[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 233 (Monday, December 7, 2009)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 64375-64393]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28563]


[[Page 64375]]

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Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 64376]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)






_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX

9 CFR Chs. I-IV

36 CFR Ch. II

41 CFR Ch. 4

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2009

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agenda also describes 
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also 
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance 
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public 
comment on those actions.

    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory 
reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and 
routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently 
missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item 
from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each 
action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the 
date shown.

    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:

    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities; and

    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

    For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most 
important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of 
Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, which 
appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the 
Federal Register that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda.

    For this fall 2009 edition, regulations previously developed by 
the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES) will now appear under the new National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.

Dated: September 18, 2009.

 Michael Poe,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
179         National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock).......................    0581-AC69
180         National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14).............    0581-AC77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
181         National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (Reg Plan Seq No. 1)......................    0581-AC57
182         National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Final Rule on Amendments to the Order      0581-AC87
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 2)..................................................................
183         National Organic Program--Amendments to the National List (Crops, Livestock, and          0581-AC91
            Processing) TM-08-06..................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
184         National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured    0581-AB97
            Aquatic Animals, TM-01-08.............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64377]]


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
185         Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order (FV-08-702)...............    0581-AC82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186         Emergency Forest Restoration Program..................................................    0560-AH89
187         Biomass Crop Assistance Program.......................................................    0560-AH92
188         Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities.............................................    0560-AI03
189         Conservation Loan Guarantee Program...................................................    0560-AI04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
190         Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs....................................................    0560-AI05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
191         Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs            0579-AB24
            (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
192         Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds (Reg Plan Seq No. 3)..............    0579-AC02
193         Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers.........................    0579-AC50
194         Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products (Reg Plan    0579-AC68
            Seq No. 4)............................................................................
195         Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach.............................    0579-AC82
196         Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................    0579-AC92
197         Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions..................................    0579-AC98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
198         Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities;    0579-AB97
            Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
199         Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting    0579-AC03
            Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a
            Section 610 Review) (Reg Plan Seq No. 5)..............................................
200         National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610        0579-AC04
            Review)...............................................................................
201         Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................    0579-AC05
202         Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................    0579-AC06
203         Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida.....................................    0579-AC07
204         Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly             0579-AC36
            Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
205         Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine.....................................................    0579-AC71
206         Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain      0579-AC74
            Live Fish.............................................................................
207         Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement              0579-AC85
            Regulations...........................................................................
208         Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................    0579-AC86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 64378]]


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
209         Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
210         Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity..........................................    0579-AB34
211         Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)......................    0579-AB44
212         Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
213         Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations...............................................    0579-AB91
214         Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals.................................    0579-AC14
215         Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering    0579-AC31
216         Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warm-         0579-AC41
            Blooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.............................................
217         Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona..............    0579-AC63
218         Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................    0579-AC69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
219         Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Completion of a Section 610         0579-AA80
            Review)...............................................................................
220         Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Completion of a     0579-AC00
            Section 610 Review)...................................................................
221         User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products.........................    0579-AC22
222         Pale Cyst Nematode; Quarantine and Regulations........................................    0579-AC54
223         Bovine Tuberculosis...................................................................    0579-AC73
224         Citrus Canker; Movement of Fruit From Quarantined Areas...............................    0579-AC96
225         User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services.........................    0579-AC99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
226         Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
227         Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products;          0583-AC46
            Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products (Reg Plan
            Seq No. 23)...........................................................................
228         Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 24)    0583-AD37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
229         Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado..........    0596-AC74
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64379]]


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
230         Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products...........................    0503-AA35
231         Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................    0503-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
232         Renewable Energy--Clarify Requirements for Construction/Development of Energy Program     0570-AA69
            Projects (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review).............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




179. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established 
national standards for the production and handling of organically 
produced products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the 
public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy 
replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory 
language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has 
established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic 
dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the 
development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They 
seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy 
operation has converted to organic production all future animals be 
organic from the last third of gestation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/10
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and 
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________




180. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011) (CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM-
07-14)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending 
regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 
Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of 
1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances 
in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2011. 
The AMS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the 
public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is 
essential in the review process to determine whether these substances 
should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and 
handling of organic agricultural products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/14/08                    73 FR 13795
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/13/08
NPRM                            10/00/10
Final Action                    08/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and 
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC77

[[Page 64380]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




181. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0581-AC57
_______________________________________________________________________




182. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM; FINAL RULE ON 
AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDER

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0581-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________




183.  NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM--AMENDMENTS TO THE 
NATIONAL LIST (CROPS, LIVESTOCK, AND PROCESSING) TM-08-06

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6517 and 6518

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the National 
List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances contained in the National 
Organic Program regulations. This rule would add six new substances and 
remove one from the list.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/03/09                    74 FR 26591
NPRM Comment Period End         08/03/09
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and 
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




184. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC 
CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS, TM-01-08

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 to 6522

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising 
regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as 
organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic 
animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to 
establish production and handling standards for operations that capture 
aquatic animals from the wild. Production standards for operations 
producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock 
origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping. 
Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of 
commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of 
contact between organically produced and prohibited substances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________





185. MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER (FV-08-
702)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6101 to 6112

Abstract: The Farm Bill of 2008 amended the Mushroom Promotion, 
Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 by changing the number of 
regions for nominations purposes from four to three; adjusting the 
number of pounds required to appoint members to the Mushroom Council; 
and to allow for the development of good agricultural and good handling 
practices.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/09                    74 FR 15677
Second NPRM                     06/05/09                    74 FR 26984
Second NPRM Comment Period End  07/17/09
Final Action                    10/02/09                    74 FR 50915
Final Action Effective          10/05/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC82
BILLING CODE 3410-02-S

[[Page 64381]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




186. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part 
701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which 
was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share 
funding to owners of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the 
land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land 
must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The 
2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be 
appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to 
remain available until expended.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH89
_______________________________________________________________________




187. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop 
Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will 
collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry, 
agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and 
selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a 
commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if 
the facility is not operational at the time of proposal); anticipated 
economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation 
rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the 
impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in 
biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has 
capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing 
funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP 
project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area 
selection, FSA, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a 
term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops and up to 15 years 
for woody biomass.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          10/01/08                    73 FR 57047
Notice-EIS                      05/13/09
Notice Comment Period End       06/12/09
Notice-NOFA                     06/11/09                    74 FR 27767
Notice Comment Period End       08/10/09
Notice-EIS                      08/10/09                    74 FR 39915
Notice Comment Period End       09/24/09
NPRM                            12/00/09
Final Rule                      01/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH92
_______________________________________________________________________




188. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill 
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there 
is discretion involved in the implementation. The sections being 
implemented are: 5001, Direct Loans; 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher 
and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales 
Program Down Payment Loan Program; 5101, Farming Experience as an 
Eligibility Requirement; 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and 
Ranchers for Emergency Loans; 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program; and 5501, Loans to 
Purchase Highly Fractionated Land.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts five-
year pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The 
program entails FSA making grants to qualified nonprofit organizations 
who then deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must 
match 50 percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified, 
low-income beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would 
establish saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by 
the grantees. The program funds must match the participants' deposits 
at a minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants 
must use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland, 
livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program 
must be operated by and in conjunction with FSA farm loan programs. The 
initial applications for the program must be approved no more than one 
year after the law is enacted. The program is not mandatory; an 
appropriation of up to $5 million annually is authorized to fund the 
program.
Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land 
Acquisition loans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AI03
_______________________________________________________________________




189. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill 
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there 
is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The 
section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan 
Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will

[[Page 64382]]

create a new direct and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting 
farmers in implementing conservation practices.
The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance 
qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent 
of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation 
plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given 
to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion 
to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with 
highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the 
program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The 
program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AI04
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




190. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm 
Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing 
regulations. An overall plan will be established to insure that 
borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest 
timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all 
borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill 
emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools 
available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they 
can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7 
percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. FSA believes 
graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant 
on the overall farm economy.
The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under 
Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the 
immediate family. Currently, FSA only has 38 properties in Homestead 
Protection.
Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a 
claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim 
pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the 
time of the moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim, 
the interest, which would have accrued during the moratorium will be 
due and offset on the account will be reestablished.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/07/09                    74 FR 39565
NPRM Comment Period End         10/06/09
Final Rule                      01/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AI05
BILLING CODE 3410-05-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




191. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND 
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane 
handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals 
under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals 
have been in effect since 1979 and amended in 1984. During this time, 
advances have been made and new information has been developed with 
regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking 
addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached 
during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 
1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, 
outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as 
swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to 
ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, 
treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based 
on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/30/02                    67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/29/02
NPRM                            12/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700

[[Page 64383]]

River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




192. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




193. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This document will withdraw a proposed rule that we published 
on August 24, 2004 (69 FR 51960 to 51962, APHIS Docket No. 03-081-3). 
In our August 2004 proposed rule, we proposed to require that steers 
and spayed heifers with any evidence of horn growth that are entering 
the United States meet the same tuberculosis testing requirements as 
sexually intact animals entering the United States. Instead of 
proposing provisions specific to cattle imported for use at rodeos, as 
our August 2004 proposal did, APHIS is considering broader changes to 
the tuberculosis regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/20/04                    69 FR 43283
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/19/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/20/04
Interim Rule; Withdrawal        08/12/04                    69 FR 49783
Interim Rule; Withdrawal 
Effective                       08/12/04
NPRM                            08/24/04                    69 FR 51960
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/04
NPRM; Withdrawal                01/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei, Assistant Director, Ruminant 
Health Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________




194. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE 
PRODUCTS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________




195. IMPORTATION OF GRAPES FROM CHILE UNDER A SYSTEMS APPROACH

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: We are proposing two changes related to our proposed rule 
published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2008, that would amend 
the fruit and vegetable regulations to allow fresh table grapes from 
Chile to be imported into the continental United States under a systems 
approach. Currently as a condition of entry, all table grapes from 
Chile have to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation 
measure for Brevipalpus chilensis. On August 27, 2008, we proposed to 
allow a combination of risk-mitigation measures, or systems approach, 
to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide fumigation for B. chilensis. 
However, there is a new quarantine pest of table grapes, Lobesia 
botrana, in Chile, and the proposed systems approach does not address 
and was not intended to mitigate the risk for this pest. Therefore, 
this supplemental proposed rule modifies the proposed systems approach 
so that it is effective for L. botrana. Alternatively, it would require 
Chilean grapes that do not meet the conditions of the systems approach 
for L. botrana to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a condition of 
their importation into the continental United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/27/08                    73 FR 50577
NPRM Comment Period End         10/27/08
Supplemental NPRM               12/00/09
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period 
End                             02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Charisse Cleare, Regulatory Coordination Specialist, 
Regulations, Permits & Manuals, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 156, 
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-0773

RIN: 0579-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________




196. SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AND GOATS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by 
changing the risk groups and categories established for individual 
animals and for flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a 
means of assigning risk levels to animals, reducing movement 
restrictions for animals found to be genetically less susceptible or 
resistant to scrapie, and simplifying, reducing, or removing certain 
recordkeeping requirements. This action would provide designated 
scrapie epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when 
testing animals in order to determine flock designations under the 
regulations. It would change the definition of high-risk animal, which 
will change the types of animals eligible for indemnity, and to pay 
higher indemnity for certain pregnant ewes and early maturing ewes. It 
would also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for 
goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes would 
affect sheep and goat producers and State governments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator, 
Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235

[[Page 64384]]

Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________




197.  PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF GENERAL 
PROVISIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2260; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
to 7786; 19 USC 136; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 
USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332

Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the 
movement of plant pests. We are proposing to regulate not only plant 
pests, but also biological control organisms and noxious weeds. We are 
proposing risk-based criteria for determining the plant pest status of 
biological control organisms, providing for the environmental release 
of organisms for the biological control of weeds, providing for 
exemption from permit requirements for certain plant pests, and adding 
relevant definitions. We are also proposing to revise our regulations 
regarding the movement of soil. These proposed changes would clarify 
the factors that would be considered when assessing the risks 
associated with certain organisms, facilitate the importation and 
interstate movement of regulated organisms, provide transparency of the 
assessment process, and address gaps in the current regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement  10/20/09                    74 FR 53673
Notice Comment Period End       11/19/09
NPRM                            01/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders, Senior Technical Advisor, Plant Health 
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-0858

RIN: 0579-AC98
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




198. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND 
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND 
TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 
4331 and 4332

Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January 
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of 
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that 
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and 
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established 
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant 
products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the 
regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of 
conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin. 
Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting 
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to 
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of 
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision. 
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants 
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to 
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease 
agent entering the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/28/05                    70 FR 71213
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/27/06
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade 
Services, Animal Products, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________




199. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF 
PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK 
ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________




200. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING 
FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the 
National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two 
accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to 
add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of 
accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These 
changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding 
initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated 
surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our 
National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent.

[[Page 64385]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/01/06                    71 FR 31109
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/06
Supplemental NPRM               02/27/07                     72 FR 8634
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period 
End                             04/30/07
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Agency Contact: Todd Behre, Program Manager, National Veterinary 
Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-6188

RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________




201. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish provisions under which 
eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the availability 
of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified citrus nursery 
stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. The payment of 
these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic effects on 
affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified citrus 
nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/06                    71 FR 33168
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/08/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/07/06
Affirmation of Interim Final 
Rule                            03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




202. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA 
BORDER

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503

Abstract: This action amended the foreign quarantine and user fee 
regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and 
vegetables grown in Canada and the exemptions from user fees for 
commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, 
commercial aircraft, and international air passengers entering the 
United States from Canada. As a result of this action, all agricultural 
products imported from Canada are subject to inspection, and commercial 
conveyances, as well as airline passengers arriving on flights from 
Canada, will be subject to inspection and user fees. We took this 
action in part because we were not recovering the costs of our 
inspection activities at the U.S./Canada border. In addition, our data 
showed an increasing number of interceptions on the U.S./Canada border 
of prohibited material that originated in regions other than Canada 
that presents a high risk of introducing plant pests or animal diseases 
into the United States. These findings, combined with additional 
Canadian airport preclearance data on interceptions of ineligible 
agricultural products approaching the U.S. border from Canada, strongly 
indicated that we needed to expand and strengthen our pest exclusion 
and smuggling interdiction efforts at that border. In order to do this 
and to recover the costs of our existing inspection activity, we need 
to collect user fees from commercial conveyances and international air 
passengers entering the United States from Canada.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/25/06                    71 FR 50320
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/24/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/24/06
Delay of Effective Date         11/22/06                    71 FR 67436
Delay of Effective Date         02/26/07                     72 FR 8261
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Cynthia Stahl, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy, 
Analysis, and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-8415

RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________




203. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action amended the citrus canker regulations to list the 
entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and 
amended the requirements for the movement of regulated articles from 
Florida now that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is no 
longer being carried out as an objective. It also amended the 
regulations to allow regulated articles that would not otherwise be 
eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for immediate 
export. These changes were necessary in light of the Department's 
determination that the established eradication program was no longer a 
scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/01/06                    71 FR 43345
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/01/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/02/06
Technical Amendment             01/12/07                     72 FR 1415
Final Action                    03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________




204. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED 
WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a

[[Page 64386]]

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the 
importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the 
importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from 
regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry 
of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This 
action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on 
articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic 
Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. 
The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on 
articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE, 
Animal Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, 
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________




205. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: We are quarantining 10 counties in California and the entire 
State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting 
the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined 
areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the 
spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deborah McPartlan, Staff Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5356

