[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Department of Agriculture Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


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Part III





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 21682]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                                       


  



_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX

9 CFR Chs. I-IV

36 CFR Ch. II

41 CFR Ch. 4

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, April 1998

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
non-significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agenda also describes 
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. Further, this agenda 
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.

    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. Requests for copies of the agenda should include a 
self-addressed, stamped envelope and be directed to: Regulatory Agenda, 
OBPA, Office of the Secretary, Room 118-E, Jamie Whitten Building, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.

Dated: February 26, 1998.

Marvin J. Shapiro,

Chief, Legislative, Regulatory, and Automated Systems Division.

                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1            National Organic Program.............................................................    0581-AA40 
2            National Laboratory Accreditation Program............................................    0581-AB42 
3            Processed Fruits and Vegetables, 1998 Fee Increase...................................    0581-AB52 
4            Milk in the New England and Other Marketing Areas; (Class I and II Prices)...........    0581-AB53 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5            Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services--1997 User Fees......................    0581-AB44 
6            Federal Milk Order Consolidation and Reform (Section 610 Review).....................    0581-AB49 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7            Revision of Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading Services of Manufactured              
            or Processed Dairy Products...........................................................    0581-AA45 
8            Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order........................    0581-AB46 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9            Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order..........................    0581-AB45 
10           Revision of Part 46.46 Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act;              
            Trust Provisions......................................................................    0581-AB47 
11           Dairy Products; Grading and Inspection, Fee Increase.................................    0581-AB50 
12           Fees for Destination Market Inspections of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other                      
            Products..............................................................................    0581-AB51 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21683]]


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13           Lender Buyback of Repurchased Guaranteed Loans.......................................    0560-AF21 
14           Cooperative Marketing Associations...................................................    0560-AF33 
15           Inapplicability to FSA's Farm Loan Programs of Redundant Instructions Regarding the                
            Collection and Depositing of Program Payments.........................................    0560-AF34 
16           Amendment to the Farm Reconstitution Regulations.....................................    0560-AF36 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage                                     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17           1998-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco.................    0560-AF18 
18           1998-Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Eight Kinds of Tobacco.......    0560-AF20 
19           Revision of FSA-Guaranteed Loan Regulations--Interest Subsidy for Guaranteed                       
            Borrowers.............................................................................    0560-AF35 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions                                     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20           Program Ineligibility for Noncompliance With Boll Weevil Eradication Program.........    0560-AD57 
21           Sugar and Crystalline Fructose Information and Recordkeeping Requirements............    0560-AD88 
22           Amendment to the Warehouse Regulations Regarding Auction Tobacco Warehouses..........    0560-AD92 
23           Farmer Credit Program Account Servicing Policies for Section 1816 and Other Related                
            Sections for the ``1990 FACT Act''....................................................    0560-AE02 
24           Implement Section 1818 (Borrower Training) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,                 
            and Trade Act of 1990 (FACT Act)......................................................    0560-AE04 
25           Guaranteed Loan Programs; Monitoring Liquid Accounts.................................    0560-AE05 
26           Implementation of Certified Lender Program...........................................    0560-AE07 
27           Insured and Guaranteed Operating and Farm Ownership Loan and Related Instructions To               
            Implement Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 19 of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of              
            1992..................................................................................    0560-AE09 
28           Loans to Indian Tribes and Tribal Corporations.......................................    0560-AE10 
29           Section 14 of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992, (Graduation) and                    
            Sections 1819 (Loan Assessment) and 1821 (Market Placement) of the ``FACT Act''.......    0560-AE11 
30           The Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992......................................    0560-AE13 
31           Implement Sections 11 and 13 of the Agriculture Credit Improvement Act of 1992                     
            (Application Processing Timeframe)....................................................    0560-AE14 
32           Acquisition and Management of Real and Chattel Property..............................    0560-AE15 
33           Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program......................    0560-AE17 
34           Disaster Assistance..................................................................    0560-AE22 
35           Revisions to the Direct Farm Ownership Loan Regulation (1943-A) Outreach Program for               
            Members of Socially Disadvantaged Groups..............................................    0560-AE23 
36           Socially Disadvantaged Outreach Program..............................................    0560-AE24 
37           Part 1946 Mediation; Subpart A Agricultural Loan Mediation Program...................    0560-AE26 
38           Amendment to Conservation Program Appeal Regulations Regarding Jurisdiction..........    0560-AE30 
39           Selection and Functions of Farm Service Agency State and County Committees...........    0560-AE33 
40           Permit FSA To Sell or Assign Farm Loan Mortgages and Notes...........................    0560-AE35 
41           Implementation Procedures for Highly Erodible Land and Wetlands Conservation                       
            Provisions of the Food Security Act...................................................    0560-AE38 
42           Amendments to the Farmer Account Servicing Policies..................................    0560-AE42 
43           Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouse for Commodity Credit                         
            Corporation Storage Contracts.........................................................    0560-AE50 
44           Deletion of FSA Regulations Regarding Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program..    0560-AE54 
45           Amendment to the Conservation Reserve Program Regarding Early Contract Terminations..    0560-AE56 
46           Implementation of Five-Year Direct Line of Credit Program............................    0560-AE58 
47           Amendments to the Regulations for Cotton Warehouses Under the United States Warehouse              
            Act--Electronic Block Warehouse Receipts, Insurance Requirements, and Other Provisions    0560-AE60 
48           Post-Bankruptcy Loan Servicing Notification..........................................    0560-AE62 

[[Page 21684]]

                                                                                                                
49           Consolidate FSA Farm Credit Programs Regulations--Miscellaneous Program Requirements.    0560-AE64 
50           Consolidate FSA Farm Credit Programs Direct Loan Servicing Regulations--Management                 
            and Disposal of Acquired Property.....................................................    0560-AE65 
51           Consolidate FSA Farm Credit Program Direct Loan Servicing Regulations--Delinquent                  
            Account Restructuring and Liquidation.................................................    0560-AE66 
52           Consolidate FSA Farm Credit Programs Direct Loan Servicing Regulations--Management                 
            Advice, Tax Servicing, Collection, and Security Servicing.............................    0560-AE67 
53           Eliminate Internal Agency Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Programs Regulations--                   
            Miscellaneous Program Requirements....................................................    0560-AE68 
54           Eliminate Internal Administrative Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Program                          
            Regulations--Management and Disposal of Acquired Property.............................    0560-AE69 
55           Eliminate Internal Administrative Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Program Direct Loan              
            Regulations--Delinquent Account Servicing and Liquidation.............................    0560-AE70 
56           Eliminate Internal Administrative Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Programs Direct                  
            Loan Servicing Regulations............................................................    0560-AE71 
57           Elimination of Administrative Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Program Direct                       
            Loanmaking Regulations................................................................    0560-AE73 
58           Consolidation of FSA Farm Credit Programs Direct Loanmaking Regulations..............    0560-AE74 
59           Elimination of Administrative Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Programs Guaranteed                  
            Loanmaking Regulations................................................................    0560-AE75 
60           Consolidation of FSA Farm Credit Programs Guaranteed Loanmaking Regulations..........    0560-AE76 
61           Elimination of Administrative Provisions From FSA Regulations Pertaining to Farm                   
            Credit Programs Loan Rates, Funding, and Loan Authorities.............................    0560-AE77 
62           Consolidation of FSA Farm Credit Programs Regulations Pertaining to Loan Rates,                    
            Funding, and Loan Authorities.........................................................    0560-AE78 
63           Elimination of Administrative Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Programs Environmental               
            Regulations...........................................................................    0560-AE79 
64           Consolidation of Farm Service Agency Environmental Programs Regulations..............    0560-AE80 
65           Suspension of the Emergency Livestock Assistance Regulations for Crop Years 1996 to                
            2002..................................................................................    0560-AE86 
66           Revision to the Direct Loanmaking Regulations........................................    0560-AE87 
67           Revision of the Inventory Property Management Regulations............................    0560-AE88 
68           Revisions to the Delinquent Account Servicing Regulations............................    0560-AE89 
69           Direct Line of Credit Program........................................................    0560-AE90 
70           Revision of Regulations Pertaining to Indian Tribes and Tribal Corporations..........    0560-AE91 
71           Subordination of Direct Loan Basic Security to Secure a Guaranteed Loan..............    0560-AE92 
72           Amendments to the Tobacco Marketing Quota Regulations................................    0560-AE96 
73           Disaster Set-Aside Program...........................................................    0560-AE98 
74           Boll Weevil Eradication Loan Program.................................................    0560-AE99 
75           Amendments To Update the Tobacco Program Regulations.................................    0560-AF05 
76           Amendments To Update the Peanut Program Regulations..................................    0560-AF06 
77           Amendments To Update Farm Program Payment Limitation and Disaster Regulations Under                
            the National Performance Review.......................................................    0560-AF10 
78           Amendment to the Cotton Warehouse Regulations Regarding the Definition of                          
            ``Unnecessary Delay''.................................................................    0560-AF13 
79           Amendments to the Debt Settlement Policies and Procedures to Conform to the Debt                   
            Collection Improvement Act of 1996....................................................    0560-AF22 
80           Amendments to the Forage Provisions of the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance                     
            Program...............................................................................    0560-AF23 
81           Flood Risk Reduction Program.........................................................    0560-AF24 
82           Amendments to the Production Flexibility Contract for Wheat, Feed Grains, Rice, and                
            Upland Cotton.........................................................................    0560-AF25 
83           Refund of Marketing Quota Penalties and Tobacco Auction Warehouse Records and Reports    0560-AF26 
84           Refund of Marketing Quota Penalties and Other Peanut Program Provisions..............    0560-AF27 
85           Contracting Additional Peanuts by Type and Segregation...............................    0560-AF28 
86           American Indian Livestock Feed Program...............................................    0560-AF29 
87           Sugar Program Information Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements...................    0560-AF31 
88           Upland Cotton User Marketing Certificate Program; Revision of Regulations............    0560-AF32 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions                                     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
89           Farmer Programs Guaranteed Interest Assistance Program...............................    0560-AE01 
90           Decision to Liquidate................................................................    0560-AE19 
91           Collection of Shared Appreciation Agreements.........................................    0560-AE61 

[[Page 21685]]

                                                                                                                
92           1997-Crop Peanuts National Poundage Quota, National Average Loan Rates, and Minimum                
            CCC Export-Edible Sales Price for Additional Peanuts..................................    0560-AF01 
93           Amendments to the Regulations for Procurement of Processed Agricultural Commodities                
            for Donation To Comply With the Maritime Security Act of 1996.........................    0560-AF09 
94           Special Combinations of Flue-Cured Tobacco Allotments and Quotas.....................    0560-AF14 
95           Amendment to the Farm Reconstitution Regulations.....................................    0560-AF16 
96           Tree Assistance Program for 1997.....................................................    0560-AF17 
97           Dairy Indemnity Payment Program......................................................    0560-AF30 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage                        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
98           Animal Welfare--Standards for Marine Mammals.........................................    0579-AA59 
99           User Fees, Veterinary Diagnostics....................................................    0579-AA70 
100          Animal Welfare--Standards for Animal Auctions........................................    0579-AA76 
101          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions.................................    0579-AA80 
102          Importation of Logs, Lumber, and Other Unmanufactured Wood Articles..................    0579-AA82 
103          Veterinary Services Multi-Year User Fees.............................................    0579-AA87 
104          Importation of Grapefruit, Lemons, and Oranges from Argentina........................    0579-AA92 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage                          
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105          Addition of Cervidae to the Regulations Concerning Tuberculosis in Livestock.........    0579-AA53 
106          Phytosanitary Export Certification; Accreditation of Nongovernment Facilities........    0579-AA75 
107          Karnal Bunt..........................................................................    0579-AA83 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions                         
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108          Importation of Fruits and Vegetables.................................................    0579-AA58 
109          Importation of Certain Embryos and Animal Semen......................................    0579-AA63 
110          HSTAIC Repair and Maintenance Fees...................................................    0579-AA69 
111          Karnal Bunt Status of the Mexicali Valley of Mexico..................................    0579-AA88 
112          Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats From States That Do Not Quarantine Scrapie-                 
            Infected and Source Flocks............................................................    0579-AA90 
113          Importation of Pork From Yucatan, Mexico.............................................    0579-AA91 
114          Importation of Fuji Apples From the Republic of Korea................................    0579-AA93 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions                         
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
115          Importation of Animals and Animal Products...........................................    0579-AA71 
116          Humane Treatment of Dogs and Cats; Tethering and Temperature Requirements............    0579-AA74 
117          Humane Treatment of Dogs and Cats; Wire Flooring.....................................    0579-AA78 
118          Humane Treatment of Dogs and Cats; Licensing and Consignment Requirements............    0579-AA79 
119          Interstate Movements of Imported Plants and Plant Parts..............................    0579-AA85 

