[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 89 (Monday, May 11, 2009)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 21865-21885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10266]
[[Page 21865]]
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Part III
Department of Agriculture
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
[[Page 21866]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX
9 CFR Chs. I-IV
36 CFR Ch. II
41 CFR Ch. 4
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2009
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
_______________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''
USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory
reviews pending at the time of publication, except for minor and
routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently
missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item
from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each
action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the
date shown.
USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda
entries include only:
(1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities; and
(2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda,
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.
Dated: March 6, 2009.
Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97
Aquatic Animals, (TM-01-08)...........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock) (TM-07-03)............ 0581-AC69
3 Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order (FV-08-702)............... 0581-AC82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (TM-05-14)................................ 0581-AC57
5 Dairy Import Assessments (DA-08-07)................................................... 0581-AC87
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14)............. 0581-AC77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 21867]]
Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26
Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-07-0081)....................................
8 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Farm Bill)........................................ 0581-AC88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities............................................. 0560-AI03
10 Conservation Loan Guarantee Program................................................... 0560-AI04
11 Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs.................................................... 0560-AI05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Emergency Forest Restoration Program.................................................. 0560-AH89
13 Biomass Crop Assistance Program....................................................... 0560-AH92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs 0579-AB24
(Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
15 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds................................... 0579-AC02
16 Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting 0579-AC03
Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a
Section 610 Review)...................................................................
17 Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering 0579-AC31
18 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers......................... 0579-AC50
19 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products.......... 0579-AC68
20 Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................ 0579-AC92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18
22 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82
23 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91
24 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities; 0579-AB97
Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
25 Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610 0579-AC00
Review)...............................................................................
26 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 0579-AC04
Review)...............................................................................
27 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05
28 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06
29 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07
30 User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products......................... 0579-AC22
31 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36
Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
32 Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine..................................................... 0579-AC71
33 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain 0579-AC74
Live Fish.............................................................................
[[Page 21868]]
34 Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach............................. 0579-AC82
35 Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement 0579-AC85
Regulations...........................................................................
36 Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................ 0579-AC86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80
38 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34
39 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB44
40 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14
41 Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of 0579-AC41
Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.........................................
42 Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona.............. 0579-AC63
43 Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................ 0579-AC69
44 Bovine Tuberculosis................................................................... 0579-AC73
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84
and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................
46 Citrus Canker; Interstate Movement of Regulated Nursery Stock From Quarantined Areas.. 0579-AC38
47 Import/Export User Fees............................................................... 0579-AC59
48 Revision of Regulations for the Movement of Fruits and Vegetables From Hawaii and U.S. 0579-AC70
Territories Into the Continental United States........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program...................... 0583-AD37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products; 0583-AC46
Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 21869]]
Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52 Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado.......... 0596-AC74
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA35
54 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................ 0503-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55 Renewable Energy--Clarify Requirements for Construction/Development of Energy Program 0570-AA69
Projects (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review).............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS, (TM-01-08)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 to 6522
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising
regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as
organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic
animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to
establish production and handling standards for operations that capture
aquatic animals from the wild. Production standards for operations
producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock
origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping.
Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of
commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of
contact between organically produced and prohibited substances.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 12/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
2. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK) (TM-
07-03)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established
national standards for the production and handling of organically
produced products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the
public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy
replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory
language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has
established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic
dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the
development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They
seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy
operation has converted to organic production all future animals be
organic from the last third of gestation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/00/09
Final Action 01/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
[[Page 21870]]
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________
3. MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER (FV-08-
702)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6101 to 6112
Abstract: The Farm Bill of 2008 amends the Mushroom Promotion, Research
and Consumer Information Act of 1990 by changing the number of regions
for nominations purposes from four to three; adjusting the number of
pounds required to appoint members to the Mushroom Council; and to
allow for the development of good agricultural and good handling
practices.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/07/09 74 FR 15677
NPRM Comment Period End 05/07/09
Final Action 12/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Marketing Specialist, Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, South Building, P.O. Box
96456, Washington, DC 20050-6456
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE (TM-05-14)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq
Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established
national standards for the production and handling of organically
produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some
members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory
standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy
animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory
language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement
based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not
provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals
that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for
livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments
received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining
the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 04/13/06 71 FR 19131
ANPRM Comment Period End 06/12/06
NPRM 10/24/08 73 FR 63583
NPRM Comment Period End 12/23/08
Final Action 08/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC57
_______________________________________________________________________
5. DAIRY IMPORT ASSESSMENTS (DA-08-07)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 to 4513
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing a dairy
import assessment program as required by law. This action is in
conformance to the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm
Bill). The Farm Bill mandates that the Dairy Promotion and Research
Order be amended to implement an assessment on imported dairy products
to fund promotion and research, and allow for importer representation
on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 06/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Promotion and Research Branch Chief,
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
6. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011) (CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM-
07-14)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending
regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited
Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of
1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances
in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2001.
