[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 159 (Tuesday, August 18, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49897-49909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19225]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Parts 1902, 1903, 1904, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, and 1956

[Docket No. OSHA-2014-0009]
RIN 1218-AC76


Streamlining of Provisions on State Plans for Occupational Safety 
and Health

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 
Department of Labor.

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document primarily amends OSHA regulations to remove the 
detailed descriptions of State plan coverage, purely historical data, 
and other unnecessarily codified information. In addition, this 
document moves most of the general provisions of subpart A of part 1952 
into part 1902, where the general regulations on State plan criteria 
are found. It also amends several other OSHA regulations to delete 
references to part 1952, which will no longer apply. The purpose of 
these revisions is to eliminate the unnecessary codification of 
material in the Code of Federal Regulations and thus save the time and 
funds currently expended in publicizing State plan revisions. The 
streamlining of OSHA State plan regulations does not change the areas 
of coverage or any other substantive components of any State plan. It 
also does not affect the rights and responsibilities of the State 
plans, or any employers or employees, except to eliminate the burden on 
State plan designees to keep paper copies of approved State plans and 
plan supplements in an office, and to submit multiple copies of 
proposed State plan documents to OSHA. This document also contains a 
request for comments for an Information Collection Request (ICR) under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), which covers all collection 
of information requirements in OSHA State plan regulations.

DATES: This direct final rule is effective October 19, 2015. Comments 
and additional materials (including comments on the information-
collection (paperwork) determination described under the section titled 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION of this document) must be submitted (post-
marked, sent or received) by September 17, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number OSHA-
2014-0009, or regulatory information number (RIN) 1218-AC76 by any of 
the following methods:
    Electronically: You may submit comments and attachments 
electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions on-line for making 
electronic submissions; or
    Fax: If your submission, including attachments, does not exceed 10 
pages, you may fax them to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-1648; or
    U.S. mail, hand delivery, express mail, messenger or courier 
service: You must submit your comments and attachments to the OSHA 
Docket Office, Docket No OSHA-2014-0009, U.S. Department of Labor, Room 
N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone 
(202) 693-2350 (OSHA's TTY number is (877) 889-5627). Deliveries (hand, 
express mail, messenger and courier service) are accepted during the 
Department of Labor's and Docket Office's normal business hours, 8:15 
a.m.-4:45 p.m., EST.
    Instructions for submitting comments: All submissions must include 
the Docket Number (Docket No. OSHA-2014-0009) or the RIN number (RIN 
1218-AC76) for this rulemaking. Because of security-related procedures, 
submission by regular mail may result in significant delay. Please 
contact the OSHA Docket Office for information about security 
procedures for making submissions by hand delivery, express delivery 
and messenger or courier service.
    All comments, including any personal information you provide, are 
placed in the public docket without change and may be made available 
online at http://www.regulations.gov. Therefore, caution should be 
taken in submitting personal information, such as Social Security 
numbers and birth dates.
    Docket: To read or download submissions in response to this Federal 
Register document, go to docket number OSHA-2014-0009, at http://www.regulations.gov. All submissions are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index: However, some information (e.g., copyrighted 
material) is not publicly available to read or download through that 
Web page. All submissions, including copyrighted material, are 
available for inspection at the OSHA Docket Office.
    Electronic copies of this Federal Register document are available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. This document, as well as news releases 
and other relevant information, is available at OSHA's Web page at 
http://www.osha.gov. A copy of the documents referenced in this 
document may be obtained from: Office of State Programs, Directorate of 
Cooperative and State Programs, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, Room N3700, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20210, (202) 693-2244, fax (202) 693-1671.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For press inquiries: Francis 
Meilinger, OSHA Office of Communications, Room N-3647, U.S. Department 
of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone 
(202) 693-1999; email: [email protected].
    For general and technical information: Douglas J. Kalinowski, 
Director, OSHA Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, Room N-
3700, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington 
DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-2200; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the 
Act), 29 U.S.C. 667, provides that States that desire to assume 
responsibility for the development and enforcement of

[[Page 49898]]

occupational safety and health standards may do so by submitting, and 
obtaining federal approval of, a State plan. States may obtain approval 
for plans that cover private-sector employers and State and local 
government employers (comprehensive plans) or for plans that only cover 
State and local government employers.
    From time to time changes are made to these State plans, 
particularly with respect to the issues which they cover. Procedures 
for approval of and changes to comprehensive State plans are set forth 
in the regulations at 29 CFR part 1902 and 29 CFR part 1953. A 
description of each comprehensive State plan has previously been set 
forth in 29 CFR part 1952, subparts C-FF. These descriptions have 
contained the following sections: Description of the plan, 
Developmental schedule, Completion of developmental steps and 
certifications, Staffing benchmarks, Final approval determination (if 
applicable), Level of Federal enforcement, Location where the State 
plan may be physically inspected, and Changes to approved plan.
    Procedures for approval of a State plan covering State and local 
government employees only are set forth in the regulations at 29 CFR 
part 1956, subparts A-C. Pursuant to 29 CFR 1956.21, procedures for 
changes to these State plans are also governed by 29 CFR part 1953. A 
description of each State plan for State and local government employees 
only has previously been set forth in 29 CFR part 1956, subparts E-I. 
These subparts have contained the following sections: Description of 
the plan as certified (or as initially approved), Developmental 
schedule, Completed developmental steps and certification (if 
applicable), and Location of basic State plan documentation.
    The area of coverage of each State plan has previously been 
codified at 29 CFR part 1952 under each State's subpart within the 
sections entitled ``Final approval determination'' and ``Level of 
Federal enforcement,'' and in 29 CFR part 1956 within the section on 
the description of the plan. Therefore, any change to a State plan's 
coverage or other part of the State plan description contained in 29 
CFR part 1952 or 29 CFR part 1956 has thus far necessitated an 
amendment to the language of the CFR, which has required the 
expenditure of additional time and resources, such as those needed for 
printing. Furthermore, reprinting parts 1952 and 1956 in the annual CFR 
publication has necessitated the expenditure of additional time and 
resources. The individual descriptions of the State plans consisted of 
103 pages in the July 1, 2013 revision of title 29, part 1927 to end, 
of the CFR. For these reasons, OSHA is streamlining parts 1952 and 1956 
to delete the detailed descriptions of State plan coverage, purely 
historical data, and other unnecessarily codified information, thus 
saving time and funds currently expended in publishing changes to these 
parts of the CFR.
    There is no legal statutory requirement that individual State plans 
be described in the CFR. The CFR is a codification of the documents of 
each agency of the Government having general applicability and legal 
effect, issued or promulgated by the agency in the Federal Register. 44 
U.S.C. 1510(a) and (b). The description of a State plan is not a 
document of general applicability; it only applies to a particular 
State. Nevertheless, in this document, OSHA sets forth brief 
descriptions of each State plan that will be retained in the CFR in 
part 1952 in order to make this information readily available to those 
conducting legal research and relying on the CFR. Brief descriptions of 
comprehensive plans are included in subpart A of part 1952 and brief 
descriptions of State plans covering State and local government 
employees only are included in subpart B of part 1952. Any significant 
changes that would make these descriptions outdated, such as a 
withdrawal or grant of final approval, will continue to be codified in 
the CFR.
    The partial deletions of the State plan descriptions from the CFR 
will not decrease transparency. Each section of part 1952 continues to 
note each State plan, the date of its initial approval, and, where 
applicable, the date of final approval, the existence of an operational 
status agreement, and the approval of staffing requirements 
(``benchmarks''). Each section makes a general statement of coverage 
indicating whether the plan covers all private-sector and State and 
local government employers, with some exceptions, or State and local 
government employers only. Each section also notes that current 
information about these coverage exceptions and additional details 
about the State plan can be obtained from the Web page on the OSHA 
public Web site describing the particular State plan (a link is 
referenced). The OSHA Web page for each State plan will also be updated 
to include the latest information on coverage and other important 
changes. Furthermore, the other information about the State plan that 
is currently in the CFR will still be available in the Federal 
Register, and can be searched electronically at https.//
www.federalregister.gov and is also available in printed form. The 
Federal Register can also be searched electronically on commercially 
available legal databases. When changes are made to State plan 
coverage, all of the information on coverage will be reprinted in the 
Federal Register along with the change so that readers will not have to 
search through many Federal Register notices to obtain a comprehensive 
description of coverage.
    In addition to changing the individual descriptions of all State 
plans within part 1952, OSHA is making several other housekeeping 
changes. First, OSHA is moving the provisions of subpart A of part 1952 
that pertain to the required criteria for State plans, to part 1902. 
(The following provisions are moved to part 1902: 29 CFR 1952.4, Injury 
and illness recording and reporting requirements; 29 CFR 1952.6, 
Partial approval of State plans; 29 CFR 1952.8, Variations, tolerances, 
and exemptions affecting the national defense; 29 CFR1952.9, Variances 
affecting multi-state employers; 29 CFR 1952.10, Requirements for 
approval of State posters; and 29 CFR 1952.11, State and local 
government employee programs.) As a result, the complete criteria for 
State plans will be located within part 1902.
    OSHA is deleting 29 CFR 1952.1 (Purpose and scope) and 29 CFR 
1952.2 (Definitions) because the changes described above and the 
restructuring of part 1952 make these provisions unnecessary. OSHA is 
also deleting 29 CFR 1952.3 (Developmental plans) because that material 
is covered by 29 CFR 1902.2(b). The text of 29 CFR 1952.5 (Availability 
of State plans) used to require complete copies of each State plan, 
including supplements thereto, to be kept at OSHA's National Office, 
the office of the nearest OSHA Regional Administrator, and the office 
of the State plan agency listed in part 1952. OSHA is deleting 29 CFR 
1952.5 because with the widespread use of electronic document storage 
and the internet, it is no longer necessary to physically store such 
information in order to make it available to the public. Information 
about State plans can now be found on each State plan's Web site, as 
well as on OSHA's Web site. For the same reasons, OSHA is deleting the 
language in 29 CFR 1953.3(c) (Plan supplement availability) which 
discusses making State plan documents available for public inspection 
and photocopying in designated offices. The text of 29 CFR 1952.7(a), 
which deals with product standards, is being deleted because the 
explanation of section 18(c)(2) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. 667(c)(2)