[[Page 21686]]

                                                                                                                
120          Garbage; Inspection at Airports......................................................    0579-AA86 
121          Animal Welfare; Regulations of Pocket Pets...........................................    0579-AA89 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
122          Agricultural Telecommunications Program Administrative Provisions....................    0524-AA12 
123          Hispanic Education Partnership Grants Program; Administrative Provisions.............    0524-AA17 
124          Community Food Projects Administrative Provisions....................................    0524-AA19 
125          Small Business Innovation Research Program Administrative Provisions.................    0524-AA20 
126          Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program Administrative Provisions......    0524-AA21 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
127          Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program; Administrative Provisions...........    0524-AA09 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Completed Actions                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
128          Higher Education Challenge Grants Program; Administrative Provisions.................    0524-AA02 
129          1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program; Administrative Provisions.........    0524-AA03 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
130          Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D...............................    0575-AA83 
131          Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants........................................    0575-AC11 
132          Multi-Family Housing Reinvention.....................................................    0575-AC13 
133          Community Facility Loans.............................................................    0575-AC16 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
134          Denying Credit to Applicants Delinquent on Any Federal Debt..........................    0575-AA66 
135          Reengineering and Reinvention of the Direct Section 502 and 504 Single Family Housing              
            Program...............................................................................    0575-AB99 
136          Community Facility Grants............................................................    0575-AC10 
137          Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants........................................    0575-AC12 
138          Section 538 Guarantee Rural Rental Housing Program...................................    0575-AC14 
139          Community Programs Guaranteed Loans..................................................    0575-AC17 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21687]]


                                    Rural Housing Service--Long-Term Actions                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
140          Environmental Program Streamline Environmental Process...............................    0575-AB98 
141          National Flood Insurance Regulations.................................................    0575-AC07 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
142          Community Programs Guaranteed Loans..................................................    0575-AB48 
143          Rural Rental and Rural Cooperative Housing Loan Policies, Procedures, and                          
            Authorizations........................................................................    0575-AB93 
144          Provide Information Regarding Lease Write-Off and Annual Lease Statements............    0575-AC01 
145          Accessibility of Existing Multi-Family Housing Complexes.............................    0575-AC08 
146          Section 515 Reform Regulations.......................................................    0575-AC15 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
147          General Administrative Regulations; High Risk Land Regulations.......................    0563-AA98 
148          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart D; Application for Crop Insurance........    0563-AB00 
149          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Cotton and ELS Cotton Crop Insurance Provisions...    0563-AB62 
150          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Small Grains Crop Insurance Provisions and Wheat                
            Winter Coverage Endorsement...........................................................    0563-AB63 
151          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions...........    0563-AB64 
152          General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System...    0563-AB66 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
153          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Tobacco (Guaranteed Plan) Crop Insurance                        
            Provisions............................................................................    0563-AA84 
154          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions..................    0563-AA85 
155          Group Risk Plan Crop Insurance Provisions; Part 407..................................    0563-AB06 
156          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart S; Regulations for Insurance Coverage by               
            Written Agreement.....................................................................    0563-AB07 
157          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart V; Submission of Policies and Provisions               
            of Policies and Rates of Premium......................................................    0563-AB15 
158          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart J; Appeal Procedure Regulations..........    0563-AB17 
159          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart N; Disaster Assistance Act of 1988.......    0563-AB20 
160          Tobacco, Quota Plan Crop Insurance Regulations.......................................    0563-AB47 
161          Popcorn Corn Insurance Regulations...................................................    0563-AB48 
162          Federal Crop Insurance on Highly Erodible Land and Wetlands-- Part 400...............    0563-AB59 
163          Federal Crop Insurance on Highly Erodible Land and Wetlands-- Part 401...............    0563-AB60 
164          Dairy Options Pilot Program..........................................................    0563-AB61 
165          Nursery Crop Insurance Regulations; Common Crop Insurance Regulations; and Nursery                 
            Crop Insurance Provisions.............................................................    0563-AB65 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21688]]


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Long-Term Actions                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
166          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Rice, Fig, Almond, Raisin, Forage Production,                   
            Hybrid Sorghum Seed, Pear, Apple, Canning and Processing Sweet Corn, Dollar Plan Fresh              
            Market Tomato.........................................................................    0563-AB03 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
167          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Northern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions.........    0563-AA89 
168          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Canning and Processing Tomato Crop Insurance                    
            Provisions............................................................................    0563-AA94 
169          1996 Crop Year Coffee Crop Insurance Program for Puerto Rico.........................    0563-AB33 
170          1996 Crop Year Fruit Trees (Avocado, Oranges, Mango, Citron, Lemon) Insurance Program              
            for Puerto Rico.......................................................................    0563-AB36 
171          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Sunflower Seed Crop Insurance Provisions..........    0563-AB42 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
172          Grain Inspection General Regulations.................................................    0580-AA53 
173          Official/Unofficial Weighing Services................................................    0580-AA55 
174          Review Inspection Requirements.......................................................    0580-AA58 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
175          General Regulations and Standards for Certain Agricultural Commodities...............    0580-AA54 
176          Tolerances for Dividers..............................................................    0580-AA57 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Long-Term Actions                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
177          Poultry Grower Contracts, Scales, Weighing...........................................    0580-AA51 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
178          Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Food                     
            Delivery Systems Integrity............................................................    0584-AA80 
179          Food Distribution Programs--Implementation of 1990 Farm Bill.........................    0584-AB28 
180          Provisions of Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, Amendments of                  
            1990, and Implementation of the Disqualified Recipient Subsystem......................    0584-AB51 
181          Elimination of Whole Cow's Milk from the Infant Meal Pattern.........................    0584-AB81 
182          Food Stamp Program: Food Stamp Recipient Claim Establishment and Collection Standards    0584-AB88 
183          Food Stamp Program: Revisions to the Retail Food Store Definition and Program                      
            Authorization Guidance................................................................    0584-AB90 
184          Food Stamp Program: Retailer Application Processing..................................    0584-AC05 
185          Summer Food Service Program: Program Meal Service During the School Year.............    0584-AC06 
186          Consolidation of National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Into                   
            Comprehensive School Meal Program.....................................................    0584-AC10 

[[Page 21689]]

                                                                                                                
187          FSP: Collection of Delinquent Retailer Debts: Administrative Offset..................    0584-AC11 
188          Release of Free and Reduced Price School Meal Eligibility Information................    0584-AC21 
189          Food Stamp Program: Welfare Reform and Regulatory Review of Program Management.......    0584-AC22 
190          Improving Management and Program Integrity in the Child and Adult Care Food Program..    0584-AC24 
191          Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools:                 
            Provision 2 and Provision 3...........................................................    0584-AC25 
192          Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: Certification of Eligible Households...........    0584-AC28 
193          Part 240, Cash In Lieu of Donated Foods and Part 250, Food Distribution Regulations..    0584-AC31 
194          Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of                  
            Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems........................................    0584-AC37 
195          National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Additional Menu Planning               
            Alternatives..........................................................................    0584-AC38 
196          FSP: Personal Responsibility Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work                    
            Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996................................................    0584-AC39 
197          FSP: Nondiscretionary Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity               
            Reconciliation Act of 1996............................................................    0584-AC41 
198          Food Stamp Program: Simplified Food Stamp Program Provisions of the Personal                       
            Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996........................    0584-AC43 
199          Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work               
            Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996................................................    0584-AC44 
200          Food Stamp Program: Work Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work                        
            Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996................................................    0584-AC45 
201          Food Stamp Program: Retailer Integrity, Fraud Reduction and Penalties................    0584-AC46 
202          Regulatory Reform: Provisions Relating to Firms Participating in the Food Stamp                    
            Program...............................................................................    0584-AC48 
203          Food Distribution Program: Regulatory Implementation of Personal Responsibility and                
            Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PL 104-193, 110 Stat 2105)...............    0584-AC49 
204          Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC):                      
            Disqualification of WIC Vendors Who Are Disqualified From the Food Stamp Program......    0584-AC50 
205          WIC: Evaluation of WIC Program Infant Formula Rebate Contracts.......................    0584-AC55 
206          Food Distributions Programs: Commodity Acceptability Report..........................    0584-AC56 
207          WIC: Food and Nutrition Services and Administration (NSA) Funding Formula Rule.......    0584-AC64 
208          Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Disqualification Penalties for                   
            Intentional Program Violations........................................................    0584-AC65 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
209          Child and Adult Care Food Program: Authority To Collect Overclaims...................    0584-AB19 
210          Permanent Agreements/Direct Certification in National School Lunch, School Breakfast,              
            and Special Milk Programs.............................................................    0584-AB35 
211          Food Stamp Program: 1995 Quality Control Technical Amendments........................    0584-AB38 
212          Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations--Oklahoma Waiver Authority..........    0584-AB56 
213          Food Stamp Program: Anticipating Income and Reporting Changes........................    0584-AB57 
214          Food Stamp Program: Payment of Certain Administrative Costs of State Agencies........    0584-AB66 
215          Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Definition of Indian Tribal                      
            Household.............................................................................    0584-AB67 
216          Food Stamp Program: Quality Control Provisions of the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger               
            Relief Act............................................................................    0584-AB75 
217          Implementation of Legislative Reforms in the Summer Food Service Program.............    0584-AC23 
218          Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC: Implementation of WIC-Related                      
            Provisions of PL 104-193, Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation               
            Act of 1996...........................................................................    0584-AC51 
219          Implementation of Legislative Changes in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.......    0584-AC52 
220          Food Stamp Provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.............................    0584-AC63 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions                                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
221          Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):                          
            Miscellaneous Provisions..............................................................    0584-AB10 

[[Page 21690]]

                                                                                                                
222          Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Food Cost                
            Containment Requirements..............................................................    0584-AB11 
223          Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Infant                   
            Formula Procurement Act of 1992.......................................................    0584-AB52 
224          School Nutrition Programs: Technical and Nondiscretionary Amendments.................    0584-AC01 
225          Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):                     
            Implementation of WIC Mandates of the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994.    0584-AC02 
226          Amendment To Remove Formulated Grain--Fruit Product Section..........................    0584-AC09 
227          Modification of the ``Vegetable Protein Products'' Portion of Appendix A of 7 CFR                  
            Parts 210, 225, and 226...............................................................    0584-AC18 
228          Child and Adult Care Food Program: Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act                     
            Amendments and Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994........................    0584-AC20 
229          NSLP/SBP/SMP/FDP/CACFP/SFSP/WIC: Nonprocurement Debarment............................    0584-AC26 
230          WIC: Minor WIC Food Package Adjustments and Corrections..............................    0584-AC29 
231          WIC: Bloodwork Requirements..........................................................    0584-AC30 
232          Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):                     
            Accommodation of Cultural Food Preferences in the WIC Program.........................    0584-AC32 
233          Nutrition Education and Training Program Requirements................................    0584-AC34 
234          FSP: State Flexibility and Certification Provisions of Public Law 104-193............    0584-AC40 
235          WIC: Notice Announcing USDA's Decision To Retain the 6-Gram Sugar Limit for WIC                    
            Cereals...............................................................................    0584-AC59 
236          Food Stamp Program: Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Benefit Adjustments...........    0584-AC61 
237          Definition of Federal Means-Tested Public Benefit....................................    0584-AC62 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions                                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
238          Food Stamp Program: Emergency Assistance for Victims of Disasters....................    0584-AA85 
239          Food Distribution Programs--Paperwork Reduction......................................    0584-AB27 
240          Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Elderly-Only Sites, Administrative Funding,                   
            Referrals to Health and Social Services, Caseload Allocation Process, Priority System,              
            and Miscellaneous.....................................................................    0584-AB37 
241          Child and Adult Care Food Program: Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of                  
            1989 and Other Amendments.............................................................    0584-AC07 
242          Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Infant              
            Formula Cost Containment Requirements.................................................    0584-AC33 
243          Revision of the Regulations Governing the Determination of Eligibility for Free and                
            Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools..........................................    0584-AC36 
244          Improved Targeting of Day Care Home Reimbursements in the Child and Adult Care Food                
            Program...............................................................................    0584-AC42 
245          Food Stamp Program: Maximum Allotments for the 48 States and DC......................    0584-AC57 
246          Food Stamp Program: Maximum Allotments for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin                    
            Islands...............................................................................    0584-AC58 
247          Commodity Supplemental Food Program--Caseload Assignment.............................    0584-AC60 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Food Safety and Inspection Service--Prerule Stage                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
248          Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems for Egg Products..........    0583-AC30 
249          Elimination of Accredited Laboratory Program for Food Chemistry and Residue Chemistry    0583-AC48 
250          Salmonella Enteritis in Shell Eggs and Egg Products..................................    0583-AC52 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251          Elimination of Prior Approval Requirements for Egg Product Plant Drawings,                         
            Specifications, and Equipment.........................................................    0583-AC06 