The AMS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the
public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is
[[Page 21871]]
essential in the review process to determine whether these substances
should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and
handling of organic agricultural products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 03/14/08 73 FR 13795
ANPRM Comment Period End 05/13/08
NPRM 10/00/10
Final Action 08/00/11
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
7. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH,
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-07-0081)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm
Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act
(2002 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 107-206) amended the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) to require
retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered
commodities beginning September 30, 2004. Covered commodities include
muscle cuts of beef (including veal), lamb, and pork; ground beef,
ground lamb, and ground pork; farm-raised fish and shellfish; wild fish
and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities; and peanuts. The FY
2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill (2004 Appropriations) (Pub. L.
108-199) delayed implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
(COOL) for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and
shellfish until September 30, 2006. The FY 2006 Agriculture
Appropriations Bill further delayed the implementation date for other
covered commodities until September 30, 2008.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 01/15/09 74 FR 2657
Final Action Effective 03/16/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Erin Morris
Phone: 202 720-5131
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________
8. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (FARM BILL)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing
regulations to administer the Special Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The interim final
rule is intended to establish eligibility and application requirements,
the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures
for SCBGP. The SCBGP is authorized under section 101 of the Specialty
Crops Competitiveness Act (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) and amended under the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Section 101 direction the
Secretary of Agriculture to make grants available to States.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/03/08
Final Action 03/27/09 74 FR 13313
Final Action Effective 03/30/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Trista Etzig
Phone: 202 690-4942
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC88
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
9. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there
is discretion involved in the implementation. The sections being
implemented are: 5001, Direct Loans; 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher
and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales
Program Down Payment Loan Program; 5101, Farming Experience as an
Eligibility Requirement; 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and
Ranchers for Emergency Loans; 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program; and 5501, Loans to
Purchase Highly Fractionated Land.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts 5-year
pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The program
entails FSA making grants to qualified nonprofit organizations who then
deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must match 50
percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified, low-income
beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would establish
saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by the
grantees. The program funds must match the participants' deposits at a
minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants must
use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland,
livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program
must be operated by and in conjunction with
[[Page 21872]]
FSA farm loan programs. The initial applications for the program must
be approved no more than one year after the law is enacted. The program
is not mandatory; an appropriation of up to $5 million annually is
authorized to fund the program.
Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land
Acquisition loans.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AI03
_______________________________________________________________________
10. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there
is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The
section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan
Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will create a new direct
and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting farmers in
implementing conservation practices.
The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance
qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent
of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation
plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given
to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion
to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with
highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the
program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The
program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 09/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AI04
_______________________________________________________________________
11. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm
Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing
regulations. An overall plan will be established to insure that
borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest
timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all
borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill
emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools
available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they
can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7
percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. FSA believes
graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant
on the overall farm economy.
The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under
Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the
immediate family. Currently, FSA only has 38 properties in Homestead
Protection.
Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a
claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim
pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the
time of the moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim,
the interest which would have accrued during the moratorium will be due
and offset on the account will be reestablished.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AI05
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
12. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part
701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) which
was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share
funding to owners of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the
land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land
must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The
2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be
appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to
remain available until expended.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
[[Page 21873]]
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AH89
_______________________________________________________________________
13. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop
Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will
collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry,
agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and
selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a
commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if
the facility is not operational at the time of proposal); anticipated
economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation
rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the
impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in
biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has
capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing
funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP
project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area
selection, FSA, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a
term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops and up to 15 years
for woody biomass.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice 10/01/08 73 FR 57047
NPRM 06/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AH92
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
14. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane
handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals
under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals
have been in effect since 1979, and amended in 1984. During this time,
advances have been made and new information has been developed with
regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking
addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached
during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July
1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities,
outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as
swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to
ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care,
treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based
on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02
NPRM 06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________
15. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling,
care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for
use in research.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Darrel Styles, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-0658
RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
16. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF
PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK
ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations
governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for
planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose
importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. We would allow
foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted
for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk
evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would
conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if
determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to
expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting
regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would
[[Page 21874]]
allow us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for
planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based
on scientific evidence.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Risk Manager, Commodity
Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5306
RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
17. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH
GENETIC ENGINEERING
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the regulations regarding the
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain
genetically engineered organisms in order to bring the regulations into
alignment with provisions of the Plant Protection Act. The revisions
would also update the regulations in response to advances in genetic
science and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing
the current regulations. This is the first comprehensive review and
revision of the regulations since they were established in 1987. This
rule would affect persons involved in the importation, interstate
movement, or release into the environment of genetically engineered
plants and certain other genetically engineered organisms.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intent to Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement 01/23/04 69 FR 3271
Comment Period End 03/23/04
Notice of Availability of Draft
Environmental Impact Statement 07/17/07 72 FR 39021
Comment Period End 09/11/07
NPRM 10/09/08 73 FR 60007
NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/08
Correction 11/10/08 73 FR 66563
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 01/16/09 74 FR 2907
NPRM Comment Period End 03/17/09
NPRM; Notice of Public Scoping
Session 03/11/09 74 FR 10517
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 04/13/09 74 FR 16797
NPRM Comment Period End 06/29/09
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Turner, Director, Policy Coordination Division,
BRS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 146, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5720
RIN: 0579-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________
18. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This document will withdraw a proposed rule that we published
on August 24, 2004 (69 FR 51960 to 51962, APHIS Docket No. 03-081-3).
In our August 2004 proposed rule, we proposed to require that steers
and spayed heifers with any evidence of horn growth that are entering
the United States meet the same tuberculosis testing requirements as
sexually intact animals entering the United States. Instead of
proposing provisions specific to cattle imported for use at rodeos, as
our August 2004 proposal did, APHIS is considering broader changes to
the tuberculosis regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 07/20/04 69 FR 43283
Interim Final Rule Effective 08/19/04
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 09/20/04
Interim Rule; Withdrawal 08/12/04 69 FR 49783
Interim Rule; Withdrawal
Effective 08/12/04
NPRM 08/24/04 69 FR 51960
NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04
NPRM; Withdrawal 05/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei, Assistant Director, Ruminant
Health Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________
19. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE
PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301
to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
importation of bovines and bovine products. Under this rulemaking,
countries would be classified as either negligible risk, controlled
risk, or undetermined risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Some commodities would be allowed importation into the United States
regardless of the BSE classification of the country of export. Other
commodities would be subject to importation restrictions or
prohibitions based on the type of commodity and the BSE classification
of the country. The criteria for country classification and commodity
import would be closely aligned with those of the World Organization
for Animal Health.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Christopher Robinson, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Technical Trade Services, National
[[Page 21875]]
Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale,
MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7837
RIN: 0579-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________
20. SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AND GOATS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by
changing the risk groups and categories established for individual
animals and for flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a
means of assigning risk levels to animals, reducing movement
restrictions for animals found to be genetically less susceptible or
resistant to scrapie, and simplifying, reducing, or removing certain
recordkeeping requirements. This action would provide designated
scrapie epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when
testing animals in order to determine flock designations under the
regulations. It would change the definition of high-risk animal, which
will change the types of animals eligible for indemnity, and to pay
higher indemnity for certain pregnant ewes and early maturing ewes. It
would also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for
goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes would
affect sheep and goat producers and State governments.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator,
Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
21. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign
regions. This rule will require that a phytosanitary certificate
accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables
imported into the United States by air passengers.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01
NPRM; Availability of Risk
Assessment 05/24/06 71 FR 29846
NPRM; Availability of Risk
Assessment Comment Period End 07/24/06
Final Action 06/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy
Analysis and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8295
RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________
22. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations
to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS
in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate
movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in
California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update
conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from
quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all
other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also
updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the
list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other
miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary
to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United
States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional
rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes
available.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 02/27/07 72 FR 8585
Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 04/30/07
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program
Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8247
RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________
23. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action will establish domestic boll weevil regulations
that will restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within
regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated
areas in commercial cotton producing States. The regulations will help
prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of
the United States
[[Page 21876]]
and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been
eradicated.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/31/06 71 FR 63707
NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/07
NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/20/06 71 FR 76224
NPRM Comment Period End 02/01/07
Final Action 12/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil
Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-8676
RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________
24. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND
TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC
4331 and 4332
Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant
products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the
regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of
conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin.
Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision.
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease
agent entering the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 11/28/05 70 FR 71213
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 01/27/06
Final Action 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade
Services, Animal Products, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
25. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE FACILITIES
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish standards for the approval of
permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are
taking this action because regional and seasonal demand for quarantine
services for horses often exceeds the space available at existing
facilities. Allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent,
privately owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed
criteria facilitates the importation of horses while continuing to
protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/13/06 71 FR 74827
NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/07
Final Action 05/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ellen Buck, Veterinary Medical Officer, Import/Export
Animals, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364
RIN: 0579-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________
26. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM
A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the
National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two
accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to
add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of
accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These
changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding
initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated
surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our
National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/01/06 71 FR 31109
NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/06
Supplemental NPRM 02/27/07 72 FR 8634
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period
End 04/30/07
Final Action 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Agency Contact: Todd Behre, Program Manager, National Veterinary
Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-6188
RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________
27. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish provisions under which
[[Page 21877]]
eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the availability
of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified citrus nursery
stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. The payment of
these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic effects on
affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified citrus
nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 06/08/06 71 FR 33168
Interim Final Rule Effective 06/08/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 08/07/06
Affirmation of Interim Final
Rule 08/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________
28. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA
BORDER
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503
Abstract: This action will amend the foreign quarantine and user fee
regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and
vegetables grown in Canada and the exemptions from user fees for
commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars,
commercial aircraft, and international air passengers entering the
United States from Canada. As a result of this action, all agricultural
products imported from Canada will be subject to inspection, and
commercial conveyances, as well as airline passengers arriving on
flights from Canada, will be subject to inspection and user fees. We
are taking this action in part because we are not recovering the costs
of our current inspection activities at the U.S./Canada border. In
addition, our data show an increasing number of interceptions on the
U.S./Canada border of prohibited material that originated in regions
other than Canada that presents a high risk of introducing plant pests
or animal diseases into the United States. These findings, combined
with additional Canadian airport preclearance data on interceptions of
ineligible agricultural products approaching the U.S. border from
Canada, strongly indicate that we need to expand and strengthen our
pest exclusion and smuggling interdiction efforts at that border. In
order to do this and to recover the costs of our existing inspection
activity, we need to collect user fees from commercial conveyances and
international air passengers entering the United States from Canada.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 08/25/06 71 FR 50320
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/24/06
Interim Final Rule Effective 11/24/06
Delay of Effective Date 11/22/06 71 FR 67436
Delay of Effective Date 02/26/07 72 FR 8261
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Alan S. Green, Executive Director, Plant Health
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 36, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8261
RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________
29. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to list
the entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and
amend the requirements for the movement of regulated articles from
Florida now that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is no
longer being carried out as an objective. It will also amend the
regulations to allow regulated articles that would not otherwise be
eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for immediate
export. These changes are necessary in light of the Department's
determination that the established eradication program was no longer a
scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 08/01/06 71 FR 43345
Interim Final Rule Effective 08/01/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 10/02/06
Technical Amendment 01/12/07 72 FR 1415
Final Action 09/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________
30. USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to
8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the user fee regulations by
adjusting the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant
products. We are increasing these user fees for fiscal years 2009
through 2012 to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing
these services during each year. This action adds a new user fee for
Federal export certificates for plants and plant products that an
exporter obtains from a State or county cooperator in order to recover
our costs associated with that service. Finally, the action will make
several nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These
changes will enable us to properly recover the costs of providing
export certification services for plants and plant products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/12/07 72 FR 32223
NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/07
Final Rule 05/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ,
[[Page 21878]]
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-4382
Kris Caraher, User Fee Section Head, Financial Management Division,
MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901
RIN: 0579-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________
31. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED
WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the
importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the
importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from
regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry
of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This
action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on
articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic
Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1.