[[Page 49899]]

on product standards is already covered by 29 CFR 1902.3(c)(2). 
However, Sec.  1952.7(b) is being moved to the end of Sec.  
1902.3(c)(2) because that material was not previously included. In 
addition, OSHA is deleting references to part 1952 from several other 
parts of the regulations, such as parts 1903, 1904, 1953, 1954 and 
1955, because these references are no longer accurate due to the 
changes made by this streamlining. Where appropriate, OSHA is inserting 
references to the newly numbered part 1902.
    Finally, OSHA is making some further minor changes to part 1902. 
The text of 29 CFR 1902.3(j), which briefly describes State plans 
covering State and local government employees, is being deleted because 
a more detailed description of State plan coverage of State and local 
government employees, formerly set forth in 29 CFR 1952.11, is now 
being incorporated into 29 CFR part 1902 as Sec.  1902.4(d). This 
change necessitates the re-designation of paragraphs in Sec.  1902.3. 
Also, OSHA is changing 29 CFR 1902.10(a) to reduce the number of copies 
a State agency must submit in order to obtain approval of a State plan. 
With the advent of computer technology the submission of extra paper 
copies of documents is not necessary. OSHA also is deleting outdated 
references to an address in 29 CFR 1902.11(c) and (d).

Administrative Procedure Act and Direct Final Rulemaking

    The notice and comment rulemaking procedures of section 553 of the 
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) do not apply ``to interpretive 
rules, general statements of policy or, rules of agency organization, 
procedure, or practice'' or when the agency for good cause finds that 
``notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, 
or contrary to the public interest.'' 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), (B). The 
revisions set forth in this document do not implement any substantive 
change in the development, operation or monitoring of State plans. Nor 
do these revisions change the coverage or other enforcement 
responsibilities of the State plans or federal OSHA. The compliance 
obligations of employers and the rights of employees remain unaffected. 
Therefore, OSHA for good cause finds that notice and comment is 
unnecessary. In addition, the elimination of the requirement to make 
State plan documents available in certain federal and State offices and 
the reduction of the number of copies of a proposed State plan which a 
State agency must submit, are purely procedural changes. Upon the 
issuance of this document, future alterations to State plan coverage 
will only require a simple easily searchable notice to be published in 
the Federal Register and an update to OSHA's State plan Web page. For 
these reasons, publication in the Federal Register of a notice of 
proposed rulemaking and request for comments are not required for these 
revisions.
    OSHA is publishing a companion proposed rule along with this direct 
final rule in the ``Proposed Rules'' section of this Federal Register. 
An agency uses direct final rulemaking when it anticipates that a rule 
will not be controversial. OSHA does not consider this rule to be such 
because it primarily consists of changes in the organization of State 
plan information housed within the CFR, and the resultant re-numbering 
and updates to cross-references throughout the CFR.
    In direct final rulemaking, an agency publishes a direct final rule 
in the Federal Register with a statement that the rule will become 
effective unless the agency receives significant adverse comment within 
a specified period. The agency may publish an identical proposed rule 
at the same time. If the agency receives no significant adverse comment 
in response to the direct final rule, the agency typically confirms the 
effective date of a direct final rule through a separate Federal 
Register document. If the agency receives a significant adverse 
comment, the agency withdraws the direct final rule and treats such 
comment as a response to the proposed rule. For purposes of this direct 
final rule and the companion proposed rule, a significant adverse 
comment is one that explains why the rule would be inappropriate.
    The comment period for the direct final rule runs concurrently with 
that of the proposed rule. OSHA will treat comments received on the 
direct final rule as comments regarding the proposed rule. OSHA also 
will consider significant adverse comment submitted to this direct 
final rule as comment to the companion proposed rule. If OSHA receives 
no significant adverse comment to either this direct final rule or the 
proposal, OSHA will publish a Federal Register document confirming the 
effective date of the direct final rule and withdrawing the companion 
proposed rule. Such confirmation may include minor stylistic or 
technical changes to the document. If OSHA receives a significant 
adverse comment on either the direct final rule or the proposed rule, 
it will publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final rule and 
proceed with the proposed rule. In the event OSHA withdraws the direct 
final rule because of significant adverse comment, OSHA will consider 
all timely comments received in response to the direct final rule when 
it continues with the proposed rule. After carefully considering all 
comments to the direct final rule and the proposal, OSHA will decide 
whether to publish a new final rule.