[[Page 21691]]

                                                                                                                
252          Grant and Inauguration of Inspection.................................................    0583-AC07 
253          Performance Standards for the Production of Certain Meat and Poultry Products With                 
            Established Standards of Identity.....................................................    0583-AC18 
254          Performance Standards for the Thermal Processing of Meat and Poultry Products........    0583-AC19 
255          Performance Standards for the Handling, Chilling, and Freezing of Poultry............    0583-AC21 
256          Prevention of Physical or Chemical Contamination of Meat and Poultry Products or                   
            Product Ingredients...................................................................    0583-AC22 
257          Retained Water in Raw Meat and Poultry Products; Poultry Chilling Performance                      
            Standards.............................................................................    0583-AC26 
258          Performance Standard for Carcasses Cut into Primal Parts Within an Establishment.....    0583-AC27 
259          Elimination of Requirements for Partial Quality Control Programs.....................    0583-AC35 
260          Elimination of Prior Approval Requirements for Proprietary Substances and Nonfood                  
            Compounds.............................................................................    0583-AC37 
261          Labeling Standards for Ovine Carcasses, Parts of Carcasses Meat and Meat Food                      
            Products..............................................................................    0583-AC41 
262          Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry......................    0583-AC43 
263          Requirements for Disposition and Disposal of Inspected Raw Meat and Poultry Products.    0583-AC44 
264          Performance Standards for Shelf-Stable, Ready-To-Eat Products........................    0583-AC45 
265          Performance Standards for Perishable, Ready-to-Eat Products..........................    0583-AC46 
266          Performance Standards for Bacon......................................................    0583-AC49 
267          Irradiation of Meat and Meat Products................................................    0583-AC50 
268          Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems...    0583-AC51 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
269          Requirements for Foreign Country Import Certification and Live Animal Importation....    0583-AA47 
270          Substances Approved for Use in the Preparation of Meat Food and Poultry Products.....    0583-AB02 
271          Food Standards: Requirements for Processed Meat and Poultry Products Named by Use of               
            an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term...........................    0583-AB51 
272          Nutrition Labeling: Health Claims on Meat and Poultry Products.......................    0583-AB64 
273          Performance Standards for Certain Meat Products and Poultry Products.................    0583-AB94 
274          Continuous Chilling of Split Poultry Portions........................................    0583-AB95 
275          Beef or Pork With Barbecue Sauce; Revision of Standards..............................    0583-AC09 
276          Nutrition Labeling; Reference Daily Intakes..........................................    0583-AC15 
277          Addition of Mexico to List of Countries Eligible To Export Poultry Products to the                 
            United States.........................................................................    0583-AC33 
278          Rules of Practice....................................................................    0583-AC34 
279          Performance Standards for the Production of Certain Meat and Poultry Products........    0583-AC38 
280          Sanitation Requirements for Official Meat and Poultry Establishments.................    0583-AC39 
281          Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems                     
            Sampling Collection--Technical Amendment and Corrections..............................    0583-AC40 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
282          Nutrition Labeling of Ground Beef and Hamburger......................................    0583-AB74 
283          Nutrition Labeling; New Product Categories and Reference Amounts.....................    0583-AB81 
284          Use of Soy Protein Concentrate and Food Starch--Modified as Binders in Cured Pork                  
            Products..............................................................................    0583-AB82 
285          Refrigeration and Labeling Requirements for Shell Eggs...............................    0583-AC04 
286          Transportation and Storage Requirements for Potentially Hazardous Foods..............    0583-AC05 
287          Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, and Xanthan Gum Blend used as a Binder in Certain Cured              
            Pork Products.........................................................................    0583-AC16 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21692]]


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
288          Use of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) on Raw, Unchilled Poultry Carcasses.................    0583-AB80 
289          Meat and Poultry Standards of Identity and Composition...............................    0583-AC01 
290          Use of Sorbitol in Cooked Roast Beef Products........................................    0583-AC02 
291          Procedural Due Process for Official Establishments Rules of Practice.................    0583-AC12 
292          Use of Two Kinds of Poultry Without Label Change.....................................    0583-AC17 
293          Performance Standards for the Irradiation of Poultry To Control Foodborne Pathogens..    0583-AC20 
294          Labeling of Egg Products.............................................................    0583-AC23 
295          Use of Modified Food Starch in Ham With Natural Juices...............................    0583-AC29 
296          Generic E. Coli Testing for Sheep, Goats, Ducks, Geese, and Guineas..................    0583-AC32 
297          Use of Two Kinds of Poultry Without Label Change.....................................    0583-AC42 
298          Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims, Definition of Term: Healthy..................    0583-AC47 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Foreign Agricultural Service--Prerule Stage                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
299          Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing.............................................    0551-AA53 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300          Export Sales Reporting Requirement...................................................    0551-AA51 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage                                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
301          CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program................................................    0551-AA30 
302          Sugar Import Licensing...............................................................    0551-AA39 
303          Proposed Regulation Governing Implementation of the Market Access Program............    0551-AA52 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Long-Term Actions                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
304          Proposed Regulations Governing Implementation of the Cooperator Market Development                 
            Program Overseas......................................................................    0551-AA26 
305          Dairy Tariff Rate Import Quota Licensing.............................................    0551-AA27 
306          Facility Guarantee Program...........................................................    0551-AA35 
307          Reform of Export Bonus Program.......................................................    0551-AA41 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Completed Actions                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
308          Regulation Governing the Financing of Commercial Sales of Agricultural Commodities                 
            (PL 480, Title I).....................................................................    0551-AA42 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21693]]


                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage                                      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
309          Small Tracts Act Regulations.........................................................    0596-AA79 
310          National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning.........................    0596-AB20 
311          Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs......................................    0596-AB27 
312          National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning Forest Service Manual                 
            Chapter 1920..........................................................................    0596-AB31 
313          Collection of Reimbursable Costs for Processing Special-Use Applications and                       
            Administration of Special-Use Authorizations..........................................    0596-AB36 
314          Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands....    0596-AB45 
315          Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Extension of Timber Sale                       
            Contracts To Permit Urgent Removal of Other Timber....................................    0596-AB48 
316          Disposal of National Forest Timber: Timber Sale Contract Revisions...................    0596-AB52 
317          National Environmental Policy Act; Revised Policy and Procedures; Categorical                      
            Exclusions............................................................................    0596-AB54 
318          Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands;                 
            Mediation of Grazing Permit Disputes..................................................    0596-AB59 
319          Law Enforcement Support Activities...................................................    0596-AB61 
320          Administrative, Cooperative Funds Agreements.........................................    0596-AB63 
321          Administration of the Forest Development Transportation System.......................    0596-AB67 
322          Noncompetitive Sale of Timber........................................................    0596-AB70 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage                                        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
323          Hydropower Applications..............................................................    0596-AA47 
324          Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands....................................    0596-AA52 
325          Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts............    0596-AB21 
326          State and Private Forestry Assistance Stewardship Incentive Program..................    0596-AB32 
327          Special-Use Applications and Administration of Special-Use Authorizations............    0596-AB35 
328          Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Market-Related Contract Term Additions..    0596-AB41 
329          Preference for Visitor Service; Alaska National Forest Conservation System Units.....    0596-AB57 
330          Small Business Timber Sale Set-Aside Program; Appeal Procedure on Recomputation of                 
            Shares................................................................................    0596-AB62 
331          Categorical Exclusion for Certain Ski Area Permit Actions............................    0596-AB65 
332          Administration of the Forest Development Transportation System: Temporary Suspension               
            of Road Construction in Roadless Areas................................................    0596-AB68 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Long-Term Actions                                       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
333          National Forest Prohibitions.........................................................    0596-AA75 
334          Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and                     
            Activities............................................................................    0596-AB69 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Completed Actions                                       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
335          Timber Sale Performance and Payment Bond Form Revision...............................    0596-AA94 
336          Retention of Downpayment on Timber Sale Contracts....................................    0596-AB28 
337          Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Modification of Timber Sale Contracts in                
            Extraordinary Conditions..............................................................    0596-AB58 
338          Fee Schedule for Communications Facilities Authorized To Use and Occupy National                   
            Forest System Lands in Regions 8, 9, and 10...........................................    0596-AB60 
339          Smith River National Recreation Area.................................................    0596-AB64 
340          NEPA Procedure for Emergency Actions.................................................    0596-AB66 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21694]]


                              Office of Chief Financial Officer--Completed Actions                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
341          Administrative Requirements for Grantees To Reflect Single Audit Act Amendments......    0505-AA10 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
342          Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State                 
            and Local Governments.................................................................    0503-AA16 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
343          Rural Empowerment Zones-Round II.....................................................    0503-AA18 
344          Uniform Procedures for the Acquisition and Transfer of Excess Personal Property......    0503-AA19 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
345          Nondiscrimination in USDA-Conducted Programs and Activities..........................    0503-AA15 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
346          Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Department of                       
            Agriculture...........................................................................    0503-AA05 
347          Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of                 
            Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations........................    0503-AA17 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Prerule Stage                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
348          Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program - Financing Cooperative Stock..........    0570-AA26 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
349          Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program....................................    0570-AA19 
350          Direct Business and Industry Loan Program............................................    0570-AA22 
351          Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan..............................................    0570-AA24 
352          Rural Venture Capital Demonstration Program..........................................    0570-AA25 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21695]]


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
353          Rural Business Opportunity Grants....................................................    0570-AA05 
354          Rural Business Enterprise Grants and Television Demonstration Grants.................    0570-AA08 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Long-Term Actions                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
355          National Sheep Industry Improvement Center...........................................    0570-AA21 
356          Rural Business and Industrial Loan Program - Miscellaneous Changes...................    0570-AA23 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
357          Intermediary Relending Program Rewrite...............................................    0570-AA15 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
358          RUS Fidelity and Insurance Requirements for Electric and Telecommunications Borrowers    0572-AA86 
359          Loan Forecasts and Market Analysis...................................................    0572-AB05 
360          Telecommunications System Construction Policies and Procedures.......................    0572-AB34 
361          Special Equipment Contract (Including Installation)..................................    0572-AB35 
362          RUS Approval of Additions and Extensions to Electric Plants..........................    0572-AB38 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
363          Electric System Planning and Design--Policies and Procedures.........................    0572-AA48 
364          Long-Range Financial Forecasts of Electric Borrowers.................................    0572-AA89 
365          Environmental Policies and Procedures................................................    0572-AB33 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Long-Term Actions                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
366          Loan Security Documents--Telecommunications Program..................................    0572-AA30 
367          Loan Account Computations, Policies, and Procedures..................................    0572-AA65 
368          Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials and Construction.................    0572-AA67 
369          Post-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Insured and Guaranteed Electric Loans....    0572-AA71 
370          Civil Rights Policies Applicable to RUS Borrowers....................................    0572-AA75 
371          Loan Documents--Bank Program.........................................................    0572-AA76 
372          Depreciation Rates and Procedures....................................................    0572-AA80 
373          Preservation of Records Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers...........    0572-AA92 
374          Use of General Funds Investments, Loan Guarantees, and Retirement of Capital Credits               
            by Electric Borrowers.................................................................    0572-AB01 
375          RUS Approval of Sale of Capital Assets by Electric Borrowers.........................    0572-AB02 
376          Community Facility Loans--Timber-Dependent Communities...............................    0572-AB11 

[[Page 21696]]

                                                                                                                
377          Liquidation of Loans and Acquisition, Management, and Disposal of Security Property..    0572-AB13 
378          Solid Waste Management Grants........................................................    0572-AB14 
379          Technical Assistance and Training Grants.............................................    0572-AB15 
380          Water and Waste Loan and Grant Servicing.............................................    0572-AB23 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
381          Electric Systems Operations and Maintenance..........................................    0572-AA74 
382          General Information; Organization & Functions and Loan Making Authority..............    0572-AB37 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Natural Resources Conservation Service--Prerule Stage                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
383          Surface Mining Specifications........................................................    0578-AA25 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Natural Resources Conservation Service--Proposed Rule Stage                          
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
384          Conservation Farm Option (CFO).......................................................    0578-AA20 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
385          Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation........................................    0578-AA17 
386          7 CFR Part 610 Technical Assistance..................................................    0578-AA22 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions                           
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
387          Water Bank...........................................................................    0578-AA24 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Completed Actions                           
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
388          Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)...........................................    0578-AA21 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21697]]


                                     Office of Operations--Long-Term Actions                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
389          New Restrictions on Lobbying.........................................................    0599-AA03 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM

Priority:  Economically Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 101-624, sec 2101 to 2123; 7 USC 6501 to 6522

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, May 28, 1992. Final, Statutory, 
October 1, 1993. Other, Statutory, May 28, 1991.
The Organic Foods Production Act calls for the Secretary to appoint the 
National Organic Standards Board 180 days after enactment and convene 
it within 60 days thereafter.

