to stock abundance for the common dolphin (172,974 to 93,100), harbor porpoise (95,543 to 85,765), and hooded seal (stock abundance is now unknown based upon uncertainty in available population estimates). Information related to the relatively small portion of the gray seal population found in U.S. waters was also updated. NMFS has determined that neither this nor any other new information affects which species or stocks have the potential to be affected or any other pertinent information in the Description of the Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities contained in the supporting documents for the initial IHA.

A description of the potential effects of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat for the activities for which an authorization of incidental take is proposed here may be found in the notice of the proposed IHA for the initial authorization (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022). NMFS has reviewed the monitoring data from the initial IHA, recent SARs, information on relevant Unusual Mortality Events, and other scientific literature, and determined that there is no new information that affects our initial analysis of impacts on marine mammals and their habitat.

A detailed description of the methods used to estimate take for the specified activity are found in the notices of the proposed and final IHAs for the initial authorization (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022; 87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022). Specifically, the action area and marine mammal density and occurrence data applicable to this authorization remain unchanged from the initial IHA. Similarly, source levels, type of activity, methods of take, and types of take remain unchanged from the initial IHA. However, there are changes to the estimated Level A harassment zones based on the revised amount of piles to be driven per day and the 2024 draft Technical Guidance, further discussed below. The number of takes authorized is based on the subset of activities to be completed under this renewal IHA, and therefore represents a proportion of the initial authorized takes. These takes reflect the estimated remaining number of days of work and number of piles to be driven. Estimated take by Level A and Level B harassment was calculated using the same methodology as in the initial IHA.

On October 24 2024, NMFS published (89 FR 84872) its final Updated Technical Guidance ( https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/s3/2024-10/Tech-Memo-Guidance-3.0-OCT2024-508-OPR1.pdf ), which includes updated thresholds and weighting functions to inform auditory injury estimates and is replacing the 2018 Technical Guidance referenced in the notices of the proposed and final IHAs for the initial authorization (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022; 87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022). In consideration of the best available science, NMFS conducted calculations using the Updated Technical Guidance and NMFS optional user spreadsheet, using the source levels and spreadsheet inputs provided in the notices for the proposed and final IHAs (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022; 87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022), for the purpose of understanding how Level A harassment (auditory injury) zones might change from the initial IHA. The relevant updated weighting functions may be found in the executive summary of the Updated Technical Guidance NMFS, 2024), on pg. 3. The updated marine mammal hearing groups and updated thresholds can be found in tables 1 and 2.

NMFS has also considered whether modifications to mitigation requirements, i.e., shutdown zones, would be appropriate in light of the Updated Technical Guidance. Based on the outcome of these analyses using the Updated Technical Guidance, updated Level A harassment zones are presented in table 3 as well as the Level A harassment zones from the initial IHA, based on the 2018 Technical Guidance, for comparison. Mitigation zones, in consideration of the Updated Technical Guidance where appropriate, are discussed in Description of Proposed Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Measures section. Although some estimated Level A harassment zones have increased using the 2024 guidance, consistent with the initial IHA, take by Level A harassment for these species is not expected to exceed the amount of take initially authorized, in consideration of the reduced number of days of construction activity remaining. Maximum distances to the Level A harassment threshold for remaining construction activities are shown in table 3.

In this renewal IHA, use of the Updated Technical Guidance results in changes to the estimated Level A harassment zones, but there are no changes to the estimated Level B harassment zones. The updated Level A harassment zones are used to inform our understanding of potential take by Level A harassment. In table 4, total take numbers are based on the methodology that was included in the previous authorization, incorporating the previously described changes (number of piles per day). Takes by Level B harassment are a proportion of the initial authorized takes and based on the days of work included in this renewal IHA. Level A harassment numbers have been held constant in reflection of the increases to estimated Level A harassment zone sizes. Planned mitigation zones, in consideration of the updated isopleths, are discussed in the Mitigation section.

The number of takes authorized are a subset of the initial authorized takes. The source levels, stocks taken, density values, methods of take, and types of take remain unchanged from the initial IHA. Estimated takes by Level A harassment and Level B harassment, based upon the number of remaining in-water work days, are indicated in table 4.

The mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures described here are identical to those included in the Federal Register notice announcing the issuance of the initial IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022). In addition, the discussion of the least practicable adverse impact included in those documents as well as the notice of the proposed IHA (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022) remains accurate. The following measures are planned for this renewal IHA:

Implementation of shutdown zones —Marine mammal shutdown zones must be implemented for all pile driving activities. As shutdown zones are based upon the Level A harassment zone for each pile type/size and activity, shutdown zones have been updated since the issuance of the initial IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022) and are shown in table 5. However, as in the initial IHA, required shutdown zones would be limited to a radial distance of 200 m from the acoustic source (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022). Shutdown zones must be implemented and monitored by NMFS-approved protected species observers (PSOs) as follows:

• A minimum shutdown zone of 10 m would be applied for all in-water construction activities if the Level A harassment zone is less than 10 meters (m);

• If an activity is delayed or halted due to the presence of a marine mammal, the activity may not commence or resume until either the animal has voluntarily exited and been visually confirmed beyond the shutdown zone indicated in table 4 or 15 minutes have passed without re-detection of the animal; and

• Construction activities must be halted upon observation of a species for which incidental take is not authorized or a species for which incidental take has been authorized but the authorized number of takes has been met entering or within the harassment zone.

If a marine mammal enters the Level B harassment zone, in-water work would proceed and PSOs will document the marine mammal's presence and behavior. Level B harassment zones remain unchanged since issuance of the initial IHA and are shown in table 12 of the Federal Register notice of the final IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022).

Visual Monitoring —Monitoring must be conducted by NMFS-approved PSOs with minimum qualifications as described in the Federal Register notices for the proposed and final initial IHA (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022; 87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022). Visual monitoring will be conducted by a minimum of two trained PSOs positioned at suitable vantage points. Any activity for which the Level B harassment isopleth would exceed 1,900 meters requires a minimum of three PSOs to effectively monitor the entire Level B harassment zone. Where a team of three or more PSOs is required, a lead observer or monitoring coordinator would be designated. PSOs will likely be located on Gould Island South, Gould Island Pier, Coddington Point, Bishop Rock, Breakwater, or Taylor Point as shown in figure 11-1 in the application for the initial IHA. The lead observer would be required to have prior experience working as a marine mammal observer during construction. All PSOs would have access to high-quality binoculars, range finders to monitor distances, and a compass to record bearing to animals as well as radios or cells phones for maintaining contact with work crews.

Monitoring will be conducted 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after all in water construction activities. In addition, PSOs will record all incidents of marine mammal occurrence, regardless of distance from activity, and will document any behavioral reactions in concert with distance from piles being driven or removed. Pile driving activities include the time to install or remove a single pile or series of piles, as long as the time elapsed between uses of the pile driving equipment is no more than 30 minutes.

Pre-start Clearance Monitoring —Prior to the start of daily in-water construction activity, or whenever a break in pile driving of 30 minutes or longer occurs, PSOs will monitor the shutdown, Level A harassment, and Level B harassment for a period of 30 minutes. Pile driving may commence following 30 minutes of observation when the determination is made that the shutdown zones are clear of marine mammals. If a marine mammal is observed within the shutdown zones listed in table 5, construction activity would be delayed until the animal has voluntarily exited and been visually confirmed beyond the shutdown zone indicated in table 5 or has not been observed for 15 minutes. When a marine mammal for which Level B harassment take is authorized is present in the Level B harassment zone, activities would begin or continue, and an observation of the marine mammal occurrence in the Level B harassment zone would be recorded. A determination that the shutdown zone is clear must be made during a period of good visibility ( i.e., the entire shutdown zone and surrounding waters are visible). If the shutdown zone is obscured by fog or poor lighting conditions, in-water construction activity would not be initiated until the entire shutdown zone is visible.

Soft Start —Soft-start procedures are used to provide additional protection to marine mammals by providing warning and/or giving marine mammals a chance to leave the area prior to the hammer operating at full capacity. For impact pile driving, contractors will be required to provide an initial set of three strikes from the hammer at reduced energy, followed by a 30-second waiting period, then two subsequent reduced-energy strike sets. Soft start would be implemented at the start of each day's impact pile driving and at any time following cessation of impact pile driving for a period of 30 minutes or longer.

Hydro-Acoustic Monitoring —NOAA OMAO will implement in situ acoustic monitoring efforts to measure sound pressure levels (SPLs) from in-water construction activities by collecting and evaluating acoustic sound recording levels during activities. Stationary hydrophones would be placed 33 ft (10 m) from the noise source, in accordance with NMFS' most recent guidance for the collection of source levels. If there is the potential for Level A harassment, a second monitoring location would be set up at an intermediate distance between cetacean/phocid shutdown zones and Level A harassment zones. Hydrophones will be deployed with a static line from a stationary vessel. Locations of hydro-acoustic recordings would be collected via GPS. A depth sounder and/or weighted tape measure would be used to determine the depth of the water. The hydrophone will be attached to a weighted nylon cord or chain to maintain a constant depth and distance from the pile area. The nylon cord or chain will be attached to a float or tied to a static line.

Each hydrophone will be calibrated at the start of each action and will be checked frequently to the applicable standards of the hydrophone manufacturer. Environmental data will be collected, including but not limited to, the following: wind speed and direction, air temperature, humidity, surface water temperature, water depth, wave height, weather conditions, and other factors that could contribute to influencing the airborne and underwater sound levels ( e.g., aircraft, boats, etc. ). The chief inspector will supply the acoustics specialist with the substrate composition, hammer or drill model and size, hammer or drill energy settings and any changes to those settings during the piles being monitored, depth of the pile being driven or shaft excavated, and blows per foot for the piles monitored. For acoustically monitored piles and shafts, data from the monitoring locations will be post-processed to obtain the following sound measures:

• Maximum peak pressure level recorded for all the strikes associated with each pile or shaft, expressed in dB re 1 μPa. For pile driving and DTH mono-hammer excavation, this maximum value would originate from the phase of pile driving/drilling during which hammer/drill energy was also at maximum (referred to as level 4); and

• From all the strikes associated with each pile occurring during the level 4 phase these additional measures would be made: mean, median, minimum, and maximum root mean square (RMS) pressure level in [dB re 1 μPa]; mean duration of a pile strike (based on the 90 percent energy criterion); and number of hammer strikes. The cumulative SEL would be computed from all the strikes associated with each pile occurring during all phases, ( i.e. , soft-start, level 1 to level 4). This measure is defined as the sum of all single strike SEL values. The sum is taken of the antilog, with log10 taken of result to express in [dB re μPa2 s].

Hydro-acoustic monitoring will be conducted for at least 10 percent and up to 10 of each different pile type for each method of installation as shown in Table 13-1 in the application for the initial IHA. All acoustic data will be analyzed after the project period for pile driving and DTH mono-hammer excavation events to confirm SPLs and rate of transmission loss for each construction activity.

Training —NOAA OMAO and the Navy shall conduct briefings between construction supervisors and crews, PSOs, NOAA OMAO and Navy staff prior to the start of all pile driving activities and when new personnel join the work. These briefings will explain responsibilities, communication procedures, marine mammal monitoring protocol, and operational procedures.

Reporting —PSOs must record specific information as described in the Federal Register notice of the issuance of the initial IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022). NOAA OMAO would submit a draft marine mammal monitoring report to NMFS within 90 days after the completion of pile driving activities, or 60 days prior to a requested date of issuance of any future IHAs for the project, or other projects at the same location, whichever comes first. If no comments are received from NMFS within 30 days, the draft report would constitute the final report. If comments are received, a final report addressing NMFS' comments would be required to be submitted within 30 days after receipt of comments. All PSO datasheets and/or raw sighting data would be submitted with the draft marine mammal report. NOAA OMAO must also provide a hydro-acoustic monitoring report based upon hydro-acoustic monitoring conducted during construction activities as described in the Federal Register notice for the issuance of the initial IHA (87 FR 78072, December 21, 2022).

In the event that personnel involved in the construction activities discover an injured or dead marine mammal, NOAA OMAO would report the incident to the Office of Protected Resources (OPR) ( PR.ITP.MonitoringReports@noaa.gov ), NMFS and to the Northeast Region (GARFO) regional stranding coordinator as soon as feasible. If the death or injury was clearly caused by the specified activity, NOAA OMAO would immediately cease the specified activities until NMFS is able to review the circumstances of the incident and determine what, if any, additional measures are appropriate to ensure compliance with the terms of the IHAs. NOAA OMAO would not resume their activities until notified by NMFS.

As noted previously, NMFS published a notice of a proposed IHA (87 FR 66133, November 2, 2022) and solicited public comments on both our proposal to issue the initial IHA for construction activities associated with the relocation of NOAA vessels to NAVSTA and on the potential for a renewal IHA, should certain requirements be met. No public comments were received on the proposed IHA. A notice of NMFS' proposal to issue a renewal IHA to NOAA OMAO was published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2025 (90 FR 8009). That notice either described, or referenced descriptions of, NOAA OMAO's activity, the marine mammal species that may be affected by the activity, the anticipated effects on marine mammals and their habitat, estimated amount and manner of take, and proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures. NMFS did not receive any public comment on the proposed renewal of the IHA.

NOAA OMAO's activities are a subset but otherwise unchanged from those analyzed in support of the initial IHA. The effects of the activity, taking into consideration the proposed mitigation and related monitoring measures, remain unchanged from those evaluated in support of the initial IHA.

NMFS has concluded that there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change from those reached for the initial IHA. This includes consideration of the updated acoustic guidance resulting in updated distances to the Level A harassment thresholds and estimated abundance of common dolphin and harbor porpoise stocks decreasing slightly based upon the 2023 SAR. Based on the information and analysis contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) the required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks; (3) the authorized takes represent small numbers of marine mammals relative to the affected stock abundances; (4) NOAA OMAO's activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals are implicated by this action, and; (5) appropriate monitoring and reporting requirements are included.

Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ) requires that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, NMFS consults internally whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species.

No incidental take of ESA-listed species is authorized or expected to result from this activity. Therefore, NMFS has determined that formal consultation under section 7 of the ESA is not required for this action.

To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, NMFS must review our proposed action ( i.e., the issuance of a renewal IHA) with respect to potential impacts on the human environment.

This action is consistent with categories of activities identified in Categorical Exclusion B4 (incidental take authorizations with no anticipated serious injury or mortality) of the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A, which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would preclude this categorical exclusion. Accordingly, NMFS determined that the issuance of the initial IHA qualified to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review. NMFS has determined that the application of this categorical exclusion remains appropriate for this renewal IHA.

As a result of these determinations, NMFS has issued a renewal IHA to NOAA OMAO for take of marine mammals incidental to conducting construction activities associated with NOAA vessel relocation at NAVSTA in Newport, RI, effective from February XX, 2025 through February XX, 2026, provided the previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated.