OMB Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This direct final rule revises ``collection of information'' 
(paperwork) requirements that are subject to review by the Office of 
Management and Budget (``OMB'') under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (``PRA-95''), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and OMB's regulations at 5 
CFR part 1320. The Paperwork Reduction Act defines a ``collection of 
information'' as ``the obtaining, causing to be obtained, soliciting, 
or requiring the disclosure to third parties or the public of facts or 
opinions by or for an agency regardless of form or format'' (44 U.S.C. 
3502(3)(A)). OMB approved the collection of information requirements 
currently contained in the regulations associated with OSHA-approved 
State Plans (29 CFR parts 1902, 1952, 1953, 1954, and 1956) under OMB 
Control Number 1218-0247.
    Through emergency processing procedures, OSHA submitted a request 
that OMB revise the collection of information requirements contained in 
these regulations within 45 days of publication. The direct final rule 
would not impose new collection of information requirements for 
purposes of PRA-95; therefore, the Agency does not believe that this 
rule will impact burden hours or costs. The direct final rule would 
move the current collection of information requirement provisions of 
subpart A of part 1952, pertaining to required criteria for State 
plans, to part 1902. The direct final rule would delete the text of 
current 29 CFR 1952.5 (Availability of State plans) requiring complete 
copies of each State plan, including supplements thereto, to be kept at 
OSHA's National Office, the nearest OSHA Regional office, and the 
office of the State plan agency. The rule would also delete the 
language in current 29 CFR 1953.3(c) (Plan supplement availability) 
which discusses making State plan documents available for public 
inspection and photocopying in designated offices. The rule would also 
reduce from ten to one the number of copies of the State plan which a 
State agency must submit under 29 CFR 1902.10(a) in order to obtain 
approval of the State plan. Finally, the direct final rule would revise

[[Page 49900]]

regulations containing current collection of information requirements 
at 29 CFR parts 1902, 1952, 1953, 1954, and 1956 to delete or update 
cross-references, remove duplicative provisions, and re-designate 
paragraphs.
    OSHA has submitted an ICR addressing the collection of information 
requirements identified in this rule to OMB for review (44 U.S.C. 
3507(d)). OSHA solicits comments on the proposed extension and revision 
of the collection of information requirements and the estimated burden 
hours associated with the regulations associated with OSHA-approved 
State Plans, including comments on the following:
    Whether the proposed collection of information requirements are 
necessary for the proper performance of the Agency's functions, 
including whether the information is useful;
    The accuracy of OSHA's estimate of the burden (time and cost) of 
the information collection requirements, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    Enhancing the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
collected; and
    Minimizing the burden on employers who must comply, for example, by 
using automated or other technological techniques for collecting and 
transmitting information.
    Pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv), OSHA provides the following 
summary of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plans Information 
Collection Request (ICR):
    1. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    2. Title: Occupational Safety and Health State Plans
    3. OMB Control Number: 1218-0247.
    4. Description of Collection of Information Requirements: The 
collection of information requirements contained in the regulations 
associated with this rule are set forth below. The citations reflect 
changes made in this direct final rule and the accompanying notice of 
proposed rulemaking.

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                    Part                                    Collection of information requirements
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29 CFR 1902.................................  1902.2(a), 1902.2(b), 1902.2(c)(2), 1902.2(c)(3), 1902.3(a),
                                               1902.3(b)(1)-(b)(3), 1902.3(c)(1), 1902.3(d)(1), 1902.3(d)(2),
                                               1902.3(e), 1902.3(f), 1902.3(g), 1902.3(h), 1902.3(i), 1902.3(j),
                                               1902.3(k), 1902.4(a), 1902.4(a)(1), 1902.4(a)(2), 1902.4(b)(1),
                                               1902.4(b)(2), 1902.4(b)(2)(i)-(b)(2)(vii), 1902.4(c)(1),
                                               1902.4(c)(2), 1902.4(c)(2)(i)-(c)(2)(xiii), 1902.4(d)(1),
                                               1902.4(d)(2), 1902.4(d)(2)(i)-(d)(2)(iii)(k), 1902.4(e),
                                               1902.7(a), 1902.7(d), 1902.9(a)(1), 1902.9(a)(5), 1902.9(a)(5)(i)-
                                               (a)(5)(xii), 1902.10, 1902.10(a), 1902.10(b), 1902.31,
                                               1902.32(e), 1902.33, 1902.38(b), 1902.39(a), 1902.39(b),
                                               1902.44(a), 1902.46(d), 1902.46(d)(1).
29 CFR 1952.
29 CFR 1953.................................  1953.1(a), 1953.1(b), 1953.1(c), 1953.2(c)-1953.2(j), 1953.3(a)-
                                               (e), 1953.4(a)(1)-1953.4(a)(5), 1953.4(b)(1)-1953.4(b)(7),
                                               1953.4(c)(1)-1953.4(c)(5), 1953.4(d)(1), 1953.4(d)(2),
                                               1953.5(a)(1)-1953.5(a)(3), 1953.5(b)(1)-(b)(3), 1953.6(a),
                                               1953.6(e).
29 CFR 1954.................................  1954.2(a), 1954.2(b), 1954.2(b)(1)-1954.2(b)(3), 1954.2(c),
                                               1954.2(d), 1954.2(e), 1954.2(e)(1)-(e)(4), 1954.3(f)(1),
                                               1954.3(f)(1)(i)-1954.3(f)(1)(v), 1954.10(a), 1954.10(b),
                                               1954.10(c), 1954.11, 1954.20(a), 1954.20(b), 1954.20(c)(1),
                                               1954.20(c)(2), 1954.20(c)(2)(i)-1954.20(c)(2)(iv), 1954.21(a),
                                               1954.21(b), 1954.21(c), 1954.21(d), 1954.22(a)(1), 1954.22(a)(2).
29 CFR 1955.
29 CFR 1956.................................  1956.2(b)(1), 1956.2(b)(1)(i)-(ii), 1956.2(b)(2), 1956.2(b)(3),
                                               1956.2(c)(1), 1956.2(c)(2), 1956.10(a), 1956.10(b)(1),
                                               1956.10(b)(2), 1956.10(b)(3), 1956.10(c), 1956.10(d)(1),
                                               1956.10(d)(2), 1956.10(e), 1956.10(f), 1956.10(g), 1956.10(h),
                                               1956.10(i), 1956.10(j), 1956.11(a), 1956.11(a)(1), 1956.11(a)(2),
                                               1956.11(d), 1956.20, 1956.21, 1956.22, 1956.23.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5. Affected Public: Designated state government agencies that are 
seeking or have submitted and obtained approval for State Plans for the 
development and enforcement of occupational safety and health 
standards.
    6. Number of Respondents: 28.
    7. Frequency: On occasion; quarterly; annually.
    8. Average Time per Response: Varies from 30 minutes (.5 hour) to 
respond to an information inquiry to 80 hours to document state annual 
performance goals.
    9. Estimated Total Burden Hours: The Agency does not believe that 
this rule will impact burden hours or costs. However, based on updated 
data and estimates, the Agency is requesting an adjustment increase of 
173 burden hours, from 11,196 to 11,369 burden hours. This burden hour 
increase is the result of the anticipated increase in the submission of 
state plan changes associated with one state (Maine) actively 
implementing a new State Plan. The burden hour increase was partially 
offset by the decrease in the estimated number of state-initiated state 
plan changes.
    10. Estimated Costs (Operation and Maintenance): There are no 
capital costs for this collection of information.
    Submitting comments. In addition to having an opportunity to file 
comments with the Department, the PRA provides that an interested party 
may file comments on the collection of information requirements 
contained in the rule directly with the Office of Management and 
Budget, at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB 
Desk Officer for DOL-OSHA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, 
725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503; by Fax: 202-395-5806 (this 
is not a toll-free number); or by email: [email protected]. 
Commenters are encouraged, but not required, to send a courtesy copy of 
any comments to the Department. See ADDRESSES section of this preamble. 
The OMB will consider all written comments that the agency receives 
within forty-five (45) days of publication of this DFR in the Federal 
Register. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments 
should mention OMB control number 1218-0247. Comments submitted in 
response to this document are public records; therefore, OSHA cautions 
commenters about submitting personal information such as Social 
Security numbers and date of birth.
    Docket and inquiries. To access the docket to read or download 
comments and other materials related to this paperwork determination, 
including the complete Information Collection Request (ICR) (containing 
the Supporting Statement with attachments describing the paperwork 
determinations in detail), use the procedures described under the 
section of this document titled ADDRESSES. You also may obtain an 
electronic copy of the complete ICR by visiting the Web page, http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain, select ``Department of Labor'' under 
``Currently Under Review'' to view all of DOL's ICRs, including the ICR 
related to this rulemaking. To make inquiries, or to request other