Abstract: The program is proposed under the Organic Foods Production 
Act of 1990 (Title XX1 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade 
Act, P.L. 101-624), as amended (OFPA or Act), which requires the 
establishment of national standards governing the marketing of certain 
agricultural products as organically produced to facilitate commerce in 
fresh and processed food that is organically produced and to assure 
consumers that such products meet consistent standards. This program 
would establish national standards for the organic production and 
handling of agricultural products, which would include a national list 
of synthetic substances approved for use in the production and handling 
of organically produced products. It also would establish an 
accreditation program for State officials and private persons who want 
to be accredited to certify farms and handling operations that comply 
with the program's requirements and a certification program for farms 
and handling operations that want to be certified as meeting the 
program's requirements. The program additionally would include labeling 
requirements for organic products and products containing organic 
ingredients, and enforcement provisions. The rule provides for the 
approval of State organic programs and the importation into the United 
States of organic agricultural products from foreign programs 
determined to have equivalent requirements. Comments regarding this 
rule should be sent to: Eileen S. Stommes, Deputy Administrator, USDA, 
AMS-TM-NOP, Room 4007-So., Ag Stop 0275, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, 
D.C. 20090-6456.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Organic Livestock Hearings      12/30/93                    58 FR 69315
Notice - Procedure To Submit 
Names of Substances for National 
List                            03/27/95                    60 FR 15744
NPRM                            12/16/97                    62 FR 65850
NPRM Comment Period End         04/30/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Analysis: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Agency Contact: Eileen Stommes, Deputy Administrator, Transportation 
and Marketing Programs, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, Room 4006 South Building, P.O. Box 96456, 
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-3252

RIN: 0581-AA40
_______________________________________________________________________




2. NATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  7 USC 138 to 138i

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The 1990 Farm Bill authorized the creation of a National 
Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLAP) for laboratories that request 
accreditation and conduct residue testing of agricultural products 
concerning chemical residue levels on agricultural products. The 
program is designed to protect human health by ensuring that 
laboratories which make claims to the public concerning pesticide 
residue levels meet minimum quality and reliability standards. The 
standards for the NLAP will be provided by the Food and Drug 
Administration with the operation of the program under the Agricultural 
Marketing Service, USDA. The program costs will be offset by a fee 
schedule. The one-time appropriation was used to provide for a fully 
equipped pesticide laboratory to verify the findings of those 
laboratories applying for accreditation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/20/92                    57 FR 54727
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/19/93
NPRM                            12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: I-Pin Ho, Chemist, Technical Services Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, AMS, 
Science and Technology Division, P.O. Box 96456, Room 3517-South, 
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 205-4993
Fax: 202 720-6496

RIN: 0581-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________




3.  PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, 1998 FEE INCREASE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1622 to 1624

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 52.21; 7 CFR 52.38; 7 CFR 52.42; 7 CFR 52.50

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 21698]]

Abstract: This proposed rule increases the fees and charges assessed 
for inspection services by approximately 3 to 7 percent and revises 
certain sections of the regulations for editorial changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James R. Rodeheaver, Chief, Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, AMS, F&V, PPB, Stop 0247, P.O. 
Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-4693
Fax: 202 690-1527

RIN: 0581-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________




4.  MILK IN THE NEW ENGLAND AND OTHER MARKETING AREAS; (CLASS I 
AND II PRICES)

Priority:  Economically Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 601 to 674

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1001 to 1139

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will consider proposed amendments that would 
establish a specific minimum basic formula price to use in calculating 
the Class I and Class II Federal milk order prices through 1998.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Analysis: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Agency Contact: Connie M. Brenner, Marketing Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA-AMS-Dairy-Order 
Formulation Branch, Room 2971, South Building, P.O. Box 96456, 
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-6274
Fax: 202 690-0552
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB53
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




5. FEDERAL MEAT GRADING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES--1997 USER FEES

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1621 to 1627

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 54

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to raise the fees for Federal 
meat grading and certification services to ensure the program operates 
on a financially self-supporting basis. The fee increase is necessary 
to offset increased program operating costs resulting from (1) 
congressionally mandated, Governmentwide salary increases for 1995, 
1996, and 1997; (2) Inflation on nonsalary operating costs since 1993; 
and (3) Accumulated increases in CONUS per diem rates for the 4-year 
period from 1994 to 1997. The unit cost for providing Federal meat 
grading and certification services is expected to remain at 
approximately $.0006 per pound.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/31/97                    62 FR 68233
NPRM Comment Period End         03/02/98
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected:  None

Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows, Chief, Meat Grading and Certification 
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
USDA, AMS, LS, MGC, Stop 0248, Room 2628-So., 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0248
Phone: 202 720-1246
Fax: 202 690-4119

RIN: 0581-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




6. FEDERAL MILK ORDER CONSOLIDATION AND REFORM (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 601 to 674

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1139

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, April 4, 1999.
Required by Public Law 104-127

Abstract: The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act requires 
that the current 32 Federal milk marketing orders be consolidated into 
between 10 to 14 orders by 4/4/99. The 1996 Farm Bill also directs the 
Secretary to designate the State of California as a Federal order if 
California dairy producers petition for and approve such an order. The 
Act specifies that USDA use informal rulemaking to implement these 
reforms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/30/98                     63 FR 4802
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/98
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          04/00/99

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Analysis: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Agency Contact: John F. Borovies, Branch Chief, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA-AMS-Dairy-Order 
Formulation Branch, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2971-So. Bldg., Washington, 
D.C 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-6274
Fax: 202 690-0552
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB49

[[Page 21699]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




7. REVISION OF REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSPECTION AND GRADING SERVICES 
OF MANUFACTURED OR PROCESSED DAIRY PRODUCTS

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 58

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/10/92                    57 FR 35492
NPRM Comment Period End         10/09/92


Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: F. Tracy Schonrock
Phone: 202 690-0530

RIN: 0581-AA45
_______________________________________________________________________




8. KIWIFRUIT RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1214

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/02/96                    61 FR 51378
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/02/96
NPRM                            10/17/97                    62 FR 54314
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Martha B. Ransom
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800

RIN: 0581-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




9. POPCORN PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1215

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/22/97                    62 FR 39386

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Martha B. Ransom
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800

RIN: 0581-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




10. REVISION OF PART 46.46 REGULATIONS UNDER THE PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL 
COMMODITIES ACT; TRUST PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 46

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/14/97                    62 FR 60998
Final Action Effective          12/15/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles W. Parrott
Phone: 202 720-4180
Fax: 202 690-4413
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




11. DAIRY PRODUCTS; GRADING AND INSPECTION, FEE INCREASE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 58

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/18/97                    62 FR 66257
Final Action Effective          01/04/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Tracy Schonrock
Phone: 202 720-3171
Fax: 202 690-0552

RIN: 0581-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




12.  FEES FOR DESTINATION MARKET INSPECTIONS OF FRESH FRUITS, 
VEGETABLES AND OTHER PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1621 to 1627

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 51.21; 7 CFR 51.38

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises regulations governing the inspection and 
certification for fresh fruits, vegetables and other products by 
increasing by approximately 10 percent the fees charged for the 
inspection of these products at destination markets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/17/97                    62 FR 66033
NPRM Comment Period End         02/17/98
Final Action                    03/31/98                    63 FR 15274
Final Action Effective          04/06/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Analysis: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Agency Contact: Robert J. Huttenlocker, Head, Program Support Section, 
Fresh Products Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2049-So., Washington, DC 20090-
6456
Phone: 202 720-0297
Fax: 202 720-0393
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB51
BILLING CODE 3410-02-F

[[Page 21700]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




13. LENDER BUYBACK OF REPURCHASED GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) proposes to amend its 
guaranteed farm loan program regulations to allow a lender to 
repurchase the guaranteed portion of a loan from a secondary market 
holder. This change will allow a lender to reimburse the agency, retain 
the guarantee and service the loan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Senior Loan Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, P.O. Box 2415, STOP 0523, Washington, 
DC 20013
Phone: 202 690-4012
Fax: 202 720-7686
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF21
_______________________________________________________________________




14.  COOPERATIVE MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 104-127

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1425

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action updates the requirements for cooperatives to 
obtain and maintain status as approved cooperative marketing 
associations (CMAs). The primary changes are 1) remove the requirement 
for submission of articles of incorporation by CMAs and their review by 
FSA, 2) provide new regulations for handling eligibility discrepancies 
between FSA and CMA records, and 3) replace the requirement for an 
annual audit to a requirement for annual submission of a balance sheet 
certified by a certified public accountant. No direct outlays are 
expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF33
_______________________________________________________________________




15.  INAPPLICABILITY TO FSA'S FARM LOAN PROGRAMS OF REDUNDANT 
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE COLLECTION AND DEPOSITING OF PROGRAM PAYMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will revise 7 CFR 1951, subpart B to make the 
instructions inapplicable to FSA Farm Loan Program (FLP) collection 
activities. This will allow FSA to incorporate in agency permanent 
directives (handbooks) the FLP State and county office instructions on 
how to process collections and make deposits through CCC's deposit 
mechanisms without the necessity of issuing the instructions as 
temporary directives. Temporary directives are currently required 
because the instructions in the CFR apply to more than one Agency, and 
thus cannot be amended for just one Agency. No cost is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF34
_______________________________________________________________________




16.  AMENDMENT TO THE FARM RECONSTITUTION REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1373; 7 USC 1374; 7 USC 7201 et seq; 15 USC 
714b to 714c

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 718

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the regulations regarding farm 
reconstitution of bases, allotments, and quotas to 1) amend, add or 
change definitions to be more consistent with changes provided for 
under the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, 2) 
add a stipulation which requires the county committee to notify farm 
owners and operators of the results of the farm reconstitution, and 3) 
provide that reconstitutions after advance payments will not be 
effective for the current fiscal year. No significant cost is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF36

[[Page 21701]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




17. 1998-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY TOBACCO

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under       
    PL 104-4.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1314; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, February 1, 1998.
Final Deadline for Marketing Quotas is 02/01/98

Abstract: This program is required by statute. Its purpose is to 
balance supply with demand at levels assuring stable supplies for 
domestic and export use at prices that are considered sufficient for 
producers. The national quota is based on cigarette manufacturers' 
intentions, 3-year average exports, loan stocks adjustment, and a 
discretionary adjustment of plus or minus 3 percent. The price support 
is based on a formula that averages market prices (2/3 weight) and a 
cost index (1/3 weight), plus discretion to limit any increase to 65 
percent of the formula increase. Producers will hold a referendum in 
February, 1988, to determine if they will approve marketing quotas for 
the 1998-2000 marketing years. Gross loan outlays of $50 million in FY 
1999 are expected to be offset by loan repayments and no-net-cost 
assessments in FY 1999 and subsequent years for a net cost of 0.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF18
_______________________________________________________________________




18. 1998-CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR EIGHT KINDS 
OF TOBACCO

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1312; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This program is required by statute to provide marketing 
quotas/acreage allotments and price support for specific kinds of 
tobacco. Quotas and allotments are determined by statutory formula to 
balance supply with demand to assure stable supplies for domestic and 
export use. Marketing quotas are implemented if approved by producers 
in referenda. Price support levels are set by statutory formula. The 
Secretary may reduce levels at the request of producer associations and 
may limit increases to 65 percent of the formula increase. Gross loan 
outlays of $3 million are expected in FY 1998, to be offset by loan 
redemptions and no-net-cost assessments in FY 1998 and subsequent 
years, for a net cost of 0. 1998 and 1999 are expected to be offset by 
repayments and no-net-cost assessments in FY 1998 and subsequent years, 
for a net cost of 0.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/02/98                     63 FR 5285
NPRM Comment Period End         02/13/98
Final Action                    05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF20
_______________________________________________________________________




19.  REVISION OF FSA-GUARANTEED LOAN REGULATIONS--INTEREST 
SUBSIDY FOR GUARANTEED BORROWERS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1999; PL 101-508