This committee meeting is being held under the provisions of Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.) (commonly known as the “Federal Advisory Committee Act” or “FACA”), section 552b of title 5, U.S.C. (commonly known as the “Government in the Sunshine Act”), and sections 102-3.140 and 102-3.150 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Purpose of the Meeting: The Board is chartered to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Army on construction and rehabilitation project investments on the commercial navigation features of the inland waterways system of the United States under 10 U.S.C. 2251(a). At this meeting, the Board will receive briefings and presentations regarding the investments, projects, and status of the inland waterways system of the United States and conduct discussions and deliberations on those matters. The Board is interested in written and verbal comments from the public relevant to these purposes.

Agenda: At this meeting the agenda will include an update on the 36th Annual Report to Congress; Status of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF); Inland waterways modernization project updates for Chickamauga Lock and the Kentucky Lock Addition on the Tennessee River, McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) Three Rivers; Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) Lock 25; Upper Ohio River Montgomery Lock, and Lower Monongahela Locks 2, 3, & 4.

Availability of Materials for the Meeting. A copy of the agenda or any updates to the agenda for the April 3, 2025, meeting will be available. The final version will be available at the meeting. All materials will be posted to the website prior to the meeting.

Public Accessibility to the Meeting: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165, and subject to the availability of space, this meeting is open to the public. Registration of members of the public who wish to participate in the meeting will begin at 8:15 a.m. on the day of the meeting. Participation is on a first-to-arrive basis. Any interested person may participate in the meeting, file written comments or statements with the committee, or make verbal comments during the public meeting, at the times, and in the manner, permitted by the committee, as set forth below.

Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring any special accommodations related to the public meeting or seeking additional information about the procedures, should contact Mr. Paul Clouse, the committee DFO, or Mr. Steven Riley, an ADFO, at the email addresses or telephone numbers listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Written Comments or Statements: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140 and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the public or interested organizations may submit written comments or statements to the Board about its mission and/or the topics to be addressed in this public meeting. Written comments or statements should be submitted to Mr. Clouse, the committee DFO, or Mr. Riley, a committee ADFO, via electronic mail, the preferred mode of submission, at the addresses listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in the following formats: Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word. The comment or statement must include the author's name, title, affiliation, address, and daytime telephone number. Written comments or statements being submitted in response to the agenda set forth in this notice must be received by the committee DFO or ADFO at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting so that they may be made available to the Board for its consideration prior to the meeting. Written comments or statements received after this date may not be provided to the Board until its next meeting. Please note that because the Board operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, all written comments will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection.

Verbal Comments: Members of the public will be permitted to make verbal comments during the public meeting only at the time and in the manner allowed herein. If a member of the public is interested in making a verbal comment at the open meeting, that individual must submit a request, with a brief statement of the subject matter to be addressed by the comment, at least three business (3) days in advance to the committee DFO or ADFO, via electronic mail, the preferred mode of submission, at the addresses listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. The committee DFO and ADFO will log each request to make a comment, in the order received, and determine whether the subject matter of each comment is relevant to the Board's mission and/or the topics to be addressed in this public meeting. A 30-minute period near the end of the meeting will be available for verbal public comments. Members of the public who have requested to make a verbal comment and whose comments have been deemed relevant under the process described above, will be allotted no more than three (3) minutes during this period, and will be invited to speak in the order in which their requests were received by the DFO and ADFO.

The Department announces the process for the designation of eligible institutions and invites applications for waivers of eligibility requirements for FY 2025 for the following programs:

1. Programs authorized under title III, part A of the HEA: Strengthening Institutions Program (Part A SIP), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (Part A ANNH), Predominantly Black Institutions (Part A PBI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (Part A NASNTI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (Part A AANAPISI).

2. Programs authorized under title III, part F of the HEA: Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation (Part F HSI STEM and Articulation), Predominantly Black Institutions (Part F PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (Part F ANNH), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (Part F NASNTI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (Part F AANAPISI).

3. The program authorized under title V part A of the HEA: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Part A HSI).

4. The program authorized under title V part B of the HEA: Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (Part B PPOHA).

Purpose of Programs: The Part A SIP, Part A ANNH, Part A PBI, Part A NASNTI, and Part A AANAPISI programs are authorized under title III, part A of the HEA. The Part F HSI STEM and Articulation, Part F PBI, Part F ANNH, Part F NASNTI, and Part F AANAPISI programs are authorized under title III, part F of the HEA. The HSI and PPOHA programs are authorized under title V of the HEA. Please note that certain programs addressed in this notice have the same or similar names as other programs that are authorized under a different statutory authority. For this reason, we include the statutory authority within the acronym for certain programs.

Under the programs discussed above, institutions are eligible to apply for grants if they meet specific statutory and regulatory eligibility requirements. An institution of higher education that is designated as an eligible institution may also receive a waiver of certain non-Federal cost-sharing requirements for one year under the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program authorized by title IV, part A of the HEA and the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program authorized by section 443 of the HEA. Qualified (eligible) institutions may receive the FSEOG and FWS waivers for one year even if they do not receive a grant under a title III or V grant program. An applicant that receives a grant from the Student Support Services (SSS) program that is authorized under section 402D of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14, may receive a waiver of the required non-Federal cost share for institutions for the duration of the grant. An applicant that receives a grant from the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) program that is authorized under section 604 of the HEA, 20 U.S.C. 1124, may receive a waiver or reduction of the required non-Federal cost share for institutions for the duration of the grant.

Sections 312, 502, and 512 of the HEA, 34 CFR 607.2-607.5, and 34 CFR 606.2-606.5 include many of the basic eligibility requirements for grant programs authorized under titles III and V of the HEA. Sections 312(b)(1)(B) and 502(a)(2)(A) of the HEA provide that, to be eligible for these programs, an institution of higher education's average “educational and general expenditures” (E&G) per full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student must be less than the average E&G expenditures per FTE undergraduate student of institutions that offer similar instruction (public 2-year, public 4-year, private 2-year, and private 4-year) in that year.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) calculates Core Expenses per FTE of institutions, a statistic like E&G per FTE. Both E&G per FTE and Core Expenses per FTE are based on regular operational expenditures of institutions (excluding auxiliary enterprises, independent operations, and hospital expenses). They differ only in that E&G per FTE is based on fall undergraduate enrollment, while Core Expenses per FTE is based on 12-month undergraduate enrollment for the academic year.

To avoid inconsistency in the data submitted to, and produced by, the Department, for the purpose of sections 312(b)(1)(B) and 502(a)(2)(A) of the HEA, E&G per FTE is calculated using the same methodology as Core Expenses per FTE. Accordingly, the Department will apply the NCES methodology for calculating Core Expenses per FTE. Institutions requesting an eligibility exemption determination must use the Core Expenses per FTE data reported to NCES's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for the most currently available academic year, in this case academic year 2022-2023.

Special Note: To qualify as an eligible institution under the grant programs listed in this notice, your institution must satisfy several criteria. For most of these programs, these criteria include those that relate to the enrollment of needy students and to the Core Expenses per FTE for a specified base year. The most recent data available in IPEDS for Core Expenses per FTE are for base year 2022-2023. To award FY 2025 grants in a timely manner, we will use these data to evaluate eligibility.

Each institution interested in either applying for a new grant under the titles III or V programs addressed in this notice, or requesting a waiver of the title IV non-Federal cost share, must be designated as an eligible institution in FY 2025. See 34 CFR 606.5 and 607.5.

Note: Please be advised that final eligibility is program specific. Applicants should refer to the program in question for programmatic requirements. Further information regarding eligibility is set forth below.

Eligible Applicants: The eligibility requirements for the programs authorized under part A of title III of the HEA are in sections 312 and 317-320 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1058, 1059d-1059g) and in 34 CFR 607.2-607.5. The regulations may be accessed at www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bc12bf5d685021e069cd1a15352b381a&mc=true&node=pt34.3.607&rgn=div5 . The eligibility requirements for the programs authorized by part F of title III of the HEA are in section 371 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1067q). There are currently no specific regulations for these programs.

The eligibility requirements for the title V HSI program are in part A of title V of the HEA, sections 502 of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1101a) and in 34 CFR 606.2-606.5. The regulations may be accessed at www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bc12bf5d685021e069cd1a15352b381a&mc=true&node=pt34.3.606&rgn=div5l .

The requirements for the PPOHA program are in part B of title V of the HEA, sections 513-514 (20 U.S.C. 1102-1102c), in the notice of final requirements published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2010 (75 FR 44056), and in 34 CFR 606.2(a) and (b) and 606.3-606.5.

The Department has instituted a process known as the Eligibility Matrix (EM), under which we use information institutions submitted to IPEDS to determine which institutions meet the basic eligibility requirements for the programs authorized by title III or V of the HEA listed above. The data are utilized in the Department's eligibility system to calculate and determine which institutions meet the eligibility requirements. To make eligibility determinations for FY 2025, we use an institution's 2022-2023 enrollment and fiscal data. Beginning March 6, 2025, an institution will be able to review the Department's eligibility decision by checking the eligibility system linked through the Department's Institutional Service Eligibility website: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/eligibility-designations-higher-education-programs . The direct link is https://HEPIS.ed.gov/ .

During the application period, the EM can be reviewed within the eligibility system ( https://HEPIS.ed.gov ). The eligibility system maintains a record of all postsecondary institutions that are potentially eligible to apply for funding in the titles III or V grant programs mentioned above. If the eligibility system's entry for your institution indicates your institution is eligible, you will not need to apply for eligibility or submit a waiver request as described in this notice. Rather, if you choose to apply for the grant, you may print out the eligibility letter directly. If your institution is not shown as eligible, you must submit the application discussed in this notice before the application deadline of [30 days after the date of publication].

To check your institution's eligibility, go to https://HEPIS.ed.gov/, and log into the system using a Login.gov account. If you are not sure whether you have an account in the system, click the “Request Account” button. If you do not have an account, the system will walk you through setup. Note that it may take up to five business days to verify user identity and to complete new account setup, so please allow enough time to complete the application. If the Grant Eligibility Application system is open for new applications, you may check your institution's eligibility status by clicking the “View pre-Eligibility Information” button. Your institution's eligibility information will display.

If the system does not show that your institution is eligible for a program, you can apply for a waiver or reconsideration using the process described in this notice. The application process mirrors that used in previous years. You will first complete an application on the website at https://HEPIS.ed.gov/ . If you remain ineligible based on your application, you will choose the waiver option(s) on the website to submit the required information and supporting documentation.

Once all waiver decisions are made, the data from the eligibility system will be used to build a final EM that will be published on the Department's eligibility website https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/eligibility-designations-higher-education-programs .

Please note that through this process, the Department does not certify, nor designate, an institution as a Minority-Serving Institution or Hispanic-Serving Institution. This eligibility determination relates only to the institution's ability to apply for grants under certain titles III and V grant programs, as discussed in this notice.

Enrollment of Needy Students: As noted above, to qualify as an eligible institution under the grant programs listed in this notice, your institution must satisfy several criteria, including those that relate to the enrollment of needy students and to the Core Expenses per FTE student count for the specified base year.

For programs under titles III and V (excluding the PBI programs), an institution is considered to have an enrollment of needy students if it meets either of the following two criteria: (1) at least 50 percent of its degree-seeking students received financial assistance under the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or FWS programs; or (2) the percentage of its undergraduate degree-seeking students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis and received Federal Pell Grants exceeded the median percentage of undergraduate degree students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis and received Federal Pell Grants at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction.

To qualify under the second criterion, an institution's Federal Pell Grant percentage for base year 2022-2023 must be more than the median for its category of comparable institutions provided in the 2022-2023 Median Pell Grant and Average Core Expenses per FTE Student Table in this notice. If your institution qualifies only under the first criterion, you must submit an application containing the data necessary to satisfy the first criterion (showing at least 50 percent of your degree-seeking students received financial assistance under one of several Federal student aid programs (the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or FWS programs)), since these data are not available in IPEDS.

“ Enrollment of Needy Students ” for purposes of the Part A PBI program is separately defined in section 318(b)(2) of the HEA, and for purposes of the Part F PBI program is defined in section 371(c)(3) of the HEA.

Core Expenses per FTE Student: For each of the following programs, an institution should compare its base year 2022-2023 Core Expenses per FTE student to the average Core Expenses per FTE student for its category of comparable institutions using the 2022-2023 Median Pell Grant and Average Core Expenses per FTE Student Table in this notice: title III, Part A SIP; Part A ANNH; Part A PBI; Part A NASNTI; Part A AANAPISI; title III, Part F HSI STEM and Articulation; Part F PBI; Part F ANNH; Part F NASNTI; Part F AANAPISI; title V, Part A HSI; and title V, Part B PPOHA. An institution satisfies this program eligibility requirement if its Core Expenses for the 2022-2023 base year are less than the average Core Expenses of its comparable institutional category.

The IPEDS definition of Core Expenses is used for eligibility purposes. “ Core Expenses ” are defined as the total expenses for the essential education activities of the institution. Core Expenses for public institutions reporting under the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements include expenses for instruction, research, public service, academic support, student services, institutional support, operation and maintenance of plant, depreciation, scholarships and fellowships, interest, and other operating and non-operating expenses. Core Expenses for institutions reporting under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards (primarily private, not-for-profit, and for-profit institutions) include expenses for instruction, research, public service, academic support, student services, institutional support, net grant aid to students, and other expenses. Core Expenses do not include Federal student aid for the purposes of eligibility. For both FASB and GASB institutions, Core Expenses do not include expenses for auxiliary enterprises ( e.g., bookstores, dormitories), hospitals, and independent operations.

Institutions that submit a waiver request for either the Core Expenses per FTE or the Needy Student requirement must submit the required documents and supporting data and evidence by the deadline.

Note: All reviews and decisions will be made approximately two weeks after the deadline.

The following table identifies base year 2022-2023 median Federal Pell Grant percentages and average Core Expenses per FTE student for the four categories of comparable institutions:

Waiver Information: Institutions that do not meet the needy student enrollment requirement or the Core Expenses per FTE requirement may apply to the Secretary for a waiver of these requirements, as described in sections 392 and 522 of the HEA, and in the implementing regulations at 34 CFR 606.3(b), 606.4(c) and (d), 607.3(b), and 607.4(c) and (d).

Institutions requesting a waiver of the needy student enrollment requirement, or the Core Expenses per FTE requirement, must include in their application detailed evidence supporting the waiver request, as described in the instructions for completing the application.

The regulations governing the Secretary's authority to grant a waiver of the needy student requirement refer to “low-income” students or families, at 34 CFR 606.3(b)(2) and (3) and 607.3(b)(2) and (3). The regulations at 34 CFR 606.3(c) and 607.3(c) define “low-income” as an amount that does not exceed 150 percent of the amount equal to the poverty level, as established by the U.S. Census Bureau.

For purposes of this waiver provision, the following table sets forth the low-income levels (at 150 percent) for various family sizes:

On January 17, 2025, the Department published an NIA for the SEED program in the Federal Register . The Department is withdrawing this NIA as part of a comprehensive review of recently published FY 2025 NIAs. This review aims to ensure that all priorities and requirements for the FY 2025 SEED program competition align with the program priorities set by the Trump Administration.

