[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 8, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1522-1535]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31486]



[[Page 1521]]

Vol. 78

Tuesday,

No. 5

January 8, 2013

Part III





 Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 5 / Tuesday, January 8, 2013 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 1522]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV

5 CFR Ch. LXXIII

7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII

9 CFR Chs. I, II and III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2012

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 Orders 
(EO) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 13563 ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory 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 as well as any regulation consistent with EO 
13563.
    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 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: October 22, 2012.
 Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
123.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD20
                             Organic Pet Food
                             Standards.
124.......................  National Organic Program;          0581-AD22
                             Sunset Review (2012) for
                             Sodium Nitrate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
125.......................  National Organic Program:          0581-AD17
                             Sunset Review for
                             Nutrient Vitamins and
                             Minerals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
126.......................  Wholesale Pork Reporting           0581-AD07
                             Program.
127.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD10
                             Periodic Pesticide
                             Residue Testing, NOP-10-
                             0102.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
128.......................  Farm Loan Programs,                0560-AI14
                             Clarification and
                             Improvement.
129.......................  Microloan Operating Loans.         0560-AI17
------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
130.......................  Animal Welfare: Marine             0579-AB24
                             Mammals; Nonconsensus
                             Language and Interactive
                             Programs (Rulemaking
                             Resulting From a Section
                             610 Review).

[[Page 1523]]

 
131.......................  Animal Welfare;                    0579-AC02
                             Regulations and Standards
                             for Birds.
132.......................  Scrapie in Sheep and Goats         0579-AC92
133.......................  Plant Pest Regulations;            0579-AC98
                             Update of General
                             Provisions (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 3).
134.......................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
135.......................  Importation of Beef From a         0579-AD41
                             Region in Brazil.
136.......................  Labeling Requirements for          0579-AD49
                             Firewood Moved Interstate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
137.......................  Citrus Canker;                     0579-AC05
                             Compensation for
                             Certified Citrus Nursery
                             Stock.
138.......................  Introduction of Organisms          0579-AC31
                             and Products Altered or
                             Produced Through Genetic
                             Engineering.
139.......................  Importation of Poultry and         0579-AC36
                             Poultry Products From
                             Regions Affected With
                             Highly Pathogenic Avian
                             Influenza.
140.......................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AC68
                             Encephalopathy;
                             Importation of Bovines
                             and Bovine Products.
141.......................  Handling of Animals;               0579-AC69
                             Contingency Plans.
142.......................  Agricultural Bioterrorism          0579-AD09
                             Protection Act of 2002;
                             Biennial Review and
                             Republication of the
                             Select Agent and Toxin
                             List; Amendments to the
                             Select Agent and Toxin
                             Regulations.
143.......................  Lacey Act Implementation           0579-AD11
                             Plan; Definitions for
                             Exempt and Regulated
                             Articles.
144.......................  Animal Disease                     0579-AD24
                             Traceability (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 5).
145.......................  Importation of Wood                0579-AD28
                             Packaging Material From
                             Canada.
146.......................  Citrus Canker, Citrus              0579-AD29
                             Greening, and Asian
                             Citrus Psyllid;
                             Interstate Movement of
                             Regulated Nursery Stock.
147.......................  Treatment of Firewood and          0579-AD60
                             Spruce Logs Imported From
                             Canada.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
148.......................  Importation of Fresh               0579-AD40
                             Pitaya Fruit From Central
                             America Into the
                             Continental United States.
149.......................  Importation of Dracaena            0579-AD54
                             Plants From Costa Rica.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
150.......................  Guaranteed Single-Family           0575-AC18
                             Housing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
151.......................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE09
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: Nutrition
                             Standards for All Foods
                             Sold in School, as
                             Required by the Healthy,
                             Hunger-Free Kids Act of
                             2010 (Reg Plan Seq No. 8).
152.......................  Child and Adult Care Food          0584-AE18
                             Program: Meal Pattern
                             Revisions Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
153.......................  Enhancing Retailer                 0584-AE27
                             Eligibility Standards in
                             SNAP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


              Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
154.......................  Certification of                   0584-AE15
                             Compliance With Meal
                             Requirements for the
                             National School Lunch
                             Program Under the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1524]]


         Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
155.......................  Performance Standards for          0583-AC46
                             the Production of
                             Processed Meat and
                             Poultry Products.
156.......................  Descriptive Designation            0583-AD45
                             for Needle or Blade
                             Tenderized (Mechanically
                             Tenderized) Beef Products
                             (Reg Plan Seq No. 16).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


          Food Safety and Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
157.......................  Mandatory Inspection of            0583-AD36
                             Catfish and Catfish
                             Products.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.......................  National Forest System             0596-AD05
                             Invasive Species
                             Management Handbook.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
159.......................  Land Management Planning           0596-AD06
                             Rule Policy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Office of Procurement and Property Management--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
160.......................  Designation of Biobased            0599-AA16
                             Items for Federal
                             Procurement, Round 10.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Office of Procurement and Property Management--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
161.......................  Designation of Biobased            0599-AA15
                             Items for Federal
                             Procurement, Round 9.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

123. National Organic Program, Organic Pet Food Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is establishing 
national standards governing the marketing of organically produced 
agricultural products. In 2004, the National Organic Standards Board 
(NOSB) initiated the development of organic pet food standards, which 
had not been incorporated into the NOP regulations, by forming a task 
force which included pet food manufacturers, organic consultants, etc. 
Collectively, these experts drafted organic pet food standards 
consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, Food and Drug 
Administration requirements, and the Association of American Feed 
Control Officials (AAFCO) Model Regulations for Pet and Specialty Pet 
Food. The AAFCO regulations are scientifically-based regulations for 
voluntary adoption by State jurisdictions to ensure the safety, quality 
and effectiveness of feed. In November 2008, the NOSB approval a final 
recommendation for organic pet food standards incorporating the 
provisions drafted by the pet food task force.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/13
Final Action........................   06/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Director, Standards Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW., Rm. 2646--South Building, Washington, DC 
20250, Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 205-7808, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD20

124. National Organic Program; Sunset Review (2012) for Sodium Nitrate

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action proposes to amend the listing for sodium 
nitrate on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances as 
part of the 2012 Sunset Review process. Consistent with the 
recommendation from the National Organic Standards Board, this 
amendment would prohibit the use of

[[Page 1525]]

the substance in its entirety from organic crop production.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Director, Standards Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW., Rm. 2646--South Building, Washington, DC 
20250, Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 205-7808, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD22

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

125. National Organic Program: Sunset Review For Nutrient Vitamins and 
Minerals

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action renews the listing for nutrient vitamins and 
minerals on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances 
(National List) as part of the 2012 Sunset Review process. Consistent 
with the recommendation from the National Organic Standards Board 
(NOSB), this action ensures that the U.S. organic industry can continue 
using vitamins and minerals in organic products (e.g., the addition of 
Vitamin A and D in organic milk, the addition of B vitamins in organic 
cereal). Under this action, the status quo will remain in effect such 
that nutrients currently used in organic products can continue to be 
used until the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) addresses any 
changes in their allowance through a final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/12/12  77 FR 1980
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/12/12
Interim Final Rule..................   09/27/12  77 FR 59287
Final Action........................   05/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Director, Standards Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW., Rm. 2646-South Building, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 205-7808, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD17

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Completed Actions

126. 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) interested parties that 
participate in swine or pork production.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   08/22/12  77 FR 50561
Final Action Effective..............   01/07/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael P. Lynch, Phone: 202 720-6231.
    RIN: 0581-AD07

127. 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.
    Based on recommendations from a March 2010 OIG audit, the NOP 
published 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 group(s))''. Specifically, the proposed rule 
specified that certifying agents would be required, on an annual basis, 
to randomly sample and test agricultural products from a minimum of 5 
percent of the operations they certify.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   11/09/12  77 FR 67239
Final Action Effective..............   01/01/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa R. Bailey, Phone: 202 720-3252, Fax: 202 
205-7808, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD10

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Final Rule Stage

128. Farm Loan Programs, Clarification and Improvement

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989
    Abstract: The rule will amend Farm Loan Programs (FLP) regulations 
for loan servicing including the following areas:

--Real estate appraisals;
--Lease, subordination, and disposition of security; and
--Conservation contracts.