[[Page 49901]]

information, contact Mr. Todd Owen, Directorate of Standards and 
Guidance, OSHA, Room N-3609, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693-2222.
    OSHA notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a 
collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA 
and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is 
not required to respond to a collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number. Also, notwithstanding 
any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for 
failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of 
information does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, Unfunded Mandates, and Executive 
Orders on the Review of Regulations

    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq. (as amended), OSHA examined the provisions of the direct final 
rule to determine whether it would have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. Since no employer of any 
size will have any new compliance obligations, the Agency certifies 
that the direct final rule will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. OSHA also reviewed this 
direct final rule in accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
of 1995 (UMRA; 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) and Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 
51735, September 30, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011). 
Because this rule imposes no new compliance obligations, it requires no 
additional expenditures by either private employers or State, local, or 
tribal governments.
    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' (64 FR 43255, August 10, 
1999) emphasizes consultation between Federal agencies and the States 
on policies not required by statute which have federalism implications, 
i.e., policies, such as regulations, which have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, or which 
impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. This direct final rule has no federalism implications and 
will not impose substantial direct compliance costs on State or local 
governments.
    OSHA has reviewed this rule in accordance with Executive Order 
13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments,'' (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000) and determined that the 
rule does not have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian 
tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Parts 1902, 1903, 1904, 1952, 1953, 
1954, 1955, and 1956

    Intergovernmental relations, Law enforcement, Occupational safety 
and health.

Authority and Signature

    David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC, authorized the preparation of 
this direct final rule. OSHA is issuing this direct final rule under 
the authority specified by Sections 8(c)(1), 8(c)(2), and 8(g)(2) and 
18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 657 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (g)(2) and 667) and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 
1-2012 (76 FR 3912).

    Signed at Washington, DC, on July 28, 2015.
David Michaels,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

Amendments to Regulations

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble of this direct final 
rule, OSHA amends 29 CFR parts 1902, 1903, 1904, 1952, 1953, 1954, 
1955, and 1956 as follows:

PART 1902--STATE PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF STATE 
STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1902 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  Secs. 8 and 18, 84 Stat. 1608 (29 U.S.C. 657, 667); 
Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).

Subpart B--Criteria for State Plans

0
2. Amend Sec.  1902.3 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (c)(2);
0
b. Remove paragraph (j);
0
c. Redesignate paragraphs (k) and (l) as (j) and (k), respectively.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1902.3  Specific criteria.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) The State plan shall not include standards for products 
distributed or used in interstate commerce which are different from 
Federal standards for such products unless such standards are required 
by compelling local conditions and do not unduly burden interstate 
commerce. This provision, reflecting section 18(c)(2) of the Act, is 
interpreted as not being applicable to customized products or parts not 
normally available on the open market, or to the optional parts or 
additions to products which are ordinarily available with such optional 
parts or additions. In situations where section 18(c)(2) is considered 
applicable, and provision is made for the adoption of product 
standards, the requirements of section 18(c)(2), as they relate to 
undue burden on interstate commerce, shall be treated as a condition 
subsequent in light of the facts and circumstances which may be 
involved.
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  1902.4 by revising paragraph (d) and adding paragraph 
(e) to read as follows:


Sec.  1902.4  Indices of effectiveness.

* * * * *
    (d) State and local government employee programs. (1) Each approved 
State plan must contain satisfactory assurances that the State will, to 
the extent permitted by its law, establish and maintain an effective 
and comprehensive occupational safety and health program applicable to 
all employees of public agencies of the State and its political 
subdivisions which program is as effective as the standards contained 
in an approved plan.
    (2) This criterion for approved State plans is interpreted to 
require the following elements with regard to coverage, standards, and 
enforcement:
    (i) Coverage. The program must cover all public employees over 
which the State has legislative authority under its constitution. The 
language in section 18(c)(6) which only requires such coverage to the 
extent permitted by the State's law specifically recognizes the 
situation where local governments exclusively control their own 
employees, such as under certain home rule charters.
    (ii) Standards. The program must be as effective as the standards 
contained in the approved plan applicable to private employers. Thus, 
the same criteria and indices of standards effectiveness contained in 
Sec. Sec.  1902.3(c) and 1902.4(a) and (b) would apply to the public 
employee program. Where hazards are unique to public

[[Page 49902]]

employment, all appropriate indices of effectiveness, such as those 
dealing with temporary emergency standards, development of standards, 
employee information, variances, and protective equipment, would be 
applicable to standards for such hazards.
    (iii) Enforcement. Although section 18(c)(6) of the Act requires 
State public employee programs to be as effective as standards 
contained in the State plan, minimum enforcement elements are required 
to ensure an effective and comprehensive public employee program as 
follows:
    (A) Regular inspections of workplaces, including inspections in 
response to valid employee complaints;
    (B) A means for employees to bring possible violations to the 
attention of inspectors;
    (C) Notification to employees, or their representatives, of 
decisions that no violations are found as a result of complaints by 
such employees or their representatives, and informal review of such 
decisions;
    (D) A means of informing employees of their protections and 
obligations under the Act;
    (E) Protection for employees against discharge of discrimination 
because of the exercise of rights under the Act;
    (F) Employee access to information on their exposure to toxic 
materials or harmful physical agents and prompt notification to 
employees when they have been or are being exposed to such materials or 
agents at concentrations or levels above those specified by the 
applicable standards;
    (G) Procedures for the prompt restraint or elimination of imminent 
danger situations;
    (H) A means of promptly notifying employers and employees when an 
alleged violation has occurred, including the proposed abatement 
requirements;
    (I) A means of establishing timetables for the correction of 
violations;
    (J) A program for encouraging voluntary compliance; and
    (K) Such other additional enforcement provisions under State law as 
may have been included in the State plan.
    (3) In accordance with Sec.  1902.3(b)(3), the State agency or 
agencies designated to administer the plan throughout the State must 
retain overall responsibility for the entire plan. Political 
subdivisions may have the responsibility and authority for the 
development and enforcement of standards: Provided, that the designated 
State agency or agencies have adequate authority by statute, 
regulation, or agreement to insure that the commitments of the State 
under the plan will be fulfilled.
    (e) Additional indices. Upon his own motion or after consideration 
of data, views and arguments received in any proceeding held under 
subpart C of this part, the Assistant Secretary may prescribe 
additional indices for any State plan which shall be in furtherance of 
the purpose of this part, as expressed in Sec.  1902.1.
* * * * *

0
4. Add Sec. Sec.  1902.7 through 1902.09 to read as follows:

Sec.
* * * * *
1902.7 Injury and illness recording and reporting requirements.
1902.8 Variations and variances.
1902.9 Requirements for approval of State posters.
* * * * *


Sec.  1902.7  Injury and illness recording and reporting requirements.