The Department intends to publish a new NIA for the SEED program, Assistance Listing Number 84.423A, in FY 2025. This forthcoming NIA will promote innovation and evidence-based grantmaking, minimize excessive and unnecessary oversight, and lessen the reporting burden for both applicants and grant recipients. By adopting this streamlined approach, the Department is committed to maximizing the impact of its funding efforts while creating a more efficient application process.

The Department does not expect that withdrawing this NIA will significantly impact our ability to make grant awards for FY 2025 under this competition because the Administration anticipates issuing a new NIA in the near future.

Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.

Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT , individuals with disabilities can obtain this notice and the NIA in an accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, compact disc, or other accessible format.

Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register . You may access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site, you can view this document, as well as all other Department documents published in the Federal Register , in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site.

You may also access Department documents published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department.

The EPA conducted a Fund-lead Time-Critical Removal Action at the Site between September 2018 and June 2019 to remove approximately 13 million pounds of “spent blast media” (“SBM”) that U.S. Technology Corporation held for storage in a warehouse located at 7627 Zero Road in Berger, Franklin County, Missouri. The EPA's Removal Action consisted of collecting, characterizing, segregating, and transporting for off-site disposal SBM that contained toxic levels of heavy metals including cadmium, chromium, and lead, each of which is a hazardous substance as defined by CERCLA. To recover its response costs, the EPA negotiated the proposed Agreement with multiple potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that arranged for disposal of SBM at the Site. The EPA will enter the proposed Agreement with AAR Landing Gear, LLC; The Boeing Company; Lockheed Martin Corporation; and Space Gateway Support, LLC (“Settling Parties”); the Department of Defense acting by and through the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy; the United States Coast Guard; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“Settling Federal Agencies”). Under the proposed Agreement the Settling Parties will pay to EPA $407,164, and the Settling Federal Agencies will pay $2,030,586.

For thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this document, the EPA will receive written comments relating to the proposed Agreement. The EPA will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the proposed Agreement if the comments it receives disclose facts or considerations that indicate that the proposed Agreement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. The EPA's response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at the EPA Region 7 Office located at 11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.

On June 30, 2018, EPA established a national system for tracking hazardous waste shipments electronically. This system, known as “e-Manifest,” supports the modernization of the nation's cradle-to-grave hazardous waste tracking process while saving valuable time, resources, and dollars for industry and States.

EPA established the e-Manifest system according to the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act, enacted into law on October 5, 2012. The “e-Manifest Act” authorizes the EPA to implement a national electronic manifest system and requires that the costs of developing and operating the new e-Manifest system be recovered from user fees charged to those who use hazardous waste manifests to track off-site shipments of their wastes.

This system enables users of the uniform hazardous waste manifest forms (EPA Form 8700-22 and Continuation Sheet 8700-22A) to have the option to more efficiently track their hazardous waste shipments electronically, in lieu of the paper manifest, from the point of generation, during transportation, and to the point of receipt by an off-site facility that is permitted to treat, store, recycle, or dispose of the hazardous waste. Electronic manifests obtained from the national system augment or replace the paper forms that have historically been used for this purpose, and that result in substantial paperwork costs and other inefficiencies. Congress intended that EPA develop a system that, among other things, meets the needs of the user community and decreases the administrative burden associated with the current paper-based manifest system on the user community. By enabling the transition from a paper-intensive process to an electronic system, EPA estimates e-Manifest will ultimately save State and industry users more than $50 million annually, once electronic manifests are widely adopted. The system also serves as a national reporting hub and database for all manifests and shipment data. To ensure that these goals are met, the Act directs EPA to establish a Board to assess the effectiveness of the electronic manifest system and make recommendations to the Administrator for improving the system.

In addition, the e-Manifest Act directs EPA to develop a system that attracts sufficient user participation and service revenues to ensure the viability of the system. As a result, the Act provides EPA broad discretion to establish reasonable user fees, as the Administrator determines are necessary, to pay costs incurred in developing, operating, maintaining, and upgrading the system, including any costs incurred in collecting and processing data from any paper manifest submitted to the system.

e-Manifest aligns with the Agency's E-Enterprise business strategy. E-Enterprise for the Environment is a transformative 21st century strategy—jointly governed by States and EPA—for modernizing government agencies' delivery of environmental protection. Under this strategy, the Agency will streamline its business processes and systems to reduce reporting burden on States and regulated facilities and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of regulatory programs for EPA, States, and Tribes.

EPA has established the Board in accordance with the provisions of the e-Manifest Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. app. 2. The Board is in the public interest and supports EPA in performing its duties and responsibilities. Pursuant to the e-Manifest Act the Board is comprised of nine members, of which one member is the Administrator (or a designee), who will serve as Chair of the Board, and eight members are individuals appointed by the EPA Administrator:

• At least two of whom have expertise in information technology (IT);

• At least three of whom have experience in using, or represent users of, the manifest system to track the transportation of hazardous waste under Federal and State manifest programs; and

• At least three State representatives responsible for processing those manifests.

Pursuant to the e-Manifest Act, the Board will meet publicly at least annually to provide EPA recommendations on matters related to the operational activities, functions, policies, and/or regulations of the EPA under the e-Manifest Act.

Any interested person and/or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership. All nominations will be considered; however, applicants need to be aware of the representation from specific sectors required by the e-Manifest Act.

Nominees who represent States and industry should have a comprehensive knowledge of hazardous waste generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal under RCRA Subtitle C at the Federal, State, and local levels. Nominees who represent States should have comprehensive knowledge of State programs that use manifest data. Nominees who represent industry should be familiar with e-Manifest and have strong knowledge of existing industry systems/devices/approaches and business operations to provide valuable input on e-Manifest integration into current industry data systems.

Another plus for any nominee is experience in setting and/or managing fee-based systems in general.

Additional criteria used to evaluate nominees will include:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;

• Demonstrated experience developing group recommendations; and

• Willingness to commit time to the Board and demonstrated ability to work constructively on committees.

Nominations must include a resume, which provides the nominee's background, experience, and educational qualifications, as well as a brief statement (one page or less) describing the nominee's interest in serving on the Board and addressing the other criteria previously described. Nominees are encouraged to provide any additional information that they feel would be useful for consideration, such as: availability to participate as a member of the Board; how the nominee's background, skills, and experience would contribute to the Board; and any concerns the nominee has regarding membership. Nominees should be identified by name, occupation, position, current business address, email, and telephone number.

Interested candidates may self-nominate. The agency will acknowledge receipt of nominations. Persons selected for membership will receive compensation for travel in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations while attending meetings in person.

The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

OMB Control Number: 3060-1222.

Title: Incarcerated People's Communications Services (IPCS) Provider Annual Reporting, Certification, and Other Requirements, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375.

Form Number(s): FCC Form 2301(a) and FCC Form 2301(b).

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 35 respondents; 38 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 5 hours-160 hours.

Frequency of Response: Annual reporting and certification requirements, third party disclosure, waiver request and on-occasion reporting requirements.

Obligation to Respond: Mandatory. Statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in sections 1, 2, 4(i)-(j), 5(c), 201(b), 218, 220, 225, 255, 276, 403, and 716 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 154(i)-(j), 155(c), 201(b), 218, 220, 225, 255, 276, 403, and 617, and the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, Public Law 117-338, 136 Stat. 6156.

Total Annual Burden: 9,165 hours.

Total Annual Cost: No cost.

Needs and Uses: In 2015, the Commission released the Second Report and Order and Third Notice of Further Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 12-375, 30 FCC Rcd 12763, 80 FR 79135 (Dec. 18, 2015) ( 2015 ICS Order ), in which it required that inmate calling services (ICS) providers file Annual Reports providing data and other information on their ICS operations, as well as Annual Certifications that the reported information is complete and accurate and complies with the Commission's ICS rules. Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Commission in the 2015 ICS Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) created a standardized reporting template (FCC Form No. 2301(a)) and a related certification of accuracy (FCC Form No. 2301(b)), as well as instructions to guide providers through the reporting process. WCB amended those instructions and reporting forms in 2020 and again in 2022. The current instructions and forms are available at https://www.fcc.gov/general/ics-data-collections (last visited Jan. 21, 2025).

In 2022, the Commission released the Fourth Report and Order and Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 12-375, FCC 22-76, 87 FR 75496 (Sept. 30, 2022), which adopted requirements to improve access to communications services for incarcerated people with communication disabilities and expanded the scope of the Annual Reports to reflect those new requirements. Specifically, the Commission required ICS providers to list, at a minimum, for each facility served, the types of TRS that can be accessed from the facility and the number of completed calls and complaints for TTY-to-TTY calling, point-to-point American Sign Language (ASL) video calls, and each type of TRS for which access is provided. The Commission also eliminated the safe harbor, adopted in 2015, that had exempted providers from any TRS-related reporting requirements if they either (1) operated in a facility that allowed the offering of additional forms of TRS beyond those mandated by the Commission or (2) had not received any complaints related to TRS calls. The Commission found that the safe harbor was no longer appropriate given the expanded reporting requirements for additional forms of TRS, and the importance of transparency regarding the state of accessible communications in incarceration settings.

On January 5, 2023, the President signed into law the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, Public Law 117-338, 136 Stat. 6156 (the Martha Wright-Reed Act or the Act), expanding the Commission's statutory authority over communications services between incarcerated people and the non-incarcerated to include “any audio or video communications service used by inmates . . . regardless of the technology used.” The new Act also amends section 2(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Communications Act) to make clear that the Commission's authority extends to intrastate as well as interstate and international communications services used by incarcerated people.

The Act directs the Commission to “promulgate any regulations necessary to implement” the statutory provisions, including its mandate that the Commission establish a “compensation plan” ensuring that all rates and charges for IPCS “are just and reasonable,” not earlier than 18 months and not later than 24 months after its January 5, 2023 enactment. The Act also requires the Commission to consider, as part of its implementation, the costs of “necessary” safety and security measures, as well as “differences in costs” based on facility size, or “other characteristics.” It also allows the Commission to “use industry-wide average costs of telephone service and advanced communications services and the average costs of a communications service provider” in determining just and reasonable rates. On March 17, 2023, pursuant to the directive that the Commission implement the new Act and establish just and reasonable rates for IPCS services, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, FCC 23-19, 88 FR 20804 ( 2023 IPCS Notice ) and 88 FR 19001 ( 2023 IPCS Order ). The Commission sought comment on how to interpret the Act's language to ensure that the Commission implements the statute in a manner that fulfills Congress's intent. Because the Commission is now required or allowed to consider certain types of costs, the Act contemplates that it would undertake an additional data collection. To ensure that it has the data necessary to meet its substantive and procedural responsibilities under the Act, the Commission adopted the 2023 IPCS Order delegating authority to WCB and the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) to modify the template and instructions for the then most recent mandatory data collection to the extent appropriate to timely collect such information to cover the additional services and providers now subject to the Commission's authority. On April 28, 2023, WCB and OEA issued a Public Notice, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, DA 23-355 (rel. Apr. 28, 2023) seeking comment on all aspects of the proposed data collection. On July 26, 2023, the Bureaus released an Order, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, DA 23-638 (rel. July 26, 2023), adopting instructions, a reporting template, and a certification form to implement the 2023 Mandatory Data Collection.

In the 2023 IPCS Order, the Commission delegated authority to WCB and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) (collectively, the Bureaus) to revise the instructions and reporting templates for the Annual Reports. Specifically, the Commission delegated to the Bureaus the authority to modify, supplement, and update the instructions and templates for the Annual Reports, as appropriate, to supplement the information the Commission was to receive in response to the 2023 Mandatory Data Collection.

In August 2023, the Bureaus issued a Public Notice, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, DA 23-656, 88 FR 53850 (Aug. 3, 2023) ( August 3, 2023 Public Notice ), seeking comment on proposed revisions to the instructions, template, and certification form for the Annual Reports, https://www.fcc.gov/proposed-2023-ipcs-annual-reports, to reflect the revised rules improving access to communications services for incarcerated people with communication disabilities adopted in the 2022 ICS Order and to help implement the Martha Wright-Reed Act. See https://www.fcc.gov/document/2023-incarcerated-peoples-communications-services-annual-reports-pn. Further, on August 10, 2023, the Commission published a 60-Day Notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the paperwork burdens associated with proposed revisions to the annual reporting instructions, templates, and certification form. August 10, 2023 60-Day Notice, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, 88 FR. 54318, 54319 (Aug. 10, 2023) ( 2023 60-Day Notice ). We note that, although our 2023 60-Day Notice sought comment on the paperwork burdens associated with the proposed revisions to the annual reporting instructions, templates, and certification form, we decided to delay seeking OMB approval of these revisions because the Commission had not yet amended its rules to reflect the expanded authority granted by the Martha Wright-Reed Act and because the Bureaus had not yet issued an Order adopting specific revisions to the annual reporting instructions, templates, and certification form. See November 9, 2023 30-Day Notice, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, 88 FR 77315 (Nov. 9, 2023) ( 2023 30-Day Notice ).

In July 2024, the Commission released an Order, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12, 375, FCC 24-75, 89 FR 77244 (rel. July 22, 2024) ( 2024 IPCS Order ), which implemented the expanded authority granted to the Commission by the Martha Wright-Reed Act. In that Order, the Commission revised its rules by, among other things: adopting permanent rate caps for audio IPCS and interim rate caps for video IPCS; adopting new facility tiers for both audio and video IPCS; prohibiting providers from imposing any ancillary service charges on IPCS consumers; prohibiting providers from making site commission payments associated with IPCS; allowing providers to offer alternate pricing plans for IPCS subject to certain conditions; revising and strengthening existing consumer disclosure and inactive account requirements; and revising and strengthening IPCS accessibility requirements for incarcerated people with disabilities. The 2024 IPCS Order also modified the scope and content of the annual reporting requirements to reflect the reforms adopted under the Martha Wright-Reed Act. The Commission expanded its annual reporting and certification requirements to include the full scope of services and providers now subject to the IPCS rules as it had proposed in the August 3, 2023 Public Notice. The Commission also eliminated the sections of the annual reporting rules mandating the reporting of information on ancillary service charges and site commissions, to reflect the prohibitions of those items adopted in the 2024 IPCS Order. Finally, the Commission reaffirmed and updated its prior delegation of authority to the Bureaus to revise the requirements for the Annual Reports, to reflect the Commission's expanded authority under the Martha Wright-Reed Act and the other actions taken in the 2024 IPCS Order, and directed the Bureaus to pay particular attention to the video IPCS marketplace and the availability and usage of telecommunications relay service (TRS) in exercising this delegated authority.

Pursuant to this updated delegated authority, the Bureaus released a Public Notice, DA 24-918, 89 FR 80449 (rel. Sept. 11, 2024) ( September 11, 2024 Public Notice ), in which it sought to refresh the record on possible revisions to the Annual Report instructions, templates, and certification form, in addition to those proposed in the August 3, 2023 Public Notice, and to implement the modifications to the annual reporting and certification requirements adopted by the Commission in the 2024 IPCS Order. The Bureaus also sought comment on any additional modifications the Bureaus should consider to make these forms consistent with the new IPCS rules, including the varied compliance dates adopted in the 2024 IPCS Order for the Commission's rate cap and site commission reforms.