RIN: 0579-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________




206. VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT 
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations to restrict the 
interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish 
that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly 
contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005 and 
2006, viral hemorrhagic septicemia was detected in freshwater fish in 
several of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has 
been responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the 
Great Lakes region. This action is necessary to prevent further 
introductions into, and dissemination within, the United States of 
viral hemorrhagic septicemia.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule (IFR)        09/09/08                    73 FR 52173
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/10/08
IFR; Delay of Effective Date    10/28/08                    73 FR 63867
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/09/09
IFR; Delay of Effective Date    01/02/09                        74 FR 1
Amended Interim Final Rule      02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, 
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6188

Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import 
and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________




207. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE 
MOVEMENT REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the 
State of Florida and one parish in Louisiana as quarantined areas for 
citrus greening, and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, three counties in South Carolina, and 
portions of two counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian 
citrus psyllid, a vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It 
would also establish restrictions on the interstate movement of 
regulated articles from the quarantined areas, as well as treatments 
under which Asian citrus psyllid host material may be moved interstate 
from a quarantined area. These actions follow the discovery of citrus 
greening and/or Asian citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are 
necessary in order to prevent the spread of the disease and its vector 
to noninfested areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Availability of an Environmental 
Assessment                      09/09/09                    74 FR 46409
Environmental Assessment Comment 
Period End                      11/09/09
Interim Final Rule              01/00/10
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patrick J. Gomes, National Project Coordinator, Citrus 
Health Response Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200, 
Raleigh, NC 27606-5213

[[Page 64387]]

Phone: 919 855-7313

RIN: 0579-AC85
_______________________________________________________________________




208. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 to 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New 
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex 
woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of 
regulated articles from these quarantined areas. This action is 
necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the artificial spread of 
this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7228

RIN: 0579-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




209. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate 
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States 
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign 
regions. This rule will require that a phytosanitary certificate 
accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables 
imported into the United States by air passengers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01
NPRM; Availability of Risk 
Assessment                      05/24/06                    71 FR 29846
NPRM; Availability of Risk 
Assessment Comment Period End   07/24/06


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa
Phone: 301 734-8295

RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




210. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative 
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other 
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary 
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of 
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of 
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be 
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock 
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/02                    67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended    06/28/02                    67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End         07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




211. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of animals into the United States to establish several 
levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with 
regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the 
importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk 
classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle 
and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




212. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations 
to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS 
in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate 
movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in 
California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update 
conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from 
quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all 
other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also 
updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the 
list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other 
miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary 
to prevent the spread of P. ramorum

[[Page 64388]]

to noninfested areas of the United States. We will continue to update 
the regulations through additional rulemakings as new scientific 
information on this pathogen becomes available.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/27/07                     72 FR 8585
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/30/07
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________




213. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action would establish domestic boll weevil regulations 
that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles 
within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through 
nonregulated areas in commercial cotton producing States. The 
regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil 
into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of 
areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/06                    71 FR 63707
NPRM Comment Period End         01/02/07
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/20/06                    71 FR 76224
NPRM Comment Period End         02/01/07


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: William Grefenstette
Phone: 301 734-8676

RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________




214. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the 
transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain 
such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for 
other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early 
transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to 
allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical 
treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age 
and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met. 
Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and 
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum 
age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of 
these animals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/09/08                    73 FR 26344
NPRM Comment Period End         07/08/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    07/31/08                    73 FR 44671
NPRM Comment Period Extended    09/02/08


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________




215. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH 
GENETIC ENGINEERING

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the regulations regarding the 
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain 
genetically engineered organisms in order to bring the regulations into 
alignment with provisions of the Plant Protection Act. The revisions 
would also update the regulations in response to advances in genetic 
science and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing 
the current regulations. This is the first comprehensive review and 
revision of the regulations since they were established in 1987. This 
rule would affect persons involved in the importation, interstate 
movement, or release into the environment of genetically engineered 
plants and certain other genetically engineered organisms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement  01/23/04                     69 FR 3271
Comment Period End              03/23/04
Notice of Availability of Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement  07/17/07                    72 FR 39021
Comment Period End              09/11/07
NPRM                            10/09/08                    73 FR 60007
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/08
Correction                      11/10/08                    73 FR 66563
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    01/16/09                     74 FR 2907
NPRM Comment Period End         03/17/09
NPRM; Notice of Public Scoping 
Session                         03/11/09                    74 FR 10517
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    04/13/09                    74 FR 16797
NPRM Comment Period End         06/29/09


