[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 130 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39998-40011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15473]





[[Page 39997]]



Vol. 76



Thursday,



No. 130



July 7, 2011



Part III











Department of Agriculture











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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda



  Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 130 / Thursday, July 7, 2011 / 

Unified Agenda  



[[Page 39998]]





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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE



Office of the Secretary



5 CFR LXXIII



7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXVI-XXXVIII, XLI-XLII, 

L



9 CFR Chs. I-III



36 CFR Ch. II



48 CFR Ch. 4




Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2011



AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.



ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------



SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 

non significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 

12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''

    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews 

pending at the time of publication, except for minor and routine or 

repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There 

is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. 

Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and 

are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.

    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at http://www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 

mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 

entries include only:

    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on 

a substantial number of small entities; and

    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 

specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 

for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 

please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.



    Dated: March 9, 2011.

Michael Poe,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.



           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.........................  Wholesale Pork Reporting           0581-AD07

                             Program.

2.........................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD10

                             Periodic Pesticide

                             Residue Testing, NOP-10-

                             0102.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.........................  National Organic Program,          0581-AC77

                             Sunset (2011) (Crops and

                             Processing) (TM-07-0136).

------------------------------------------------------------------------





            Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.........................  National Dairy Promotion           0581-AC87

                             and Research Program;

                             Dairy Import Assessments,

                             DA-08-0050.

5.........................  National Organic Program:          0581-AC91

                             Amendments to the

                             National List (Crops,

                             Livestock, and

                             Processing) TM-09-0003.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





                  Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.........................  Farm Loan Programs Loan            0560-AI03

                             Making Activities.

7.........................  Conservation Loan                  0560-AI04

                             Guarantee Program.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





                 Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.........................  Emergency Forest                   0560-AH89

                             Restoration Program.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





                 Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

9.........................  Loan Servicing; Farm Loan          0560-AI05

                             Programs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





[[Page 39999]]





     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

10........................  Animal Welfare: Marine             0579-AB24

                             Mammals; Nonconsensus

                             Language, and Interactive

                             Programs (Rulemaking

                             Resulting From a Section

                             610 Review).

11........................  Animal Welfare;                    0579-AC02

                             Regulations and Standards

                             for Birds.

12........................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AC68

                             Encephalopathy;

                             Importation of Bovines

                             and Bovine Products.

13........................  Viral Hemorrhagic                  0579-AC74

                             Septicemia; Interstate

                             Movement and Import

                             Restrictions on Certain

                             Live Fish.

14........................  Scrapie in Sheep and Goats         0579-AC92

15........................  Plant Pest Regulations;            0579-AC98

                             Update of General

                             Provisions.

16........................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10

                             Encephalopathy and

                             Scrapie; Importation of

                             Small Ruminants and Their

                             Germplasm, Products, and

                             Byproducts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

17........................  Importation of Plants for          0579-AC03

                             Planting; Establishing a

                             New Category of Plants

                             for Planting Not

                             Authorized for

                             Importation Pending Pest

                             Risk Analysis (Rulemaking

                             Resulting From a Section

                             610 Review).

18........................  Citrus Canker;                     0579-AC05

                             Compensation for

                             Certified Citrus Nursery

                             Stock.

19........................  Handling of Animals;               0579-AC69

                             Contingency Plans.

20........................  Citrus Canker, Citrus              0579-AD29

                             Greening, and Asian

                             Citrus Psyllid;

                             Interstate Movement of

                             Regulated Nursery Stock.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

21........................  Phytophthora Ramorum;              0579-AB82

                             Quarantine and

                             Regulations.

22........................  Introduction of Organisms          0579-AC31

                             and Products Altered or

                             Produced Through Genetic

                             Engineering.

23........................  Importation of Poultry and         0579-AC36

                             Poultry Products From

                             Regions Affected With

                             Highly Pathogenic Avian

                             Influenza.

24........................  Light Brown Apple Moth             0579-AC71

                             Quarantine.

25........................  Citrus Greening and Asian          0579-AC85

                             Citrus Psyllid;

                             Quarantine and Interstate

                             Movement Regulations.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

26........................  Boll Weevil; Quarantine            0579-AB91

                             and Regulations.