On January 8, 2025, the Bureaus released an Order, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, DA 25-23 (rel. Jan. 8, 2025) ( 2025 Annual Reports Order ), https://www.fcc.gov/document/2025-ipcs-annual-reports-order, revising the instructions and reporting templates for the Annual Reports, as well as the associated certification form. The revisions reflect the proposals contained in the August 3, 2023 Public Notice and September 11, 2024 Public Notice, with refinements and modifications made in response to comments in support of more streamlined, and therefore less burdensome, reporting obligations. The revisions also reflect the Commission's expanded authority under the Martha Wright-Reed Act, including authority over video IPCS, as well as the reporting requirements proposed in the August 3, 2023 Public Notice regarding access to IPCS by persons with communication disabilities, including access to TRS.

We note that we are addressing the information requirements and burdens of this collection in several discrete steps. In the first step, we sought OMB approval of the requirements in section 64.6040(c) in order to effectuate the improved access to communications services for incarcerated people with communication disabilities required by section 64.6040(c). We received OMB approval of those information collection requirements on December 14, 2023. See 89 FR 269 (Jan. 3, 2024).

In the second step, which is still in process, the Federal Register published a 60-Day Notice on October 25, 2024, inviting comment on the additional information collection requirements imposed by the 2024 IPCS Order. October 25, 2024 60-Day Notice, WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375, 89 FR 85209 (Oct. 25, 2024) ( 2024 60-Day Notice ). We will continue to address the paperwork burdens associated with that portion of this information collection separately from the Annual Reports burdens addressed here. In the 2024 60-Day Notice, we stated that the Commission had not yet issued an order adopting changes to the instructions, templates, and certification form for the Annual Reports. We also stated that upon release of an order adopting any such changes, we would address any paperwork burdens arising from those changes in a subsequent 60-Day Notice under the PRA.

Accordingly, in this 60-Day Notice, we seek comment on the paperwork burdens associated with the specific revisions to the instructions, reporting templates, and certification form adopted in the 2025 Annual Reports Order.

The FCC established the Advisory Committee to provide advice, technical support and recommendations relating to the preparation of United States proposals and positions for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, as amended, this notice advises interested persons of the third meeting of the Advisory Committee. The Commission's WRC-27 website ( www.fcc.gov/wrc-27 ) contains the latest information on the IWG and WAC meeting agendas and audience participation information, all scheduled meeting dates and updates, and WRC- 27 Advisory Committee matters. The second Advisory Committee meeting will be broadcast live with open captioning over the internet from the FCC Live web page at www.fcc.gov/live. There will be audience participation available; send live questions to livequestions@fcc.gov only during this meeting. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a description of the accommodation you will need and tell us how to contact you if we need more information. Make your request as early as possible. Last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send an email to: FCC504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202- 418-0530 (voice).

The proposed agenda for the third WAC meeting is as follows:

OMB Control Number: 3060-0157.

Title: Section 73.99, Presunrise Service Authorization (PSRA) and Postsunset Service Authorization (PSSA).

Form Number: Not applicable.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 200 respondents; 200 responses.

Frequency of Response: Annual and on occasion reporting requirements.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.25 hours.

Total Annual Burden: 50 hours.

Total Annual Costs: $15,000.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection is contained in Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Needs and Uses: The information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 73.99(e) requires the licensee of an AM broadcast station intending to operate with a presunrise or postsunset service authorization to submit by letter to the Commission the licensee's name, call letters, location, the intended service, and a description of the method whereby any necessary power reduction will be achieved. Upon submission of this information, operation may begin without further authority. The FCC staff uses the letter to maintain complete technical information about the station to ensure that the licensee is in full compliance with the Commission's rules and will not cause interference to other stations.

OMB Control Number: 3060-0996.

Title: AM Auction Section 307(b) Submissions.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit entities; State, local or Tribal governments.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 210 respondents; 210 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.5-6 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for the information collection requirements is contained in Sections 154(i), 307(b) and 309 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Total Annual Burden: 1,029 hours.

Total Annual Costs: $2,126,100.

Needs and Uses: When Congress granted auction authority in the Balanced Budget Act for commercial broadcast and secondary broadcast services, it did not eliminate or revise section 307(b) of the Communications Act. Section 307(b) requires that the Commission effect a fair, efficient, and equitable distribution of radio stations throughout the United States.

Section 307(b) information was previously collected in the framework of comparative hearing proceedings when mutually exclusive AM applications proposing to serve different communities were filed, or when non-mutually exclusive AM applications proposed a major modification of facility change. Since the comparative hearing process was discontinued as a result of the implementation of competitive bidding, the Commission now collects the section 307(b) information and undertakes a section 307(b) analysis in the context of auction proceedings. For example, for mutually exclusive AM applications proposing to serve different communities, the process is performed prior to conducting the auction.

In order to evaluate section 307(b) considerations, the Commission requires the submission of supplemental information subsequent to the AM auction filing window application (FCC Form 175, including technical information) submission. Section 307(b) information is not collected in the initial auction filing window application because Section 307(b) considerations are not pertinent to all window filed applications. Section 307(b) is relevant only when the mutually exclusive AM application group consists of applications to serve different communities of license.

Specifically, where the mutually exclusive group consists of proposals to serve different communities of license, each applicant within the group must submit an amendment containing supplemental information such as the following: (1) the area and population within the proposed 2 mV/m and 0.5 mV/m contours; (2) the number of stations licensed to the proposed community of license; (3) the number of stations providing service to the proposed community of license; (4) the population (according to the latest Census data) of the proposed community of license; (5) a description of the civic, cultural, religious, social or commercial attributes of the proposed community of license; and (6) any other information that the applicant determines relevant. The Commission will dismiss, without further processing, the previously filed AM auction filing window application and technical proposal of any applicant that fails to file an amendment addressing the section 307(b) criteria, where required.

In the licensing process for new AM stations, applicants' proposals are subject to a threshold determination under section 307(b) and may, in certain cases, qualify for a dispositive preference relative to the other mutually exclusive station proposals in the group. In such cases, the applicant proposing the community receiving the dispositive section 307(b) preference continues to the next stage of the licensing process, and thus may receive an authorization by virtue of the section 307(b) determination, rather than through competitive bidding.

In addition, certain mutually exclusive application groups containing major modification applications are permitted to resolve their mutual exclusivities through settlement agreements. These agreements must comply with 47 CFR 73.3525, Agreements for Removing Application Conflicts (approved under OMB 3060-0213). To facilitate processing, eligible applicants who intend to settle should promptly notify the Commission in writing that a pre-auction settlement is forthcoming.

This previously approved information collection project was last published in the Federal Register (89 FR 105617) on December 27, 2024, and allowed 60 days for public comment. No public comment was received in response to the notice. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection, which expires February 28, 2025, to OMB for approval of an extension and solicit comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.

The IHS is submitting the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended, and its implementing regulations. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies as required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d) concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques of other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Title: 0917-0014, “Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program.”

Type of Information Collection Request: 3-year extension approval of this information collection.

OMB Control Number: 0917-0014.

Forms: Educational and Professional Background, Financial Information, and General Applicant Information ( i.e., all forms are part of the LRP application). The LRP application is available in an electronically fillable and fileable format.

Need and Use of Information Collection: The IHS LRP identifies health professionals with pre-existing financial obligations for education expenses that meet program criteria and who are qualified and willing to serve at, often remote, IHS health care facilities. Under the program, eligible health professionals sign a contract through which the IHS agrees to repay part or all of their indebtedness in exchange for an initial 2-year service commitment to practice fulltime at an eligible Indian health program. This program is necessary to augment the critically low health professional staff at IHS health care facilities.

Eligible health professionals wishing to have their health education loans repaid may apply to the IHS LRP. A 2-year contract obligation is signed by both parties, and the individual agrees to work at an eligible Indian health program location and provide health services to American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.

The information collected via the online application from individuals is analyzed and a score is given to each applicant. This score will determine which applicants will be awarded each fiscal year. The administrative scoring system assigns a score to the geographic location according to vacancy rates for that fiscal year and also considers whether the location is in an isolated area. When an applicant accepts employment at a location, the applicant in turn “picks-up” the score of that location.

Status of the Proposed Information Collection: Renewal of a current collection.

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Type of Respondents: Individuals.

The table below provides: Types of data collection instruments, estimated number of respondents, number of responses per respondent, average burden hour per response, and total annual burden hour(s).

Capital Costs, Operating Costs, and Maintenance Costs are reported in the Tab B Supporting Statement.

On January 20, 2025, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border). See National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) (NEA).

On February 1, 2025, the President expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in that proclamation to cover the threat to safety and security of Americans, including the public health crisis of deaths due to the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs and the failure of Canada to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and drugs. In addition, the President determined that this failure to act on the part of Canada constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. See Executive Order 14193 (90 FR 9113), dated February 1, 2025.

To address this threat, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. ) (IEEPA), the NEA, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and 3 U.S.C. 301, the President imposed ad valorem tariffs on all imports that are products of Canada, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b). Specifically, the February 1, 2025 Executive Order adjusted duties on imported products of Canada, except for imports of energy and energy resources that are products of Canada, by imposing, consistent with law, an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty as described in the Annex to this notice. With respect to imports of energy and energy resources that are products of Canada, as described in the Annex to this notice, the Executive Order imposed, consistent with law, an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty.

On February 3, 2025, the President issued Executive Order 14197, “Progress on the Situation at our Northern Border” (90 FR 9183), which amended Executive Order 14193 by pausing the implementation of the additional duties for 30 days until March 4, 2025, to allow time to assess whether actions taken by Canada as of that date were sufficient to alleviate the crisis and resolve the unusual and extraordinary threat beyond our southern border. Additionally, Executive Order 14197 withdrew the exceptions in section 2(a) of Executive Order 14193 related to covered goods loaded onto a vessel at a port of entry or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States.

Subsequently, on March 2, 2025, the President amended subsection (h) of section 2 of Executive Order 14193, to modify the application of 19 U.S.C. 1321 to goods covered by subsection (a) and subsection (b) of section 2 of Executive Order 14193. See Executive Order “Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border” (March 2, 2025). Specifically, as amended, section 2(h) of Executive Order 14193 provides that duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 is available for otherwise eligible covered articles described in the Executive Order, but shall cease to be available for such articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable pursuant to subsection (a) and subsection (b) of section 2 of the Executive Order for covered articles otherwise eligible for de minimis treatment.

Executive Order 14193 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine and implement the necessary modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), consistent with law, in order to effectuate the Executive Order, as amended by Executive Order 14197.

In order to implement the rates of duty imposed by the Executive Order, as amended, effective on 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified by the Annex to this notice.

Articles that are products of Canada, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, will be subject to the additional ad valorem rate of duty provided for in new HTSUS headings 9903.01.10 or 9903.01.13.

Imported products of Canada that are encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) will not be subject to the additional ad valorem duty rates provided for in new HTSUS headings 9903.01.10 or 9903.01.13, but such qualifying products, other than products for personal use included in accompanied baggage of persons arriving in the United States, must be declared and entered under new HTSUS heading 9903.01.11 or new HTSUS heading 9903.01.12, as applicable. Specifically, new HTSUS heading 9903.01.11 covers products encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2) and new HTSUS heading 9903.01.12 covers products encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3). 1

The additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS headings 9903.01.10 and 9903.01.13 applies in addition to all other applicable duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges.

Further, pursuant to the March 2, 2025 Executive Order, the administrative exemption from duty and certain taxes at 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C)—known as the “ de minimis ” exemption—continues to be available for articles covered by headings 9903.01.10 and 9903.01.13 that are otherwise eligible for the exemption, including for eligible articles sent to the United States through the international postal network, but shall cease to be available for such articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable to articles covered by headings 9903.01.10 and 9903.01.13 otherwise eligible for the “ de minimis ” exemption. Accordingly, articles that are the product of Canada that are eligible for the de minimis exemption and are covered by headings 9903.01.10 and 9903.01.13 may continue to request duty free de minimis treatment until such time as the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, so notifies the President and further guidance is provided.

The additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS headings 9903.01.10 and 9903.01.13 also applies to products of Canada that are eligible for special tariff treatment under general note 3(c)(i) to the HTSUS, and that are eligible for temporary duty exemptions or reductions under subchapter II to chapter 99. The Annex to this notice includes instruction on the application of the additional duties to goods entered under certain provisions of chapters 98 and 99 of the HTSUS, along with the application of the additional duties to goods qualifying for special tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The additional duties imposed by headings 9903.01.10 and 9903.01.13 shall not apply to goods for which entry is properly claimed under a provision of chapter 98 of the tariff schedule pursuant to applicable regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), and whenever CBP agrees that entry under such a provision is appropriate, except for goods entered under subheading 9802.00.80; and subheadings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, and 9802.00.60. For subheadings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, and 9802.00.60, the additional duties apply to the value of repairs, alterations, or processing performed (in Canada), as described in the applicable subheading. For heading 9802.00.80, the additional duties apply to the value of the article assembled abroad (in Canada), less the cost or value of such products of the United States, as described.

The Annex to this notice also provides that products of Canada include both goods of Canada under the rules set forth in part 102, Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as applicable, as well as goods for which Canada was the last country of substantial transformation prior to importation into the United States.

Articles that are products of Canada, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), except those that are eligible for admission to a foreign trade zone under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41. Such articles will be subject, upon entry for consumption, to the duties imposed by the Executive Order, as amended, and the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS heading or subheading in effect at the time of admission into the United States foreign trade zone.

No drawback shall be available with respect to the additional duties imposed pursuant to the Executive Orders.

On January 20, 2025, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border). See National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) (NEA).

On February 1, 2025, the President expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in that proclamation to cover the failure of the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) government to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept, chemical precursor suppliers, money launderers, other transnational criminal organizations, criminals at large, and drugs. In addition, the President determined that this failure to act on the part of the PRC constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. To address this threat, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. ) (IEEPA), the NEA, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and 3 U.S.C. 301, the President imposed ad valorem tariffs on all imports that are products of the PRC, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b). See Executive Order 14195 (90 FR 9121) of February 1, 2025. Specifically, Executive Order 14195 adjusted duties on imported products of the PRC, by imposing, consistent with law, an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty.

On February 5, 2025, the Secretary of Homeland Security issued a notice in the Federal Register , Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People's Republic of China Pursuant to the President's February 1, 2025 Executive Order Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “China Duties Notice”) (90 FR 9038) to reflect the appropriate action that was needed to modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), as set out in the Annex to that notice, to implement the additional duties imposed by Executive Order 14195.

Subsequently, on February 5, 2025, the President amended subsection (g) of section 2 of Executive Order 14195, to modify the application of 19 U.S.C. 1321 to goods covered by subsection (a) of section 2 of Executive Order 14195. See Executive Order 14200, Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China (February 5, 2025). Specifically, as amended, subsection (g) of section 2 of Executive Order 14195 provides that duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 is available for otherwise eligible covered articles described in the Executive Order, but shall cease to be available for such articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable pursuant to subsection (a) of section 2 of the Executive Order for covered articles otherwise eligible for de minimis treatment.