    FSA is also making technical and conforming amendments. The 
amendments are technical corrections, clarifications, and procedural 
improvements that will allow FSA to further streamline normal servicing 
activities and reduce burden on borrowers while still protecting the 
loan security.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/13/12  77 FR 22444
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/12/12
Final Action........................   06/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1526]]

    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-AI14

129. Microloan Operating Loans

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1946; 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989
    Abstract: The rule will establish a new small loan category within 
the existing direct Operating Loan Program regulations. The microloan 
program is expected to serve the unique operating needs of very small 
family farm operations. The intended effect is to make the Operating 
Loan Program more widely available and attractive to smaller operators 
through reduced application requirements, more timely application 
processing, and added flexibility in meeting the managerial ability 
eligibility requirement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/25/12  77 FR 31220
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/24/12
Final Rule..........................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AI17

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

130. 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 between September 1995 and July 
1996. 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................................   01/00/13
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 
851-3751.
    RIN: 0579-AB24

131. 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................................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 301 851-3726.
    RIN: 0579-AC02

132. 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. It would simplify, reduce, or remove 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 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................................   03/00/13
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 301 851-3509.
    RIN: 0579-AC92

133. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0579-AC98

134. 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. 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................................   05/00/13

[[Page 1527]]

 
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 301 851-3364.
    RIN: 0579-AD10

135. Importation of Beef From a Region in Brazil

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 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 regulations governing the 
importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products by 
allowing, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled 
or frozen) beef from a region in Brazil (the States of Bahia, Distrito 
Federal, Espirito Santo, Goias, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas 
Gerais, Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondonia, Sao Paulo, 
Sergipe, and Tocantis). Based on the evidence in a recent risk 
assessment, we have determined that fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can 
be safely imported from those Brazilian States provided certain 
conditions are met. This action would provide for the importation of 
beef from the designated region in Brazil into the United States while 
continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of 
foot-and-mouth disease.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/13
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Silvia Kreindel, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Regionalization Evaluation Services Staff, NCIE, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3313.
    RIN: 0579-AD41

136. Labeling Requirements for Firewood Moved Interstate

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
    Abstract: Currently, the movement of firewood in interstate 
commerce is largely unregulated. However, this movement can be a 
pathway for numerous plant pests. Accordingly, this rule proposes 
requirements that would aid in preventing the further dissemination of 
plant pests within the United States through the interstate movement of 
firewood.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/13
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Paul Chaloux, National Program Manager, Emergency 
and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2064.
    RIN: 0579-AD49

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

137. 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........................   11/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 160, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2286.
    RIN: 0579-AC05

138. 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 will revise the regulations regarding the 
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain 
genetically engineered organisms and update the regulations in response 
to advances in genetic science and technology and our accumulated 
experience in implementing the current regulations. This rule will 
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
Final Rule..........................   07/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Andrea Huberty, Branch Chief, Regulatory and 
Environmental Analysis, BRS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700

[[Page 1528]]

River Road, Unit 146, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-3880.
    RIN: 0579-AC31

139. 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 Newcastle 
disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   01/24/11  76 FR 4046
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      03/25/11
 End.
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      05/03/11  76 FR 24793
 Reopened.
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      05/18/11
 Reopened End.
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      06/12/12  77 FR 34783
 Reopened.
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      07/12/12
 Reopened End.
Final Rule..........................   04/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Javier Vargas, Case Manager, National Center for 
Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AC36

140. 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 will amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of bovines and bovine products. This rulemaking will 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................................   03/16/12  77 FR 15848
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/15/12
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   05/21/12  77 FR 29914
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/14/12
Final Action........................   03/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 301 851-3364.
    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: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AC68

141. 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. 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 Rule..........................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin, National Emergency Programs Manager, 
Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Dr., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606, 
Phone: 919 855-7097.
    RIN: 0579-AC69

142. Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review 
and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List; Amendments to the 
Select Agent and Toxin Regulations