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is amending its guaranteed 
loan-making regulations to implement provisions of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990 to change the Interest Rate Reduction 
provisions of section 351 7 USC 1999 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (CONACT). This action will adopt the interim rule 
published February 28, 1991 with changes based upon comments, as a 
final rule, which will be effective on publication. Under the interim 
rule, borrowers were eligible for guaranteed loan assistance with up to 
a 4 percentage-point reduction in the interest rate paid by FSA. The 
objective of this final action is to make the program more responsive 
to the borrowers' and lenders' needs and to reduce the administrative 
burden on FSA staff, while still protecting the Government's interest. 
Cash-flow calculations will not specifically consider non-essential 
assets. They will be considered as part of the test for credit. The 3 
percent cap on variable interest rates is being removed, which had kept 
some lenders from utilizing the program for their borrowers' benefit. 
Outlays of $8 million per year are expected, which is the same amount 
as under the interim rule. This action replaces RIN 0560-AE01.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/28/91                     56 FR 8257
Final Action                    05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF35

[[Page 21702]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




20. PROGRAM INELIGIBILITY FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION 
PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  None

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AD57
_______________________________________________________________________




21. SUGAR AND CRYSTALLINE FRUCTOSE INFORMATION AND RECORDKEEPING 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1435

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AD88
_______________________________________________________________________




22. AMENDMENT TO THE WAREHOUSE REGULATIONS REGARDING AUCTION TOBACCO 
WAREHOUSES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 737

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/28/95                    60 FR 38766
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AD92
_______________________________________________________________________




23. FARMER CREDIT PROGRAM ACCOUNT SERVICING POLICIES FOR SECTION 1816 
AND OTHER RELATED SECTIONS FOR THE ``1990 FACT ACT''

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1900 subpart B; 7 CFR 1924 subpart B; 7 CFR 1951 
subpart S

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/91                    56 FR 54970
NPRM Comment Period End         11/22/91
Interim Final Rule              04/30/92                    57 FR 18612
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE02
_______________________________________________________________________




24. IMPLEMENT SECTION 1818 (BORROWER TRAINING) OF THE FOOD, AGRICULTURE, 
CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF 1990 (FACT ACT)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1910 subpart A; 7 CFR 1943 subpart B; 7 CFR 1924 
subpart B; 7 CFR 1941 subpart A; 7 CFR 1945 subpart D; 7 CFR 1943 
subpart A; 7 CFR 1951 subpart S; 7 CFR 1980 subpart B; 7 CFR 1962 
subpart A; 7 CFR 1965 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/25/92                    57 FR 55473
NPRM Comment Period End         12/28/92
Interim Final Rule              12/30/93                    58 FR 69190
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE04
_______________________________________________________________________




25. GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAMS; MONITORING LIQUID ACCOUNTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart A; 7 CFR 1980 subpart B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/05/94                    59 FR 23173
NPRM Comment Period End         07/05/94
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE05
_______________________________________________________________________




26. IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTIFIED LENDER PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart A; 7 CFR 1980 subpart B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/24/93                    58 FR 34302
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE07
_______________________________________________________________________




27. INSURED AND GUARANTEED OPERATING AND FARM OWNERSHIP LOAN AND RELATED 
INSTRUCTIONS TO IMPLEMENT SECTIONS 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, AND 19 OF THE 
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1992

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 
1945; 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 1955

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/15/93                    58 FR 48275
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE09

[[Page 21703]]

_______________________________________________________________________




28. LOANS TO INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL CORPORATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1942 subpart F; 7 CFR 1823; 7 CFR 2.23; 7 CFR 2.70

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE10
_______________________________________________________________________




29. SECTION 14 OF THE AGRICULTURAL CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1992, 
(GRADUATION) AND SECTIONS 1819 (LOAN ASSESSMENT) AND 1821 (MARKET 
PLACEMENT) OF THE ``FACT ACT''

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 
1980; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 1945; 7 CFR 1962

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/93                    58 FR 69274
NPRM Comment Period End         02/28/94
Interim Final Rule              07/09/96                    61 FR 35916
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




30. THE AGRICULTURAL CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1992

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1946; 7 CFR 1980

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/17/93                    58 FR 65871
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE13
_______________________________________________________________________




31. IMPLEMENT SECTIONS 11 AND 13 OF THE AGRICULTURE CREDIT IMPROVEMENT 
ACT OF 1992 (APPLICATION PROCESSING TIMEFRAME)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1980

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/29/93                    58 FR 68717
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE14
_______________________________________________________________________




32. ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT OF REAL AND CHATTEL PROPERTY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 2.23; 7 CFR 2.70; 7 CFR 1955A; 7 CFR 1955C

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/29/93                    58 FR 68722
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE15
_______________________________________________________________________




33. SMALL FARMER OUTREACH TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1943 subpart C

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/27/94                    59 FR 66441
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE17
_______________________________________________________________________




34. DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1945 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE22
_______________________________________________________________________




35. REVISIONS TO THE DIRECT FARM OWNERSHIP LOAN REGULATION (1943-A) 
OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED GROUPS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1943 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE23
_______________________________________________________________________




36. SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED OUTREACH PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1941 subpart A; 7 CFR 1980 subpart B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

[[Page 21704]]

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE24
_______________________________________________________________________




37. PART 1946 MEDIATION; SUBPART A AGRICULTURAL LOAN MEDIATION PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1946 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE26
_______________________________________________________________________




38. AMENDMENT TO CONSERVATION PROGRAM APPEAL REGULATIONS REGARDING 
JURISDICTION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 780

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/29/95                    60 FR 67298
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE30
_______________________________________________________________________




39. SELECTION AND FUNCTIONS OF FARM SERVICE AGENCY STATE AND COUNTY 
COMMITTEES

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 7

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE33
_______________________________________________________________________




40. PERMIT FSA TO SELL OR ASSIGN FARM LOAN MORTGAGES AND NOTES

Priority:  Economically Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 1965

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE35
_______________________________________________________________________




41. IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES FOR HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLANDS 
CONSERVATION PROVISIONS OF THE FOOD SECURITY ACT

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1940

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE38
_______________________________________________________________________




42. AMENDMENTS TO THE FARMER ACCOUNT SERVICING POLICIES

Priority:  Economically Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1900; 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 
1943; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 1965

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/14/88                    53 FR 35638
NPRM                            10/23/91                    56 FR 54970
Interim Final Rule              04/30/92                    57 FR 18612
Interim Final Rule              10/15/92                    57 FR 47257
Interim Final Rule              03/23/93                    58 FR 15418
Interim Final Rule              05/26/93                    58 FR 30104
Interim Final Rule              12/30/93                    58 FR 69190
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




43. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSE FOR COMMODITY 
CREDIT CORPORATION STORAGE CONTRACTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1423; 7 CFR 1427

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________




44. DELETION OF FSA REGULATIONS REGARDING COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY 
CONTROL PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 702; 7 CFR 703; 7 CFR 752

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE54

[[Page 21705]]

_______________________________________________________________________




45. AMENDMENT TO THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM REGARDING EARLY 
CONTRACT TERMINATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 704

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/15/96                    61 FR 10671
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE56
_______________________________________________________________________




46. IMPLEMENTATION OF FIVE-YEAR DIRECT LINE OF CREDIT PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1941, subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE58
_______________________________________________________________________




47. AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS FOR COTTON WAREHOUSES UNDER THE UNITED 
STATES WAREHOUSE ACT--ELECTRONIC BLOCK WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS, INSURANCE 
REQUIREMENTS, AND OTHER PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 735

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/29/96                    61 FR 60637
NPRM Comment Period End         01/28/97
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE60
_______________________________________________________________________




48. POST-BANKRUPTCY LOAN SERVICING NOTIFICATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1962

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/18/96                    61 FR 37405
NPRM Comment Period End         08/02/96
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE62
_______________________________________________________________________




49. CONSOLIDATE FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS REGULATIONS--MISCELLANEOUS 
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1806; 7 CFR 1900; 7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1902; 7 CFR 
1910; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR 1950; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 2018; 7 CFR 2045; 7 CFR 
ch XIV

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE64
_______________________________________________________________________




50. CONSOLIDATE FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING 
REGULATIONS--MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF ACQUIRED PROPERTY

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR ch XIV

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE65
_______________________________________________________________________




51. CONSOLIDATE FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAM DIRECT LOAN SERVICING 
REGULATIONS--DELINQUENT ACCOUNT RESTRUCTURING AND LIQUIDATION

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 
1965; 7 CFR ch XVIII

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE66

[[Page 21706]]

_______________________________________________________________________




52. CONSOLIDATE FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING 
REGULATIONS--MANAGEMENT ADVICE, TAX SERVICING, COLLECTION, AND SECURITY 
SERVICING

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1925; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 
1965; 7 CFR ch XIV

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE67
_______________________________________________________________________




53. ELIMINATE INTERNAL AGENCY PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS 
REGULATIONS--MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1806; 7 CFR 1900; 7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1902; 7 CFR 
1910; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR 1950; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 2018; 7 CFR 2045

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE68
_______________________________________________________________________




54. ELIMINATE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT 
PROGRAM REGULATIONS--MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF ACQUIRED PROPERTY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE69
_______________________________________________________________________




55. ELIMINATE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT 
PROGRAM DIRECT LOAN REGULATIONS--DELINQUENT ACCOUNT SERVICING AND 
LIQUIDATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1962

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE70
_______________________________________________________________________




56. ELIMINATE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT 
PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1925; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 
1965

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE71
_______________________________________________________________________




57. ELIMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT 
PROGRAM DIRECT LOANMAKING REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1823; 7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 
1927; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 1945; 7 CFR 1951

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE73
_______________________________________________________________________




58. CONSOLIDATION OF FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS DIRECT LOANMAKING 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1823; 7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 
1927; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 1945; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 
ch XIV

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

[[Page 21707]]

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE74
_______________________________________________________________________




59. ELIMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT 
PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANMAKING REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE75
_______________________________________________________________________




60. CONSOLIDATION OF FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANMAKING 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE76
_______________________________________________________________________




61. ELIMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA REGULATIONS 
PERTAINING TO FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS LOAN RATES, FUNDING, AND LOAN 
AUTHORITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1810; 7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1902; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR 
1951

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE77
_______________________________________________________________________




62. CONSOLIDATION OF FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAMS REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO 
LOAN RATES, FUNDING, AND LOAN AUTHORITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1810; 7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1902; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR 
1951; 7 CFR ch XIV

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE78
_______________________________________________________________________




63. ELIMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT 
PROGRAMS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1940

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE79
_______________________________________________________________________




64. CONSOLIDATION OF FARM SERVICE AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1901; 7 CFR 1940; 7 CFR ch XIV

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE80
_______________________________________________________________________




65. SUSPENSION OF THE EMERGENCY LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS FOR 
CROP YEARS 1996 TO 2002

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1475

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE86

[[Page 21708]]

_______________________________________________________________________




66. REVISION TO THE DIRECT LOANMAKING REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 1945; 7 CFR 
1980

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/03/97                     62 FR 9351
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/24/97
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE87
_______________________________________________________________________




67. REVISION OF THE INVENTORY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1955

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/21/97                    62 FR 44393
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE88
_______________________________________________________________________




68. REVISIONS TO THE DELINQUENT ACCOUNT SERVICING REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 1965

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/05/97                    62 FR 10117
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/13/97
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE89
_______________________________________________________________________




69. DIRECT LINE OF CREDIT PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1941

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE90
_______________________________________________________________________




70. REVISION OF REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL 
CORPORATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1823; 7 CFR 1942-F; 7 CFR 1956-C

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE91
_______________________________________________________________________




71. SUBORDINATION OF DIRECT LOAN BASIC SECURITY TO SECURE A GUARANTEED 
LOAN

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 1965; 7 CFR 1980

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/09/97                    62 FR 47384
NPRM Comment Period End         11/10/97
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE92
_______________________________________________________________________




72. AMENDMENTS TO THE TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTA REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 723

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/21/97                    62 FR 13546
NPRM Comment Period End         05/20/97
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE96
_______________________________________________________________________




73. DISASTER SET-ASIDE PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951, subpart S

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/01/97                    62 FR 41251
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE98
_______________________________________________________________________




74. BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION LOAN PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1941, subpart C

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/16/97                    62 FR 26918
Final Action                    00/00/00

[[Page 21709]]

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE99
_______________________________________________________________________




75. AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE THE TOBACCO PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 711; 7 CFR 714; 7 CFR 717; 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF05
_______________________________________________________________________




76. AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE THE PEANUT PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1446