To effectuate the changes made by Executive Order 14200, DHS republished its China Duties Notice in its entirety with changes as needed to implement Executive Order 14195 as amended by Executive Order 14200. See Amended Notice of Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People's Republic of China Pursuant to the President's February 1, 2025 Executive Order Imposing Duties To Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China (90 FR 9431 February 12, 2025) (hereinafter “the February 12, 2025 CBP Notice”).

Executive Order 14195 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, to determine and implement the necessary modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), consistent with law, to effectuate the Executive Order.

In order to implement the rates of duty imposed by Executive Order 14195, as amended by Executive Order 14200, effective on 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 4, 2025, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS was modified by the Annex to the February 12, 2025 CBP Notice.

Executive Order 14195, as amended by Executive Order 14200 and implemented by modifications to the HTSUS announced in the Annex to the February 12, 2025 CBP Notice, has been further modified by the President's March 3, 2025 Executive Order, “ Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China”. The new E.O. increases the additional tariff rate from 10 percent to 20 percent for covered products of the PRC (which include products of Hong Kong) that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025.

The Annex to this notice modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the increase of the tariff rate from 10 percent to 20 percent consistent with Executive Order [insert title]. Articles that are the products of China, which include products of Hong Kong in accordance with Executive Order 13936 on Hong Kong Normalization ( See 85 FR 43413 (July 17, 2020)), excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, will be subject to the additional ad valorem rate of duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.24, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 4, 2025, and before 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 7, 2025, that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading, or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States, before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty only if the importer certifies to CBP that the goods so qualify by declaring HTSUS heading 9903.01.23. The exception for goods that were in transit before February 1, 2025 is time limited, to prevent importers from abusing this provision when it is no longer realistic due to the passage of time, as provided in HTSUS heading 9903.01.23, and will only apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 4, 2025, and before 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 7, 2025.

U.S. note 2(s) is amended to reflect that HTSUS heading 9903.01.20 applies to products of China and Hong Kong entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time February 4, 2025, and prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025.

Imported products of China that are encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) will not be subject to the additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.24, but such qualifying products, other than products for personal use included in accompanied baggage of persons arriving in the United States, must be declared and entered under HTSUS heading 9903.01.21 or HTSUS heading 9903.01.22. Specifically, HTSUS heading 9903.01.21 covers products encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2) and HTSUS heading 9903.01.22 covers products encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3). 1

The additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.24 applies in addition to all other applicable duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges.

Further, pursuant to Executive Order 14200, the administrative exemption from duty and certain taxes at 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C)—known as the “ de minimis” exemption—continues to be available for articles covered by heading 9903.01.24 that are otherwise eligible for the exemption, including for eligible articles sent to the United States through the international postal network, but shall cease to be available for such articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable to articles covered by heading 9903.01.24 otherwise eligible for the “ de minimis” exemption. Accordingly, articles that are the product of China, including products of Hong Kong, that are eligible for the de minimis exemption and are covered by heading 9903.01.24 may continue to request de minimis entry and clearance until such time as the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, so notifies the President and further guidance is provided.

As of February 10, 2025, there will be no retroactive application of these changes for any shipments that would have otherwise qualified for de minimis treatment based on Executive Order 14200, “Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China.”

Products of China that are eligible for temporary duty exemptions or reductions under subchapter II to chapter 99 shall be subject to the additional ad valorem rate of duty imposed by heading 9903.01.24.

The additional duties imposed by heading 9903.01.24 shall not apply to goods for which entry is properly claimed under a provision of chapter 98 of the tariff schedule pursuant to applicable regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), and whenever CBP agrees that entry under such a provision is appropriate, except for goods entered under heading 9802.00.80; and subheadings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, and 9802.00.60. For subheadings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, and 9802.00.60, the additional duties apply to the value of repairs, alterations, or processing performed (in the PRC), as described in the applicable subheading. For heading 9802.00.80, the additional duties apply to the value of the article assembled abroad (in the PRC), less the cost or value of such products of the United States, as described.

Articles that are products of the PRC, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), except those that are eligible for admission to a foreign trade zone under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 4, 2025, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41. Such articles will be subject, upon entry for consumption, to the duties imposed by the Executive Order and the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS heading or subheading in effect at the time of admission into the United States foreign trade zone.

No drawback shall be available with respect to the additional duties imposed pursuant to the Executive Order.

On January 20, 2025, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border). See National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) (NEA).

On February 1, 2025, the President expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in that proclamation to cover the public health crisis of deaths due to the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs and the failure of Mexico to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and drugs. In addition, the President determined that this failure to act on the part of the Mexican government constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. See Executive Order 14194 (90 FR 9117), dated February 1, 2025.

To address this threat, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. ) (IEEPA), the NEA, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and 3 U.S.C. 301, the President imposed ad valorem tariffs on all imports that are products of Mexico, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b). Specifically, Executive Order 14194 adjusted duties on imported products of Mexico, by imposing, consistent with law, an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty.

On February 3, 2025, the President issued Executive Order 14198, “Progress on the Situation at Our Southern Border” (90 FR 9185), which amended Executive Order 14194 by pausing the implementation of the additional duties for 30 days until March 4, 2025, to allow time to assess whether actions taken by Mexico as of that date were sufficient to alleviate the crisis and resolve the unusual and extraordinary threat beyond our southern border. Additionally, Executive Order 14198 withdrew the exceptions in section 2(a) of Executive Order 14194 related to covered goods loaded onto a vessel at a port of entry or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States.

Subsequently, on March 2, 2025, the President amended subsection (g) of section 2 of Executive Order 14194, to modify the application of 19 U.S.C. 1321 to goods covered by subsection (a) of section 2 of Executive Order 14194. See Executive Order “Amendment to Duties to Address the Situation At Our Southern Border,” (March 2, 2025). Specifically, as amended, section 2(g) of Executive Order 14194 provides that duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 is available for otherwise eligible covered articles described in the Executive Order, but shall cease to be available for such articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable pursuant to subsection (a) of section 2 of the Executive Order for covered articles otherwise eligible for de minimis treatment.

Executive Order 14194 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, to determine and implement the necessary modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), consistent with law, in order to effectuate the Executive Order, as amended by Executive Order 14198. In order to implement the rates of duty imposed by the Executive Order, as amended, effective on 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified by the Annex to this notice.

Articles that are products of Mexico, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, will be subject to the additional ad valorem rate of duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.01.

Imported products of Mexico that are encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) will not be subject to the additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.01, but such qualifying products, other than products for personal use included in accompanied baggage of persons arriving in the United States, must be declared and entered under new HTSUS heading 9903.01.02 or new HTSUS heading 9903.01.03, as applicable. Specifically, new HTSUS heading 9903.01.02 covers products encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2) and new HTSUS heading 9903.01.03 covers products encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3). 1

The additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.01 applies in addition to all other applicable duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges.

Further, pursuant to the March 2, 2025 Executive Order “Amendment to Duties to Address the Situation At Our Southern Border,” the administrative exemption from duty and certain taxes at 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C)—known as the “ de minimis” exemption—continues to be available for articles covered by heading 9903.01.01 that are otherwise eligible for the exemption, including for eligible articles sent to the United States through the international postal network, but shall cease to be available for such articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable to articles covered by heading 9903.01.01 otherwise eligible for the “ de minimis” exemption. Accordingly, articles that are the product of Mexico that are eligible for the de minimis exemption and are covered by heading 9903.01.01 may continue to request duty free de minimis treatment until such time as the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, so notifies the President and further guidance is provided.

The additional ad valorem duty provided for in new HTSUS heading 9903.01.01 also applies to products of Mexico that are eligible for special tariff treatment under general note 3(c)(i) to the HTSUS, and that are eligible for temporary duty exemptions or reductions under subchapter II to chapter 99. The Annex to this notice includes instructions on the application of the additional duties to goods entered under certain provisions of chapters 98 and 99 of the HTSUS, along with the application of the additional duties to goods qualifying for special tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The additional duties imposed by heading 9903.01.01 shall not apply to goods for which entry is properly claimed under a provision of chapter 98 of the tariff schedule pursuant to applicable regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), and whenever CBP agrees that entry under such a provision is appropriate, except for goods entered under heading 9802.00.80; and subheadings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, and 9802.00.60. For subheadings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, and 9802.00.60, the additional duties apply to the value of repairs, alterations, or processing performed (in Mexico), as described in the applicable subheading. For heading 9802.00.80, the additional duties apply to the value of the article assembled abroad (in Mexico), less the cost or value of such products of the United States, as described.

The Annex to this notice also provides that products of Mexico include both goods of Mexico under the rules set forth in part 102, Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as applicable, as well as goods for which Mexico was the last country of substantial transformation prior to importation into the United States.

Articles that are products of Mexico, excluding those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), except those that are eligible for admission to a foreign trade zone under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on March 4, 2025, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41. Such articles will be subject, upon entry for consumption, to the duties imposed by the Executive Order, as amended, and the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS heading or subheading in effect at the time of admission into the United States foreign trade zone.

No drawback shall be available with respect to the additional duties imposed pursuant to the Executive Orders.

This notice informs the public that HUD is seeking approval from OMB for the information collection described in Section A. The Federal Register notice that solicited public comment on the information collection for a period of 60 days was published on November 27, 2024 at 89 FR 93648.

Title of Information Collection: Manufactured Housing Survey.

OMB Approval Number: 2528-0029.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Form Number: C-MH-9A.

Description of the need for the information and proposed use: The Manufactured Housing Survey collects data on the characteristics of newly manufactured homes placed for residential use. Key data collected includes sales price and the number of units placed and sold within 4 months of shipment. Other selected housing characteristics collected include size, location, and titling. HUD is authorized to collect these statistics under the “Housing and Community Development Act of 1980,” Title 42 U.S.C. 5424 note (see Attachment 3), which provides the Secretary discretion to take necessary actions to ensure the public is aware of the distinctions between the types of factory-built housing. This allows HUD to collect and report manufactured home sales price information for the nation, Census Regions, States, and selected metropolitan statistical areas, and to monitor whether new manufactured homes are being placed on owned rather than rented lots. HUD also used these data to monitor total housing production and its affordability. Furthermore, the Manufactured Housing Survey serves as a basis for HUD's mandated indexing of loan limits. Section 2145(b) of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008 requires HUD to develop a method of indexing to annually adjust Title I manufactured home loan limits. This index is partially based on manufactured housing price data collected by this survey. Section 2145 of the HERA of 2008 also amends the maximum loan limits for manufactured home loans insured under Title I. The Final Rule, entitled Indexing Methodology for Title I Manufactured Home Loan Limits, was published in the Federal Register on February 28, 2024. This Rule established separate indexing methodologies to annually calculate future loan limits for Manufactured Homes Loans, Manufactured Lot Loans and Manufactured Home and Lot Combination Loans for the Title I Manufactured Home Loan Program. Single- and double-section price data from this survey are used to determine maximum loan amounts for Title I Manufactured Home Loans. HUD implemented the revised loan limits, as shown below, for all manufactured home loans for which applications are received on or after March 29, 2024.

This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected parties concerning the collection of information described in Section A on the following:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to these questions.

Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

This notice informs the public that HUD is seeking approval from OMB for the information collection described in Section A. The Federal Register notice that solicited public comment on the information collection for a period of 60 days was published on September 24, 2024 at 89 FR 77890.

Title of Information Collection: CDBG Urban County Qualification/New York Towns Qualification/Requalification Process, Notice.

OMB Approval Number: 2506-0170.

Type of Request: Reinstatement with change.

Form Number: N/A.

Description of the need for the information and proposed use: The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (the Act), at sections 102(a)(6) and 102(e) requires that any county seeking qualification as an urban county notify each unit of general local government within the county that such unit may elect to have its population excluded from that of the urban county. Section 102(d) of the Act specifies that the period of qualification will be three years. Based on these statutory provisions, counties seeking qualification or requalification as urban counties under the CDBG program must provide information to HUD every three years identifying the units of general local governments (UGLGs) within the county participating as a part of the county for purposes of receiving CDBG funds. The population of UGLGs for each eligible urban county is used in HUD's allocation of CDBG funds for all entitlement and State CDBG grantees.

New York Towns may qualify as metropolitan cities if they are able to secure the participation of all of the villages located within their boundaries. Any New York Town that is located in an urban county may choose to leave that urban county when that county is requalifying. A New York Town will be required to notify the urban county in advance of its decision to decline participation in the urban county's CDBG program and complete the metropolitan city qualification process.

This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected parties concerning the collection of information described in Section A on the following:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to these questions.

Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Commission instituted this investigation on April 6, 2023, based on a complaint filed by Serendia, LLC of Lake Forest, CA (“Serendia”). 88 FR 20551-52 (Apr. 6, 2023). The complaint, as supplemented, alleged violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337, in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain dermatological treatment devices and components thereof by reason of infringement of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, and 22 of U.S. Patent No. 9,480,836 (“the '836 patent”); claims 1-5, 7-10, and 15 of U.S. Patent No. 10,058,379; claims 1-10 of U.S. Patent No. 11,406,444 (“the '444 patent”); claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11-13, 16, and 17 of U.S. Patent No. 9,320,536 (“the '536 patent”); claims 1 and 6-15 of U.S. Patent No. 9,775,774 (“the '774 patent'); and claims 1, 5-7, 9, 10, and 12-19 of U.S. Patent No. 10,869,812 (“the '812 patent”). Id. at 20551. The complaint further alleged that a domestic industry exists. Id. The Commission's notice of investigation named as respondents Sung Hwan E&B Co., LTD. d/b/a SHEnB Co. LTD of Seoul, Republic of Korea; Aesthetics Biomedical, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona; Cartessa Aesthetics, LLC of Melville, New York; Lutronic Corporation of Goyang-si, Republic of Korea; Lutronic Aesthetics, Inc., also known as Lutronic, Inc. of Billerica, Massachusetts; Lutronic, LLC of Billerica, Massachusetts; Ilooda, Co., Ltd. of Anyang-si, Republic of Korea; Cutera, Inc. of Brisbane, California; Rohrer Aesthetics, LLC of Homewood, Alabama; Rohrer Aesthetics, Inc. of Homewood, Alabama; Jeisys Medical Inc. of Seoul, Republic of Korea (“Jeisys”); Cynosure, LLC of Westford, Massachusetts (“Cynosure”); and EndyMed Medical Ltd. of Caesarea, Israel; EndyMed Medical, Ltd. of New York, New York; and EndyMed Medical, Inc. of Freehold, New Jersey (together, “EndyMed”). Id. at 20552. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations (“OUII”) is also participating in the investigation. Id.

The Commission subsequently terminated the investigation as to all asserted patent claims except for claims 1, 9, and 22 of the '836 patent; claims 11 and 16 of the '536 patent; claim 14 of the '774 patent; and claims 5, 13, and 18 of the '812 patent, which remain pending in this investigation. See Order No. 16 (June 29, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (July 20, 2023); Order No. 27 (Sept. 25, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Oct. 16, 2023); Order No. 43 (Nov. 8, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 12, 2023).