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8401
    Abstract: In accordance with the Agricultural Bioterrorism 
Protection Act of 2002, we are amending and republishing the list of 
select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe 
threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. The 
Act requires the biennial review and republication of the list of 
select agents and toxins and the revision of the list as necessary. 
This action implements the findings of the third biennial review of the 
list. In addition, we are reorganizing the list of select agents and 
toxins based on the relative potential of each select agent or toxin to 
be misused to adversely affect human, plant, or animal health. Such 
tiering of the list allows for the optimization of security measures 
for those select agents or toxins that present the greatest risk of 
deliberate misuse with the most significant potential for mass 
casualties or devastating effects to the economy, critical 
infrastructure, or public confidence. We are also making a number of 
amendments to the regulations, including the addition of definitions 
and clarification of language concerning security, training, biosafety, 
biocontainment, and incident response. These changes will increase the 
usability of the select agent regulations as well as provide for 
enhanced program oversight.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   07/29/10  75 FR 44724
ANPRM Comment Period End............   08/30/10  .......................
NPRM................................   10/03/11  76 FR 61228
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/11  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   12/15/11  76 FR 77914
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   01/17/12  .......................
Final Rule..........................   10/05/12  77 FR 61056
Final Rule Effective................   12/04/12  .......................
Remaining Provisions of Final Rule     04/03/13  .......................
 Effective.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1529]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles L. Divan, Branch Chief, Agriculture Select 
Agent Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 2, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
Phone: 301 851-2219.
    RIN: 0579-AD09

143. Lacey Act Implementation Plan; Definitions for Exempt and 
Regulated Articles

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.
    Abstract: In response to recent amendments to the Lacey Act, we are 
establishing definitions for the terms ``common cultivar'' and ``common 
food crop'' and several related terms. The amendments to the Act 
expanded its protections to a broader range of plant species, extended 
its reach to encompass products, including timber, that derive from 
illegally harvested plants, and require that importers submit a 
declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant 
products. Common cultivars and common food crops are among the 
categorical exemptions to the provisions of the Act. The Act does not 
define the terms ``common cultivar'' and ``common food crop'' but 
instead gives authority to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 
U.S. Department of the Interior to define these terms by regulation. 
Our definitions specify which plants and plant products will be subject 
to the provisions of the Act, including the declaration requirement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/04/10  75 FR 46859
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/04/10  .......................
Extension of Comment Period.........   10/29/10  75 FR 66699
Extension of Comment Period End.....   11/29/10  .......................
Final Rule..........................   01/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: George Balady, 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 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2240.
    RIN: 0579-AD11

144. Animal Disease Traceability

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0579-AD24

145. Importation of Wood Packaging Material From Canada

    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 for the 
importation of unmanufactured wood articles to remove the exemption 
that allows wood packaging material from Canada to enter the United 
States without first meeting the treatment and marking requirements of 
the regulations that apply to wood packaging material from all other 
countries. This action is necessary in order to prevent the 
dissemination and spread of pests via wood packaging material from 
Canada.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/02/10  75 FR 75157
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/31/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Tyrone Jones, Trade Director, Forestry 
Products, Phytosanitary Issues Management, PPQ, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2344.
    RIN: 0579-AD28

146. 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..................   04/27/11  76 FR 23449
Interim Final Rule Effective........   04/27/11  .......................
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      06/27/11  .......................
 End.
Final Rule..........................   04/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: 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: 
301 851-2191.
    RIN: 0579-AD29

147. Treatment of Firewood and Spruce Logs Imported From Canada

    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 require 
firewood of all species imported from Canada, including treated lumber 
(furniture scraps) sold as kindling, and all spruce logs imported from 
Nova Scotia to be heat-treated and to be accompanied by either a 
certificate of treatment or an attached commercial treatment label. 
This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of pests 
including emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, gypsy moth, 
European spruce bark beetle, and brown spruce longhorn beetle to 
noninfested areas of the United States and to prevent further 
introductions of these pests into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   07/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Tyrone Jones, Trade Director, Forestry 
Products,

[[Page 1530]]

Phytosanitary Issues Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2344.
    RIN: 0579-AD60

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

148.  Importation of Fresh Pitaya Fruit From Central America 
Into the Continental United States

    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 fruits and vegetables 
regulations to allow the importation of fresh pitaya fruit from Central 
America into the continental United States. As a condition of entry, 
the pitaya fruit must be produced in accordance with a systems approach 
that includes requirements for monitoring and oversight, establishment 
of pest-free places of production, and procedures for packing the 
pitaya fruit. This action will allow for the importation of pitaya 
fruit from Central America into the continental United States while 
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant 
pests.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/24/11  76 FR 30036
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/25/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   04/16/12  77 FR 22465
Final Rule Effective................   05/16/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: David Lamb, Import Specialist, Regulatory 
Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2103.
    RIN: 0579-AD40

