[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34976-34987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14339]



[[Page 34975]]

Vol. 80

Thursday,

No. 117

June 18, 2015

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Unified Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 34976]]


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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-III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual regulatory Agenda, Spring 2015

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 
(E.O.) 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 E.O. 
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 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 24, 2015.
Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.........................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD08
                             Origin of Livestock, NOP-
                             11-0009.
2.........................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD20
                             Organic Pet Food
                             Standards.
3.........................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD31
                             Organic Apiculture
                             Practice Standard, NOP-12-
                             0063.
4.........................  National Organic Program--         0581-AD34
                             Organic Aquaculture
                             Standards.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.........................  Scrapie in Sheep and Goats         0579-AC92
6.........................  Plant Pest Regulations;            0579-AC98
                             Update of General
                             Provisions.
7.........................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
8.........................  Brucellosis and Bovine             0579-AD65
                             Tuberculosis; Update of
                             General Provisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.........................  Importation of Wood                0579-AD28
                             Packaging Material From
                             Canada.
10........................  Importation of Beef From a         0579-AD41
                             Region in Brazil.
11........................  Treatment of Firewood and          0579-AD60
                             Spruce Logs Imported From
                             Canada.
12........................  Viruses, Serums, Toxins,           0579-AD64
                             and Analogous Products;
                             Single Label Claim for
                             Veterinary Biological
                             Products.
13........................  Establishing a Performance         0579-AD71
                             Standard for Authorizing
                             the Importation and
                             Interstate Movement of
                             Fruits and Vegetables.
14........................  User Fees for Agricultural         0579-AD77
                             Quarantine and Inspection
                             Services.
15........................  Importation of Beef From a         0579-AD92
                             Region in Argentina
                             (Section 610 Review).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16........................  Introduction of Organisms          0579-AC31
                             and Products Altered or
                             Produced Through Genetic
                             Engineering.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 34977]]


                Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17........................  Guaranteed Single-Family           0575-AC18
                             Housing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18........................  Child and Adult Care Food          0584-AE18
                             Program: Meal Pattern
                             Revisions Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
19........................  Modernizing Supplemental           0584-AE37
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP) Benefit
                             Redemption Systems.
20........................  Supplemental Nutrition             0584-AE39
                             Assistance Program
                             (SNAP): Electronic
                             Benefits Transfer
                             Requirements for Scanning
                             and Product-Lookup
                             Technology.
21........................  Food and Nutrition Service         0584-AE42
                             Regulatory Implementation
                             of Office of Management
                             and Budget's Uniform
                             Administrative
                             Requirements, Cost
                             Principles, and Audit
                             Requirements for Federal
                             Awards.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
22........................  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.
23........................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE11
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: School Food
                             Service Account Revenue
                             Amendments Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
24........................  Child Nutrition Programs:          0584-AE25
                             Local School Wellness
                             Policy Implementation
                             Under the Healthy, Hunger-
                             Free Kids Act of 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25........................  Mandatory Inspection of            0583-AD36
                             Fish of the Order
                             Siluriformes and Products
                             Derived From Such Fish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
26........................  Management of Surface              0596-AD03
                             Activities Associated
                             With Outstanding Mineral
                             Rights on National Forest
                             System Lands.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
27........................  Ski Area--D Clauses:               0596-AD14
                             Resource and Improvement
                             Protection, Water
                             Facilities, and Water
                             Rights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

1. National Organic Program, Origin of Livestock, NOP-11-0009

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The current regulations provide two tracks for replacing 
dairy animals which are tied to how dairy farmers transition to organic 
production. Farmers who transition an entire distinct herd must 
thereafter replace dairy animals with livestock that has been under 
organic management from the last third of gestation. Farmers who do not 
transition an entire distinct herd may perpetually obtain replacement 
animals that have been managed organically for 12 months prior to 
marketing milk or milk products as organic. The proposed action would 
eliminate the two-track system and require that upon transition, all 
existing and replacement dairy animals from which milk or milk products 
are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be 
managed organically from the last third of gestation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/28/15  80 FR 23455
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/27/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 34978]]