The Commission also subsequently terminated the investigation as to all respondents except for EndyMed, Jeisys, and Cynosure. See Order No. 26 (Sept. 18, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Oct. 16, 2023); Order No. 38 (Oct. 27, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Nov. 20, 2023); Order No. 45 (Nov. 15, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 15, 2023); Order No. 47 (Nov. 20, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 15, 2023); Order No. 53 (Apr. 11, 2024), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (May 8, 2024); Order No. 51 (Dec. 13, 2023), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Jan. 10, 2024).

The ALJ held a Markman Order on July 13, 2023, and issued a Markman Order on October 25, 2023, construing certain disputed claim terms. Order No. 35 (Oct. 25, 2023). The Markman Order found the asserted claims of the '444 patent indefinite and terminated the investigation as the '444 patent.

The ALJ held an evidentiary hearing on November 1-2, 6-7, 2023 and December 11-12, 2023, and received post-hearing briefs thereafter. Remaining in the investigation at that time were respondents EndyMed, Jeisys, and Cynosure and claims 1, 9, and 22 of the '836 patent; claims 11 and 16 of the '536 patent; claim 14 of the '774 patent; and claims 5, 13, and 18 of the '812 patent.

On December 18, 2024, the ALJ issued an ID granting a motion to terminate the investigation as to respondents Jeisys and Cynosure based upon settlement. Order No. 64 (Dec. 18, 2024), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Jan. 17, 2025).

On December 19, 2024, the ALJ issued the final ID finding a violation of section 337 as to the asserted patent claims remaining in the investigation by respondents EndyMed, Jeisys, and Cynosure. Specifically, the ID found that by appearing and participating in the investigation, the parties have consented to personal jurisdiction at the Commission. ID at 13. The ID found the importation requirement under 19 U.S.C. 1337(a)(1)(B) satisfied and that the Commission has in rem jurisdiction, noting that “[t]he Private Parties entered stipulations with respect to the importation of Accused Products wherein each Respondent stipulated that they have imported to the United States, sold for importation into the United States, and/or sold within the United States after importation at least one Accused Product.” Id. The ID found that Serendia has the exclusive rights and ownership in the Asserted Patents and thus has standing to assert the patents in this investigation. Id. at 23. The ID found that Serendia successfully proved that the accused products directly infringe the Asserted Claims. ID at 70-88, 173-184, 216-225. The ID further found that EndyMed also indirectly infringes the asserted claims of the '836 and '536 patents via inducement and contributory infringement. ID at 97-104, 185-188. The ID found that EndyMed failed to show that the Asserted Claims are invalid for obviousness (ID at 120-145, 209-216, 230-232, 257-267). The ID found that EndyMed also failed to show that the asserted claims of the'536 patent are invalid for anticipation (ID at 196-209) and also failed to prove that the asserted claims of the'836 patent are invalid for lack of enablement (ID at 146-161), lack of written description support (ID at 161-167), or recite unpatentable subject matter under section 101 (ID at 167-173). The ID found the existence of a domestic industry that practices the Asserted Patents as required by 19 U.S.C. 1337(a)(2). ID at 104-110, 189-196, 226-230, 247-256, 267-300. Accordingly, the ID found a violation of section 337 as to four of the five patents remaining in the investigation.

The ID included the ALJ's recommended determination on remedy and bonding (“RD”). The RD recommended, should the Commission find a violation, issuance of a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against EndyMed. ID/RD at 302-111. Regarding the amount of bond to be imposed during the period of Presidential review, the ID “recommended that the Commission enter a bond of 10% for the Accused Potenza Products” but that “if the Commission finds that the 10% royalty rate in the Patent License Agreement is inapplicable to the Accused Potenza Products, then it is recommended that a 5-6% bond rate be entered on value because Respondents conceded that a 5-6% bond is `economically reasonable.' ” Id. at 318.

On January 2, 2025, Jeisys and Cynosure filed a petition for review, asking the Commission to set aside the findings in the ID pertaining to them because of their termination from the investigation. The Commission has determined to review and vacate the findings in the ID pertaining to Jeisys and Cynosure due to their termination from the investigation. See ID at ii n.1.

On January 10, 2025, Serendia and EndyMed filed respective petitions for review of the ID. On January 21, 2025, the parties, including OUII, filed responses to the petitions.

Having reviewed the record of the investigation, including the final ID, the parties' submissions to the ALJ, the petitions for review, and the responses thereto, the Commission has determined to review the ID in part. Specifically, the Commission has determined to review the ID's findings on jurisdiction, standing, economic prong of domestic industry for all five patents, contributory infringement for the asserted claims of the '536, '774, '812, and '836 patents, secondary considerations for the '536 and '836 patents, and indefiniteness of the asserted claims of the '444 patent.

In connection with its review, there is interest in responses to the following questions. The parties are requested to brief their positions with reference to the applicable law and the existing evidentiary record.

(1) Does section 337 allow investments of an implied licensee to count towards the existence of a domestic industry?

(2) Under the terms of the agreement between Serendia and ViOL, could ViOL grant an implied sublicense to Benev?

(3) Under the doctrine of patent exhaustion, did Serendia extinguish its rights to the domestic industry products upon ViOL's sale to Benev? Does it matter whether Benev is an implied licensee?

(4) Provide a breakout of the investments for Benev Personnel, Medical Professionals, and Medical and Scientific Advisor presented in CDX-0003C.48 among the six categories of investments delineated in the ID at 279. Please also provide a breakout of the investments on an annual basis and prior to and after the date of the agreement in CX-0765C.

(5) To the extent not already briefed, to what extent are any of the six categories of investments delineated in the ID at 279 of the sort that a mere importer would engage in, including by addressing if they are activities that must by their nature be performed in the United States as a legal or a practical matter, such that they might not be distinguishable from the activities of a mere importer?

(6) Address if there is any distinction or legal requirement under the statute or legislative history of Section 337 or by Commission or Federal Circuit precedent that certain activities are only cognizable if (1) the activities must be performed in the United States or (2) if the activities are chosen to be performed in the United States?

(7) What costs for contractors (both types of services and amounts) are not included in the data provided for ViOL's manufacturing costs ( see, e.g., RX-2566C at 119:1-11, CPX-0156C)? Please provide a breakout prior to and after the date of the agreement in CX-0765C.

(8) Regarding the '444 patent, if the Commission finds that the claims are not indefinite, what benefit is there in remanding to the ALJ? Would an exclusion order naming the'444 patent cover products that the asserted claims of the '836 patent would not cover?

The parties are invited to brief only the discrete issues requested above. The parties are not to brief other issues on review, which are adequately presented in the parties' existing filings.

In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the statute authorizes issuance of, inter alia, (1) an exclusion order that could result in the exclusion of the subject articles from entry into the United States; and/or (2) cease and desist orders that could result in the respondents being required to cease and desist from engaging in unfair acts in the importation and sale of such articles. Accordingly, the Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that address the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party seeks exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for purposes other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate and provide information establishing that activities involving other types of entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. For background, see Certain Devices for Connecting Computers via Telephone Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843, Comm'n Op. at 7-10 (Dec. 1994).

The statute requires the Commission to consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The public interest factors the Commission will consider include the effect that an exclusion order and cease and desist orders would have on: (1) the public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S. consumers. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving written submissions that address the aforementioned public interest factors in the context of this investigation.

If any respondents are requesting that remedial orders contain an exemption related to service and/or repair, parties are invited to address the following issues, as appropriate.

(1) What is the rationale for providing an exemption, either under the Commission's broad remedial discretion or under the public interest factors? Please provide available factual evidence in support, including any not currently on the record.

(2) What are the warranty terms, if any, for the merchandise in question?

(3) Should the exemption apply only to merchandise under warranty, or to all needed service and repair?

(4) Should the exemption cover only parts for service/repair, or should it also allow complete replacement of merchandise?

(5) What should the temporal cutoff be for the exemption, e.g., should the operative date be the issuance of the Commission's final determination or the end of the Presidential review period, and should it apply to merchandise sold prior to such date or imported prior to such date?

If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the U.S. Trade Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the Commission's determination. See Presidential Memorandum of July 21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005). During this period, the subject articles would be entitled to enter the United States under bond, in an amount determined by the Commission and prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving submissions concerning the amount of the bond that should be imposed if a remedy is ordered.

Written Submissions: The parties to the investigation are requested to file written submissions on the issues identified in this notice. Parties to the investigation, interested government agencies, and any other interested parties are encouraged to file written submissions on the issues of remedy, the public interest, and bonding. Such submissions should address the recommended determination by the ALJ on remedy and bonding.

In its initial submission, Complainant is also requested to identify the remedy sought and Complainant and OUII are requested to submit proposed remedial orders for the Commission's consideration. Complainant is further requested to provide the HTSUS subheadings under which the accused products are imported, and to supply the identification information for all known importers of the products at issue in this investigation. The initial written submissions and proposed remedial orders must be filed no later than close of business on March 14, 2025. Reply submissions must be filed no later than the close of business on March 21, 2025. Opening submissions are limited to 60 pages. Reply submissions are limited to 30 pages. No further submissions on any of these issues will be permitted unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.

Persons filing written submissions must file the original document electronically on or before the deadlines stated above pursuant to 19 CFR 210.4(f). Submissions should refer to the investigation number (Inv. No. 337-TA-1356) in a prominent place on the cover page and/or the first page. ( See Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf ). Persons with questions regarding filing should contact the Secretary, (202) 205-2000.

Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in confidence must request confidential treatment by marking each document with a header indicating that the document contains confidential information. This marking will be deemed to satisfy the request procedure set forth in Rules 201.6(b) and 210.5(e)(2) (19 CFR 201.6(b) & 210.5(e)(2)). Documents for which confidential treatment by the Commission is properly sought will be treated accordingly. Any non-party wishing to submit comments containing confidential information must serve those comments on the parties to the investigation pursuant to the applicable Administrative Protective Order. A redacted non-confidential version of the document must also be filed with the Commission and served on any parties to the investigation within two business days of any confidential filing. All information, including confidential business information and documents for which confidential treatment is properly sought, submitted to the Commission for purposes of this investigation may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits, reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C. appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. Government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. All contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements. All nonconfidential written submissions will be available for public inspection on EDIS.

The Commission vote for this determination took place on February 28, 2025.

The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part 210).

On December 18, 2024, the Commission instituted this investigation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (“section 337”), based on a complaint filed by Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. of Canada and Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. of Milton, Vermont (collectively, “Complainants”). See 89 FR 102953-54 (Dec. 18, 2024). The complaint alleges violations of section 337 based upon the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain components for injection molding machines, and products containing the same by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,713,891, 11,794,375, 10,093,053, 8,834,149 and 7,645,132 (the “Asserted Patents”). Id. at 102953. The Commission's notice of investigation (“NOI”) named AOSIMI of Yuyao, Zhejiang, China as the sole respondent. Id. at 102954. AOSIMI did not respond to the complaint.

On January 17, 2025, Complainants filed a motion for an order to show cause (“Motion”) demonstrating why AOSIMI should not be found in default for failing to respond to the Complaint and NOI. Complainants' Motion explains that the complaint and NOI were delivered to AOSIMI via international FedEx and signed by a person in AOSIMI's mail room named “M. Menwei.” Compls.' Mem. in Support of Mot. for Order to Cause, at 2 (Jan. 17, 2025) (citing Proof of Service, EDIS Doc. ID 839378, at 5). On January 24, 2025, the CALJ issued an order directing AOSIMI to show cause, no later than February 7, 2025, why it should not be found in default for failing to respond to the complaint and NOI. ID at 1 (citing Order No. 5). On the same day, the Commission served Order No. 5 on AOSIMI via express mail to the address identified in the NOI. EDIS Doc. ID 841764. AOSIMI did not respond to the order to show cause.

On February 14, 2025, the presiding CALJ issued the subject ID (Order No. 7) finding respondent AOSIMI to be in default pursuant to Commission Rule 210.16(b) (19 CFR 210.16(b)) and terminating the investigation before the CALJ.

No party filed a petition for review of the subject ID.

The Commission has determined not to review the subject ID. The Commission finds that Ningbo AO Sheng Mold Co., Ltd. is properly found to be in default.

In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the statute authorizes issuance of, inter alia, (1) an exclusion order that could result in the exclusion of the subject articles from entry into the United States; and/or (2) cease and desist orders that could result in the respondents being required to cease and desist from engaging in unfair acts in the importation and sale of such articles. Accordingly, the Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that address the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party seeks exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for purposes other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate and provide information establishing that activities involving other types of entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. For background, see Certain Devices for Connecting Computers via Telephone Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843, Comm'n Op. at 7-10 (Dec. 1994).

The statute requires the Commission to consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The public interest factors the Commission will consider include the effect that an exclusion order and cease and desist orders would have on: (1) the public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S. consumers. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving written submissions that address the aforementioned public interest factors in the context of this investigation.

If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the U.S. Trade Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the Commission's determination. See Presidential Memorandum of July 21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005). During this period, the subject articles would be entitled to enter the United States under bond, in an amount determined by the Commission and prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving submissions concerning the amount of the bond that should be imposed if a remedy is ordered.

Written Submissions: Parties to the investigation, interested government agencies, and any other interested parties are encouraged to file written submissions on the issues of remedy, the public interest, and bonding. In their initial submission, Complainants are also requested to identify the remedy sought and Complainants are requested to submit proposed remedial orders for the Commission's consideration. Complainants are further requested to state the dates that the Asserted Patents expire, to provide the HTSUS subheadings under which the accused products are imported, and to supply the identification information for all known importers of the products at issue in this investigation. The initial written submissions and proposed remedial orders must be filed no later than close of business on March 14, 2025. Reply submissions must be filed no later than the close of business on March 21, 2025. No further submissions on any of these issues will be permitted unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.

Persons filing written submissions must file the original document electronically on or before the deadlines stated above pursuant to 19 CFR 210.4(f). Submissions should refer to the investigation number (“Inv. No. 337-TA-1427”) in a prominent place on the cover page and/or the first page. ( See Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf ). Persons with questions regarding filing should contact the Secretary, (202) 205-2000.

Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in confidence must request confidential treatment by marking each document with a header indicating that the document contains confidential information. This marking will be deemed to satisfy the request procedure set forth in Rules 201.6(b) and 210.5(e)(2) (19 CFR 201.6(b) & 210.5(e)(2)). Documents for which confidential treatment by the Commission is properly sought will be treated accordingly. Any non-party wishing to submit comments containing confidential information must serve those comments on the parties to the investigation pursuant to the applicable Administrative Protective Order. A redacted non-confidential version of the document must also be filed with the Commission and served on any parties to the investigation within two business days of any confidential filing. All information, including confidential business information and documents for which confidential treatment is properly sought, submitted to the Commission for purposes of this investigation may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits, reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C. appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. Government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity purposes. All contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements. All nonconfidential written submissions will be available for public inspection on EDIS.

The Commission's vote for this determination took place on February 28, 2025.

The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part 210).