149.  Importation of Dracaena Plants From Costa Rica

    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 plants for planting 
regulations to provide conditions for the importation into the 
continental United States of Dracaena spp. plants from Costa Rica. 
These conditions will apply to plants less than 460 mm in length, which 
are currently allowed to be imported, and will also allow for the 
importation of plants over 460 mm and up to 1,371.6 mm in length, which 
are currently prohibited. As a condition of entry, Dracaena spp. plants 
from Costa Rica will have to be produced in accordance with integrated 
pest risk management measures that will include requirements for 
registration of place of production and packinghouses, a pest 
management plan, inspection for quarantine pests, sanitation, and 
traceability from place of production through the packing and export 
facility and to the port of entry into the United States. All Dracaena 
spp. plants from Costa Rica will also be required to be accompanied by 
a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that 
all conditions for the importation of the plants have been met and that 
the consignment of plants has been inspected and found free of 
quarantine pests. This action will allow for the importation of 
oversized Dracaena spp. plants from Costa Rica into the United States 
while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of 
quarantine pests.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/01/11  76 FR 67379
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/03/12  .......................
Final Rule..........................   06/26/12  77 FR 37997
Final Rule Effective................   07/26/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Aley, Senior Import Specialist, Plants for 
Planting Policy, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 136, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2130.
    RIN: 0579-AD54.

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Rural Housing Service (RHS)

Final Rule Stage

150. 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 Loan Program is 
taking the proposed action to implement authorities granted the 
Secretary of the USDA, in section 102 of the Supplemental 
Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-212, July 29, 2010) to collect 
from the lender an annual fee not to exceed 0.5 percent of the 
outstanding principal balance of the loan for the life of the loan. The 
intent of the annual fee is to make the SFHGLP subsidy neutral when 
used in conjunction with the one-time guarantee fee, thus eliminating 
the need for taxpayer support of the program.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/28/11  76 FR 66860
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/27/11  .......................
Final Action........................   04/00/13  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   06/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Cathy Glover, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 
0784, Washington, DC 02050-0784, Phone: 202 720-1460, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0575-AC18

BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

151. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Nutrition 
Standards for All Foods Sold in School, as Required by the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 8 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0584-AE09

152. Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related 
to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This proposal would implement section 221 of the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-296, the Act) which requires 
USDA to review and update, no less frequently than once every 10 years, 
requirements for meals served under the Child and Adult Care Food 
Program (CACFP) to ensure that meals are consistent with the most 
recent Dietary Guidelines for

[[Page 1531]]

Americans and relevant nutrition science.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/13  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 10th Floor, 3101 
Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE18

153. Enhancing Retailer Eligibility Standards in SNAP

    Legal Authority: sec 3, U.S.C. 2012; sec 9, U.S.C. 2018
    Abstract: This rulemaking will address the criteria used to 
authorize redemption of SNAP benefits (especially by restaurant-type 
operations).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/13  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 10th Floor, 3101 
Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE27

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Final Rule Stage

154. Certification of Compliance With Meal Requirements for the 
National School Lunch Program Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 
of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule codifies section 201 of the Healthy, Hunger-
Free Kids Act (Pub. L. 111-296) under 7 CFR part 210 directing the 
Secretary to provide, additional 6 cents per lunch, adjusted annually 
for changes in the Consumer Price Index, for schools that are certified 
to be in compliance with the interim/final regulation, ``Nutrition 
Standards in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs,'' (77 FR 
4088, January 26, 2012). This rule establishes the compliance standards 
that State agencies will use to certify schools that are eligible to 
receive the rate increase.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule Effective........   07/01/12  .......................
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      07/26/12  .......................
 End.
Final Action........................   09/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 10th Floor, 3101 
Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE15

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

155. Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and 
Poultry Products

    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    Abstract: FSIS is proposing to establish pathogen reduction 
performance standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-
treated meat and poultry 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 their 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      09/00/13  .......................
 and Supplemental Proposed Rule.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Acting Assistant Administrator, 
Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 351-E 
JWB, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 720-2025, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AC46

156. Descriptive Designation for Needle or Blade Tenderized 
(Mechanically Tenderized) Beef Products

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0583-AD45

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Long-Term Actions

157. 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

[[Page 1532]]