The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on
articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 04/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 06/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE,
Animal Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38,
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________
32. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: We are quarantining 9 counties in California and the entire
State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting
the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined
areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the
spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 08/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 10/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deborah McPartlan, Staff Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5356
RIN: 0579-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________
33. VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations to restrict the
interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish
that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly
contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005 and
2006, viral hemorrhagic septicemia was detected in freshwater fish in
several of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has
been responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the
Great Lakes region. This action is necessary to prevent further
introductions into, and dissemination within, the United States of
viral hemorrhagic septicemia.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule (IFR) 09/09/08 73 FR 52173
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/10/08
IFR; Delay of Effective Date 10/28/08 73 FR 63867
Interim Final Rule Effective 01/09/09
IFR; Delay of Effective Date 01/02/09 74 FR 1
Amended Interim Final Rule 04/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer,
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6188
Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import
and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364
RIN: 0579-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________
34. IMPORTATION OF GRAPES FROM CHILE UNDER A SYSTEMS APPROACH
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: This action would amend the fruits and vegetables regulations
to allow fresh table grapes from Chile to be imported into the
continental United States under a systems approach. Currently, as a
condition of entry, all table grapes from Chile must be fumigated with
methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation measure for Brevipalpus chilensis.
Under this proposal, we would allow a combination of risk-mitigation
measures, or systems approach, to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide
fumigation. The systems approach would provide an alternative to methyl
bromide while continuing to provide protection against the introduction
of quarantine pests into the United States.
[[Page 21879]]
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/27/08 73 FR 50577
NPRM Comment Period End 10/27/08
Final Action 05/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Alex Belano, Chief, Commodity Import Analysis and
Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5333
RIN: 0579-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________
35. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE
MOVEMENT REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the
State of Florida and one parish in Louisiana as quarantined areas for
citrus greening, and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, 3 counties in South Carolina, and
portions of 2 counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian
citrus psyllid, a vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It
would also establish restrictions on the interstate movement of
regulated articles from the quarantined areas, as well as treatments
under which Asian citrus psyllid host material may be moved interstate
from a quarantined area. These actions follow the discovery of citrus
greening and/or Asian citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are
necessary in order to prevent the spread of the disease and its vector
to noninfested areas of the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 07/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 09/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC85
_______________________________________________________________________
36. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 to
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex
woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of
regulated articles from these quarantined areas. This action is
necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the artificial spread of
this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 09/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7228
RIN: 0579-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
37. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610
REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: APHIS plans to amend its plant pest regulations to align them
more closely with the Plant Protection Act and to update them in
response to advances in science and technology and our accumulated
experiences in implementing the regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 09/27/96 61 FR 50767
ANPRM Comment Period End 12/26/96
NPRM 10/09/01 66 FR 51340
NPRM Comment Period End 02/06/02
Withdrawal and Reproposal To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930
RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________
38. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/01/02 67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended 06/28/02 67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End 07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/02
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
Phone: 301 734-8073
RIN: 0579-AB34
[[Page 21880]]
_______________________________________________________________________
39. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
importation of animals into the United States to establish several
levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with
regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the
importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk
classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle
and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________
40. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the
transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain
such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for
other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early
transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to
allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical
treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age
and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met.
Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum
age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of
these animals.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/09/08 73 FR 26344
NPRM Comment Period End 07/08/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 07/31/08 73 FR 44671
NPRM Comment Period Extended 09/02/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________
41. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR
TRANSPORTATION OF WARMBLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine
mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for
various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would
replace those requirements with a single performance standard under
which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental
conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations
currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within
certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at
ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor
provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the
animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum
temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live
animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace
a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part
of this document, that would have required that the acclimation
certificate for a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat
being transported rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does
not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care
and handling. We believe that establishing a single performance
standard would ensure that warmblooded animals other than marine
mammals are transported in climatic and environmental conditions that
are not detrimental to their welfare while allowing for variations in
climatic and environmental conditions that are suitable for individual
animals.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 01/03/08 73 FR 413
NPRM Comment Period End 03/03/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/18/08 73 FR 14403
NPRM Comment Period End 04/17/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tracy L. Bowman
Phone: 301 734-6328
RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________
42. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS,
ARIZONA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the
importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port
through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or
exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the
United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be
constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis,
AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper
chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such
cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations
to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been
infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne
diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited
the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed.
These changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve
restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 01/29/08 73 FR 5132
NPRM Comment Period End 03/31/08
Final Rule 01/02/09 74 FR 1
[[Page 21881]]
Final Rule Effective; but the
Amendment to 93.427(b)(2)
Effective Date Is Delayed
Indefinitely 01/02/09
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
Phone: 301 734-8364
RIN: 0579-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________
43. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training
of personnel by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors,
intermediate handlers, and carriers. We are proposing these
requirements because we believe all licensees and registrants should
develop a contingency plan for all animals regulated under the Animal
Welfare Act in an effort to better prepare for potential disasters.