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF06
_______________________________________________________________________




77. AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE FARM PROGRAM PAYMENT LIMITATION AND DISASTER 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 777; 7 CFR 795; 7 CFR 1400

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF10
_______________________________________________________________________




78. AMENDMENT TO THE COTTON WAREHOUSE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE 
DEFINITION OF ``UNNECESSARY DELAY''

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 735

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF13
_______________________________________________________________________




79. AMENDMENTS TO THE DEBT SETTLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO CONFORM 
TO THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF22
_______________________________________________________________________




80.  AMENDMENTS TO THE FORAGE PROVISIONS OF THE NONINSURED CROP 
DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 7333

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1437

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will revise the forage provisions of the 
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program to provide a methodology 
for calculating losses of eligible forage crops that are predominantly 
grazed. The revised procedures will require the county FSA committee to 
categorize each forage plant species or type or variety of a species as 
either predominantly grazed or predominantly mechanically harvested. 
There is no change in the methodology for calculating losses of 
eligible crops that are predominantly mechanically harvested. Eligible 
producers of forage predominantly grazed would, in place of annual 
production records, be required, in the year of the loss, to provide 
records of livestock utilization and supplemental feed in order to 
determine the value of the loss. A small increase in participation 
might result. No significant change in outlays is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/17/97                    62 FR 53929
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF23

[[Page 21710]]

_______________________________________________________________________




81.  FLOOD RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 7334

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1471

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the Flood Risk Reduction Program 
for persons with contract acreage that is frequently flooded. With 
respect to the acres that are subject to the contract, the producer 
must agree to 1) terminate any contract acreage and production 
flexibility contract under the Agricultural Market Transition Act, 2) 
forego loans for contract commodities, oilseeds, and extra-long staple 
cotton, 3) not apply for crop insurance issued or reissued by the 
Secretary, 4) comply with applicable highly erodible land and wetlands 
requirements under Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, 5) not 
apply for any conservation program payments from the Secretary, 6) not 
apply for disaster program benefits provided by the Secretary, and 6) 
refund payments, with interest, if the contract is violated. In return, 
participants receive up to 95 percent of the amount they would have 
received under a production flexibility contract on the same land. 
Payments in FY 1998 of about $7 million are expected, with offsetting 
reductions in production flexibility contract payments of about $7.4 
million during FY's 1998-2002.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF24
_______________________________________________________________________




82.  AMENDMENTS TO THE PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY CONTRACT FOR 
WHEAT, FEED GRAINS, RICE, AND UPLAND COTTON

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 714b to 714c

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1412

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the production flexibility contract 
regulations to 1) add a final date for producers to designate payments 
shares and provide supporting documentation to be eligible to earn 
contract payments in the current fiscal year when payment shares have 
not been designated in the current fiscal year, 2) change the dates by 
which a producer or owner must inform county committees of changes in 
interest, 3) add a final date for producers to request advance 
payments, 4) clarify cash lease provisions, 5) change the provisions 
for determining whether a lease is a cash lease or a share lease with 
respect to combination leases, and 6) change the date by which all 
persons eligible to receive a share of the contract payment must 
execute a contract in the current fiscal year to be eligible to earn 
contract payments in the current fiscal year when landowners, tenants 
and sharecroppers on a farm fail to reach an agreement regarding the 
division of the contract payments. No change in outlays is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/23/97                    62 FR 55150
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF25
_______________________________________________________________________




83.  REFUND OF MARKETING QUOTA PENALTIES AND TOBACCO AUCTION 
WAREHOUSE RECORDS AND REPORTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1372; 7 USC 1373

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 714; 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 729

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will require tobacco auction warehouses to maintain 
buyer correction accounts (BCAs) separate from the warehouse leaf 
accounts. Currently, shortage adjustments from a buyer back to the 
warehouse show as purchases for the warehouse's leak account. This in 
turn allows the warehouse to have resales of tobacco that it did not 
purchase. The purpose of the BCA's is to provide adjustments for 
tobacco buyers' accounts, not resale credits. In addition, the rule 
will remove 7 CFR 714, Refunds of Penalties Erroneously, Illegally, or 
Wrongfully Collected, from the CFR because it is no longer needed. The 
provisions for refunds of marketing quota penalties for peanuts and 
tobacco will be incorporated in parts 729 and 723, respectively. No 
cost is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF26
_______________________________________________________________________




84.  REFUND OF MARKETING QUOTA PENALTIES AND OTHER PEANUT 
PROGRAM PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1372; 7 USC 1373

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 729

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will add provisions to the Peanut Poundage Quota

[[Page 21711]]

regulations to allow for the issuance of marketing cards for peanuts by 
type and segregation rather than only for quota or additional, will 
clarify the regulations applicable to considered-produced credit for 
out-of-county and within-county transfers, will amend the tolerance for 
acreage certification for temporary seed quota to agree with the FSA 
Handbook (2-CP), and will modify signature requirements for approving 
quota transfers. No cost will be incurred.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF27
_______________________________________________________________________




85.  CONTRACTING ADDITIONAL PEANUTS BY TYPE AND SEGREGATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 7271; 15 USC 714b to 714c

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1446

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the regulations for contracting 
additional peanuts for export or crushing to allow for contracting 
peanuts by type and segregation. No cost will be incurred.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF28
_______________________________________________________________________




86.  AMERICAN INDIAN LIVESTOCK FEED PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1427a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1439

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This program will make assistance available to American 
Indian and Alaskan Native tribes when, as a result of a natural 
disaster occurring on reservations or other land designated for Indian 
use, significant loss of livestock feed has occurred and a livestock 
feed emergency exists. Upon a request from the eligible tribal 
authority, CCC will consider approval of an area designation. An area 
will consist of either a minimum 320,000 aggregate acres or the 
reservation. Direct cash payments will be provided American Indian 
limited resource livestock producers on the basis of the number of 
eligible livestock and a payment rate of 30 percent of the animal unit 
day (AUD) value. CCC will determine the AUD value on the basis of the 
national 5-year average price of corn and the daily energy requirement 
equivalent for one animal unit of 15.7 pounds of corn. Expected outlays 
are $4 million annually for 5 years, beginning in 1998.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF29
_______________________________________________________________________




87.  SUGAR PROGRAM INFORMATION REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 7272

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1435

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: USDA is statutorily required to collect monthly data from 
sugarcane and sugar beet processors, and cane sugar refiners on sugar 
production, importation, distribution and stocks. The data are needed 
to administer the sugar program. This action will clarify some 
definitions to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance and data 
integrity. No cost will be incurred.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF31
_______________________________________________________________________




88.  UPLAND COTTON USER MARKETING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM; REVISION 
OF REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 7235; PL 105-86

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1427

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the regulations governing the Upland 
Cotton User Marketing Certificate Program to conform to recent 
legislation. It will 1) amend the agreement between CCC and each 
program participant, i.e., cotton exporters and cotton textile 
manufacturers who sign the agreement, 2) set forth the end-of-year 
transition procedure for the Step 3 trigger, 3) provide consistent 
procedures for both Step 2 and Step 3 determinations by specifying that 
only current-price quotations are to be used for both, and 4) remove 
obsolete provisions regarding past Step 2 claims. The expenditure for 
Step 2 payments was capped in the 1996 Act at $701 million over the FY 
1996 - 2002 period. The budget baseline projects that the entire amount 
would have been spent under the current regulations for Step 2. The 
triggering of Step 3 quotas for raw upland cotton will be less likely. 
However, given expected prices, no

[[Page 21712]]

imports of raw cotton are projected under the baseline with or without 
the change.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Interim Final Rule              00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Indepndence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF32
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




89. FARMER PROGRAMS GUARANTEED INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart A; 7 CFR 1980 subpart B; 7 CFR 1980 
subpart D; 7 CFR 1980 subpart E; 7 CFR 1980 subpart G

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Replaced by RIN 
0560-AF35                       01/28/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE01
_______________________________________________________________________




90. DECISION TO LIQUIDATE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Transferred to NRCS 01/12/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE19
_______________________________________________________________________




91. COLLECTION OF SHARED APPRECIATION AGREEMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1951

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/10/98                     63 FR 6627

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE61
_______________________________________________________________________




92. 1997-CROP PEANUTS NATIONAL POUNDAGE QUOTA, NATIONAL AVERAGE LOAN 
RATES, AND MINIMUM CCC EXPORT-EDIBLE SALES PRICE FOR ADDITIONAL PEANUTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 729; 7 CFR 1464; 7 CFR 1421

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/25/97                    62 FR 62689

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF01
_______________________________________________________________________




93. AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS FOR PROCUREMENT OF PROCESSED 
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES FOR DONATION TO COMPLY WITH THE MARITIME 
SECURITY ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1496

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/06/98                    63 FR 11101
Final Action Effective          04/06/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF09
_______________________________________________________________________




94. SPECIAL COMBINATIONS OF FLUE-CURED TOBACCO ALLOTMENTS AND QUOTAS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 718; 7 CFR 723

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/24/98                     63 FR 9126
Final Action Effective          02/24/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF14
_______________________________________________________________________




95. AMENDMENT TO THE FARM RECONSTITUTION REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 718

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Replaced by RIN 
0560-AF36                       01/28/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF16

[[Page 21713]]

_______________________________________________________________________




96. TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR 1997

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1478

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/27/98                     63 FR 3791

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF17
_______________________________________________________________________




97.  DAIRY INDEMNITY PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 105-86

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 760

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Dairy Indemnity Payment Program indemnifies dairy farmers 
for milk dumped because of contamination that was not the result of the 
producer and indemnifies dairy manufacturers for dairy products removed 
from the market through no fault of their own. The program is 
authorized on a year-to-year basis by USDA's annual appropriations 
Acts. This action will reauthorize the program through 9/30/98 in 
accordance with the FY 1998 Agriculture Appropriations Act. 
Reauthorization is mandatory. No program changes are being made. The 
action will only amend the CFR to update the authority citation. The 
appropriation is for $550,000 for FY 1998.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/31/97                    62 FR 68142

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Acting Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF30
BILLING CODE 3410-05-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




98. ANIMAL WELFARE--STANDARDS FOR MARINE MAMMALS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department regulates the treatment of certain marine 
mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for 
treatment of these animals have been in effect for over 10 years. 
During this time, advances have been made and new information has been 
developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. The 
Department has given notice of its review of the present standards to 
determine what revisions or additions might be necessary, and has 
requested comments on appropriate specific standards for treatment of 
marine mammals. The Department has conducted negotiated rulemaking (Reg 
Neg) and is developing proposed changes to the regulations. In addition 
to identifying regulatory provisions for revision based on negotiated 
rulemaking the Department is conducting separate rulemaking to 
establish standards governing ``swim with the dolphins'' (SWTD) 
programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/23/93                    58 FR 39458
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/06/93
NPRM                            01/23/95                     60 FR 4383
NPRM Comment Period End         02/22/95
NPRM Comment Period Extended 
(Swim With the Dolphins (SWTD)) 02/28/95                    60 FR 10810
NPRM Comment Period Extended 
SWTD                            03/09/95                    60 FR 12908
NPRM Reopened and Extended 
Comment Period (SWTD)           03/24/95                    60 FR 15524
Notice, Establish a Committee 
(Reg Neg)                       05/22/95                    60 FR 27049
Correction (Reg Neg)            06/02/95                    60 FR 28834
NPRM Animal Welfare; Marine 
Mammals                         06/00/98
Final Action SWTD               06/00/98
Comment Period End              08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal 
Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AA59
_______________________________________________________________________




99. USER FEES, VETERINARY DIAGNOSTICS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 19 USC 1306; 21 USC 102 to 
105; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 134a to 134d; 21 USC 
134f; 21 USC 135; 21 USC 136; 21 USC 136a

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 130

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is 
proposing to revise current fees for cost increases or decreases in the 
user fee program and to propose additional fees for goods and services 
which APHIS provides. The purpose is to more accurately provide for 
full-cost recovery of Agency activities. Fees being revised include: 
user fees at APHIS's animal import centers and user fees at the 
National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (including the labs at 
the Foreign Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL)) to account 
for cost increases and decreases. New user fees are being proposed for 
the following: use of new

[[Page 21714]]

spaces at the APHIS animal center in Newburgh, NY; hourly services; and 
veterinary diagnostic tests, reagents, and services.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Barbara Thompson, Chief, BAD, Financial Systems 
Services Branch, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901