    Agency Contact: Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA National 
Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD08

2. 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 approved 
a final recommendation for organic pet food standards incorporating the 
provisions drafted by the pet food task force.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA National 
Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-3252
    RIN: 0581-AD20

3. National Organic Program, Organic Apiculture Practice Standard, NOP-
12-0063

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action proposes to amend the USDA organic 
regulations to reflect an October 2010 recommendation submitted to the 
Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concerning the 
production of organic apicultural (or beekeeping) products. Instead of 
continuing to allow certifying agents to certify apiculture to the 
organic livestock standards, this action would establish certification 
standards specifically for organic bees and bee products.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA National 
Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD31

4. National Organic Program--Organic Aquaculture Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522
    Abstract: This action proposes to establish standards for organic 
production and certification of farmed aquatic animals and their 
products in the USDA organic regulations. This action would also add 
aquatic animals as a scope of certification and accreditation under the 
National Organic Program. This action is necessary to establish 
standards for organic farmed aquatic animals and their products which 
would allow U.S. producers to compete in the organic seafood market. 
This action is also necessary to address multiple recommendations 
provided by USDA by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). In 
2007 through 2009, the NOSB made five recommendations to establish 
standards for the certification of organic farmed aquatic animals and 
their products. Finally, the U.S. currently has organic standards 
equivalence arrangements with Canada and the European Union (EU). Both 
Canada and the EU have recently established standards for organic 
aquaculture products. Because the U.S. does not have organic 
aquaculture standards, the U.S. is unable to include aquaculture in the 
scope of these arrangements. Establishing U.S. organic aquaculture may 
provide a basis for expanding those trade partnerships.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA National 
Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD34

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

5. 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................................   05/00/15
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Sheep, Goat, Cervid, and Equine 
Health Center; Surveillance, Preparedness, and Response Services, 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

6. 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 and 4332
    Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the 
movement of plant pests. We are proposing criteria regarding the 
movement and environmental release of biological control organisms, and 
are proposing to establish regulations to allow the importation and 
movement in interstate

[[Page 34979]]

commerce of certain types of plant pests without restriction by 
granting exceptions from permitting requirements for those pests. We 
are also proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of 
soil. 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 and facilitate the 
movement of regulated organisms and articles in a manner that also 
protects U.S. agriculture.
    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................................   06/00/15
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: 301 851-2323.
    RIN: 0579-AC98

7. 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................................   08/00/15
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Langston Hull, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical 
Officer, Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AD10

8. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of General Provisions

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 15 U.S.C. 
1828; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rulemaking would consolidate the regulations 
governing bovine tuberculosis (TB), currently found in 9 CFR part 77, 
and those governing brucellosis, currently found in 9 CFR part 78. As 
part of this consolidation, we are proposing to transition the TB and 
brucellosis programs away from a State status system based on disease 
prevalence. Instead, States and tribes would implement an animal health 
plan that identifies sources of the diseases within the State or tribe 
and specifies mitigations to address the risk posed by these sources. 
The consolidated regulations also would set forth standards for 
surveillance, epidemiological investigations, and affected herd 
management that must be incorporated into each animal health plan, with 
certain limited exceptions; conditions for the interstate movement of 
cattle, bison, and captive cervids; and conditions for APHIS approval 
of tests for bovine TB or brucellosis. Finally, the rulemaking would 
revise the import requirements for cattle and bison to make these 
requirements clearer and ensure that they more effectively mitigate the 
risk of introduction of the diseases into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/15
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Langston Hull, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical 
Officer, Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    C. William Hench, Senior Cattle Health Specialist, Cattle Health 
Center, Surveillance, Preparedness, and Response, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 2150 Centre 
Avenue, Building B-3E20, Ft. Collins, CO 80526. Phone: 970 494-7378.
    RIN: 0579-AD65

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

9. 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..........................   05/00/15
Final Rule Effective................   06/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

10. 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 will amend the regulations governing the 
importation of certain animals, meat,

[[Page 34980]]