27........................  Animal Welfare; Climatic           0579-AC41

                             and Environmental

                             Conditions for

                             Transportation of Warm-

                             Blooded Animals Other

                             Than Marine Mammals.

28........................  Importation of Mexican             0579-AD15

                             Hass Avocados; Additional

                             Shipping Options.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





                 Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

29........................  Guaranteed Single-Family           0575-AC18

                             Housing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





         Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

30........................  Mandatory Inspection of            0583-AD36

                             Catfish and Catfish

                             Products.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





          Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

31........................  Performance Standards for          0583-AC46

                             the Production of

                             Processed Meat and

                             Poultry Products; Control

                             of Listeria Monocytogenes

                             in Ready-To-Eat Meat and

                             Poultry Products.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





[[Page 40000]]





          Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

32........................  New Formulas for                   0583-AD40

                             Calculating the Basetime,

                             Overtime, Holiday, and

                             Laboratory Services

                             Rates; Rate Changes Based

                             on the Formulas; and

                             Increased Fees for the

                             Accredited Laboratory

                             Program.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





                   Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

33........................  Special Areas; State-              0596-AC74

                             Specific Inventoried

                             Roadless Area Management:

                             Colorado.

34........................  Pest and Disease Revolving         0596-AC97

                             Loan Fund.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





              Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

35........................  BioPreferred Program               0503-AA40

                             Guidelines Revisions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





                Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

36........................  Designation of Biobased            0503-AA36

                             Items for Federal

                             Procurement, Round 7.

------------------------------------------------------------------------





               Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                           Regulation

       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

37........................  Voluntary Labeling Program         0503-AA35

                             for Designated Biobased

                             Products.

38........................  Designation of Biobased            0503-AA39

                             Items for Federal

                             Procurement.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



BILLING CODE 3410-90-P



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



Proposed Rule Stage



1. Wholesale Pork Reporting Program



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1635 to 1636

    Abstract: On September 15, 2010, Congress passed the Mandatory 

Price Reporting Act of 2010 reauthorizing Livestock Mandatory Reporting 

for 5 years and adding a provision for mandatory reporting of wholesale 

pork cuts. The Act was signed by the President on September 28, 2010. 

Congress directed the Secretary to engage in negotiated rulemaking to 

make required regulatory changes for mandatory wholesale pork 

reporting. Further, Congress required that the negotiated rulemaking 

committee include representatives from (i) organizations representing 

swine producers; (ii) organizations representing packers of pork, 

processors of pork, retailers of pork, and buyers of wholesale pork; 

(iii) the Department of Agriculture; and (iv) among interested parties 

that participate in swine or pork production.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes to Livestock Mandatory         11/24/10  75 FR 71568

 Reporting.

Wholesale Pork Reporting; Notice of    01/26/11  76 FR 4554

 Meeting.

NPRM................................   06/00/11  .......................

Final Action........................   01/00/12  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Warren Preston, Department of Agriculture, 

Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 

Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-6231, Fax: 202 690-3732, E-mail: 

[email protected].

    RIN: 0581-AD07



2. National Organic Program, Periodic Pesticide Residue Testing, NOP-

10-0102



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501

    Abstract: Under the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, 

the National Organic Program is authorized to require pre-harvest 

residue testing for products sold or labeled as organic. This 

requirement is promulgated in section 205.670(b) of the NOP regulations 

which provides that the Secretary, state programs, and certifying 

agents may require pre-harvest or post-harvest testing of organic 

products when there is reason to believe that the product has come into 

contact with a prohibited substance or has been produced using excluded 

methods.

    As a result of legal opinion received by the NOP on this issue, the 

NOP plans to publish a proposed rule that would amend regulations such 

that certifying agents would be required to conduct periodic testing of 

agricultural products that are to be sold, labeled or represented as 

``100 percent organic, organic'', or ``made with organic (specified 

ingredients or food



[[Page 40001]]



group(s))''. Specifically, the proposed rule would specify that 

certifying agents are required, on an annual basis, to randomly sample 

and test agricultural products from a minimum of 5 percent of the 

operations they certify.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   06/00/11  .......................