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.34(a), this is notice that on October 18, 2024, Indivior Inc., 2607 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525-4427, applied to be registered as an importer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to import the listed controlled substance in limited quantity for research, clinical trials, analytical purposes, and for the manufacturing process development of the dosage form. No other activity for this drug code is authorized for this registration.

Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with what is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2). Authorization will not extend to the import of Food and Drug Administration-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale.

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.34(a), this is notice that on November 21, 2024, Aphena Pharma Solutions MD, LLC, 7978 Industrial Park Road, Easton, Maryland 21601-8600, applied to be registered as an importer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to import the above listed controlled substance for internal use in the manufacturing of an FDA-approved exempt OTC drug product. No other activity for this drug code is authorized for this registration.

Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with what is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2). Authorization will not extend to the import of Food and Drug Administration-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale.

The standard requires employers to monitor employee exposure to acrylonitrile (AN), to provide medical surveillance, to train workers about the hazards of AN, and to establish and maintain accurate records of worker exposure to AN. These records are used by employers, workers, physicians, and the Government to ensure that workers are not harmed by exposure to AN. For additional substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2025 (89 FR 81577).

Comments are invited on: (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid OMB Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.

DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review.

Agency: DOL-OSHA.

Title of Collection: Acrylonitrile Standard.

OMB Control Number: 1218-0126.

Affected Public: Private Sector—Businesses or other for-profits.

Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 104.

Total Estimated Number of Responses: 25,937.

Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 11,373 hours.

Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $0.

The meeting will take place on March 28, 2025.

Open Session: March 28, 2025; 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location: Videoconference. There will be a discussion of general agency business. This session will be held open to the public by videoconference. To view the webcasting of this session of the meeting, go to: https://www.arts.gov/. If you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Beth Bienvenu, Office of Accessibility, National Endowment for the Arts, Constitution Center, 400 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20506, 202/682-5733, Voice/T.T.Y. 202/682-5496, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If, in the course of the open session discussion, it becomes necessary for the Council to discuss non-public commercial or financial information of intrinsic value, the Council will go into closed session pursuant to subsection (c)(4) of the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b, and in accordance with the March 11, 2022, determination of the Chair. Additionally, discussion concerning purely personal information about individuals, such as personal biographical and salary data or medical information, may be conducted by the Council in closed session in accordance with subsection (c)(6) of 5 U.S.C. 552b.

Closed Session: March 28, 2025; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Videoconference. This meeting session will be closed to the public for the aforementioned reasons.

The NRC is reviewing an exemption request from CEG, dated January 24, 2025, and supplemented on February 4, 2025. CEG is requesting an exemption, pursuant to section 72.7 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), in paragraphs 72.212(a)(2), 72.212(b)(3), 72.212(b)(5)(i), 72.212(b)(11), and 72.214 that require CEG to comply with the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1. If approved, the exemption would allow CEG to use the HI-STORM Flood/Wind (FW) MPC Storage System, including the use of the HI-TRAC during loading and transport operations, for seven specific MPCs ( i.e., MPC-89) at the PB ISFSI, beginning in June 2025, where the terms, conditions, and specifications in CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1, are not met.

PB is located near Delta, Pennsylvania, in York County, approximately 38 miles (61 kilometers) north of Baltimore, Maryland. Both Units 2 and 3 began operating in 1974. CEG has been storing spent fuel in the PB ISFSI under a general license as authorized by 10 CFR part 72, subpart K, “General License for Storage of Spent Fuel at Power Reactor Sites.” CEG currently uses the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System under CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1, for dry storage of spent nuclear fuel in a specific MPC ( i.e., MPC-89) at the PB ISFSI.

The CoC is the NRC approved design for each dry cask storage system. The proposed action would exempt the applicant from the requirements of 10 CFR 72.212(a)(2), 72.212(b)(3), 72.212(b)(5)(i), 72.212(b)(11), and 72.214 only as these requirements pertain to the use of the seven MPC-89 in the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System planned for a near-term loading campaign beginning in June 2025. The exemption would allow CEG to use the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System, including the use of the HI-TRAC during loading and transport operations, for seven MPC-89 at the PB ISFSI, beginning in June 2025, despite CEG's site-specific analysis of a postulated tornado missile event for the HI-TRAC not being in compliance with the terms, conditions, and specifications in the CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1.

Before using a CoC, general licensees are required to perform a site-specific evaluation to establish that, once loaded with spent fuel, the cask will conform to the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC, including following the NRC-approved final safety analysis report (FSAR) methodology. CEG currently uses the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System under CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1, for dry storage of spent nuclear fuel in MPC-89 at the PB ISFSI. The HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System CoC provides the requirements, conditions, and operating limits necessary for use of the system to store spent fuel. One of the operating limits established in the CoC involves potential tornado-generated missile impacts. The HI-STORM FW FSAR table 2.2.5 evaluates a generic set of tornado-generated missile impacts. CEG discovered that PB's site-specific analysis performed to demonstrate protection of the loaded MPC-89, while in the HI-TRAC, against tornado-generated missiles was not performed consistent with the NRC-approved method of evaluation in the FSAR. Contrary to CEG's site-specific analysis, the NRC-approved evaluation in the FSAR does not take credit for the missile resistance offered by the HI-TRAC water jacket shell, and assumes that the small and intermediate missiles will penetrate the water jacket shell with no energy loss.

Therefore, CEG requests this exemption to allow it to conduct the planned loading and transport operations of the seven MPC-89 in the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System at PB ISFSI beginning in June 2025, even though, because of the different tornado-generated missile analysis of the HI-TRAC in PB's site specific review, the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC will not be met.

CEG requested this exemption in order to allow the use of the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System, including the use of the HI-TRAC during loading and transport operations for seven MPC-89 at the PB ISFSI, beginning in June 2025, despite the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC not being met. Approval of the exemption request would allow CEG to effectively manage the margin to full core discharge capacity to enable refueling and offloading fuel from the reactor. It would also allow CEG to effectively manage the availability of the specialized resources and equipment needed to support competing fuel loading and operational activities at PB.

This EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of granting an exemption from the terms, conditions, and specifications in CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1. The exemption would allow CEG to use the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System, including the use of the HI-TRAC during loading and transport operations for seven MPC-89 at the PB ISFSI, for the loading campaign beginning in June 2025, even though the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC will not be met.

The potential environmental impacts of storing spent nuclear fuel in NRC-approved storage systems have been documented in previous assessments. On July 18, 1990 (55 FR 29181), the NRC amended 10 CFR part 72 to provide for the storage of spent fuel under a general license in cask designs approved by the NRC. The EA for the 1990 final rule analyzed the potential environmental impacts of using NRC-approved storage casks. The EA for the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System, CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1 (80 FR 14291), published in 2015, tiers off of the EA issued for the July 18, 1990, final rule. “Tiering” off earlier EAs is a standard process encouraged by the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) that entails the use of impact analyses of previous EAs to bound the impacts of a proposed action where appropriate. The Holtec HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System is designed to mitigate the effects of design basis accidents that could occur during storage. Considering the specific design requirements for the accident conditions, the design of the cask would prevent loss of containment, shielding, and criticality control. If there is no loss of containment, shielding, or criticality control, the environmental impacts would not be significant.

The exemptions requested by CEG at the PB site as they relate to CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1, for the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System are limited to using the HI-TRAC during loading and transport operations for the MPC-89 for the planned loading of seven canisters starting in June 2025, despite the PB site-specific analysis of tornado-generated missiles not being performed consistent with the NRC-approved method of evaluation in the CoC FSAR, and so the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC not being met. The staff has determined that this change in analysis will not result in either radiological or non-radiological environmental impacts that significantly differ from the environmental impacts evaluated in the EA supporting the issuance of CoC No. 1032, Amendment No. 1, Revision No. 1. If the exemption is granted, there will be no significant change in the types or amounts of any effluents released, no significant increase in individual or cumulative public or occupational radiation exposure, and no significant increase in the potential for or consequences from radiological accidents. Accordingly, the Commission concludes that there would be no significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed action.

The staff considered the no-action alternative. The no-action alternative (denial of the exemption request) would require CEG to delay the near-term planned loading of spent fuel in the MPC-89 in the HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System at the PB ISFSI. Delaying the loading of spent fuel in the seven casks in June 2025 could affect CEG's ability to effectively manage spent fuel pool capacity, reactor fuel offloading, and refueling. Not allowing the planned future loading campaign could also pose challenges to spent fuel heat removal and impact the availability of the specialized workforce and equipment needed to support competing fuel loading and operational activities at PB and other CEG sites.

The NRC determined that the no-action alternative would result in undue potential human health and safety impacts that could be avoided by proceeding with the proposed exemption.

The NRC provided the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection (PBRP), Division of Nuclear Safety, a copy of this draft EA for review by an email dated February 25, 2025. On February 26, 2025, PBRP provided its concurrence by email.

The environmental impacts of the proposed action have been reviewed in accordance with the requirements in 10 CFR part 51, which implement NEPA. Based upon the foregoing EA, the NRC finds that the proposed action of granting the exemption from the regulations in 10 CFR 72.212(a)(2), 72.212(b)(3), 72.212(b)(5)(i), 72.212(b)(11) and 72.214, which require the licensee to comply with the terms, conditions, and specifications of the CoC, in this case limited to the use of the Holtec HI-STORM FW MPC Storage System, including the use of the HI-TRAC during loading and transport operations, for the specific near-term future loading of seven MPC-89 beginning in June 2025, would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment. Accordingly, the NRC has determined that a FONSI is appropriate, and an environmental impact statement is not warranted.

The documents identified in the following table are available to interested persons through ADAMS, as indicated.

For Applicants' representations, legal analysis, and conditions, please refer to Applicants' third amended and restated application, dated February 24, 2025, which may be obtained via the Commission's website by searching for the file number at the top of this document, or for an Applicant using the Company name search field on the SEC's EDGAR system. The SEC's EDGAR system may be searched at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch. You may also call the SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy at (202) 551-8090.

1. On December 10, 2019, the Commission issued an order, 1 as subsequently amended on August 5, 2021, 2 under section 6(c) of the Act for an exemption from sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and rule 22c-1 under the Act, under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Prior Order”). 3 The Prior Order permits Applicants to operate actively-managed exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that are not required to disclose their full portfolio holdings on a daily basis (each, a “Fund”). Rather, pursuant to the Prior Order, each Business Day  4 a Fund publishes a basket of securities and cash that, while different from the Fund's portfolio, is designed to track closely its daily performance (“Tracking Basket”). 5

2. Under the Prior Order, a Fund is permitted to invest only in certain enumerated instruments (“Prior Order Investments”). 6 Applicants now seek to amend the Prior Order to permit a Fund to invest in securities and instruments in addition to Prior Order Investments, including but not limited to fixed income securities, foreign investments that do not trade contemporaneously with Shares, and derivatives (“Amended Order Investments”). As part of Applicants' request, the Funds would comply with additional requirements, including disclosing additional information about their portfolio.

3. The Amended Order would give Funds the same investment flexibility to choose its investments as ETFs relying on rule 6c-11 under the Act (“Rule 6c-11 ETFs”)  7 subject to the same portfolio holdings disclosure requirements as Rule 6c-11 ETFs with respect to Amended Order Investments. Pursuant to the Amended Order, each Fund's portfolio will be invested in two sleeves. A Fund will invest the first sleeve solely in Prior Order investments for which the Fund will disclose a Tracking Basket designed to track closely the daily performance of the sleeve (the “Semi-Transparent Sleeve”). A Fund will invest the second sleeve solely in Amended Order Investments and will publicly disclose all such investments daily in accordance with the requirements of rule 6c-11(c) under the Act (the “Fully-Transparent Sleeve”). Applicants represented that the Funds do not intend to use Amended Order Investments to hedge or otherwise offset exposure to Prior Order Investments.

4. Under the Amended Order, the published Tracking Basket for a Fund that invests in Amended Order Investments will consist of two distinct portions: (i) a first portion corresponding to the Semi-Transparent Sleeve of the Fund's portfolio, constructed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Prior Order; and (ii) a second portion corresponding to the Fully-Transparent Sleeve of the Fund's portfolio, disclosing all Amended Order Investments in accordance with the portfolio holdings disclosure requirements of rule 6c-11(c)(1) under the Act. The ratio of the Fully-Transparent Sleeve portion of the Tracking Basket to the total Tracking Basket will correspond to the ratio of the Amended Order Investments to the ETF's aggregate portfolio holdings. The ratio of the Semi-Transparent Sleeve portion of the Tracking Basket to the total Tracking Basket will correspond to the ratio of all investments other than Amended Order Investments to the ETF's aggregate portfolio holdings.

5. Under the Prior Order, for at least the first three years after a Fund's launch, the Adviser must monitor the Fund's Tracking Error, Premiums/Discounts, and trading spreads and promptly call a Board meeting if any of these surpass Board-approved thresholds (the “Three-Year Requirement”). Under the Amended Order, a Fund will be subject to a new Three-year Requirement on the date the Fund first acquires Amended Order Investments, to enable the Adviser and Board to evaluate the Fund's arbitrage processes and trading performance.

6. Applicants represented that, given the Funds will disclose all Amended Order Investments in accordance with rule 6c-11, allowing a Fund to have the requested investment flexibility does not give rise to any new policy concerns and will not cause any negative impacts to the Funds' arbitrage processes, bid-ask spreads, premiums/discounts, or otherwise adversely affect the Funds' operations. Further, Applicants stated that they anticipate a Fund's daily disclosure of a Tracking Basket that includes all Amended Order Investments in its portfolio in their actual weights, along with periodic disclosure of full portfolio holdings in accordance with the Funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policies, will allow market participants to understand the relationship between the performance of a Fund and its Tracking Basket and will facilitate the arbitrage process that keeps a Fund's per share market price close to its NAV.

7. Further, Applicants stated they do not expect a Fund's investments in Amended Order Investments to cause investor confusion because the Fund's prospectus, market materials, and website will describe the semi-transparent nature of the Fund and will explain the differences between the Semi-Transparent Sleeve and the Fully-Transparent Sleeve, including the investment types that may be included in each sleeve.

Applicants believe that the Prior Order, as amended, continues to meet the relevant standards for relief pursuant to section 6(c) of the Act for an exemption from sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d), and 22(e) of the Act and rule 22c-1 under the Act, and under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act. 8

Applicants agree that any Order of the Commission granting the requested relief will be subject to all of the conditions in the Prior Order and will be subject to new conditions as follows:

11. To the extent a Fund invests in Amended Order Investments, the Fund will publish a new Tracking Basket that consists of two distinct portions: (i) a first portion corresponding to the Semi-Transparent Sleeve; and (ii) a second portion corresponding to the Fully-Transparent Sleeve that fully discloses all Amended Order Investments in a manner consistent with Rule 6c-11(c)(1). The ratio of the Fully-Transparent Sleeve portion of the Tracking Basket to the total Tracking Basket will correspond to the ratio of the Amended Order Investments to the ETF's aggregate portfolio holdings. The ratio of the Semi-Transparent portion of the Tracking Basket to the total Tracking Basket will correspond to the ratio of all investments other than Amended Order Investments to the ETF's aggregate portfolio holdings.