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 will 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................................   12/23/13  78 FR 77370
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/21/14
Final Rule..........................   05/00/15
Final Rule Effective................   06/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Silvia Kreindel, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Regionalization Evaluation Services Staff, NIES, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3313.
    RIN: 0579-AD41

11. 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 on an immediate basis 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 introduction of these pests into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   05/00/15
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      07/00/15
 End.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AD60

12. Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Single Label Claim 
for Veterinary Biological Products

    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 151 to 159
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act 
regulations to replace the current label format, which reflects any of 
four different levels of effectiveness, with a single, uniform label 
format. It also will require biologics licensees to provide a 
standardized summary, with confidential business information removed, 
of the efficacy and safety data submitted to the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service in support of the issuance of a full product 
license or conditional license. A single label format, along with 
publicly available safety and efficacy data, will help biologics 
producers to more clearly communicate product performance to their 
customers.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   05/24/11  76 FR 30093
Comment Period End..................   07/25/11
NPRM................................   04/21/14  79 FR 22048
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/20/14
Final Rule..........................   05/00/15
Final Rule Effective................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna L Malloy, Operational Support Section, Center 
for Veterinary Biologics, Policy, Evaluation, and Licensing, VS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 148, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-
3426.
    RIN: 0579-AD64

13. Establishing a Performance Standard for Authorizing the Importation 
and Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables

    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 would amend our regulations governing the 
importations of fruits and vegetables by broadening our existing 
performance standard to provide for consideration of all new fruits and 
vegetables for importation into the United States using a notice-based 
process. Rather than authorizing new imports through proposed and final 
rules and specifying import conditions in the regulations, the notice-
based process uses Federal Register notices to make risk analyses 
available to the public for review and comment, with authorized 
commodities and their conditions of entry subsequently being listed on 
the Internet. It also would remove the region- or commodity-specific 
phytosanitary requirements currently found in these regulations. 
Likewise, we are proposing an equivalent revision of the performance 
standard in our regulations governing the interstate movements of 
fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam, 
Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 
the removal of commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements from those 
regulations. This proposal would allow for the consideration of 
requests to authorize the importation or interstate movement of new 
fruits and vegetables in a manner that enables a more flexible and 
responsive regulatory approach to evolving pest situations in both the 
United States and exporting countries. It would not, however, alter the 
science-based process in which the risk associated with importation or 
interstate movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated or the 
manner in which risks associated with the importation or interstate 
movement of a fruit or vegetable are mitigated.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/09/14  79 FR 53346
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/10/14
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   12/04/14  79 FR 71973
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/09/15
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   02/06/15  80 FR 6665
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/10/15

[[Page 34981]]

 
Final Rule..........................   05/00/15
Final Rule Effective................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Nicole Russo, Assistant Director, Regulatory 
Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2159.
    RIN: 0579-AD71

14. User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services

    Legal Authority: 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; 49 U.S.C. 80503
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the user fee regulations by 
adding new fee categories and adjusting current fees charged for 
certain agricultural quarantine and inspection services that are 
provided in connection with certain commercial vessels, commercial 
trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and 
international passengers arriving at ports in the customs territory of 
the United States. It also will adjust the fee caps associated with 
commercial vessels, commercial trucks, and commercial railcars. Based 
on the conclusions of a third party assessment of the user fee program 
and on other considerations, we have determined that revised user fee 
categories and revised user fees are necessary to recover the costs of 
the current level of activity, to account for actual and projected 
increases in the cost of doing business, and to more accurately align 
fees with the costs associated with each fee service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/25/14  79 FR 22895
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/24/14
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   07/01/14  79 FR 37231
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   07/24/14
Final Rule..........................   05/00/15
Final Rule Effective................   07/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
    Agency Contact: William E Thomas, Senior Agriculturist, Office of 
the Deputy Administrator, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 130, Riverdale, 
MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-2306.
    Kris Caraher, Branch Chief, Review and Analysis, Financial 
Management Division, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 55, Riverdale, MD 
20737, Phone: 301 851-2384.
    RIN: 0579-AD77