Final Action........................   03/00/12  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Director, Standards Division, 

Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Washington, 

DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 205-7808, E-mail: 

[email protected].

    RIN: 0581-AD10



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



Final Rule Stage



3. National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-

07-0136)



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 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................................   01/04/11  76 FR 288

NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/03/11  .......................

Final Action........................   08/00/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Director, Standards Division, 

Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Washington, 

DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 205-7808, E-mail: 

[email protected].

    RIN: 0581-AC77



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



Completed Actions



4. National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Dairy Import 

Assessments, DA-08-0050



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 4501 to 4514; 7 U.S.C. 7401

    Abstract: The Dairy Act authorizes the Order for dairy product 

promotion, research, and nutrition education as part of a comprehensive 

strategy to increase human consumption of milk and dairy products and 

to reduce milk surpluses. The program functions to strengthen the dairy 

industry's position in the marketplace by maintaining and expanding 

domestic and foreign consumption of fluid milk and dairy products. 

Amendments to the Order are pursuant to the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. 

The 2002 Farm Bill mandates that the Order be amended to implement an 

assessment on imported dairy products to fund promotion and research. 

The 2008 Farm Bill specifies a mandatory assessment rate of 7.5-cent 

per hundredweight of milk, or equivalent thereof, on dairy products 

imported into the United States. Additionally, in accordance with the 

2008 Farm Bill, the term ``United States'' is the Dairy Act is amended 

to mean all States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of 

Puerto Rico. Producers in these areas will be assessed 15 cents per 

hundredweight for all milk produced and marketed.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Action........................   03/18/11  76 FR 14777

Final Action Effective..............   04/01/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Phone: 202 720-6909, Fax: 202 720-

0285, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0581-AC87



5. National Organic Program: Amendments to the National List (Crops, 

Livestock, and Processing) TM-09-0003



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 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.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Action........................   12/13/10  75 FR 77521

Final Action Effective..............   12/14/10  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 

205-7808, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0581-AC91

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Farm Service Agency (FSA)



Final Rule Stage



6. Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 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 of the 

2008 Farm Bill that the 9/23/2010 proposed rule would implement 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; and 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and Ranchers for 

Emergency Loans.

    For the development of the rulemaking that would implement section 

5501, Loans to Purchase Highly Fractionated Land, FSA conducted Tribal 

consultation. The rule would allow individual tribal members to qualify 

for Indian Land Acquisition loans. This will be published as a separate 

proposed rule.

    Timetable:



[[Page 40002]]







------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   09/23/10  75 FR 57866

NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/22/10  .......................

Final Rule..........................   08/00/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    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, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0560-AI03



7. Conservation Loan Guarantee Program



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm 

Bill that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); 

there is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. 

The section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan 

Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will create a new direct 

and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting farmers in 

implementing conservation practices.

    The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to 

finance qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 

percent of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable 

conservation plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. 

Preference is given to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged 

applicants, conversion to sustainable or organic production practices, 

and compliance with highly erodible land conservation requirements. 

Eligibility for the program is not restricted to those who cannot get 

credit elsewhere. The program is not mandatory.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Rule........................   09/03/10  75 FR 54005

Interim Rule Comment Period End.....   11/02/10  .......................

Final Rule..........................   08/00/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    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, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0560-AI04



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Farm Service Agency (FSA)



Long-Term Actions



8. Emergency Forest Restoration Program



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: A new subpart was added 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 provides 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.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Rule........................   11/17/10  75 FR 70083

Interim Final Rule Effective........   11/17/10  .......................

Interim Final Rule Comment Period      01/18/11  .......................

 End.

