[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 6761]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-3525]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 970122010-7010-01]
RIN 0693-XX28


American Lumber Standard Committee, Incorporated; Recommends 
Additions to Membership

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology announces 
that it is considering a recommendation from the American Lumber 
Standard Committee, Incorporated (hereafter referred to as the ALSC) to 
increase the membership of the ALSC by two additional members. The ALSC 
has recommended that the National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA), the 
rules-writing agency of Canada, and the wood-treaters segment of the 
lumber industry each be provided one voting membership. NIST will 
announce its decision in the Federal Register following public review 
of the recommendation.

DATES: Written comments on the ALSC recommendation must be submitted to 
Barbara M. Meigs, Standards Management Program, Office of Standards 
Services, on or before May 14, 1997, for the comments to be considered.

ADDRESSES: Standards Management Program, Room 164, Building 820, Office 
of Standards Services, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barbara M. Meigs, Standards Management Program, Office of Standards 
Services, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Tel: 301-975-
4025, Fax: 301-926-1559, e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9.3.7 of Voluntary Product Standard 
PS 20-94 American Softwood Lumber Standard, developed under procedures 
published by the Department of Commerce (15 CFR part 10), has a 
provision by which the Secretary of Commerce, upon request, can 
consider making additional appointments to the ALSC to ensure that it 
has a comprehensive balance of interests. It provides that in such 
considerations, the Secretary shall consult with the ALSC for advice 
regarding balance of interests and the criteria by which it may be 
determined.
    The ALSC, at its annual meeting on November 15, 1996, approved 
requesting two additional memberships: One membership for the NLGA of 
Canada and one for wood-treaters. This recommendation was sent to NIST 
for consideration on December 10, 1996.
    In its recommendation, the ALSC indicated that an additional entry 
under 9.3.1 (rules-writing agencies) should be provided to include the 
NLGA membership. That section pertains to the qualifications of rules-
writing agencies as they pertain to the composition of the membership 
of the ALSC and lists those agencies that may nominate principal and 
alternate members. In making its recommendation, the ALSC also noted 
that for many years Canadian representatives have been actively 
involved in the American lumber standardization system. Membership of 
the NLGA, therefore, would assist in continuing that beneficial 
relationship. The ALSC noted that in 1995, Canadian softwood lumber 
imports into the United States accounted for 36% of the United States 
lumber market.
    With regard to the wood-treaters membership, the ALSC recommended 
that an additional entry under 9.3.3 (other interested and affected 
groups) of PS 20-94 should be provided. That section pertains to 
representation of firms or organizations within organizations and 
groups that specify, distribute, and purchase lumber. Since 1992, the 
Board of Review of the ALSC has been accrediting qualified agencies for 
supervisory and lot inspection of pressure-treated wood products at 
treating facilities. These agencies monitor treating facilities in 
accordance to their adherence to applicable standards of the American 
Wood Preservers' Association. In making its recommendation, the ALSC 
noted that over 5 billion board feet of treated wood is involved in its 
treated-wood program.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 272.

    Dated: February 5, 1997.
Elaine Bunten-Mines,
Director, Program Office.
[FR Doc. 97-3525 Filed 2-12-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M