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: John Turner
Phone: 301 734-5720

RIN: 0579-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________




216. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR 
TRANSPORTATION OF WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine 
mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for 
various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would 
replace those requirements with a single performance standard under 
which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental 
conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations 
currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within 
certain ranges during

[[Page 64389]]

transportation, but animals may be transported at ambient temperatures 
below the minimum temperatures if their consignor provides a 
certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the animals are 
acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum temperature. This 
proposal would make acclimation certificates for live animals other 
than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace a previously 
published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this 
document, that would have required that the acclimation certificate for 
a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat being transported 
rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does not address marine 
mammals due to their unique requirements for care and handling. We 
believe that establishing a single performance standard would ensure 
that warm-blooded animals other than marine mammals are transported in 
climatic and environmental conditions that are not detrimental to their 
welfare while allowing for variations in climatic and environmental 
conditions that are suitable for individual animals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/03/08                      73 FR 413
NPRM Comment Period End         03/03/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/18/08                    73 FR 14403
NPRM Comment Period End         04/17/08


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin
Phone: 301 734-0954

RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________




217. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS, 
ARIZONA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port 
through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or 
exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the 
United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be 
constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis, 
AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper 
chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such 
cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations 
to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been 
infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne 
diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited 
the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed. 
These changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve 
restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/29/08                     73 FR 5132
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/08
Final Rule                      01/02/09                        74 FR 1
Final Rule Effective; But the 
Amendment to 93.427(b)(2) 
Effective Date Is Delayed 
Indefinitely                    01/02/09
Final Rule; Correction          05/12/09                    74 FR 22090


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________




218. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations 
to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel 
by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, intermediate 
handlers, and carriers. These requirements are necessary because we 
believe all licensees and registrants should develop a contingency plan 
for all animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act in an effort to 
better prepare for potential disasters. This action will heighten the 
awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities 
and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency 
or disaster occur.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/08                    73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End         12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/19/08                    73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period End         02/20/09
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




219. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (COMPLETION OF 
A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: APHIS plans to amend its plant pest regulations to align them 
more closely with the Plant Protection Act and to update them in 
response to advances in science and technology and our accumulated 
experiences in implementing the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/27/96                    61 FR 50767
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/26/96
NPRM                            10/09/01                    66 FR 51340
NPRM Comment Period End         02/06/02
Rulemaking Proceeding Under RIN 
0579-AC98                       07/16/09

[[Page 64390]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders, Senior Technical Advisor, Plant Health 
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-0858

RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




220. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE 
FACILITIES (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish standards for the approval of 
permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are 
taking this action because regional and seasonal demand for quarantine 
services for horses often exceeds the space available at existing 
facilities. Allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, 
privately owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed 
criteria facilitates the importation of horses while continuing to 
protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/13/06                    71 FR 74827
NPRM Comment Period End         02/12/07
Final Rule                      07/02/09                    74 FR 31582
Final Rule Effective            08/03/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ellen Buck, Veterinary Medical Officer, Import/Export 
Animals, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________




221. USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 
8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503

Abstract: This rulemaking amends the user fee regulations by adjusting 
the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant products. 
We are increasing these user fees for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to 
reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services 
during each year. This action adds a new user fee for Federal export 
certificates for plants and plant products that an exporter obtains 
from a State or county cooperator in order to recover our costs 
associated with that service. Finally, the action makes several 
nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These changes 
will enable us to properly recover the costs of providing export 
certification services for plants and plant products.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      07/08/09                    74 FR 32391
Final Rule Effective            10/01/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine
Phone: 301 734-4382