                                     -----------------------------------

Final Action........................           To Be Determined

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Phone: 202 205-5851, Fax: 202 720-

5233, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0560-AH89



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Farm Service Agency (FSA)



Completed Actions



9. Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm 

Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Programs (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. 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 dependent 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.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Rule..........................   01/28/11  76 FR 5055

Final Rule Effective................   02/28/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Phone: 202 205-5851, Fax: 202 720-

5233, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0560-AI05

BILLING CODE 3410-05-P



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



Proposed Rule Stage



10. Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language, and 

Interactive Programs (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 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



[[Page 40003]]



between September 1995 and July 1996. These include standards affecting 

variances, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space requirements, 

and water quality, as well as swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These 

actions appear necessary to ensure that the minimum standards for the 

humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals 

in captivity are based on current general, industry, and scientific 

knowledge and experience.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANPRM...............................   05/30/02  67 FR 37731

ANPRM Comment Period End............   07/29/02  .......................

NPRM................................   06/00/11  .......................

NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal 

Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234, Phone: 301 

734-7833.

    RIN: 0579-AB24



11. Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159

    Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane 

handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds 

bred for use in research.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   08/00/11  .......................

NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Johanna Briscoe, Veterinary Medical Officer and 

Avian Specialist, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, 

MD 20737-1234, Phone: 301 734-0658.

    RIN: 0579-AC02



12. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine 

Products



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 

7772; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701

    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 

importation of bovines and bovine products. Under this rulemaking, 

countries would be classified as either negligible risk, controlled 

risk, or undetermined risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). 

Some commodities would be allowed importation into the United States 

regardless of the BSE classification of the country of export. Other 

commodities would be subject to importation restrictions or 

prohibitions based on the type of commodity and the BSE classification 

of the country. The criteria for country classification and commodity 

import would be closely aligned with those of the World Organization 

for Animal Health. This rulemaking would also address public comments 

received in response to a September 2008 request for comments regarding 

certain provisions of an APHIS January 2005 final rule.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   08/00/11

NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Christopher Robinson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 

Technical Trade Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, 

Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 

4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 734-

7837.

    RIN: 0579-AC68



13. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import 

Restrictions on Certain Live Fish



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 

136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701

    Abstract: We are establishing regulations to restrict the 

interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish 

that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly 

contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. Viral 

hemorrhagic septicemia has been detected in freshwater fish in several 

of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has been 

responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the Great 

Lakes region. This action is necessary to prevent further introductions 

into, and dissemination within, the United States of viral hemorrhagic 

septicemia. This proposed rule replaces a previously published but not 

effective interim rule that contained substantially different 

restrictions on the interstate movement and importation of VHS-

susceptible live fish.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Final Rule..................   09/09/08  73 FR 52173

Interim Final Rule Comment Period      11/10/08

 End.

Interim Final Rule: Delay of           10/28/08  73 FR 63867

 Effective Date.

Interim Final Rule Effective........   01/09/09

Interim Final Rule: Delay of           01/02/09  74 FR 1

 Effective Date.

NPRM................................   07/00/11

NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Christa Speekmann, Import/Export Specialist, 

Aquaculture, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of 

Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 

Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 734-8695.

    RIN: 0579-AC74



14. Scrapie in Sheep and Goats



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 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................................   07/00/11

NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------





[[Page 40004]]



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator, 

Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 

and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, 

Riverdale, MD 20737-1235, Phone: 301 734-6954.

    RIN: 0579-AC92



15. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 2260; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 

7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8817; 19 U.S.C. 136; 21 

U.S.C. 111; 21 U.S.C. 114a; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 

U.S.C. 4331 to 4332

    Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the 

movement of plant pests. We are proposing to regulate the movement of 

not only plant pests, but also biological control organisms and 

associated articles. We are proposing risk-based criteria regarding the 

movement of biological control organisms, and are proposing to exempt 

certain types of plant pests from permitting requirements for their 

interstate movement and movement for environmental release. We are also 

proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of soil, and 

to establish regulations governing the biocontainment facilities in 

which plant pests, biological control organisms, and associated 

articles are held. This proposed rule replaces a previously published 

proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document. This 

proposal would clarify the factors that would be considered when 

assessing the risks associated with the movement of certain organisms, 

facilitate the movement of regulated organisms and articles in a manner 

that also protects U.S. agriculture, and address gaps in the current 

regulations.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notice of Intent to Prepare an         10/20/09  74 FR 53673

 Environmental Impact Statement.