15.  Importation of Beef From a Region in Argentina (Section 
610 Review)

    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 abd 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations governing the 
importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products to 
allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or 
frozen) beef from a region in Argentina located north of Patagonia 
South and Patagonia North B, referred to as Northern Argentina. Based 
on the evidence in a recent risk analysis, we have determined that 
fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can be safely imported from Northern 
Argentina, subject to certain conditions. This action provides for the 
importation of beef from Northern Argentina 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................................   08/29/14  79 FR 64687
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/28/14
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   10/31/14
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   12/29/14
Final Rule..........................   05/00/15
Final Rule Effective................   06/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Silvia Kreindel, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Regionalization Evaluation Services Staff, NIES, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3313.
    RIN: 0579-AD92

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

16. 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: We are withdrawing a proposed rule that would have 
amended the regulations regarding the introduction (importation, 
interstate movement, and environmental release (field testing)) of 
certain genetically engineered organisms. We are doing this because of 
the experience we have gained over the past 28 years, continuing 
advances in biotechnology, and comments we received on the rule. We 
will begin a fresh stakeholder engagement to explore alternative policy 
approaches. This engagement will begin with a series of webinars that 
will provide the stakeholder community an opportunity to provide 
initial feedback. Information on these webinars will be announced in 
the coming month.
    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
NPRM; Withdrawal....................   03/04/15  80 FR 11598
NPRM; Withdrawal Effective..........   03/04/15  80 FR 11598
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 34982]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Chessa Huff-Woodard, Phone: 301 851-3943.
    RIN: 0579-AC31.
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Rural Housing Service (RHS)

Completed Actions

17. 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 interim 
final rule encourages new residential construction in rural areas. The 
new rule provides for a ``construction-to-permanent financing'' 
process. Lenders will be able to obtain a loan note guarantee when 
construction commences, in a ``single close'' transaction, rather than 
first obtaining short-term construction financing and then later 
obtaining the guaranteed loan. The new rule streamlines the financing 
of building new homes. The interim final rule also expands the types of 
lenders who are eligible to participate, increasing the reach of the 
program to small community banks in remote areas and to credit unions 
with memberships who are teachers as well as other groups. The rule 
change will allow participation by any lending entity supervised and 
regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National 
Credit Union Administration, the Office of the Comptroller of the 
Currency, the Federal Reserve Banks, or the Federal Housing Finance 
Board. Currently, these entities may not be eligible lenders.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   12/09/13  78 FR 73927
Interim Final Rule Effective........   12/01/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Phone: 202 720-1465, Fax: 202 205-
2476, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0575-AC18
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

18. 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 final rule will implement section 221 of the 
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-296; the Act). It 
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 those meals are consistent with the most 
recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and relevant nutrition science.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/15/15  80 FR 2037
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/15/15
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   04/27/15  80 FR 23243
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   05/27/15
Final Action........................   01/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE18

19.  Modernizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
(SNAP) Benefit Redemption Systems

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, the Farm 
Bill) amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA) to include 
new requirements regarding the acceptance and processing of SNAP client 
benefits by all non-exempt retailers participating in SNAP. Statutory 
changes will modernize EBT systems and ensure greater program 
integrity. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) also plans to revise 
certain SNAP regulations for which multiple State agencies have sought 
and received approval of waivers. The revisions will streamline program 
administration, offer greater flexibility to State agencies, and 
improve customer service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H Watford, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE37

20.  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): 
Electronic Benefits Transfer Requirements for Scanning and Product-
Lookup Technology

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This rule will align program regulations with changes 
made by section 4002 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, 
the Farm Bill), which introduces new technical requirements for point-
of-sale (POS) devices in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system 
in section 7(h)(2)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA). 
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose to revise existing 
regulations both to codify these statutory requirements as well as to 
provide for their effective implementation and enforcement through the 
clarification of the technical specifications and capabilities required 
of this equipment and by addressing methods for ensuring compliance. In 
addition, the Department will define what constitutes an area that has 
significantly limited access to food to determine who is exempt from 
this requirement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 34983]]