    (a) Injury and illness recording and reporting requirements 
promulgated by State-Plan States must be substantially identical to 
those in 29 CFR part 1904 on recording and reporting occupational 
injuries and illnesses. State-Plan States must promulgate recording and 
reporting requirements that are the same as the Federal requirements 
for determining which injuries and illnesses will be entered into the 
records and how they are entered. All other injury and illness 
recording and reporting requirements that are promulgated by State-Plan 
States may be more stringent than, or supplemental to, the Federal 
requirements, but, because of the unique nature of the national 
recordkeeping program, States must consult with OSHA and obtain 
approval of such additional or more stringent reporting and recording 
requirements to ensure that they will not interfere with uniform 
reporting objectives. State-Plan States must extend the scope of their 
regulation to State and local government employers.
    (b) A State may not grant a variance to the injury and illness 
recording and reporting requirements for private sector employers. Such 
variances may only be granted by Federal OSHA to assure nationally 
consistent workplace injury and illness statistics. A State may only 
grant a variance to the injury and illness recording and reporting 
requirements for State or local government entities in that State after 
obtaining approval from Federal OSHA.
    (c) A State must recognize any variance issued by Federal OSHA.
    (d) A State may, but is not required, to participate in the Annual 
OSHA Injury/Illness Survey as authorized by 29 CFR 1904.41. A 
participating State may either adopt requirements identical to Sec.  
1904.41 in its recording and reporting regulation as an enforceable 
State requirement, or may defer to the Federal regulation for 
enforcement. Nothing in any State plan shall affect the duties of 
employers to comply with Sec.  1904.41, when surveyed, as provided by 
section 18(c)(7) of the Act.


Sec.  1902.8  Variations and variances.

    (a) The power of the Secretary of Labor under section 16 of the Act 
to provide reasonable limitations and variations, tolerances, and 
exemptions to and from any or all provisions of the Act as he may find 
necessary and proper to avoid serious impairment of the national 
defense is reserved.
    (b) No action by a State under a plan shall be inconsistent with 
action by the Secretary under this section of the Act.
    (c) Where a State standard is identical to a Federal standard 
addressed to the same hazard, an employer or group of employers seeking 
a temporary or permanent variance from such standard, or portion 
thereof, to be applicable to employment or places of employment in more 
than one State, including at least one State with an approved plan, may 
elect to apply to the Assistant Secretary for such variance under the 
provisions of 29 CFR part 1905.
    (d) Actions taken by the Assistant Secretary with respect to such 
application for a variance, such as interim orders, with respect 
thereto, the granting, denying, or issuing any modification or 
extension thereof, will be deemed prospectively an authoritative 
interpretation of the employer or employers' compliance obligations 
with regard to the State standard, or portion thereof, identical to the 
Federal standard, or portion thereof, affected by the action in the 
employment or places of employment covered by the application.
    (e) Nothing herein shall affect the option of an employer or 
employers seeking a temporary or permanent variance with applicability 
to employment or places of employment in more than one State to apply 
for such variance either to the Assistant Secretary or the individual 
State agencies involved. However, the filing with, as well as granting, 
denial, modification, or revocation of a variance request or interim 
order by, either authority (Federal or State) shall preclude any 
further substantive consideration of such application on the same 
material facts for the same employment or place of employment by the 
other authority.

[[Page 49903]]

    (f) Nothing herein shall affect either Federal or State authority 
and obligations to cite for noncompliance with standards in employment 
or places of employment where no interim order, variance, or 
modification or extension thereof, granted under State or Federal law 
applies, or to cite for noncompliance with such Federal or State 
variance action.


Sec.  1902.9  Requirements for approval of State posters.

    (a)(1) In order to inform employees of their protections and 
obligations under applicable State law, of the issues not covered by 
State law, and of the continuing availability of Federal monitoring 
under section 18(f) of the Act, States with approved plans shall 
develop and require employers to post a State poster meeting the 
requirements set out in paragraph (a)(5) of this section.
    (2) Such poster shall be substituted for the Federal poster under 
section 8(c)(1) of the Act and Sec.  1903.2 of this chapter where the 
State attains operational status for the enforcement of State standards 
as defined in Sec.  1954.3(b) of this chapter.
    (3) Where a State has distributed its poster and has enabling 
legislation as defined in Sec.  1954.3(b)(1) of this chapter but 
becomes nonoperational under the provisions of Sec.  1954.3(f)(1) of 
this chapter because of failure to be at least as effective as the 
Federal program, the approved State poster may, at the discretion of 
the Assistant Secretary, continue to be substituted for the Federal 
poster in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (4) A State may, for good cause shown, request, under 29 CFR part 
1953, approval of an alternative to a State poster for informing 
employees of their protections and obligations under the State plans, 
provided such alternative is consistent with the Act, Sec.  
1902.4(c)(2)(iv) and applicable State law. In order to qualify as a 
substitute for the Federal poster under this paragraph (a), such 
alternative must be shown to be at least as effective as the Federal 
poster requirements in informing employees of their protections and 
obligations and address the items listed in paragraph (a)(5) of this 
section.
    (5) In developing the poster, the State shall address but not be 
limited to the following items:
    (i) Responsibilities of the State, employers and employees;
    (ii) The right of employees or their representatives to request 
workplace inspections;
    (iii) The right of employees making such requests to remain 
anonymous;
    (iv) The right of employees to participate in inspections;
    (v) Provisions for prompt notice to employers and employees when 
alleged violations occur;
    (vi) Protection for employees against discharge or discrimination 
for the exercise of their rights under Federal and State law;
    (vii) Sanctions;
    (viii) A means of obtaining further information on State law and 
standards and the address of the State agency;
    (ix) The right to file complaints with the Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration about State program administration;
    (x) A list of the issues as defined in Sec.  1902.2(c) which will 
not be covered by State plan;
    (xi) The address of the Regional Office of the Occupational Safety 
and Health Administration; and
    (xii) Such additional employee protection provisions and 
obligations under State law as may have been included in the approved 
State plan.
    (b) Posting of the State poster shall be recognized as compliance 
with the posting requirements in section 8(c)(1) of the Act and Sec.  
1903.2 of this chapter, provided that the poster has been approved in 
accordance with subpart B of part 1953 of this chapter. Continued 
Federal recognition of the State poster is also subject to pertinent 
findings of effectiveness with regard to the State program under 29 CFR 
part 1954.

Subpart C--Procedures for Submission, Approval and Rejection of 
State Plans

0
5. In Sec.  1902.10, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1902.10  Submission.