Notice Comment Period End...........   11/19/09

NPRM................................   06/00/11

NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Chief, Pest Permitting Branch, 

Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 

20737-1236, Phone: 301 734-8453.

    RIN: 0579-AC98



16. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small 

Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 

7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 

136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701

    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine spongiform 

encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation 

of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen, 

products, and byproducts. Some countries from which such imports would 

be allowed under this rule are currently those from which the 

importation of live sheep, goats, wild ruminants, their embryos, and 

ruminant products and byproducts are prohibited under existing BSE 

regulations. Some products would be allowed importation without 

restriction due to the inherent lack of BSE risk regarding the product. 

Certain other products and live animals would be allowed importation if 

it can be certified that the live animals or the animals from which the 

products were derived were born after implementation of an effective 

feed ban. The proposed scrapie revisions regarding the importation of 

sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other than immediate 

slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World Organization 

for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such animals to 

those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free flocks.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   07/00/11

NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Staff Veterinarian, Technical Trade 

Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of 

Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 

Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 734-5677.

    RIN: 0579-AD10



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



Final Rule Stage



17. Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of 

Plants for [lanting not Authorized for Importation Pending Pest Risk 

Analysis (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 

to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a

    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations to establish a 

new category of regulated articles in the regulations governing the 

importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for planting. This 

category will list taxa of plants for planting whose importation is not 

authorized pending pest risk analysis. If scientific evidence indicates 

that a taxon of plants for planting is a quarantine pest or a host of a 

quarantine pest, we will publish a notice that will announce our 

determination that the taxon is a quarantine pest or a host of a 

quarantine pest, cite the scientific evidence we considered in making 

this determination, and give the public an opportunity to comment on 

our determination. If we receive no comments that change our 

determination, the taxon will subsequently be added to the new 

category. We will allow any person to petition for a pest risk analysis 

to be conducted for a taxon that has been added to the new category. 

After the pest risk analysis is completed, we will remove the taxon 

from the category and allow its importation subject to general 

requirements, allow its importation subject to specific restrictions, 

or prohibit its importation. We will consider applications for permits 

to import small quantities of germplasm from taxa whose importation is 

not authorized pending pest risk analysis, for experimental or 

scientific purposes under controlled conditions. This new category will 

allow us to take prompt action on evidence that the importation of a 

taxon of plants for planting poses a risk while continuing to allow for 

public participation in the process.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   07/23/09  74 FR 36403

NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/21/09

Final Rule..........................   06/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------





[[Page 40005]]



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.

    Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Plant Pathologist, Risk 

Management and Plants for Planting Policy, RPM, PPQ, Department of 

Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 

Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 734-0627.

    RIN: 0579-AC03



18. Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786

    Abstract: This action follows a rulemaking that established 

provisions under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, 

subject to the availability of appropriated funds, receive payments for 

certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus 

canker. The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the 

economic effects on affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had 

certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.

    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      08/07/06

 End.

Final Action........................   06/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Lynn E. Goldner, National Program Manager, 

Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal 

and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, 

Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 734-7228.

    RIN: 0579-AC05



19. Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 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 Extended End....   02/20/09

Final Action........................   07/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin, National Emergency Programs Manager, 

Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737, 

Phone: 301 734-7833.

    RIN: 0579-AC69



20.  Citrus Canker, Citrus Greening, and Asian Citrus Psyllid; 

Interstate Movement of Regulated Nursery Stock



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786

    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations governing the 

interstate movement of regulated articles from areas quarantined for 

citrus canker, citrus greening, and/or Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) to 

allow the movement of regulated nursery stock under a certificate to 

any area within the United States. In order to be eligible to move 

regulated nursery stock, a nursery must enter into a compliance 

agreement with APHIS that specifies the conditions under which the 

nursery stock must be grown, maintained, and shipped. It will also 

amend the regulations that allow the movement of regulated nursery 

stock from an area quarantined for ACP, but not for citrus greening, to 

amend the existing regulatory requirements for the issuance of limited 

permits for the interstate movement of the nursery stock. We are making 

these changes on an immediate basis in order to provide nursery stock 

producers in areas quarantined for citrus canker, citrus greening, or 

ACP with the ability to ship regulated nursery stock to markets within 

the United States that would otherwise be unavailable to them due to 

the prohibitions and restrictions contained in the regulations while 

continuing to provide adequate safeguards to prevent the spread of the 

three pests into currently unaffected areas of the United States.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Final Rule..................   06/00/11

