[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 240 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77916-77925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31019]



[[Page 77915]]

Vol. 80

Tuesday,

No. 240

December 15, 2015

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 240 / Tuesday, December 15, 2015 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 77916]]


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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, Fall 2015

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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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 
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 
Executive Order 13563.
    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews 
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or 
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There 
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. 
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and 
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities; and
    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important 
significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities 
are included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online 
regulatory agenda and in part II of the Federal Register that includes 
the abbreviated regulatory agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.

    Dated: September 22, 2015.
Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
140.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD20
                             Organic Pet Food
                             Standards.
141.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD31
                             Organic Apiculture
                             Practice Standard, NOP-12-
                             0063.
142.......................  National Organic Program--         0581-AD34
                             Organic Aquaculture
                             Standards.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
143.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD08
                             Origin of Livestock, NOP-
                             11-0009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
144.......................  Animal Welfare: Marine             0579-AB24
                             Mammals; Nonconsensus
                             Language and Interactive
                             Programs.
145.......................  Scrapie in Sheep and Goats         0579-AC92
146.......................  Plant Pest Regulations;            0579-AC98
                             Update of General
                             Provisions.
147.......................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
148.......................  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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
149.......................  Importation of Wood                0579-AD28
                             Packaging Material From
                             Canada.
150.......................  Treatment of Firewood and          0579-AD60
                             Spruce Logs Imported From
                             Canada.
151.......................  Establishing a Performance         0579-AD71
                             Standard for Authorizing
                             the Importation and
                             Interstate Movement of
                             Fruits and Vegetables.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 77917]]


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
152.......................  Introduction of Organisms          0579-AC31
                             and Products Altered or
                             Produced Through Genetic
                             Engineering.
153.......................  Importation of Beef From a         0579-AD41
                             Region in Brazil.
154.......................  Viruses, Serums, Toxins,           0579-AD64
                             and Analogous Products;
                             Single Label Claim for
                             Veterinary Biological
                             Products.
155.......................  User Fees for Agricultural         0579-AD77
                             Quarantine and Inspection
                             Services.
156.......................  Importation of Beef From a         0579-AD92
                             Region in Argentina
                             (Completion of a Section
                             610 Review).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
157.......................  Modernizing Supplemental           0584-AE37
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP) Benefit
                             Redemption Systems.
158.......................  Supplemental Nutrition             0584-AE39
                             Assistance Program
                             (SNAP): Electronic
                             Benefits Transfer
                             Requirements for Scanning
                             and Product-Lookup
                             Technology.
159.......................  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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
160.......................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE09
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: Nutrition
                             Standards for All Foods
                             Sold in School, as
                             Required by the Healthy,
                             Hunger-Free Kids Act of
                             2010 (Reg Plan Seq No. 6).
161.......................  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.
162.......................  Child and Adult Care Food          0584-AE18
                             Program: Meal Pattern
                             Revisions Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010 (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 7).
163.......................  Child Nutrition Programs:          0584-AE25
                             Local School Wellness
                             Policy Implementation
                             Under the Healthy, Hunger-
                             Free Kids Act of 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of 
this issue of the Federal Register.

         Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
164.......................  Elimination of Trichina            0583-AD59
                             Control Regulations and
                             Consolidation of
                             Thermally Processed,
                             Commercially Sterile
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


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


[[Page 77918]]


                    Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
167.......................  Management of Surface              0596-AD03
                             Activities Associated
                             With Outstanding Mineral
                             Rights on National Forest
                             System Lands (Directive).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Office of Procurement and Property Management--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
168.......................  Designation of Biobased            0599-AA24
                             Product Categories for
                             Federal Procurement,
                             Round 11.
169.......................  Designation of Biobased            0599-AA25
                             Product Categories for
                             Federal Procurement,
                             Round 12.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

140. National Organic Program, Organic Pet Food Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) establishes 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................................   04/00/16
Final Action........................   11/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

141. 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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

142. 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 (NOP). 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 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................................   11/00/15
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

143. 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

[[Page 77919]]

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
Final Action........................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AD08

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

144. Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and 
Interactive Programs

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and 
transportation of marine mammals in captivity. These proposed changes 
would affect sections in the regulations relating to variances and 
implementation dates, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space 
requirements, and water quality. We are also proposing to revise the 
regulations that relate to swim-with-the-dolphin programs. We believe 
these actions are necessary to ensure that the minimum standards for 
the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine 
mammals in captivity are based on current industry and scientific 
knowledge and experience.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   05/30/02  67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End............   07/29/02
NPRM................................   11/00/15
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal 
Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234, Phone: 301 
851-3751.
    RIN: 0579-AB24

145. 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................................   09/10/15  80 FR 54659
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/09/15
Final Action........................   07/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

146. 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 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................................   04/00/16
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

147. 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

[[Page 77920]]

restricting the importation of such animals to those from scrapie-free 
regions or certified scrapie-free flocks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/16
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

148. 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................................   11/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970 494-7378.
    RIN: 0579-AD65

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

149. Importation of Wood Packaging Material From Canada

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations for the 
importation of unmanufactured wood articles to remove the exemption 
that allows wood packaging material from Canada to enter the United 
States without first meeting the treatment and marking requirements of 
the regulations that apply to wood packaging material from all other 
countries. This action is necessary in order to prevent the 
dissemination and spread of pests via wood packaging material from 
Canada.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/02/10  75 FR 75157
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/31/11
Final Rule..........................   03/00/16
Final Action Effective..............   04/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