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

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 
720-2025, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AD36

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Proposed Rule Stage

158. National Forest System Invasive Species Management Handbook

    Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
    Abstract: Management activities to address the threats and impacts 
of invasive species across the National Forest System are guided by a 
general, broad policy articulated in the proposed Forest Service Manual 
2900 (NFS Invasive Species Management). FSM 2900 is currently in 
proposed directive process and being reviewed by OMB. However, the 
specific requirements, standards, criteria, rules, and guidelines for 
NFS invasive species management operations are not detailed in FSM 2900 
and need to be provided through an accompanying handbook issued through 
the Directives system. Therefore, this action to develop a proposed 
handbook, tiering from FSM 2900, to provide this necessary set of 
requirements, standards, criteria, and other operational guidance for 
invasive species management on National Forests and Grasslands.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   05/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: LaRenda C. King, Assistant Director, Directives and 
Regulations, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R 
Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC 20250-0003, Phone: 202 
205-6560, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD05

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Final Rule Stage

159. Land Management Planning Rule Policy

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 302; 16 U.S.C. 1604; 16 U.S.C. 1613
    Abstract: Background: Describe what the current directives require 
or allow, and what the problem is.
    The Forest Service is promulgating a new land management planning 
regulation at 36 CFR part 219 (RIN 0596-AC94). A proposed land 
management planning rule was published for public comment February 14, 
2011 (70 FR 8480). The agency intends to issue interim directives to 
implement the new planning rule shortly after publishing the final rule 
in the Federal Register around the end of calendar year 2011. An 
interim directive is an issuance that modifies previous direction or 
establishes new direction for a period of up to 18 months. Release of 
the interim directives will include a 60-day public comment period. The 
current directives implement the provisions of the 2000 planning rule 
that is being replaced by the new rule.
    Proposed Action: Briefly describe the action you wish to take.
    The US Forest Service is proposing to amend the Forest Service 
Manual (FSM) 1900--Planning and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12--
Land Management Planning Handbook. Within the FSM 1900, the agency 
proposes to change the Zero Code and Chapter 1920--Land Management 
Planning. Direction would be revised to implement the new planning 
rule.
    Specifics: List the exact regulatory language that this directive 
will modify, and describe, generally, how this will be changed or what 
will be added. Use bullets.
    * FSM 1905--Definitions. Amend definitions to include those in the 
planning rule.
    * FSM 1920--Land Management Planning. Amend the entire chapter to 
implement the rule.
    * FSH 1909.12--Land Management Planning Handbook. Amend the entire 
handbook to implement the rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   03/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: LaRenda C. King, Assistant Director, Directives and 
Regulations, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R 
Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC 20250-0003, Phone: 202 
205-6560, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD06

BILLING CODE 3410-11-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)

Proposed Rule Stage

160. Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 10

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246
    Abstract: Designates for preferred procurement: Adhesives; aircraft 
and boat cleaners; automotive care products; body care products-body 
powders; engine crankcase oil; exterior paints and coatings; facial 
care products; gasoline fuel additives; hair removal-depilatory 
products; metal cleaners and corrosion removers; microbial cleaning 
products; paint removers; paper products; sanitary tissues; water 
turbine bearing oils; and asphalt roofing materials--low slope.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/05/12  77 FR 72653
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/04/13
Final Rule..........................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office 
of Procurement and Property Management, Department of Agriculture, 
Office of Procurement and Property Management, 361 Reporters Building, 
300 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-4008, Fax: 202 
720-8972, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0599-AA16


[[Page 1533]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)

Completed Actions

161. Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 9

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246
    Abstract: Designates for preferred procurement: Agricultural spray 
adjuvants; animal cleaning products; aquaculture products; deodorants; 
dethatcher products; fuel conditioners; leather, vinyl, and rubber care 
products; lotions and moisturizers; shaving products; specialty 
precision cleaners and solvents; sun care products; and wastewater 
systems coatings.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/05/12  77 FR 33270
Final Rule..........................   11/19/12  77 FR 69381
Final Rule Effective................   12/19/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Phone: 202 205-4008, Fax: 202 720-
8972, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0599-AA15

[FR Doc. 2012-31486 Filed 1-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-P