Interim Final Rule Comment Period      08/00/11

 End.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Osama El-Lissy, Director, Emergency and Domestic 

Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-

1238, Phone: 301 734-5459.

    Deborah McPartlan, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department 

of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 

Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238, Phone: 301 734-5356.

    RIN: 0579-AD29



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



Long-Term Actions



21. Phytophthora ramorum; quarantine and regulations



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786

    Abstract: The interim rule amended 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 also 

updated conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery 

stock from quarantined areas, as well as restricted the interstate 

movement of all other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined 

areas. We also updated the list of plants regulated because of P. 

ramorum and the list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and 

made other miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions 

are necessary to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas 

of the United States. We will continue to update the regulations 

through additional rulemakings as new scientific information on this 

pathogen becomes available.



[[Page 40006]]



    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      04/30/07

 End.

                                     -----------------------------------

Final Action........................           To Be Determined

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Prakash Hebbar, Phone: 301 734-5717.

    RIN: 0579-AB82



22. Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through 

Genetic Engineering



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 31 

U.S.C. 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         01/23/04  69 FR 3271

 Environmental Impact Statement.

Comment Period End..................   03/23/04

Notice of Availability of Draft        07/17/07  72 FR 39021

 Environmental Impact Statement.

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         03/11/09  74 FR 10517

 Session.

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



23. Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected 

With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 

136 and 136a

    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the 

importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the 

importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from 

regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry 

of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This 

action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on 

articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic 

Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. 

The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on 

articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Final Rule..................   01/24/11  76 FR 4046

Interim Final Rule Comment Period      03/25/11  .......................

 End.

Next Action Undetermined............

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Phone: 301 734-4356.

    RIN: 0579-AC36



24. Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786

    Abstract: We are quarantining 16 counties in California and the 

entire State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and 

restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from the 

quarantined areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to 

prevent the spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas 

of the United States.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Final Rule..................           To Be Determined

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Andrea Simao, Phone: 301 734-0930.

    RIN: 0579-AC71



25. Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate 

Movement Regulations



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 21 

U.S.C. 136 and 136a

    Abstract: This rulemaking establishes regulations that designate 

the States of Florida and Georgia, Puerto Rico, two parishes in 

Louisiana, and two counties in South Carolina as quarantined areas for 

citrus greening and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, 

Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, three counties in South Carolina, 

portions of one county in Arizona, and all of three and portions of an 

additional three counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian 

citrus psyllid, a vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It 

also establishes restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated 

articles from the quarantined areas, as well as treatments under which 

Asian Citrus psyllid host material may be moved interstate from a 

quarantined area. These actions follow the discovery of citrus greening 

and/or Asian citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are necessary 

in order to prevent the spread of the disease and its vector to 

noninfested areas of the United States.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Availability of an Environmental       09/09/09  74 FR 46409

 Assessment.

Environmental Assessment Comment       11/09/09  .......................

 Period End.

Interim Final Rule..................   06/17/10  75 FR 34322

Interim Final Rule Comment Period      08/16/10  .......................

 End.

Next Action Undetermined............  .........  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Patrick J. Gomes, Phone: 919 855-7313.



[[Page 40007]]



    RIN: 0579-AC85



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



Completed Actions



26. Boll Weevil: Quarantine and Regulations



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 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.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated       03/02/11  .......................

 Within the Next 12 Months.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, Phone: 301 734-8676.

    RIN: 0579-AB91



27. Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for 

Tranportation of Warm-Blooded Animals Other than Marine Mammals



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159

    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 

regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine 

mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for 

various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would 

replace those requirements with a single performance standard under 

which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental 

conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations 

currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within 

certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at 

ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor 

provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the 

animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum 

temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live 

animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This 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.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated       03/02/11  .......................