    (a) An authorized representative of the State agency or agencies 
responsible for administering the plan shall submit one copy of the 
plan to the appropriate Assistant Regional Director of the Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. The State 
plan shall include supporting papers conforming to the requirements 
specified in the subpart B of this part, and the State occupational 
safety and health standards to be included in the plan, including a 
copy of any specific or enabling State laws and regulations relating to 
such standards. If any of the representations concerning the 
requirements of subpart B of this part are dependent upon any judicial 
or administrative interpretations of the State standards or enforcement 
provisions, the State shall furnish citations to any pertinent judicial 
decisions and the text of any pertinent administrative decisions.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  1902.11, revise paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  1902.11  General notice.

* * * * *
    (c) The notice shall provide that the plan, or copies thereof, 
shall be available for inspection and copying at the office of the 
Director, Office of State Programs, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, office of the Assistant Regional Director in whose 
region the State is located, and an office of the State which shall be 
designated by the State for this purpose.
    (d) The notice shall afford interested persons an opportunity to 
submit in writing, data, views, and arguments on the proposal, 
subjects, or issues involved within 30 days after publication of the 
notice in the Federal Register. Thereafter the written comments 
received or copies thereof shall be available for public inspection and 
copying at the office of the Director, Office of State Programs, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, office of the Assistant 
Regional Director in whose region the State is located, and an office 
of the State which shall be designated by the State for this purpose.
* * * * *

0
7. Add Sec.  1902.16 immediately following Sec.  1902.15 to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1902.16  Partial approval of State plans.

    (a) The Assistant Secretary may partially approve a plan under this 
part whenever:
    (1) The portion to be approved meets the requirements of this part;
    (2) The plan covers more than one occupational safety and health 
issue; and
    (3) Portions of the plan to be approved are reasonably separable 
from the remainder of the plan.
    (b) Whenever the Assistant Secretary approves only a portion of a 
State plan, he may give notice to the State of an opportunity to show 
cause why a proceeding should not be commenced for disapproval of the 
remainder of the plan under subpart C of this part before commencing 
such a proceeding.

Subpart D--Procedures for Determinations under section 18(e) of the 
Act

0
8. In Sec.  1902.31, revise the definition of ``Development step'' to 
read as follows:

[[Page 49904]]

Sec.  1902.31  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Development step includes, but is not limited to, those items 
listed in the published developmental schedule, or any revisions 
thereof, for each plan. A developmental step also includes those items 
specified in the plan as approved under section 18(c) of the Act for 
completion by the State, as well as those items which under the 
approval decision were subject to evaluations and changes deemed 
necessary as a result thereof to make the State program at least as 
effective as the Federal program within the 3 years developmental 
period. (See 29 CFR 1953.4(a)).
* * * * *

0
9. Revise Sec.  1902.33 to read as follows:


Sec.  1902.33  Developmental period.

    Upon the commencement of plan operations after the initial approval 
of a State's plan by the Assistant Secretary, a State has three years 
in which to complete all of the developmental steps specified in the 
plan as approved. Section 1953.4 of this chapter sets forth the 
procedures for the submission and consideration of developmental 
changes by OSHA. Generally, whenever a State completes a developmental 
step, it must submit the resulting plan change as a supplement to its 
plan to OSHA for approval. OSHA's approval of such changes is then 
published in the Federal Register.

0
10. In Sec.  1902.34, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1902.34  Certification of completion of developmental steps.

* * * * *
    (c) After a review of the certification and the State's plan, if 
the Assistant Secretary finds that the State has completed all the 
developmental steps specified in the plan, he shall publish the 
certification in the Federal Register.
* * * * *


Sec.  1902.41  [Amended]

0
11. In Sec.  1902.41, remove paragraph (c) and redesignate paragraph 
(d) as (c).
0
12. In Sec.  1902.43, revise paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  1902.43  Affirmative 18(e) decision.

    (a) * * *
    (3) An amendment to the appropriate section of part 1952 of this 
chapter;
* * * * *

PART 1903--INSPECTIONS, CITATIONS AND PROPOSED PENALTIES

0
13. The authority citation for part 1903 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  Secs. 8 and 9 (29 U.S.C. 657, 658); 5 U.S.C. 553; 
Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).


0
14. In Sec.  1903.2, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  1903.2  Posting of notice; availability of the Act, regulations 
and applicable standard.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Where a State has an approved poster informing employees of 
their protections and obligations as defined in Sec.  1902.9 of this 
chapter, such poster, when posted by employers covered by the State 
plan, shall constitute compliance with the posting requirements of 
section 8(c)(1) of the Act. Employers whose operations are not within 
the issues covered by the State plan must comply with paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section.
* * * * *

PART 1904--RECORDING AND REPORTING OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND 
ILLNESSES

0
15. The authority citation for part 1904 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  29 U.S.C. 657, 658, 660, 666, 669, 673, Secretary of 
Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).

Subpart D--Other OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Requirements

0
16. In Sec.  1904.37, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1904.37  State recordkeeping requirements.

    (a) Basic requirement. Some States operate their own OSHA programs, 
under the authority of a State plan as approved by OSHA. States 
operating OSHA-approved State plans must have occupational injury and 
illness recording and reporting requirements that are substantially 
identical to the requirements in this part (see 29 CFR 1902.3(j), 29 
CFR 1902.7, and 29 CFR 1956.10(i)).
* * * * *

PART 1952--APPROVED STATE PLANS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF STATE STANDARDS

0
17. The authority citation for part 1952 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  Sec. 18, 84 Stat. 1608 (29 U.S.C. 667); 29 CFR part 
1902; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 
2012).


0
18. Revise subpart A to read as follows:
Subpart A--List of Approved State Plans for Private-Sector and State 
and Local Government Employees
Sec.
1952.1 South Carolina.
1952.2 Oregon.
1952.3 Utah.
1952.4 Washington.
1952.5 North Carolina.
1952.6 Iowa.
1952.7 California.
1952.8 Minnesota.
1952.9 Maryland.
1952.10 Tennessee.
1952.11 Kentucky.
1952.12 Alaska.
1952.13 Michigan.
1952.14 Vermont.
1952.15 Nevada.
1952.16 Hawaii.
1952.17 Indiana.
1952.18 Wyoming.
1952.19 Arizona.
1952.20 New Mexico.
1952.21 Virginia.
1952.22 Puerto Rico.

Subpart A--List of Approved State Plans for Private-Sector and 
State and Local Government Employees


Sec.  1952.1  South Carolina.

    (a) The South Carolina State plan received initial approval on 
December 6, 1972.
    (b) The South Carolina State plan received final approval on 
December 18, 1987.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance officer staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984, South 
Carolina, in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the 
staffing levels initially established in 1980 and proposed revised 
compliance staffing benchmarks of 17 safety and 12 health compliance 
officers. After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-
CIO, the Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing 
requirements on January 17, 1986.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/south_carolina.html.


Sec.  1952.2  Oregon.

    (a) The Oregon State plan received initial approval on December 28, 
1972.
    (b) The Oregon State plan received final approval on May 12, 2005.

[[Page 49905]]

    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (``benchmarks'') necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required for each State operating 
an approved State plan. In October 1992, Oregon completed, in 
conjunction with OSHA, a reassessment of the health staffing level 
initially established in 1980 and proposed a revised health benchmark 
of 28 health compliance officers. Oregon elected to retain the safety 
benchmark level established in the 1980 Report to the Court of the U.S. 
District Court for the District of Columbia in 1980 of 47 safety 
compliance officers. After opportunity for public comment and service 
on the AFL-CIO, the Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing 
requirements on August 11, 1994.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/oregon.html.