RIN: 0579-AA70
_______________________________________________________________________




100. ANIMAL WELFARE--STANDARDS FOR ANIMAL AUCTIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 1; 9 CFR 2; 9 CFR 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposal would establish standards designed specifically 
for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals 
covered by the Animal Welfare Act that are held in auction markets. 
Currently, the treatment of animals at auction sales is being enforced 
under general regulations for warmblooded animals that are not 
otherwise covered by the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Stephen Smith, Staff Animal Health Technician, Animal 
Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-4972
Fax: 301 734-4978

RIN: 0579-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________




101. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 149; 7 USC 150bb; 7 USC 150dd; 7 USC 150ee; 7 
USC 150ff; 7 USC 154; 7 USC 159; 7 USC 160; 7 USC 162; 7 USC 2260; 21 
USC 136; 21 USC 136a; 31 USC 9701

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 330

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is developing a proposal to amend its plant pest 
regulations by: (1) Setting out the criteria that will be used by APHIS 
when considering whether an organism is a plant pest; (2) adding a 
permit category for organisms that would be released into the 
environment for purposes such as the biological control of weeds; (3) 
establishing a notification system that could be used in place of 
permits for the importation and interstate movement of certain low-risk 
organisms; and (4) revising or amending existing portions of the 
regulations to clarify or update requirements, eliminate redundancy, 
and make the regulations easier for the public to use. These proposed 
changes will serve as a follow-up to the advance notice of proposed 
rulemaking that APHIS published in the Federal Register on September 
27, 1996, to solicit input on the need for regulatory changes and 
alternative methods of addressing plant pest risk.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/27/96                    61 FR 50767
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/26/96
NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Robert Flanders, Entomologist, PPQ Biological 
Assessment and Taxonomic Support, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8896
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




102. IMPORTATION OF LOGS, LUMBER, AND OTHER UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 150dd; 7 USC 150ee; 7 USC 150ff; 7 USC 151 to 
167; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2803; 7 USC 2809; 21 USC 136; 21 USC 136a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the universal importation option for 
importing wood chips fumigated with methyl bromide to make it apply 
only to shipments totaling 120 cubic feet or less. This action appears 
necessary because methyl bromide fumigation has proven to be 
ineffective when used on shipments of more than 120 cubic feet. We 
have, however, determined that a surface pesticide treatment is 
effective in rendering large shipments of Pinus radiata wood chips from 
Chile free of plant pests, and have approved a surface pesticide 
treatment for use on Pinus radiata wood chips from Chile. Therefore, 
this rule would also allow the importation of Pinus radiata wood chips 
from Chile if the surfaces of the wood chips are treated with a 
pesticide approved by the Administrator. We do not believe that this 
change would have a significant economic impact on U.S. wood chip 
producers because imports from Chile would not be in direct competition 
with wood chips produced in the United States. An immediate positive 
impact would be that several U.S. pulp producers at risk of being 
forced to reduce production or close due to lack of wood chip supply 
would be able to remain in production. This rule would also allow solid 
wood packing materials used with nonregulated articles to be imported 
without an importer document.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

[[Page 21715]]

NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ronald Campbell, Operations Officer, Program Support 
Staff, PPQ, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road UNIT 60, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8295
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA82
_______________________________________________________________________




103. VETERINARY SERVICES MULTI-YEAR USER FEES

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 19 USC 1306; 21 USC 102 to 
105; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114 to 114a; 21 USC 134a to 134d; 21 USC 134f; 
21 USC 135; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 130

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend the user fee regulations by 
adjusting the fees charged for veterinary services we provide for 
import and export related activities. We are proposing to adopt user 
fees for these services for fiscal year 1998 through 2003. Costs to 
operate the Veterinary Services import-export program increase slightly 
from year to year due to increase in employee costs (i.e., cost of 
living, etc.) and changes in other operational costs. Therefore, we 
have determined that the fees must be adjusted to reflect the 
anticipated cost of providing these services through fiscal year 2003.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Louise Lothery, Director, VS, Resource Management 
Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 44, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-7517
  
Donna Ford, Section Head, M&B, Budget and Accounting Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-5785

RIN: 0579-AA87
_______________________________________________________________________




104.  IMPORTATION OF GRAPEFRUIT, LEMONS, AND ORANGES FROM 
ARGENTINA

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 150dd to 150ff; 7 USC 151 to 167; 7 USC 450; 7 
USC 2803; 7 USC 2809; 21 USC 136; 21 USC 136a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 300; 7 CFR 319.28; 7 CFR 319.56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is proposing to amend its citrus fruit regulations by 
recognizing a citrus-growing area within Argentina as being free from 
citrus canker. Surveys conducted by Argentine plant health authorities 
in that area of Argentina have shown the area to be free from citrus 
canker, and Argentine authorities are enforcing restrictions designed 
to protect the area from the introduction of that disease. APHIS is 
also proposing to amend its fruits and vegetables regulations to allow 
the importation of grapefruit, lemons, and oranges from the citrus 
canker-free area of Argentina under conditions designed to prevent the 
introduction into the United States of two other diseases of citrus, 
sweet orange scab and citrus black spot, and other plant pests. These 
proposed changes would modify the citrus fruits regulations to 
recognize the citrus canker-free area of Argentina and would add 
provisions to the fruits and vegetables regulations that would allow 
the importation, from Argentina, of grapefruit, lemons, and oranges 
subject to certain conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James A. Petit de Mange, Import Specialist, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, PPQ, 
Phytosanitary Issues Management Team, 4700 River Road Unit 140, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799
Fax: 301 734-5786
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA92
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




105. ADDITION OF CERVIDAE TO THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING TUBERCULOSIS IN 
LIVESTOCK

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 105; 21 USC 111 to 113; 21 USC 114; 21 USC 
114a; 21 USC 115 to 117; 21 USC 120 to 121; 21 USC 134b; 21 USC 134f

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 77; 9 CFR 91

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious, infectious, and 
communicable disease affecting cattle, bison, and other species, 
including humans. The spread of bovine tuberculosis in the United 
States could have serious consequences for the United States cattle and 
bison industries, as well as for human health. Currently, the 
regulations concerning control and eradication programs for bovine 
tuberculosis in livestock only regulate cattle, bison, and swine. 
Recent outbreaks in the United States of bovine tuberculosis in semi-
domesticated herds of cervidae (such as deer and elk) have made 
apparent the need to also regulate captive cervids raised for 
agricultural purposes, sport, or exhibition, in order to prevent the 
spread of bovine tuberculosis.

[[Page 21716]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/04/96                    61 FR 14982
NPRM Comment Period End         06/03/96
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Analysis: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Agency Contact: Dr. Joseph Van Tiem, Staff Veterinarian, VS, National 
Animal Health Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7716

RIN: 0579-AA53
_______________________________________________________________________




106. PHYTOSANITARY EXPORT CERTIFICATION; ACCREDITATION OF NONGOVERNMENT 
FACILITIES

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 147a; 21 USC 136; 21 USC 136a; 44 USC 35

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 353

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is proposing to amend the export certification 
regulations to provide for the establishment of a program under which 
non-government facilities could become accredited to perform specific 
laboratory testing or phytosanitary inspection services that could 
serve as the basis for the issuance of Federal phytosanitary 
certificates. The accreditation criteria for particular laboratory 
testing and phytosanitary inspection services would be developed by 
APHIS in cooperation with other appropriate governmental, industry, 
academic, or research entities. Currently, only tests conducted by 
public laboratories or inspections carried out by Federal or State 
inspectors and agents may be used as the basis for the issuance of a 
Federal phytosanitary certificate. The proposed accreditation program 
would provide a mechanism for qualified nongovernment facilities to 
become accredited to perform the testing or inspection services that 
may be used as supporting documentation for the issuance of 
phytosanitary certificates for certain plants or plant products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/25/97                    62 FR 62699
NPRM Comment Period End         01/26/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Mr. Narcy G. Klag, Senior Operations Officer, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Port Operations, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 139, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8537
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________




107. KARNAL BUNT

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 147a; 7 USC 150bb; 7 USC 150dd to 150ff; 7 USC 
151 to 167; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2803; 7 USC 2809; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Karnal bunt is a fungal disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum), 
durum wheat (Triticum durum), and triticale (Triticum aestivum x Secale 
cereale), a hybrid of wheat and rye. The establishment of Karnal bunt 
in the United States would have significant consequences with regard to 
the export of wheat to international markets. Prior to March 8, 1996, 
Karnal bunt was not known to exist in the United States. Since March 8, 
1996, Karnal bunt has been detected within several States. In response, 
we have established regulations that define regulated areas in certain 
States because of Karnal bunt, that restrict the movement of certain 
articles from the regulated areas to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt, 
and provide compensation for certain growers, handlers, and other 
individuals in the regulated areas to mitigate losses and expenses 
incurred because of actions taken by the Secretary to prevent the 
spread of Karnal bunt. As part of a continuing Karnal bunt program, we 
anticipate that the regulations concerning regulated areas, movement 
restrictions, and compensation will be revised as more is known about 
the Karnal bunt situation in the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/05/96                    61 FR 35102
NPRM                            08/02/96                    61 FR 40354
NPRM Comment Period End         09/03/96
Final Rule                      10/04/96                    61 FR 52190
Final Rule Effective Date       11/04/96
Interim Rule Effective 04/25/97 
Change Classification of 
Regulated Areas                 05/01/97                    62 FR 23620
Final Rule (95-96 Season) Reg. 
Flex. & Reg. Impact Analysis    05/06/97                    62 FR 24753
Final Rule Effective 04/30/97 
Compensation for 1995-96 Crop 
Season                          05/06/97                    62 FR 24746
NPRM Comments Due 09/09/97 
Compensation for 1996-97 Crop 
Season                          07/11/97                    62 FR 37159
NPRM Compensation, Wheat/Seed/
Straw 95-96 Season              07/30/97                    62 FR 40756
NPRM Comment Period End         08/29/97
Final Rule, Wheat/Seed/Straw 95-
96 Season; Effective 12/23/97   01/09/98                     63 FR 1321
NPRM Movement from Regulated 
Areas NPRM Comments Due 03/30/9801/28/98                     63 FR 4198
Final Rule 96-97 Season         06/00/98
Final Rule Movement from 
Regulated Areas                 09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Mike Stefan, Operations Officer, Domestic and Emergency 
Operations,PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8247
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA83

[[Page 21717]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




108. IMPORTATION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 319.56

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jane Levy
Phone: 301 734-8259

RIN: 0579-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________




109. IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN EMBRYOS AND ANIMAL SEMEN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 98

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/08/93                    58 FR 36625
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/07/93
NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Roger Perkins
Phone: 301 734-8170

RIN: 0579-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________




110. HSTAIC REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE FEES

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 92.430; 9 CFR 92.522

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Joan Montgomery
Phone: 301 734-8172

RIN: 0579-AA69
_______________________________________________________________________




111.  KARNAL BUNT STATUS OF THE MEXICALI VALLEY OF MEXICO

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 150dd to 150ff; 7 USC 151 to 167; 7 USC 450; 7 
USC 2803; 7 USC 2809; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is proposing to amend its wheat diseases regulations by 
recognizing a wheat-growing area within the Mexicali Valley of Mexico 
as being free from the wheat disease Karnal bunt. Surveys conducted by 
Mexican plant health authorities in that area of the Mexicali Valley 
since 1990 have shown the area to be free from Karnal bunt, and Mexican 
authorities are enforcing restrictions designed to protect the area 
from the introduction of Karnal bunt. This proposed change would have 
the effect of removing certain restrictions on the importation into the 
United States of wheat seed, straw, and other wheat products from the 
Karnal bunt- free area of the Mexicali Valley.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/27/98                     63 FR 3844
NPRM Comment Period End         03/30/98
Interim Final Rule              00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James A. Petit de Mange, Import Specialist, PPQ, 
Phytosanitary Issues Management Team, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 140, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799
Fax: 301 734-5786
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA88
_______________________________________________________________________




112.  INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS FROM STATES THAT DO 
NOT QUARANTINE SCRAPIE-INFECTED AND SOURCE FLOCKS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 111 to 114; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 115; 21 USC 
117; 21 USC 120 to 121; 21 USC 123 to 126; 21 USC 134a to 134h

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 54; 9 CFR 79

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are soliciting public comment to help us develop options 
for potential changes to our regulations for the interstate movement of 
sheep and goats. We believe changes may be necessary to improve control 
and limit the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats. 
After evaluating public comment on the issues presented in this notice, 
we will determine whether proposing changes to our regulations is 
necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/26/98                     63 FR 3671
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/27/98
NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Joseph Van Tiem, Senior Staff Veterinarian, VS, 
National Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1231
Phone: 301 734-7716

RIN: 0579-AA90
_______________________________________________________________________




113.  IMPORTATION OF PORK FROM YUCATAN, MEXICO

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 147a; 7 USC 150cc; 7 USC 161 to 162; 7 USC 450; 
19 USC 1306; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 134a to 134c; 21 USC 134f; 
21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 94

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations concerning the 
importation of animal products to allow, under certain conditions, the 
importation of fresh pork for human consumption from the Mexican State 
of Yucatan. This change would remove unnecessary restrictions on the 
importation of fresh pork from Yucatan, Mexico, into the United States. 
We are also proposing to amend the conditions under which fresh pork 
for human consumption may be imported from Sonora, Mexico, and to allow 
fresh pork from Yucatan to be imported under those same conditions.