 Within the Next 12 Months.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin, Phone: 301 734-0954.

    RIN: 0579-AC41



28.  Importation of Mexican Hass Avocados; Additional Shipping 

Options



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 

to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a

    Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations for the 

importation of Hass avocados originating in Michoac[aacute]n, Mexico, 

into the United States by adding the option to ship avocados to the 

United States in bulk shipping bins when safeguarding is maintained 

from the packinghouse to the port of first arrival in the United States 

and by making it clear that the avocados may be shipped by land, sea, 

or air. It also amends the regulations to allow avocados from multiple 

packinghouses that participate in the avocado export program to be 

combined into one consignment. We are taking these actions in response 

to requests from the Government of Mexico and inquiries from a U.S. 

maritime port. These actions allow additional options for shipping Hass 

avocados from Mexico to the United States and allow Mexican exporters 

to ship full container or truck loads from multiple packinghouses while 

continuing to provide an appropriate level of protection against the 

introduction of plant pests.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   05/27/10  75 FR 29680

NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/26/10  .......................

Final Rule..........................   10/29/10  75 FR 66643

Final Rule Effective................   11/29/10  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: David B. Lamb, Import Specialist, Regulatory 

Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, 

MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 734-0627.

    RIN: 0579-AD15

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Rural Housing Service (RHS)



Final Rule Stage



29. Guaranteed Single-Family Housing



    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 42 U.S.C. 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........................   09/00/11  .......................

Final Action Effective..............   10/00/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family 

Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural 

Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0784, Washington, DC 

20250, Phone: 202 720-1465, Fax: 202 205-2476, E-mail: 

[email protected].

    RIN: 0575-AC18

BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P





[[Page 40008]]







DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



Proposed Rule Stage



30. Mandatory Inspection of Catfish and Catfish Products



    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; Pub. L. 110-249, sec 11016

    Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 

110-246, sec. 11016), known as the 2008 Farm Bill, amended the Federal 

Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) to make catfish an amenable species under 

the FMIA. Amenable species must be inspected, so this rule will define 

inspection requirements for catfish. The regulations will define 

``catfish'' and the scope of coverage of the regulations to apply to 

establishments that process farm-raised species of catfish and to 

catfish and catfish products. The regulations will take into account 

the conditions under which the catfish are raised and transported to a 

processing establishment.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   02/24/11  76 FR 10433

NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/24/11  .......................

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Assistant Administrator, 

Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of Agriculture, 

Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 

Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 401-1760,. E-mail: 

[email protected].

    RIN: 0583-AD36



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



Final Rule Stage



31. Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and 

Poultry Products; Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat 

Meat and Poultry Products



    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.

    Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction 

performance standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-

treated meat and poultry products, and measures, including testing, to 

control Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products. The performance 

standards spell out the objective level of pathogen reduction that 

establishments must meet during their operations in order to produce 

safe products, but allow the use of customized, plant-specific 

processing procedures other than those prescribed in the earlier 

regulations. With HACCP, food safety performance standards give 

establishments the incentive and flexibility to adopt innovative, 

science-based food safety processing procedures and controls, while 

providing objective, measurable standards that can be verified by 

Agency inspectional oversight. This set of performance standards will 

include and be consistent with standards already in place for certain 

ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   02/27/01  66 FR 12590

NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/29/01  .......................

NPRM Comment Period Extended........   07/03/01  66 FR 35112

NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   09/10/01  .......................

Interim Final Rule..................   06/06/03  68 FR 34208

Interim Final Rule Effective........   10/06/03  .......................

Interim Final Rule Comment Period      01/31/05  .......................

 End.

NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   03/24/05  70 FR 15017

NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   05/09/05  .......................

Affirmation of Interim Final Rule...   01/00/12  .......................

Final Action........................   03/00/12

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Assistant Administrator, 

Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of Agriculture, 

Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 

Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 401-1760, E-mail: 

[email protected].