12. Each Fund that invests in Amended Order Investments will publish prominently on its website, which is publicly available and free of charge, on a daily basis, all Amended Order Investments held in its portfolio as of the end of the prior Business Day in accordance with the requirements of Rule 6c-11(c)(1)(i).

The SDN List and additional information concerning sanctions programs are available on OFAC's website, https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/iran-sanctions .

On February 24, 2025, the Department of State, in consultation with other departments, as appropriate, determined that the property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of the following persons are blocked under the relevant sanctions authority listed below.

Section 4 of the Clean Diamond Trade Act of 2003, Public Law 108-19 (the “Act”) requires the President to prohibit the importation into, or the exportation from, the United States of any rough diamond, from whatever source, that has not been controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Under section 3(2) of the Act, “controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme” means an importation from the territory of a Participant or exportation to the territory of a Participant of rough diamonds that is either (i) carried out in accordance with the KPCS, as set forth in regulations promulgated by the President, or (ii) controlled under a system determined by the President to meet substantially the standards, practices, and procedures of the KPCS. The referenced regulations are contained at 31 CFR part 592 (“Rough Diamond Control Regulations”) (68 FR 45777, August 4, 2003).

Section 6(b) of the Act requires the President to publish in the Federal Register a list of all Participants, and all Importing and Exporting Authorities of Participants, and to update the list as necessary. Section 2 of E.O.13312 of July 29, 2003, delegates this function to the Secretary of State. Section 3(7) of the Act defines “Participant” as a state, customs territory, or regional economic integration organization identified by the Secretary of State. Section 3(3) of the Act defines “Exporting Authority” as one or more entities designated by a Participant from whose territory a shipment of rough diamonds is being exported as having the authority to validate a Kimberley Process Certificate. Section 3(4) of the Act defines “Importing Authority” as one or more entities designated by a Participant into whose territory a shipment of rough diamonds is imported as having the authority to enforce the laws and regulations of the Participant regarding imports, including the verification of the Kimberley Process Certificate accompanying the shipment.

Pursuant to sections 3 and 6 of the Act, section 2 of E.O. 13312, Department of State Delegations of Authority No. 245-1 (February 13, 2009), and No. 376 (October 31, 2011), I hereby identify the following entities as Participants under section 6(b) of the Act. Included in this List are the Importing and Exporting Authorities for Participants, as required by section 6(b) of the Act. This List is published solely for the purpose of implementing the mandates cited above and does not reflect or prejudice any other regulation or prohibition that may apply with respect to trading, doing business, or engaging in any other transaction with any of the listed countries or entities. This list revises the previously published list of April 6, 2022, to reflect the addition of the Uzbekistan as a Participant.

This notice announces that the FAA finds that the Noise Exposure Maps submitted for the Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA) are in compliance with applicable requirements of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 150, effective February 6, 2025. Under 49 U.S.C. 47503 of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act (“the Act”), an airport operator may submit to the FAA Noise Exposure Maps which meet applicable regulations and which depict non-compatible land uses as of the date of submission of such maps, a description of projected aircraft operations, and the ways in which such operations will affect such maps. The Act requires such maps to be developed in consultation with interested and affected parties in the local community, government agencies, and persons using the airport. An airport operator who has submitted Noise Exposure Maps that are found by FAA to be in compliance with the requirements of 14 CFR part 150, promulgated pursuant to the Act, may submit a Noise Compatibility Program for FAA approval, which sets forth the measures the airport operator has taken or proposes to take to reduce existing non-compatible uses and prevent the introduction of additional non-compatible uses.

The FAA has completed its review of the Noise Exposure Maps and accompanying documentation submitted by Palm Beach County. The documentation that constitutes the “Noise Exposure Maps” as defined in 14 CFR 150.7 includes: 2023 Existing Condition Noise Exposure Map, 2028 Future Condition Noise Exposure Map, Fixed Wing Arrivals map, Fixed Wing Departures map, Non-Jet Fixed Wing Circuit Operations map, Helicopter Operations map, and the Final Noise Exposure Maps and Supporting Documentation Report. The FAA has determined that these Noise Exposure Maps and accompanying documentation are in compliance with applicable requirements. This determination is effective on February 6, 2025.

FAA's determination on the airport operator's Noise Exposure Maps is limited to a finding that the maps were developed in accordance with the procedures contained in appendix A of 14 CFR part 150. Such determination does not constitute approval of the airport operator's data, information or plans, or a commitment to approve a Noise Compatibility Program or to fund the implementation of that Program. If questions arise concerning the precise relationship of specific properties to noise exposure contours depicted on a Noise Exposure Map submitted under section 47503 of the Act, it should be noted that the FAA is not involved in any way in determining the relative locations of specific properties with regard to the depicted noise exposure contours, or in interpreting the Noise Exposure Maps to resolve questions concerning, for example, which properties should be covered by the provisions of section 47506 of the Act. These functions are inseparable from the ultimate land use control and planning responsibilities of local government. These local responsibilities are not changed in any way under 14 CFR part 150 or through FAA's review of the Noise Exposure Maps. Therefore, the responsibility for the detailed overlaying of noise exposure contours onto the map depicting properties on the surface rests exclusively with the airport operator that submitted those maps, or with those public agencies and planning agencies with which consultation is required under section 47503 of the Act. The FAA has relied on the certification by the airport operator, under 14 CFR 150.21, that the statutorily required consultation has been accomplished.

Copies of the full Noise Exposure Maps and report are available for examination by appointment at the following location: Federal Aviation Administration, Orlando Airports District Office, 8427 SouthPark Circle, 5th Floor, Orlando, Florida 32819. The Noise Exposure Maps and report are also available for viewing and download at the airport's website ( https://www.lnapart150.com/lnapart150 ).

To arrange an appointment to review the Noise Exposure Maps and report, contact Amy Reed, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region/Orlando Airports District Office, 8427 SouthPark Circle, Suite 524, Orlando, FL 32819, (407) 487-7297. Questions may be directed to the individual named above under the heading, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .

Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter dated December 31, 2024, CMTY petitioned FRA for an extension  1 of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR parts 229 (Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards), 231 (Railroad Safety Appliance Standards), and 238 (Passenger Equipment Safety Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2016-0126.

Specifically, CMTY seeks an extension of relief from the following regulations for four Stadler GTW fourth-generation vehicles (201, 202, 203, and 204):

• § 229.47(b)— Emergency brake valve

• § 229.71— Clearance above top of rail

• § 229.135(b)(4)(xviii) and (xix)— Event recorders

• § 231.14(a)(2), (b)-(d), (f), and (g)— Passenger-train cars without end platforms

• § 238.305(c)(5)— Interior calendar day mechanical inspection of passenger cars

• § 238.309, Periodic brake equipment maintenance .

In its petition, CMTY states that the 49 CFR part 238 Alternative Vehicle Technology final rule “will demonstrate to the FRA's Safety Board an equivalent level of safety and compliance to support the renewal” of the relief.

A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov .

Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request.

Communications received by May 5, 2025 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable.

Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of FRA's dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy . See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov .

Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter received January 8, 2025, SMART petitioned FRA for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 238 (Passenger Equipment Safety Standards). FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2025-0022.

Specifically, SMART seeks relief from § 238.309(b)(3), Periodic brake equipment maintenance, for 18 Nippon Sharyo DMUs equipped with Knorr Brake Company (KBC) KBCT1 air brake systems. SMART requests one-time relief to extend the DMUs' COT&S intervals from the 1,840 days specified in the regulation to 2,392 days (an additional 18 months), as KBC is experiencing delayed delivery times. SMART states that brake units will not begin being shipping to SMART until late April 2026. To support its request, SMART detailed in its petition the current and future safety measures it will take during the proposed COT&S interval extension.

A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov .

Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request.

Communications received by April 7, 2025 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable.

Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of FRA's dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy . See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov .

Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter dated December 5, 2024, RT petitioned FRA for an extension of a special approval pursuant to 49 CFR part 215 (Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards), and to extend a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR parts 215 and 224 (Reflectorization of Rail Freight Rolling Stock). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2020-0023.

Specifically, RT requests to extend the previous special approval pursuant to 49 CFR 215.203, Restricted cars, in this docket for 2 cars (WP 17005 and SRR 323), which are more than 50 years from the dates of original construction. RT also seeks to extend relief from § 215.303, Stenciling of restricted cars, and part 224, to use the cars “for film and photo work” on special trains. In its petition, RT explains that the cars will not be interchanged or used in revenue freight service and that the relief will “contribute to a more positive interpretive experience for [RT's] visitors.”

A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov.

Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request.

Communications received by May 5, 2025 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable.

Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of FRA's dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

OMB Approval No. 2138-0013.

Title: Letter of Interest and Application Forms for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing and Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act Credit Programs.

Type of Review: Modification of existing information collection.

Background: The Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) credit program has its origins in title V of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, 45 U.S.C. 821 et seq., which authorized the Federal Railroad Administration to provide railroads certain financial assistance. This title V financing program was replaced by the RRIF program under section 7203 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of 1998, Public Law 105-178 (1998) (TEA 21). RRIF was subsequently amended by: the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59 (2005) (SAFETEA-LU); the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Division A of Public Law 110-432; the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, Public Law 114-94 (2015) (FAST Act); and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58 (2021) (IIJA). All applicants for RRIF credit program assistance are required to submit a completed application. 49 U.S.C. 22403(a). The information collection activity request for the RRIF credit program letter of interest and application was most recently approved in 2021 (OMB Control Number 2105-0569). See 86 FR 33475 and 86 FR 51717.

The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 (TIFIA) was enacted as part of TEA 21. The TIFIA program was subsequently amended by SAFETEA-LU, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Pub. L. 112-141) (2012) (MAP-21), the FAST Act, and the IIJA. All applicants for TIFIA credit program assistance are required to submit a completed letter of interest (LOI) and application. 23 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(A). The existing information collection activity request for the TIFIA credit program letter of interest and application was most recently approved in 2021 (OMB Control Number 2105-0569). See 86 FR 33475 and 86 FR 51717.

The National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau (referenced hereafter as the Build America Bureau or the Bureau), established by the Secretary on July 20, 2016, in accordance with the FAST Act, was created to streamline and improve access to the Department's Federal credit programs, including the RRIF and TIFIA programs. The Bureau was made responsible for administering the application processes for the TIFIA and RRIF credit programs. To streamline and conform these application processes, the Bureau created a single LOI form and a single application form that can be used by applicants of either credit program. Both the LOI form and the application form have been updated to reflect efficiencies in the application process adopted by the Department, provide clarifying information, and make the forms easier for applicants to use. The Department seeks OMB approval to modify the LOI and application. The forms have also been reviewed to ensure that all information requested is necessary for the Department to properly perform its functions in administering its credit programs and updated to reflect the current statutory requirements.

The LOI asks the applicant to describe, among other things, the project and its location, purpose and cost; the proposed financial plan, the status of environmental review, and certain information regarding satisfaction of other eligibility requirements under the applicable credit program. The application serves as the official request for credit and, therefore, requires the same information required of the LOI, plus detailed information about the applicant's legal and management structure, its financial health, the revenue stream pledged to repay the loan, and other information regarding satisfaction of eligibility requirements. TIFIA and RRIF credit assistance is awarded based on a project's satisfaction of TIFIA and RRIF (as applicable) eligibility requirements. The Department is authorized to prescribe the form and contents of the LOI and application. 49 U.S.C. 22403(a) and 23 U.S.C. 601(a)(6).

Respondents: State and local governments, transit agencies, government-sponsored authorities, special authorities, special districts, ports, private railroads, and certain other private entities.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: Based on the number and type of interested stakeholders that have contacted the Department about the RRIF and TIFIA programs in fiscal years (FY) 2018-2021, the Department estimates that it will receive, on an annual basis, eight (8) RRIF LOIs, twelve (12) TIFIA LOIs, eight (8) RRIF applications, and twelve (12) TIFIA applications.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: The Department estimates that it will generally take applicants not fewer than twenty (20) person-hours to assemble a single LOI (for either credit program) and not fewer than one hundred (100) person-hours to assemble a single application (for either credit program). (Person-hour estimates provided for a RRIF application assume that the applicant will initially submit an LOI, reducing the number of person-hours spent on the application.) Based on the anticipated annual total number of respondents, the total annual hour burden of this collection for RRIF LOIs and applications is 960 and for TIFIA LOIs and applications is 1,440 hours.

Frequency of Collection: This information collection will occur on a rolling basis as interested entities seek RRIF or TIFIA credit assistance.

Public Comments Invited: The Department invites interested respondents to comment on a proposed information collection activity (summarized below) with respect to: (i) whether the information collection activities are necessary for the Department to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of the Department's estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways for the Department to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (iv) ways for the Department to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology ( e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(i)-(iv). The Department believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In summary, the Department reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (i) reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a “user friendly” format to improve the use of such information; and (iii) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.

Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended; and 49 CFR 1.48.

Title: Safe Harbor for Valuation and Mark to Market Accounting Method for Dealers under Section 475.

OMB Control Number: 1545-1945.

Regulation Project Number: TD 9328 and TD 8700.

Abstract: The Treasury Decisions (TD) set forth an elective safe harbor that permits dealers in securities and dealers in commodities to elect to use the values of positions reported on certain financial statements as the fair market values of those positions for purposes of Section 475 of the Internal Revenue Code. This safe harbor is intended to reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers and to improve the administrability of the valuation requirement of Section 475 for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). TD 8700 contains final regulations providing guidance to enable taxpayers to comply with the mark to market requirement applicable to dealers in securities.

Current Actions: There are no changes to these existing regulations.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Responses: 15,708.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 3 hours, 19 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 52,182.

The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice:

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.

Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

Title: Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) and Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, VA Form 10182 and VA Form 9.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0674 https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRASearch .

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Appellate review of the denial of VA benefits may only be initiated by the filing of a Notice of Disagreement with the Board. 38 U.S.C. 7105(a). A VA Form 10182 .

Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) is required to initiate Board review of an appeal in the modernized review system as implemented by the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA). The VA Form 9 Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals may be used to complete a legacy appeal to the Board. The completed form becomes the “substantive appeal” (or “formal appeal”), which is required by the pre-AMA version of 38 U.S.C. 7105(a) and (d)(3) to complete an appeal to the Board. Additionally, the proposed information collections allow for withdrawal of services by a representative, requests for changes in hearing dates and methods under 38 U.S.C. 7107, and motions for reconsideration pursuant to 38 CFR 7103(a).

The Board is requesting to revise the currently approved OMB Control No. 2900-0674 as there has been a decrease in the estimated number of respondents and annual burden. There has been a decrease in the use of the VA Form 9 Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, as the VA Form 10182 Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) is required to initiate Board review of decisions issued on or after February 19, 2019. Consequently, the majority of incoming appeals at the Board are governed by the AMA; therefore, the estimated number of respondents who utilize the VA Form 10182 Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) has been adjusted accordingly.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published at 89 FR 101691, December 16, 2024.

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 60,305 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 119,800.

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.