This action would heighten the awareness of licensees and registrants
regarding their responsibilities and help ensure a timely and
appropriate response should an emergency or disaster occur.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/23/08 73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End 12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/19/08 73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/09
Final Rule To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jodie Kulpa-Eddy
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________
44. BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine tuberculosis
regulations by removing from incorporation by reference the Bovine
Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 1999, and including
in 9 CFR part 77 all Federal requirements. We are also proposing a
number of substantive changes to the requirements in order to enhance
our bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts. The proposed changes
include, but are not limited to, tightening certain tuberculosis
surveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening the quarantine
and quarantine-release requirements; setting minimum testing ages,
depending upon the status of the State or zone of origin and/or the
purpose of movement, when testing is required for interstate movement
of cattle and bison; adding new requirements to prevent the spread of
tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle and bison; adding new requirements
for interstate movement of dairy cattle; strengthening the requirements
for individual cattle and bison that are to be added to accredited
herds; and providing for the interstate movement of commuter herds.
Finally, we would reorganize 9 CFR part 77 to make the regulations
clearer and easier to use.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench
Phone: 970 494-7378
RIN: 0579-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
45. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK
FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the
interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that
handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by APHIS.
These will include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations,
concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in
interstate commerce are assembled. APHIS' approval will be contingent
on the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other
conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and
goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal
identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other
conditions will be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations
relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to
control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats.
This rule will provide for the establishment of standards for the
approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in
interstate commerce.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 04/01/09 74 FR 14703
Final Action Effective 05/01/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________
46. CITRUS CANKER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED NURSERY STOCK FROM
QUARANTINED AREAS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the citrus canker quarantine
regulations to explicitly prohibit, with limited exceptions, the
interstate movement of regulated nursery stock from a quarantined area
and remove calamondin plants from a protocol allowing the limited
interstate movement of calamondin and kumquat plants. We decided to
provide for the interstate movement of calamondin and kumquat plants
based on their apparent resistance to citrus canker. However, we have
since discovered calamondin plants affected with citrus canker. This
action is necessary to clarify our regulations and to address the risk
associated with the interstate
[[Page 21882]]
movement of regulated nursery stock from areas quarantined for citrus
canker.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Rule 04/09/09 74 FR 16097
Final Rule Effective 05/11/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________
47. IMPORT/EXPORT USER FEES
Legal Authority: 5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136
and 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716 and 3717; 31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations concerning user
fees for import- and export-related services that we provide for
animals, animal products, birds, germplasm, organisms, and vectors. We
are proposing increases in those fees for fiscal years 2009 through
2013 in order to ensure that the fees accurately reflect the
anticipated costs of providing these services each year. By publishing
the annual user fee changes in advance, users can incorporate the fees
into their budget planning. The user fees pay for the actual cost of
providing these services.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Rule 03/30/09 74 FR 13999
Final Rule Effective 04/29/09
Correction 04/21/09 74 FR 18115
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Inez Hockaday
Phone: 301 734-7517
Kris Caraher
Phone: 301 734-5901
RIN: 0579-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________
48. REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
FROM HAWAII AND U.S. TERRITORIES INTO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will revise and reorganize the regulations
pertaining to the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables from
Hawaii and the territories to consolidate requirements of general
applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and
remove outdated requirements and references, and make various editorial
and nonsubstantive changes to the regulations to make them easier to
use. It will also make substantive changes to the regulations including
establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, will allow
us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for interstate movement
in the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in Hawaii and
U.S. territories expeditiously, and remove the listing in the
regulations of some specific commodities as regulated articles. These
changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for
approving certain regulated articles for interstate movement and
acknowledging pest-free areas while continuing to allow for public
participation in the processes. This final rule does not allow for the
interstate movement of any specific new fruits or vegetables, nor does
it alter the conditions for interstate movement of currently approved
fruits or vegetables. These changes will make our domestic interstate
movement regulations more consistent with our fruits and vegetables
import regulations. The changes in this final rule will not alter the
manner in which the risk associated with a regulated article interstate
movement request is evaluated, nor will they alter the manner in which
those risks are ultimately mitigated.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 01/16/09 74 FR 2770
Final Action Effective 02/17/09
Technical Amendment 04/07/09 74 FR 15640
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David B. Lamb
Phone: 301 734-8758
RIN: 0579-AC70
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
49. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
Abstract: The Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will provide
better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken
to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and
provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00
Final Action 12/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing
Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1465
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0575-AC18
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
[[Page 21883]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
50. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246 (section 11015)
Abstract: FSIS is proposing regulations to implement a new voluntary
Federal-State cooperative inspection program under which State-
inspected establishments with 25 or fewer employees would be eligible
to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. State-
inspected establishments selected to participate in this program would
be required to comply with all Federal standards under the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA).
