[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 121 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29597-29602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12325]



[[Page 29597]]

Vol. 84

Monday,

No. 121

June 24, 2019

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Unified Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 121 / Monday, June 24, 2019 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 29598]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV

5 CFR Ch. LXXIII

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

9 CFR Chs. I-III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2019

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant 
and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed 
in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance 
with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 
13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 13771 ``Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' and 13777, ``Enforcing 
the Regulatory Reform Agenda.'' 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.

    Dated: March 11, 2019.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.........................  Undue and Unreasonable             0581-AD81
                             Preferences and
                             Advantages Under the
                             Packers and Stockyards
                             Act.
2.........................  Establishment of a Milk            0581-AD87
                             Donation Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.........................  Establishment of a                 0581-AD82
                             Domestic Hemp Production
                             Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.........................  National Bioengineered             0581-AD54
                             Food Disclosure Standard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.........................  Plant Pest Regulations;            0579-AC98
                             Update of General
                             Provisions.
6.........................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
7.........................  Lacey Act Implementation           0579-AD44
                             Plan: De Minimis
                             Exception.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.........................  Brucellosis and Bovine             0579-AD65
                             Tuberculosis; Update of
                             General Provisions.
9.........................  Importation of Fresh               0579-AD95
                             Citrus Fruit From the
                             Republic of South Africa
                             Into the Continental
                             United States.

[[Page 29599]]

 
10........................  Removal of Emerald Ash             0579-AE42
                             Borer Domestic Quarantine
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
11........................  Scrapie in Sheep and Goats         0579-AC92
12........................  Branding Requirements for          0579-AE38
                             Bovines Imported Into the
                             United States From Mexico.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13........................  Performance Standards for          0583-AC46
                             the Production of
                             Processed Meat and
                             Poultry Products.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

1.  Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-234
    Abstract: This action would invite comments on proposed revisions 
to regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). 
The revisions would specify criteria the Secretary could consider in 
determining whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or 
live poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or 
advantage and a violation of the P&S Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Fair Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AD81

2.  Establishment of a Milk Donation Program

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 104-127
    Abstract: This action begins the rulemaking process to establish a 
Milk Donation Program as mandated by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 (2018 Farm Bill). The proposed program would allow milk processors 
who account to Federal milk marketing orders (FMMO) to claim limited 
reimbursements for the cost of farm milk used to make donated fluid 
milk products. Under the program, processors would partner with non-
profit organizations to distribute the donated products to individuals 
in low-income groups.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Erin Taylor, Acting Director, Order Formulation and 
Enforcement Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Dairy Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2969-S, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-7311, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD87

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

3.  Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621
    Abstract: This action will initiate a new part 990 establishing 
rules and regulations for the domestic production of hemp. This action 
is required to implement provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act 
of 2018 (Farm Bill).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   08/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Deputy Administrator, Specialty 
Crops Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, South Building, Washington, 
DC 20050-6456, Phone: 202 720-4722, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD82

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Completed Actions

4. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-216; 7 U.S.C. 1621 to 1627
    Abstract: On July 29, 2016, the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 
was amended to establish a National Bioengineered Food Disclosure 
Standard (Law) (Pub. L. 114-216). The provisions of this rule, pursuant 
to the law, will serve as a national mandatory bioengineered food 
disclosure standard for bioengineered food and food that may be 
bioengineered.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   12/21/18  83 FR 65814

[[Page 29600]]

 
Final Rule Effective................   02/19/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Arthur Neal, Phone: 202 692-1300.
    RIN: 0581-AD54

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

5. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    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; 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 revising our regulations regarding the movement of 
plant pests. We are also adding criteria to the regulations for the 
importation, interstate movement, and release of biological control 
organisms. This final rule also establishes regulations for the 
importation and interstate movement of certain plant pests and 
biological control organisms without restriction by establishing a 
petition process for granting exceptions from permit requirements for 
those pests and organisms. Finally, we are revising our regulations 
regarding the importation and interstate movement of soil. This rule 
clarifies the points that we will consider when assessing the risks 
associated with the movement and release of certain organisms and 
facilitates the movement of regulated organisms and articles in a 
manner that 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................................   01/19/17  82 FR 6980
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   02/13/17  82 FR 10444
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/19/17  .......................
Final Rule..........................   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Colin Stewart, Assistant Director, Pests, 
Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2237.
    RIN: 0579-AC98

6. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small 
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    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: We are amending the regulations governing the importation 
of animals and animal products to revise conditions for the importation 
of live sheep, goats, and certain other non-bovine ruminants, and 
products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible 
spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
(BSE) and scrapie. We are removing BSE-related import restrictions on 
sheep and goats and most of their products, and adding import 
restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for 
certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species. The 
conditions we are adopting for the importation of specified commodities 
are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will, 
in general, align our regulations with guidelines established in the 
World Organization for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/16  81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/16/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   06/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

7. Lacey Act Implementation Plan: De Minimis Exception

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.
    Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended 
the Lacey Act to provide, among other things, that importers submit a 
declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant 
products. The declaration requirements of the Lacey Act became 
effective on December 15, 2008, and enforcement of those requirements 
is being phased in. We are proposing to establish an exception to the 
declaration requirement for products containing a minimal amount of 
plant materials.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   06/30/11  76 FR 38330
ANPRM Comment Period End............   08/29/11  .......................
NPRM................................   07/09/18  83 FR 31697
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/07/18  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dorothy Wayson, National Program Coordinator, Lacey 
Act Program, Compliance and Environmental Coordination, PPQ, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 150, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-2036.
    RIN: 0579-AD44

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

8. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of General Provisions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    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

[[Page 29601]]

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.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/16/15  80 FR 78461
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/15/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/11/16  81 FR 12832
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   05/16/16  .......................
NPRM--Partial Withdrawal............   03/27/19  84 FR 11448
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Rule..........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Langston Hull, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    C. William Hench, Phone: 970 494-7378.
    RIN: 0579-AD65

9. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa 
Into the Continental United States

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    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 fruits and vegetables 
regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh 
citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United 
States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black 
spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will 
have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes 
shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and 
phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported 
in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary 
certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the 
Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that 
the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach. 
This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit, 
including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while 
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant 
pests into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/28/14  79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/27/14  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............             .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
    RIN: 0579-AD95

10. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
    Abstract: This rulemaking would remove the domestic quarantine 
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action would 
discontinue the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer 
program as a means to more effectively direct available resources 
toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously 
allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic 
quarantine regulations would instead be directed to a non-regulatory 
option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents 
for emerald ash borer, which would serve as the primary tool to 
mitigate and control the pest.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/19/18  83 FR 47310
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/19/18  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............             .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robyn Rose, Phone: 301 851-2283.
    RIN: 0579-AE42

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

11. Scrapie in Sheep and Goats

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
    Abstract: We are amending the scrapie regulations by changing the 
risk groups and categories established for individual animals and for 
flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a means of assigning 
risk levels to animals, reducing movement restrictions for animals 
found to be genetically less susceptible or resistant to scrapie, and 
simplifying, reducing, or removing certain recordkeeping requirements. 
We are also providing designated scrapie epidemiologists with more 
alternatives and flexibility when testing animals in order to determine 
flock designations under the regulations. We are changing the 
definition of high-risk animal, which will change the types of animals 
eligible for indemnity, and to pay higher indemnity for certain 
pregnant ewes and does and early maturing ewes and does. The changes 
will also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for 
goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes 
affect sheep and goat producers, persons who handle sheep and goats in 
interstate commerce, and State governments.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   03/25/19  84 FR 11170
Final Rule Effective................   04/24/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Phone: 301 851-3509.
    RIN: 0579-AC92

12. Branding Requirements for Bovines Imported Into the United States 
From Mexico

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 
136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the 
branding of bovines imported into the United States from Mexico. We are 
taking this action at the request of the Government of Mexico to 
address issues that have arisen with the branding requirement for these 
bovines. These changes will help prevent inconsistencies in branding 
that can result in bovines being rejected for import into the United 
States.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   12/14/18  83 FR 64223
Final Action Effective..............   01/14/19  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29602]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AE38

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Completed Actions

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

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    Abstract: FSIS is proposing to establish pathogen reduction 
performance standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-
treated meat and poultry products. The performance standards spell out 
the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet 
during their operations in order to produce safe products, but allow 
the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than 
those prescribed in their earlier regulations. With HACCP, food safety 
performance standards give establishments the incentive and flexibility 
to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing procedures 
and controls, while providing objective, measurable standards that can 
be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This set of performance 
standards will include and be consistent with standards already in 
place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental NPR--Withdrawn.........   03/28/16  81 FR 17338
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 
720-2025, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AC46

[FR Doc. 2019-12325 Filed 6-21-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P