    Agency Contact: Charles H Watford, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE39

21.  Food and Nutrition Service Regulatory Implementation of 
Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Administrative Requirements, 
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

    Legal Authority: OMB Guidance, ``Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal 
Awards''
    Abstract: This proposed regulation will implement the final 
guidance Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards published by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) on December 26, 2013. USDA implementation 
of the guidance will occur in December 2014 with the OMB joint interim 
final rule. This FNS rule will update references to the OMB final 
guidance throughout the FNS rules.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE42

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Final Rule Stage

22. 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

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule codifies the two provisions of the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act (Pub. L. 111-296; the Act) under 7 CFR parts 210 
and 220. Section 203 requires schools participating in the National 
School Lunch Program to make available to children free of charge, as 
nutritionally appropriate, potable water for consumption in the place 
where meals are served during meal service. Section 208 requires the 
Secretary to promulgate regulations to establish science-based 
nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools. The nutrition 
standards apply to all food sold outside the school meal programs, on 
the school campus, and at any time during the school day.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/08/13  78 FR 9530
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/09/13
Interim Final Rule..................   06/28/13  78 FR 39067
Interim Final Rule Effective........   08/27/13
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      10/28/13
 End.
Final Action........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE09

23. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: School Food 
Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free 
Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule amends National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 
regulations to conform to requirements contained in the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 regarding equity in school lunch pricing 
and revenue from non-program foods sold in schools. This rule requires 
school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the NSLP to provide the 
same level of financial support for lunches served to students who are 
not eligible for free or reduced price lunches as is provided for 
lunches served to students eligible for free lunches. This rule also 
requires that all food sold in a school and purchased with funds from 
the nonprofit school food service account other than meals and 
supplements reimbursed by the Department of Agriculture must generate 
revenue at least proportionate to the cost of such foods.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   06/17/11  76 FR 35301
Interim Final Rule Effective........   07/01/11
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      09/15/11
 End.
Final Action........................   03/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE11

24. Child Nutrition Programs: Local School Wellness Policy 
Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This final rule codifies a provision of the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act (Pub. L. 111-296; the Act) under 7 CFR parts 210 
and 220. Section 204 of the Act requires each local educational agency 
(LEA) to establish, for all schools under its jurisdiction, a local 
school wellness policy. The Act requires that the wellness policy 
include goals for nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity, 
and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. In 
addition, the Act requires that local educational agencies ensure 
stakeholder participation in

[[Page 34984]]

development of their local school wellness policies, and periodically 
assess compliance with the policies, and disclose information about the 
policies to the public.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/26/14  79 FR 10693
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/28/14  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James F. Herbert, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 305-2572, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE25
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Final Rule Stage

25. Mandatory Inspection of Fish of the Order Siluriformes and Products 
Derived From Such Fish

    Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601 
to 695); Pub. L. 110-246, sec 11016; Pub. L. 113-79, sec 12106
    Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110-246, sec. 11016), amended 
the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) to make ``catfish'' a species 
amenable to the FMIA and, therefore, subject to FSIS inspection. In 
addition, the 2008 Farm Bill gave FSIS the authority to define the term 
``catfish.'' On February 24, 2011, FSIS published a proposed rule that 
outlined a mandatory catfish inspection program and presented two 
options for defining ``catfish.'' The 2014 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 113-79, 
sec. 12106), amended the FMIA to remove the term ``catfish'' and to 
make ``all fish of the order Siluriformes'' subject to FSIS 
jurisdiction and inspection. As a result, FSIS inspection of 
Siluriformes is mandated by law and non-discretionary.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/24/11  76 FR 10434
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/24/11  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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., 349-E 
JWB, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 720-2025, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AD36.
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Proposed Rule Stage