Sec.  1952.3  Utah.

    (a) The Utah State plan received initial approval on January 10, 
1973.
    (b) The Utah State plan received final approval on July 16, 1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984, Utah, 
in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels 
initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance staffing 
benchmarks of 10 safety and 9 health compliance officers. After 
opportunity for public comments and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements 
effective July 16, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/utah.html.


Sec.  1952.4  Washington.

    (a) The Washington State plan received initial approval on January 
26, 1973.
    (b) OSHA entered into an operational status agreement with 
Washington.
    (c) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/washington.html.


Sec.  1952.5  North Carolina.

    (a) The North Carolina State plan received initial approval on 
February 1, 1973.
    (b) The North Carolina State plan received final approval on 
December 18, 1996.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (``benchmarks'') necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required for each State operating 
an approved State plan. In September 1984, North Carolina, in 
conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels initially 
established in 1980 and proposed revised benchmarks of 50 safety and 27 
health compliance officers. After opportunity for public comment and 
service on the AFL-CIO, the Assistant Secretary approved these revised 
staffing requirements on January 17, 1986.
    In June 1990, North Carolina reconsidered the information utilized 
in the initial revision of its 1980 benchmarks and determined that 
changes in local conditions and improved inspection data warranted 
further revision of its benchmarks to 64 safety inspectors and 50 
industrial hygienists. After opportunity for public comment and service 
on the AFL-CIO, the Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing 
requirements on June 4, 1996.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/north_carolina.html.


Sec.  1952.6  Iowa.

    (a) The Iowa State plan received initial approval on July 20, 1973.
    (b) The Iowa State plan received final approval on July 2, 1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984, Iowa, 
in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels 
initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance staffing 
benchmarks of 16 safety and 13 health compliance officers. After 
opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements 
effective July 2, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/iowa.html.


Sec.  1952.7  California.

    (a) The California State plan received initial approval on May 1, 
1973.
    (b) OSHA entered into an operational status agreement with 
California.
    (c) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/california.html.


Sec.  1952.8  Minnesota.

    (a) The Minnesota State plan received initial approval on June 8, 
1973.
    (b) The Minnesota State plan received final approval on July 30, 
1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 
Minnesota, in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the 
levels initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance 
staffing benchmarks of 31 safety and 12 health compliance officers. 
After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
July 30, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/minnesota.html.

[[Page 49906]]

Sec.  1952.9  Maryland.

    (a) The Maryland State plan received initial approval on July 5, 
1973.
    (b) The Maryland State plan received final approval on July 18, 
1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 
Maryland, in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the 
levels initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance 
staffing benchmarks of 36 safety and 18 health compliance officers. 
After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
July 18, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/maryland.html.


Sec.  1952.10  Tennessee.

    (a) The Tennessee State plan received initial approval on July 5, 
1973.
    (b) The Tennessee State plan received final approval on July 22, 
1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 
Tennessee, in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the 
levels initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance 
staffing benchmarks of 22 safety and 14 health compliance officers. 
After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
July 22, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/tennessee.html.


Sec.  1952.11  Kentucky.

    (a) The Kentucky State plan received initial approval on July 31, 
1973.
    (b) The Kentucky State plan received final approval on June 13, 
1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 
Kentucky, in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the 
levels initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance 
staffing benchmarks of 23 safety and 14 health compliance officers. 
After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
June 13, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/kentucky.html.


Sec.  1952.12  Alaska.

    (a) The Alaska State plan received initial approval on August 10, 
1973.
    (b) The Alaska State plan received final approval on September 28, 
1984.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. Alaska's compliance 
staffing benchmarks are 4 safety and 5 health compliance officers.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/alaska.html.


Sec.  1952.13  Michigan.

    (a) The Michigan State plan received initial approval on October 3, 
1973.
    (b) OSHA entered into an operational status agreement with 
Michigan.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (``benchmarks'') necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required for each State operating 
an approved State plan. In 1992, Michigan completed, in conjunction 
with OSHA, a reassessment of the levels initially established in 1980 
and proposed revised benchmarks of 56 safety and 45 health compliance 
officers. After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-
CIO, the Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing 
requirements on April 20, 1995.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/michigan.html.


Sec.  1952.14  Vermont.

    (a) The Vermont State plan received initial approval on October 16, 
1973.
    (b) OSHA entered into an operational status agreement with Vermont.
    (c) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/vermont.html.


Sec.  1952.15  Nevada.

    (a) The Nevada State plan received initial approval on January 4, 
1974.
    (b) The Nevada State plan received final approval on April 18, 
2000.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In July 1986 Nevada, in 
conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels initially 
established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance staffing benchmarks 
of 11 safety and 5 health compliance officers. After opportunity for 
public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the Assistant Secretary 
approved these revised staffing requirements on September 2, 1987.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/nevada.html.


Sec.  1952.16  Hawaii.

    (a) The Hawaii State plan received initial approval on January 4, 
1974.
    (b) The Hawaii State plan received final approval on May 4, 1984.
    (c) On September 21, 2012 OSHA modified the State Plan's approval 
status from final approval to initial approval, and reinstated 
concurrent

[[Page 49907]]

federal enforcement authority pending the necessary corrective action 
by the State Plan in order to once again meet the criteria for a final 
approval determination. OSHA and Hawaii entered into an operational 
status agreement to provide a workable division of enforcement 
responsibilities.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/hawaii.html.


Sec.  1952.17  Indiana.

    (a) The Indiana State plan received initial approval on March 6, 
1974.
    (b) The Indiana State plan received final approval on September 26, 
1986.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 Indiana, 
in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels 
initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance staffing 
benchmarks of 47 safety and 23 health compliance officers. After 
opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
January 17, 1986.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/indiana.html.


Sec.  1952.18  Wyoming.

    (a) The Wyoming State plan received initial approval on May 3, 
1974.
    (b) The Wyoming State plan received final approval on June 27, 
1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 Wyoming, 
in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels 
initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance staffing 
benchmarks of 6 safety and 2 health compliance officers. After 
opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
June 27, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/wyoming.html.


Sec.  1952.19  Arizona.

    (a) The Arizona State plan received initial approval on November 5, 
1974.
    (b) The Arizona State plan received final approval on June 20, 
1985.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984, Arizona 
in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the levels 
initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance staffing 
benchmarks of 9 safety and 6 health compliance officers. After 
opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
June 20, 1985.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/arizona.html.


Sec.  1952.20  New Mexico.

    (a) The New Mexico State plan received initial approval on December 
10, 1975.
    (b) OSHA entered into an operational status agreement with New 
Mexico.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (``benchmarks'') necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required for each State operating 
an approved State plan. In May 1992, New Mexico completed, in 
conjunction with OSHA, a reassessment of the staffing levels initially 
established in 1980 and proposed revised benchmarks of 7 safety and 3 
health compliance officers. After opportunity for public comment and 
service on the AFL-CIO, the Assistant Secretary approved these revised 
staffing requirements on August 11, 1994.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/new_mexico.html.


Sec.  1952.21  Virginia.