These establishments would receive inspection services from State
inspection personnel that have been trained and certified to assist
with enforcement of the FMIA and PPIA. Meat and poultry products
produced under the program that have been inspected and passed by
selected State-inspection personnel would bear a Federal mark of
inspection. FSIS is proposing these regulations in response to the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, enacted on June 18, 2008 (the 2008
Farm Bill). Section 11015 of 2008 Farm Bill provides for the interstate
shipment of State-inspected meat and poultry product from selected
establishments and requires that FSIS promulgate implementing
regulations no later than 18 months from the date of its enactment
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Director, Policy Issuances Division,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0583-AD37
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
51. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND
POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT
AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq
Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance
standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat
and poultry products, and measures, including testing, to control
Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products. The performance standards spell
out the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must
meet during their operations in order to produce safe products but
allow the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other
than those prescribed in the earlier regulations. With HACCP, food
safety performance standards give establishments the incentive and
flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing
procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable
standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This
set of performance standards will include and be consistent with
standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry
products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 02/27/01 66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End 05/29/01
NPRM Comment Period Extended 07/03/01 66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01
Interim Final Rule 06/06/03 68 FR 34208
Interim Final Rule Effective 10/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 01/31/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/24/05 70 FR 15017
NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05
Final Action 09/00/09
Affirmation of Interim Final
Rule 03/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0583-AC46
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
52. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT:
COLORADO
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
Abstract: On April 11, 2007, Governor of Colorado Ritter submitted a
petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to
promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for the
management of inventoried roadless areas within the State of Colorado.
After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation
National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's
petition and initiated a
[[Page 21884]]
proposed rulemaking for inventoried roadless areas in Colorado. The
proposed rulemaking would manage Colorado's inventoried roadless areas
by prohibiting road building and tree cutting, with some exceptions, on
4.1 million acres of inventoried roadless areas in Colorado. The 4.1
million acres reflect the most updated IRA boundaries for Colorado,
which incorporate planning rule revisions since 2001 on several
Colorado national forests. Inventoried roadless areas that are
allocated to ski area special uses (approximately 10,000 acres) would
also be removed from roadless designation. Road construction and
reconstruction plus timber harvesting would be prohibited in
inventoried roadless areas, with some exceptions, on the Arapaho-
Roosevelt, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre, Gunnison, Manti-La Sal, Pike-San
Isabel, Rio Grande, Routt, San Juan, and White River National Forests
in Colorado. Exceptions to the prohibitions would be allowed for
certain health, safety, valid existing rights, resource protection, and
ecological management needs.
Web site: http://roadless.fs.fed.us
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/25/08 73 FR 43544
NPRM Comment Period End 10/23/08
Final Action 10/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-6560
Fax: 202 205-6539
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0596-AC74
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
53. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA Certified
Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain
criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those
criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the
label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and
to establish the labeling program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program,
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters
Building, 300 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0503-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________
54. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners,
including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as
subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor
cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and
conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill
cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers,
including durable and non-durable thermal shipping containers as
subcategories.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 09/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program,
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters
Building, 300 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0503-AA36
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________
55. RENEWABLE ENERGY--CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT
OF ENERGY PROGRAM PROJECTS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610
REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is amending
its regulation for clarity. This regulation provides financial
assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the
purpose of purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and
energy efficiency improvements in rural areas. Financial assistance to
any single entity may be provided as a direct loan, guaranteed loan or
grant, or a combination of a loan and grant. The current regulations
were implemented in July of 2005. In reviewing the program, it has
become evident that some of the language in the existing regulation was
misinterpreted by field offices and
[[Page 21885]]
applicants. With a relatively new program like this, it takes some time
to get applications completed and the program reviewed before one
realizes the need for corrections to Instruction language.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Senior Architect, Department of
Agriculture, STOP 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250
Phone: 202 720-8547
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0570-AA69
[FR Doc. E9-10266 Filed 05-08-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S