150. 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..................   02/00/16
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      04/00/16
 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

151. 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 will 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 will remove the region- or commodity-specific 
phytosanitary

[[Page 77921]]

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 action 
will 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 will 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
Final Rule..........................   03/00/16
Final Rule Effective................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

152. 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.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM--Withdrawn.....................   03/04/15  80 FR 11598
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

153. 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 amends the regulations governing the 
importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products by 
allowing, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled 
or frozen) beef from a region in Brazil (the States of Bahia, Distrito 
Federal, Esp[iacute]rito Santo, Goi[aacute]s, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso 
do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paran[aacute], Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, 
Rond[ocirc]nia, S[atilde]o Paulo, Sergipe, and Tocantins). 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 provides 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.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   07/02/15  80 FR 37923
Final Rule Effective................   08/31/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Silvia Kreindel, Phone: 301 851-3313.
    RIN: 0579-AD41

154. 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 amends the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act 
regulations to provide for the use of a simpler labeling format that 
would better communicate product performance to the user. Under this 
rulemaking, the previous label format, which reflected any of four 
different levels of effectiveness, is replaced with a single, uniform 
label format. We are also requiring 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 simpler label format, along with 
publicly available safety and efficacy data, will help biologics 
producers to more clearly communicate product performance to their 
customers.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   07/10/15  80 FR 39669
Final Rule Effective................   09/08/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy, Phone: 301 851-3426.
    RIN: 0579-AD64

155. 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

[[Page 77922]]

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.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   10/29/15  80 FR 66747
Final Rule Effective................   12/28/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William E. Thomas, Phone: 301 851-2306, Kris 
Caraher, Phone: 301 851-2384.
    RIN: 0579-AD77

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

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends 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 51508
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/28/14
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   10/31/14  79 FR 64687
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   12/29/14
Final Rule..........................   07/02/15  80 FR 37935
Final Rule Effective................   09/01/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: 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

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

157. 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................................   03/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

158. 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................................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AE39

159. 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''

[[Page 77923]]

    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 Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule will update 
references to the OMB final guidance throughout the FNS rules.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 6 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0584-AE09

161. 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........................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 7 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0584-AE18

163. 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 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........................   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-AE25

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

164.  Elimination of Trichina Control Regulations and 
Consolidation of Thermally Processed, Commercially Sterile Regulations

    Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA); Poultry 
Products Inspection Act (PPIA)
    Abstract: Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to eliminate the 
requirements for both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) 
pork and pork products to be treated to destroy trichina (Trichinella 
spiralis) because the regulations are inconsistent with the Hazard 
Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, and these 
prescriptive regulations are no longer necessary. If this supplemental 
proposed rule is finalized, FSIS will end its Trichinella Approved 
Laboratory Program (TALP program) for the evaluation and approval of 
non-Federal laboratories that use the pooled sample digestion

[[Page 77924]]

technique to analyze samples for the presence of trichina. FSIS is also 
proposing to consolidate the regulations on thermally processed, 
commercially sterile meat and poultry products (i.e., canned food 
products containing meat or poultry).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    .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-AD59

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Final Rule Stage

165. 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 Food Safety and 
Inspection Service (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........................   12/00/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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)

Final Rule Stage

166. Ski Area--D Clauses: Resource and Improvement Protection, Water 
Facilities, and Water Rights (Directive)

    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 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 was considered in 
the development of the 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.....................   03/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Long-Term Actions

167. Management of Surface Activities Associated With Outstanding 
Mineral Rights on National Forest System Lands (Directive)

    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 the 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.

[[Page 77925]]

    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................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LaRenda C. King, Phone: 202 205-6560, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD03

BILLING CODE 3410-11-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)

Proposed Rule Stage

168.  Designation of Biobased Product Categories for Federal 
Procurement, Round 11

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This proposed rule will designate, for preferred 
procurement under the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement 
Program, approximately 10 intermediate ingredient or feedstock product 
categories. An intermediate ingredient or feedstock is defined by the 
BioPreferred Program as a material or compound made in whole or in 
significant part from biological products. Typical intermediate 
ingredient or feedstock product categories will include renewable 
chemicals; plastic resins; chemical binders; oils, fats, and waxes; and 
fibers and fabrics.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office 
of Procurement and Property Management, Department of Agriculture, 
Office of Procurement and Property Management, 361 Reporters Building, 
300 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-4008, Fax: 202 
720-8972, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0599-AA24

169.  Designation of Biobased Product Categories for Federal 
Procurement, Round 12

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This proposed rule will designate, for preferred 
procurement under the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement 
Program, approximately eight complex assembly product categories. A 
complex assembly is defined by the BioPreferred program as a system of 
distinct materials and components assembled to create a finished 
product with specific functional intent where some or all of the system 
inputs contain some amount of biobased material or feedstock. Typical 
complex assembly product categories will include products such as 
upholstered office chairs and other office furniture; mattresses; 
backpacks; boots; and other camping gear. The specific product 
categories to be included in this rulemaking are under investigation by 
the Office of Procurement and Property Management, but technical 
information is expected to be available to support the designation of 
about eight product categories.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office 
of Procurement and Property Management, Department of Agriculture, 
Office of Procurement and Property Management, 361 Reporters Building, 
300 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-4008, Fax: 202 
720-8972, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0599-AA25

[FR Doc. 2015-31019 Filed 12-14-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-P