[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52669-52674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17333]
[[Page 52669]]
Vol. 85
Wednesday,
No. 166
August 26, 2020
Part III
Department of Agriculture
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 166 / Wednesday, August 26, 2020 /
UA: Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 52670]]
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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 2020
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 E.O. 13563.
USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing.
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda
entries include only:
(1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities; and
(2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda,
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.
Dated: March 5, 2020.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
The Department of Agriculture authorizes Alvin Harrod of RISC to
digitally sign for our agency as USDA is not equipped to technically do
digitally signing at this time. USDA acknowledges that RISC will
include USDAs Preamble and Unified Agenda Entries containing a RISC
digital signature in the Unified Agenda related to documents that RISC
publishes on our behalf.
Alvin Harrod (Digital Signature)
Program Analyst.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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1......................... NOP; Strengthening Organic 0581-AD09
Enforcement.
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Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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2......................... Undue and Unreasonable 0581-AD81
Preferences and
Advantages Under the
Packers and Stockyards
Act.
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Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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3......................... Establishment of a 0581-AD82
Domestic Hemp Production
Program.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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4......................... National List of 0579-AE39
Reportable Animal
Diseases.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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5......................... Bovine Spongiform 0579-AD10
Encephalopathy and
Scrapie; Importation of
Small Ruminants and Their
Germplasm, Products, and
Byproducts.
[[Page 52671]]
6......................... Brucellosis and Bovine 0579-AD65
Tuberculosis; Update of
Import Provisions.
7......................... Removal of Emerald Ash 0579-AE42
Borer Domestic Quarantine
Regulations.
8......................... Importation, Interstate 0579-AE47
Movement, and Release
Into the Environment of
Certain Genetically
Engineered Organisms.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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9......................... Handling of Animals; 0579-AC69
Contingency Plans.
10........................ Importation of Fresh 0579-AD95
Citrus Fruit From the
Republic of South Africa
Into the Continental
United States.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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11........................ Importation of Wood 0579-AD28
Packaging Material From
Canada.
12........................ Lacey Act Implementation 0579-AD44
Plan: De Minimis
Exception.
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Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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13........................ Special Uses-- 0596-AD43
Communications Uses Rent.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Proposed Rule Stage
1. NOP; Strengthening Organic Enforcement
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
Abstract: The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking
will address 2018 Farm Bill mandates. In summary, SOE will propose the
following requirements that align with the Farm Bill:
Limiting the types of operations in the organic supply
chain that are not required to obtain organic certification;
Imported organic products must be accompanied by an
electronic import certificate to validate organic status;
Import certificates will be submitted to the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE);
Certifying agents must notify USDA within 90 days of the
opening of any new office that conducts certification activities; and,
Entities acting on behalf of certifying agents may be
suspended when there is noncompliant activity.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/20 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 10/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250,
Phone: 202 260-8077.
RIN: 0581-AD09
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Final Rule Stage
2. 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 final rule amends the regulations issued under the
Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) by adding new regulations that
specify the 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 01/13/20 85 FR 1771
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/20 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 08/00/20 .......................
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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
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Long-Term Actions
3. Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621
[[Page 52672]]
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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Interim Final Rule.................. 10/31/19 84 FR 58522
Interim Final Rule Effective-10/31/ 10/31/19 .......................
2019 thru 11/01/2021.
Comment Period Extended............. 12/18/19 84 FR 69295
Comment Period End.................. 01/29/20 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 10/00/21 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Phone: 202 720-4722, Email:
sonia.jimenez@usda.gov.
RIN: 0581-AD82
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Proposed Rule Stage
4. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the animal disease
regulations to provide for a National List of Reportable Animal
Diseases, along with animal disease reporting responsibilities, to
streamline State and Federal cooperative animal disease eradication
efforts. This action would enhance and consolidate current disease
reporting mechanisms, and would complement and supplement existing
animal disease tracking and reporting at the State level.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 04/02/20 85 FR 18471
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/01/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Rebecca Jones, Science, Technology, and Analysis
Services, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 2150 Centre
Ave., Bldg. B, Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970 494-7196.
RIN: 0579-AE39
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Final Rule Stage
5. 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/18/16 81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/16/16 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 09/00/20 .......................
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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
6. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of Import Provisions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
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: We are amending the regulations governing the importation
of cattle and bison with respect to bovine tuberculosis and
brucellosis. The changes will make these requirements clearer and
assure that they more effectively mitigate the risk of introduction of
these diseases into the United States.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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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.......................... 07/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Regionalization Evaluation Services, VS, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AD65
7. 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 will remove the domestic quarantine
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action will
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 will instead be directed to a non-regulatory
option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents
for emerald ash borer, which will serve as the primary tool to mitigate
and control the pest.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 09/19/18 83 FR 47310
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/19/18 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 08/00/20 .......................
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[[Page 52673]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Herbert Bolton, National Policy Manager, PPQ,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-
3594.
RIN: 0579-AE42
8. Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release Into the Environment
of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
Abstract: APHIS is revising its regulations regarding the
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain
genetically engineered organisms in order to update the regulations in
response to advances in genetic engineering and APHIS' understanding of
the plant health risk posed by genetically engineered organisms,
thereby reducing the burden for regulated entities whose organisms pose
no plant health risks.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/06/19 84 FR 26514
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/05/19 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 05/18/20 85 FR 29790
Final Rule Effective................ 08/17/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alan Pearson, Assistant Deputy Administrator,
Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 98,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238, Phone: 301 851-3944.
RIN: 0579-AE47
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Long-Term Actions
9. Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans
E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159.
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training
of personnel by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors,
intermediate handlers, and carriers. This action would heighten the
awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities
and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency
or disaster occur.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 10/23/08 73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/22/08 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 12/19/08 73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 02/20/09 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 12/31/12 77 FR 76815
Final Rule Effective................ 01/30/13 .......................
Final Rule--Stay of Regulations..... 07/31/13 78 FR 46255
Final Rule Effective--Stay of 07/31/13 .......................
Regulations.
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NPRM................................ To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin, Phone: 919 855-7097.
RIN: 0579-AC69
10. 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 08/28/14 79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/27/14 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
RIN: 0579-AD95
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Completed Actions
11. Importation of Wood Packaging Material From Canada
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking would have amended the regulations for
the importation of unmanufactured wood articles with regard to 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. We are withdrawing the action because of the
age of the supporting materials that informed the proposed rule.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Withdrawn........................... 05/01/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Tyrone Jones, Phone: 301 851-2344
RIN: 0579-AD28
12. 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 requirement of the Lacey Act became effective
on
[[Page 52674]]
December 15, 2008, and enforcement of that requirement is being phased
in. We are amending the regulations to establish an exception to the
declaration requirement for products containing a minimal amount of
plant materials. This action would relieve the burden on importers
while continuing to ensure that the declaration requirement fulfills
the purposes of the Lacey Act.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Final Rule.......................... 03/02/20 85 FR 12207
Final Action Effective.............. 04/01/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Dorothy Wayson, Phone: 301 851-2036.
RIN: 0579-AD44
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Forest Service (FS)
Long-Term Actions
13. Special Uses--Communications Uses Rent
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1761 to 1771
Abstract: Consistent with the requirement in title V, section 504
(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the proposed rule
would update the Forest Service's rental fee schedule for
communications uses based on market value. Updated rental fees that
exceed 100 percent of current rental fees would be phased in over a 3-
year period.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Edwina Howard-Agu, Phone: 202 205-1419, Email:
ehowardagu@fs.fed.us.
RIN: 0596-AD43
[FR Doc. 2020-17333 Filed 8-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P