Kris Caraher
Phone: 301 734-0882

RIN: 0579-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________




222.  PALE CYST NEMATODE; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
136a

Abstract: This action will quarantine parts of Bingham and Bonneville 
Counties, ID, due to the discovery of the potato cyst nematode there 
and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated 
articles from the quarantined area. This action is necessary on an 
emergency basis to prevent the spread of the potato cyst nematode to 
noninfested areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/12/07                    72 FR 51975
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/01/07
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/13/07
Final Rule                      04/29/09                    74 FR 19374
Final Rule Effective            04/29/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Eileen Smith, National Program Manager, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5235

RIN: 0579-AC54
_______________________________________________________________________




223. BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine tuberculosis 
regulations by removing from incorporation by reference the Bovine 
Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 1999, and including 
in 9 CFR part 77 all Federal requirements. We are also proposing a 
number of substantive changes to the requirements in order to enhance 
our bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts. The proposed changes 
include, but are not limited to, tightening certain tuberculosis 
surveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening the quarantine 
and quarantine-release requirements; setting minimum testing ages, 
depending upon the status of the State or zone of origin and/or the 
purpose of movement, when testing is required for interstate movement 
of cattle and bison; adding new requirements to prevent the spread of 
tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle and bison; adding new requirements 
for interstate movement of dairy cattle; strengthening the requirements 
for individual cattle and bison that are to be added to accredited 
herds; and providing for the interstate movement of commuter herds. 
Finally, we would reorganize 9 CFR part 77 to make the regulations 
clearer and easier to use.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Agency Is Reevaluating the 
Domestic Tuberculosis Program   07/30/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench

[[Page 64391]]

Phone: 970 494-7378

RIN: 0579-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________




224.  CITRUS CANKER; MOVEMENT OF FRUIT FROM 
QUARANTINED AREAS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to 
modify the conditions under which fruit may be moved interstate from a 
quarantined area. We will eliminate the requirement that each lot of 
finished fruit be inspected at the packinghouse and found to be free of 
visible symptoms of citrus canker, and we will remove the current 
prohibition on the movement of fruit from a quarantined area to 
commercial citrus-producing States. We will continue to require fruit 
moved interstate from a quarantined area be treated with an approved 
disinfectant and packed in a commercial packinghouse that operates 
under a compliance agreement. These changes will relieve some 
restrictions on the interstate movement of fresh citrus fruit from 
quarantined areas while maintaining conditions that will prevent the 
artificial spread of citrus canker.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/30/09                    74 FR 31201
NPRM Comment Period End         08/31/09
Final Action                    10/22/09                    74 FR 54431

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC96
_______________________________________________________________________




225.  USER FEES FOR AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE AND 
INSPECTION SERVICES

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 
8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503

Abstract: This action will amend the user fee regulations by adjusting 
the fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection 
(AQI) services that are provided in connection with certain commercial 
vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial 
aircraft, and international airline passengers arriving at ports in the 
customs territory of the United States. The recent downturn in the U.S. 
economy has negatively impacted travel volumes, and, as a result, our 
user fee collections, which fund these services, have diminished. 
Because there has been no corresponding decrease in the risk of plant 
and animal pest and disease introduction into the United States, we 
have continued to provide inspection and related support services at 
the same level as we did before the downturn; however, our user fee 
collections have not been sufficient to enable us to recover fully the 
costs of providing those services and maintain a reasonable reserve 
balance. We are therefore increasing our AQI user fees in order to 
provide adequate funds for these purposes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/28/09                    74 FR 49311
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/09
Interim Final Rule Effective 
Date Delayed                    10/02/09                    74 FR 50915
Notice of Public Meeting        10/23/09                    74 FR 54758
Interim Final Rule Withdrawal 
Effective                       10/30/09
Delayed Interim Final Rule 
Effective                       11/01/09
Interim Final Rule Withdrawn    11/04/09                    74 FR 57057
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/27/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: William E. Thomas, Director, Quarantine Policy, 
Analysis, and Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, 
MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-5214