    RIN: 0583-AC46



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



Completed Actions



32. New Formulas for Calculating the Basetime, Overtime, Holiday, and 

Laboratory Services Rates; Rate Changes Based on the Formulas; and 

Increased Fees for the Accredited Laboratory Program



    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; 21 

U.S.C. 451 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.

    Abstract: FSIS is amending its regulations to establish formulas 

for calculating the rates that it charges meat and poultry 

establishments, egg products plants, and importers and exporters for 

providing voluntary, overtime, and holiday inspection, and 

identification, certification, and laboratory services. FSIS will 

publish the rates annually in Federal Register notices prior to the 

start of each calendar year and will apply them on the first FSIS pay 

period at the beginning of the calendar year. The Agency is also 

increasing the codified flat annual fee for its Accredited Laboratory 

Program for FY 2012 and FY 2013.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Action........................   04/12/11  76 FR 20220

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Phone: 202 720-0399, Fax: 202 

690-0486, E-mail: [email protected]

    RIN: 0583-AD40

BILLING CODE 3140-DM-P



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Forest Service (FS)



Proposed Rule Stage



33. 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



[[Page 40009]]



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

Second NPRM.........................   04/15/11  76 FR 21272

Second NPRM Comment Period End......   07/14/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    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, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0596-AC74



34.  Pest and Disease Revolving Loan Fund



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-234, sec 10205

    Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend 36 CFR part 230 

to provide direction on implementing the Pest and Disease Revolving 

Loan Fund (Pub. L. 110-234, sec. 10205), which authorizes loans to 

eligible units of local governments to finance purchases of authorized 

equipment to monitor, remove, dispose of, and replace infested trees in 

quarantine areas. The proposed changes amend part 230, State and 

Private Forestry Assistance by adding a new subpart.

    Currently, there are no Forest Service rules or regulations on 

providing low interest loans to local municipalities to help them 

manage their insect and disease infested trees; the proposed rules will 

provide that direction.

    The proposed amendment to 36 CFR part 230 would add a subpart and 

will:

    1. Clarify and define eligible units of local government.

    2. Further define authorized equipment.

    3. Describe the administrative requirements and process to apply 

for a loan.

    4. Clarify the terms of the loan.

    5. Describe repayment procedures.

    6. Describe the administration of the loan program.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   08/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    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, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0596-AC97

BILLING CODE 3410-11-P



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



Proposed Rule Stage



35. Biopreferred Program Guidelines Revisions



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires USDA to address how the 

BioPreferred Program will designate complex products and intermediate 

materials and feed stocks and make other changes to update program 

guidelines.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   06/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office 

of Procurement and Property Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 

Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 

205-4008, Fax: 202 720-8972, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0503-AA40



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



Final Rule Stage



36. Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: Designates for preferred procurement bath products; 

concrete and asphalt cleaners, including microbial and non-microbial 

concrete and asphalt cleaners as subcategories; corrosion removers; 

dishwashing detergents; floor cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning 

products, including shampoos and conditioners as subcategories; 

microbial cleaners; oven and grill cleaners; slide way lubricants; and 

thermal shipping containers, including durable and non-durable thermal 

shipping containers as subcategories.

    Timetable:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Action                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   11/23/10  75 FR 71492

NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/24/11

Final Action........................   06/00/11

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office 

of Procurement and Property Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 

Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 

205-4008, Fax: 202 720-8972, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0503-AA36



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)



Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



Completed Actions



37. Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA 

Certified Biobased Product'' label for use on



[[Page 40010]]



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.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Action........................   01/20/11  76 FR 3789

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Phone: 202 205-4008, Fax: 202 720-

8972, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0503-AA35



38. Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement



    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246

    Abstract: USDA revisions to federal procurement biobased 

guidelines.

    Completed:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Reason                    Date            FR Cite

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NPRM................................   02/04/11  76 FR 6366

Final Action........................   02/04/11  76 FR 6319

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Phone: 202 205-4008, Fax: 202 720-

8972, E-mail: [email protected].

    RIN: 0503-AA39



[FR Doc. 2011-15473 Filed 7-6-11; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-90-P