    (a) The Virginia State plan received initial approval on September 
28, 1976.
    (b) The Virginia State plan received final approval on November 30, 
1988.
    (c) Under the terms of the 1978 Court Order in AFL-CIO v. Marshall, 
compliance staffing levels (benchmarks) necessary for a ``fully 
effective'' enforcement program were required to be established for 
each State operating an approved State plan. In September 1984 
Virginia, in conjunction with OSHA, completed a reassessment of the 
levels initially established in 1980 and proposed revised compliance 
staffing benchmarks of 38 safety and 21 health compliance officers. 
After opportunity for public comment and service on the AFL-CIO, the 
Assistant Secretary approved these revised staffing requirements on 
January 17, 1986.
    (d) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/virginia.html.


Sec.  1952.22  Puerto Rico.

    (a) The Puerto Rico State plan received initial approval on August 
30, 1977.
    (b) OSHA entered into an operational status agreement with Puerto 
Rico.
    (c) The plan covers all private-sector employers and employees, 
with several notable exceptions, as well as State and local government 
employers and employees, within the State. For current information on 
these exceptions and for additional details about the plan, please 
visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/puerto_rico.html.

0
19. Add subpart B to read as follows:
Subpart B--List of Approved State Plans for State and Local Government 
Employees
Sec.
1952.23 Connecticut.
1952.24 New York.
1952.25 New Jersey.
1952.26 The Virgin Islands.
1952.27 Illinois.

[[Page 49908]]

Subpart B--List of Approved State Plans for State and Local 
Government Employees


Sec.  1952.23  Connecticut.

    (a) The Connecticut State plan for State and local government 
employees received initial approval from the Assistant Secretary on 
November 3, 1978.
    (b) In accordance with 29 CFR 1956.10(g), a State is required to 
have a sufficient number of adequately trained and competent personnel 
to discharge its responsibilities under the plan. The Connecticut 
Public Employee Only State plan provides for three (3) safety 
compliance officers and one (1) health compliance officer as set forth 
in the Connecticut Fiscal Year 1986 grant. This staffing level meets 
the ``fully effective'' benchmarks established for Connecticut for both 
safety and health.
    (c) The plan only covers State and local government employers and 
employees within the State. For additional details about the plan, 
please visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/connecticut.html.


Sec.  1952.24  New York.

    (a) The New York State plan for State and local government 
employees received initial approval from the Assistant Secretary on 
June 1, 1984.
    (b) The plan, as revised on April 28, 2006, provides assurances of 
a fully trained, adequate staff, including 29 safety and 21 health 
compliance officers for enforcement inspections and 11 safety and 9 
health consultants to perform consultation services in the public 
sector. The State has also given satisfactory assurances of continued 
adequate funding to support the plan.
    (c) The plan only covers State and local government employers and 
employees within the State. For additional details about the plan, 
please visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/new_york.html.


Sec.  1952.25  New Jersey.

    (a) The New Jersey State plan for State and local government 
employees received initial approval from the Assistant Secretary on 
January 11, 2001.
    (b) The plan further provides assurances of a fully trained, 
adequate staff, including 20 safety and 7 health compliance officers 
for enforcement inspections, and 4 safety and 3 health consultants to 
perform consultation services in the public sector, and 2 safety and 3 
health training and education staff. The State has assured that it will 
continue to provide a sufficient number of adequately trained and 
qualified personnel necessary for the enforcement of standards as 
required by 29 CFR 1956.10. The State has also given satisfactory 
assurance of adequate funding to support the plan.
    (c) The plan only covers State and local government employers and 
employees within the State. For additional details about the plan, 
please visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/new_jersey.html.


Sec.  1952.26  The Virgin Islands.

    (a) The Virgin Islands State plan for Public Employees Only was 
approved on July 23, 2003.
    (b) The plan only covers State and local government employers and 
employees within the State. For additional details about the plan, 
please visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/virgin_islands.html.


Sec.  1952.27  Illinois.

    (a) The Illinois State plan for state and local government 
employees received initial approval from the Assistant Secretary on 
September 1, 2009.
    (b) The Plan further provides assurances of a fully trained, 
adequate staff within three years of plan approval, including 11 safety 
and 3 health compliance officers for enforcement inspections, and 3 
safety and 2 health consultants to perform consultation services in the 
public sector. The state has assured that it will continue to provide a 
sufficient number of adequately trained and qualified personnel 
necessary for the enforcement of standards as required by 29 CFR 
1956.10. The state has also given satisfactory assurance of adequate 
funding to support the Plan.
    (c) The plan only covers State and local government employers and 
employees within the state. For additional details about the plan, 
please visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/illinois.html.

Subparts C Through FF [Removed]

0
20. Remove subparts C through FF.

PART 1953--CHANGES TO STATE PLANS

0
21. The authority citation for part 1953 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 18, 84 Stat. 1608 (29 U.S.C. 667); Secretary of 
Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).


0
22. In Sec.  1953.3, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1953.3  General policies and procedures.

* * * * *
    (c) Plan supplement availability. The underlying documentation for 
identical plan changes shall be maintained by the State. Annually, 
States shall submit updated copies of the principal documents 
comprising the plan, or appropriate page changes, to the extent that 
these documents have been revised. To the extent possible, plan 
documents will be maintained and submitted by the State in electronic 
format and also made available in such manner.
* * * * *

PART 1954--PROCEDURES FOR THE EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF APPROVED 
STATE PLANS

0
23. The authority citation for part 1954 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 18, 84 Stat. 1608 (29 U.S.C. 667); Secretary of 
Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).

Subpart A--General

0
24. In Sec.  1954.3, revise paragraphs (d)(1)(ii) and (iii) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1954.3  Exercise of Federal discretionary authority.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Subject to pertinent findings of effectiveness under this 
part, and approval under part 1953 of this chapter, Federal enforcement 
proceedings will not be initiated where an employer has posted the 
approved State poster in accordance with the applicable provisions of 
an approved State plan and Sec.  1902.9 of this chapter.
    (iii) Subject to pertinent findings of effectiveness under this 
part, and approval under part 1953 of this chapter, Federal enforcement 
proceedings will not be initiated where an employer is in compliance 
with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements of an approved State 
plan as provided in Sec.  1902.7 of this chapter.
* * * * *

PART 1955--PROCEDURES FOR WITHDRAWAL OF APPROVAL OF STATE PLANS

0
25. The authority citation for part 1955 is revised to read as follows:

     Authority:  Secs. 8 and 18, 84 Stat. 1608 (29 U.S.C. 657, 667); 
Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).

Subpart A--General

0
26. In Sec.  1955.2, revise paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  1955.2  Definitions.

    (a) * * *
    (4) Developmental step includes, but is not limited to, those items 
listed in

[[Page 49909]]

the published developmental schedule, or any revisions thereto, for 
each plan. A developmental step also includes those items in the plan 
as approved under section 18(c) of the Act, as well as those items in 
the approval decision which are subject to evaluations (see e.g., 
approval of Michigan plan), which were deemed necessary to make the 
State program at least as effective as the Federal program within the 3 
year developmental period. (See part 1953 of this chapter.)
* * * * *

PART 1956--STATE PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF STATE 
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN 
STATES WITHOUT APPROVED PRIVATE EMPLOYEE PLANS

0
27. The authority citation for part 1956 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  Section 18 (29 U.S.C. 667), 29 CFR parts 1902 and 
1955, and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 
25, 2012).

Subparts E Through I [Removed]

0
28. Remove subparts E through I.

[FR Doc. 2015-19225 Filed 8-17-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-26-P