Kris Caraher, User Fee Section, Financial Services Branch, Financial 
Management Division, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 55, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-0882

RIN: 0579-AC99
BILLING CODE 3410-34-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




226. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

Abstract: The Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will provide 
better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken 
to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and 
provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing 
Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1465
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC18
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-S

[[Page 64392]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




227. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT 
AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 23 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________




228. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 24 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AD37
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




229. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: 
COLORADO

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

Abstract: On April 11, 2007, Governor of Colorado Ritter submitted a 
petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to 
promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for the 
management of inventoried roadless areas within the State of Colorado. 
After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation 
National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's 
petition and initiated a proposed rulemaking for inventoried roadless 
areas in Colorado. The proposed rulemaking would manage Colorado's 
inventoried roadless areas by prohibiting road building and tree 
cutting, with some exceptions, on 4.1 million acres of inventoried 
roadless areas in Colorado. The 4.1 million acres reflect the most 
updated IRA boundaries for Colorado, which incorporate planning rule 
revisions since 2001 on several Colorado national forests. Inventoried 
roadless areas that are allocated to ski area special uses 
(approximately 10,000 acres) would also be removed from roadless 
designation. Road construction and reconstruction plus timber 
harvesting would be prohibited in inventoried roadless areas, with some 
exceptions, on the Arapaho-Roosevelt, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre, Gunnison, 
Manti-La Sal, Pike-San Isabel, Rio Grande, Routt, San Juan, and White 
River National Forests in Colorado. Exceptions to the prohibitions 
would be allowed for certain health, safety, valid existing rights, 
resource protection, and ecological management needs.
Web site: http://roadless.fs.fed.us

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/25/08                    73 FR 43544
NPRM Comment Period End         10/23/08
Final Action                    03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-6560
Fax: 202 205-6539
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC74
BILLING CODE 3410-11-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




230. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA Certified 
Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain 
criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those 
criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the 
label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and 
to establish the labeling program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program, 
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters 
Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________




231. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners, 
including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as 
subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor 
cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and 
conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill 
cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers, 
including durable and non-

[[Page 64393]]

durable thermal shipping containers as subcategories.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program, 
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters 
Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA36
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




232. RENEWABLE ENERGY--CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT 
OF ENERGY PROGRAM PROJECTS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

Abstract: This regulation provides financial assistance to agricultural 
producers and rural small businesses for the purpose of purchasing and 
installing renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
in rural areas. Financial assistance to any single entity may be 
provided as a guaranteed loan or grant, or a combination of a loan and 
grant. Since the programs inception, it has become evident that some of 
the language in the existing regulation was misinterpreted by field 
offices and applicants. The changes are as follows:
- Clarify that surety requirements for projects under $100,000, no 
surety is required. For projects between $100,000 and $200,000, no 
surety would be required if the contractor will accept payment as a 
``lump sum'' at the end of the work. For projects more than $200,000, 
surety is required.
- The requirements for a review of plans and specifications by the 
Agency will refer to either the State Architect or State Engineer to 
perform the review rather than just an Agency employee.
- Clarify contract administration requirements for a design/build 
contract of more than $200,000.
- Compliance with Executive Order 11246 is necessary for all 
construction contracts issued by non-profit applicants (not just those 
in excess of $10,000).
- Non-profits must meet the requirements of 7 CFR 3019.40-48(e). 
Additional changes for non-for-profit entities are required as well. 
(The vast majority of Renewable Energy applicants are ``for profit'' 
entities. However, some non-profits are acceptable applicants.) The 
regulation does not adequately cover the additional requirements for a 
non-profit entity.
- Revise procurement, construction contract and construction 
administration requirements. The present language needs to incorporate 
``lessons learned'' with the experience gained in the five years since 
the inception of this new program.
- Include minor revisions to the application, application processing, 
and grant/loan-making requirements to clarify intentions not fully 
explained in the existing 7 CFR 4280 language.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Senior Architect, Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-8547
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA69
[FR Doc. E9-28563 Filed 12-04-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S