26. Management of Surface Activities Associated With Outstanding 
Mineral Rights on National Forest System Lands

    Legal Authority: EPA 1992
    Abstract: Close to 11,000,000 acres (approximately 6 percent) of 
National Forest System (NFS) lands overlie severed (split) mineral 
estates owned by a party other than the Federal Government. More than 
75 percent of these lands are in the Eastern Region (Forest Service 
Regions 8 and 9). There are two kinds of severed mineral estates, 
generally known as ``private rights'': reserved and outstanding. 
Reserved mineral rights are those retained by a grantor in a deed 
conveying land to the United States. Outstanding mineral rights are 
those owned by a party other than the surface owner at the time the 
surface was conveyed to the United States. Because these are non-
Federal mineral interests, the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of 
Land Management has no authority for or role in managing development 
activities associated with such interests. States have the authority 
and responsibility for regulating development of the private mineral 
estate.
    Various Secretary's Rules and Regulations (years of 1911, 1937, 
1938, 1939, 1947, 1950, and 1963) and Forest Service regulations at 36 
CFR 251.15 provide direction for the use of NFS lands for mineral 
development activities associated with the exercise of reserved mineral 
rights. These existing rules for reserved minerals development 
activities also include requirements for protection of NFS resources.
    Currently, there are no formal regulations governing the use of NFS 
lands for activities associated with the exercise of outstanding 
mineral rights underlying those lands. The Energy Policy Act of 1992, 
section 2508, directed the Secretary of Agriculture to apply specified 
terms and conditions to surface-disturbing activities related to 
development of oil and gas on certain lands with outstanding mineral 
rights on the Allegheny National Forest, and promulgate regulations 
implementing that section.
    The Forest Service initiated rulemaking for the use of NFS lands 
for development activities associated with both reserved and 
outstanding minerals rights with an Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal Register on December 29, 2008. 
Comments from the public in response to the ANPRM conveyed a high level 
of concern about the broad scope of the rule, along with a high level 
of concern about effects of a broad rule on small businesses and local 
economies.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   12/29/08  73 FR 79424
ANPRM Comment Period End............   02/27/09  .......................
NPRM................................   08/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LaRenda C King, Assistant Director, Directives and 
Regulations, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R 
Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0003, Phone: 
202 205-6560, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD03

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Final Rule Stage

27. Ski Area--D Clauses: Resource and Improvement Protection, Water 
Facilities, and Water Rights

    Legal Authority: FSH 2709.11
    Abstract: On November 8, 2011, the Forest Service issued an interim 
directive (FSH 2709.11-2011-3) including a revised clause to address 
the ownership of water rights developed on National Forest System (NFS) 
lands for use by ski area permit holders. On March 6, 2012, a second 
interim

[[Page 34985]]

directive (FSH 2709.11-2012-1) for the revised ski area water rights 
clause was issued, superseding the 2011 version. The National Ski Areas 
Association filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the 
District of Colorado on March 12, 2012, opposing use of the revised 
clause. On December 19, 2012, the court ruled that the Forest Service 
had erred in not providing an opportunity for notice and comment on the 
interim directive and that the agency needed to conduct a Regulatory 
Flexibility Act analysis of the impact of the directive on small 
business entities that hold ski area permits. The court vacated the 
interim directive and enjoined enforcement of the 2011 and 2012 clauses 
in permits containing them. The proposed directive would address the 
development of water facilities on NFS lands; the ownership of 
preexisting and future water rights; mechanisms to ensure sufficient 
water remains for ski areas on NFS lands; and measures necessary to 
protect NFS lands and resources. The Forest Service published the 
proposed ski area water rights clause in the Federal Register for 
public notice and comment. To identify interests and views from a 
diverse group of stakeholders regarding a revised water rights clause 
for ski areas, the Forest Service held four stakeholder meetings in 
April 2013. The input from the stakeholder sessions will be considered 
in the development of a final water rights clause for ski areas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Directive..................   06/23/14  79 FR 35513
Proposed Directive Comment Period      08/22/14  .......................
 End.
Final Directive.....................   07/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LaRenda C King, Assistant Director, Directives and 
Regulations, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R 
Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0003, Phone: 
202 205-6560, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD14

[FR Doc. 2015-14339 Filed 6-17-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-11-P