[[Page 21718]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. John Cougill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, VS, 
National Center for Import and Export, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 40, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-3399
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA91
_______________________________________________________________________




114.  IMPORTATION OF FUJI APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 150dd to 150ff; 7 USC 151 to 167; 7 USC 450; 7 
USC 2803; 7 USC 2809; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to revise the regulations that allow Fuji 
variety apples to be imported into the United States. The proposal 
would add an option to import Fuji variety apples from the Republic of 
Korea under a systems approach, including strict cultural control 
conditions, that would allow the importation of Fuji variety apples 
from certified orchards. This proposed change is in response to a 
request from the Republic of Korea. We reviewed scientific studies and 
data on the Republic of Korea's pest management practices in export 
orchards and believe that the conditions to which the importation of 
Fuji variety apples from the Republic of Korea would be subject would 
reduce the risk of pest introduction to an insignificant level.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter Grosser, Senior Staff Officer, PPQ, Port 
Operations and Compliance, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




115. IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Priority:  Economically Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 92; 9 CFR 93; 9 CFR 94; 9 CFR 95; 9 CFR 96; 9 CFR 
98

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/28/97                    62 FR 56000
Final Action Effective          11/28/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Gary Colgrove
Phone: 301 734-8590
Fax: 301 734-3222

RIN: 0579-AA71
_______________________________________________________________________




116. HUMANE TREATMENT OF DOGS AND CATS; TETHERING AND TEMPERATURE 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 1; 9 CFR 3

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action for Humane 
Treatment of Dogs and Cats; 
Temperature Reqts.              03/04/98                    63 FR 10493
Final Action Effective          04/13/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mr. Stephen Smith
Phone: 301 734-4972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA74
_______________________________________________________________________




117. HUMANE TREATMENT OF DOGS AND CATS; WIRE FLOORING

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 3

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/21/98                     63 FR 3017
Final Action Effective          02/20/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephen Smith
Phone: 301 734-4972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA78
_______________________________________________________________________




118. HUMANE TREATMENT OF DOGS AND CATS; LICENSING AND CONSIGNMENT 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 2; 9 CFR 3

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - The agency has 
decided that this action is not 
necessary                       02/18/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephen Smith
Phone: 301 734-4972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA79
_______________________________________________________________________




119. INTERSTATE MOVEMENTS OF IMPORTED PLANTS AND PLANT PARTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 301

[[Page 21719]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/17/97                    62 FR 61210
Final Action Effective          12/17/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe
Phone: 301 734-8899

RIN: 0579-AA85
_______________________________________________________________________




120. GARBAGE; INSPECTION AT AIRPORTS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Major: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 94; 7 CFR 330

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - The agency has 
decided that this action is not 
necessary                       12/03/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Ronald B. Caffey
Phone: 301 734-7633

RIN: 0579-AA86
_______________________________________________________________________




121.  ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS OF POCKET PETS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 1 to 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document gives notice that USDA-APHIS is now regulating 
under the Animal Welfare Act the handling, care, and treatment at 
retail pet stores of small mammals commonly referred to as ``pocket 
pets'' and is requiring any retail pet store that sells pocket pets to 
be licensed as a dealer under the Animal Welfare Act. This action is 
necessary because the Animal Welfare Act regulations require regulation 
of all persons who sell exotic or wild animals for research, 
exhibition, or for use as a pet, and USDA-APHIS considers pocket pets 
to be exotic or wild animals for this purpose.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/21/98                     63 FR 3017

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bettye K. Walters, Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AA89
BILLING CODE 3410-34-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)



_______________________________________________________________________




122. AGRICULTURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 3318

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3417

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to establish Administrative Provisions for the 
Agricultural Telecommunications Program to institute procedures to be 
followed in preparing proposals, to outline requirements which grant 
recipients must meet, to provide instructions on how to apply for a 
grant, and to provide general information about post-award 
administration of grants under the program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip A. Carter, Policy Advisor, Policy & Program 
Liaison Staff, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., STOP 
2299, Washington, DC 20250-2299
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA12
_______________________________________________________________________




123. HISPANIC EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP GRANTS PROGRAM; ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 3241

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3412

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulation will establish the procedures to be followed 
annually in the solicitation of proposals, the evaluation of such 
proposals, and the award of project grants under the Hispanic Education 
Partnership Grants Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip A. Carter, Policy Advisor, Policy & Program 
Liaison Staff, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., STOP 
2299, Washington, DC 20250-2299
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________




124. COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2034

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation proposes to establish Administrative 
Provisions for the Community Food Projects to institute procedures to 
be followed in

[[Page 21720]]

preparing proposals, to outline requirements which grant recipients 
must meet, to provide instructions on how to apply for a grant, and to 
provide general information about post-award administration of grants 
under the program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Carter, Policy and Program Liaison Staff, 
Office of Extramural Programs, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative 
State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 1400 Independence 
Ave. SW., STOP 2299, Washington DC. 20250-2299
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________




125.  SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 638

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Cooperative State Research Education and Extension 
Service (CSREES) proposes to modify the Small Business Innovation 
Research Program Administrative Provisions to modify the language of 
when a Phase I awardee is eligible to apply for a Phase II award. 
Currently a Phase I awardee may apply for a Phase II award in the next 
fiscal year funding cycle or the second fiscal year funding cycle. 
CSREES intends to revise this language to allow Phase I awardees to 
apply in either of the two fiscal years following the end of the 
initial project period; this does not include any no-cost extensions of 
time. This revision will allow an eighteen-month Phase I awardee the 
same privileges as that of a six-month Phase I awardee. Privileges as 
used herein refers to the opportunity for a no-cost extension of time, 
if necessary, and two options of when a Phase I awardee may apply for a 
Phase II award.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Carter, Policy Advisor, Policy & Program 
Liaison Staff, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________




126.  BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 5921; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3415

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Cooperative State Research Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES) proposes to revise and modify the Biotechnology Risk 
Assessment Research Grants Program Administrative Provisions. The 
revision and modification updates 7 CFR part 3415 to delete references 
to the Office of Agricultural Biotechnology and the Agricultural 
Biotechnology Research Advisory Committee clarifying the requirements 
for the pre-proposals, clarify what is to be included in the 15 page 
limit on proposals and revise the language regarding conflicts of 
interests (3415.12).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Carter, Policy Advisor, Policy and Program 
Liaison Staff, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)



_______________________________________________________________________




127. HIGHER EDUCATION MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM; ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3409

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip A. Carter
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA09

[[Page 21721]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)



_______________________________________________________________________




128. HIGHER EDUCATION CHALLENGE GRANTS PROGRAM; ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3405

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/22/97                    62 FR 39316
Final Action Effective          07/22/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip A. Carter
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA02
_______________________________________________________________________




129. 1890 INSTITUTION CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS PROGRAM; ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3406

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/22/97                    62 FR 39330
Final Action Effective          07/22/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip A. Carter
Phone: 202 720-9181
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA03
BILLING CODE 3410-22-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




130. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS--1901-E TO 1940-D

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 100-259; PL 88-352; 42 USC 2000d et seq; PL 90-
284; 42 USC 3601 to 3619; PL 100-430; PL 92-318; 20 USC 1681 et seq; PL 
93-112; 29 USC 794; PL 94-135; 42 USC 6101 et seq; PL 94-239; 15 USC 
1601 et seq; EO 11246

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 15; 12 CFR 202; 28 CFR 42; 45 CFR 90; 41 CFR 60 to 
64; 24 CFR 14; 7 CFR 1940 subpart D; 7 CFR 1901 subpart E

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Will effectuate a comprehensive civil rights regulation 
implementing the following laws: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act 
(ECOA); title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the 
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (The Fair Housing Act); the Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975, and programs and activities; Amendments of 
1972; and Executive Order 11246. The revised regulations will provide 
detailed guidelines for field offices for improved enforcement and 
compliance with these laws which heavily impact the Agency's programs. 
Mechanisms for monitoring compliance by field offices and recipients of 
financial assistance at all levels will decrease the Agency's 
vulnerability due to noncompliance with recently enacted Civil Rights 
legislation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0703, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-9810
TDD: 202 690-9809
Fax: 202 690-9803

RIN: 0575-AA83
_______________________________________________________________________




131. DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1472

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1924 subpart A; 7 CFR 1944 subpart E; 7 CFR 1980 
subpart D; 7 CFR 3550 subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is changing the thermal requirements for 
manufactured housing. Manufactured homes are no longer required to meet 
the RHS's thermal requirements. The recent HUD increase in the thermal 
requirements of the building envelope for manufactured home is 
substantial. The thermal performance of a unit built to the 
requirements is comparable to the thermal performance of a unit built 
to the requirements of RHS climatic zones.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          11/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sam Hodges, III, Architect, Program Support Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0761, Rm. 6309 
South Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9653
Fax: 202 690-4335

RIN: 0575-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________




132. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REINVENTION

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1475; 42 USC 1479; 42 
USC 1480; 42 USC 1481; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1485; 42 USC 1486; 42 USC 
1490a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1806 subpart A; 7 CFR 1930 subpart C; 7 CFR 1944 
subpart D; 7 CFR 1944 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart C; 7 CFR 1951 
subpart D; 7 CFR 1951 subpart K; 7 CFR 1951 subpart N; 7 CFR 1955

[[Page 21722]]

subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 subpart C; 7 CFR 1956 
subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 subpart E

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Reinvention of the Rural Housing Service's Multi-Family 
Housing Programs will consolidate regulations pertaining to section 515 
Rural Rental Housing, section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans, section 516 
Farm Labor Housing Grants and section 521 Rental Assistance Payments. 
Fourteen published regulations will be reduced to one regulation and 
handbooks for program administration. This will simplify loan 
origination and portfolio management for applicants, borrowers and 
housing operators as well as Rural Development field staff. This will 
also provide flexibility for program modifications to reflect current 
and foreseeable changes. It will also reduce regulations that address 
solely internal agency program administration. Finally, the regulation 
will be more customer friendly and responsive to the needs of the 
public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98
Final Action                    11/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Pentecost, Deputy Division Director, Multi-Family 
Housing Processing Div., Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing 
Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1604
Fax: 202 690-3444

RIN: 0575-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________




133. COMMUNITY FACILITY LOANS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1942

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will be revised to incorporate the Single 
Audit Act Amendments of 1996 for Community Facilities Loans and Grants. 
We will incorporate new requirements in RD Instruction 1942-A, Section 
1942.17(q) will be revised to refer to 7 CFR part 3052 for audit 
requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Douglas, Loan Specialist, Community Programs 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., STOP 3222, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1506
TDD: 202 690-0471

RIN: 0575-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




134. DENYING CREDIT TO APPLICANTS DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1942 subpart C; 7 CFR 1944 subpart E; 7 CFR 1948 
subpart B; 7 CFR 1951 subpart E; 7 CFR 1942 subpart A; 7 CFR 1942 
subpart G; 7 CFR 1944 subpart D; 7 CFR 1948 subpart C; 7 CFR 1980 
subpart E; 7 CFR 1980 subpart I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OMB Circular A-129 dated November 25, 1988, recommends that 
the processing of applications for Federal direct loans be suspended 
and requires private lenders to suspend processing of loan guarantee 
applications when an applicant is found to be delinquent on a Federal 
debt. The Federal Debt Collections Procedures Act of 1990 also requires 
that credit be denied if an outstanding judgment lien obtained by the 
United States in a Federal Court (other than the United States Tax 
Court), which has been recorded, is found.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/04/94                    59 FR 23018
NPRM Comment Period End         07/05/94
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sherie Hinton Henry, Director, Financial Management 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Stop 0707, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-0300
Fax: 202 720-5184

RIN: 0575-AA66
_______________________________________________________________________




135. REENGINEERING AND REINVENTION OF THE DIRECT SECTION 502 AND 504 
SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 31 USC 3700

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1806; 7 CFR 1900; 7 CFR 1944; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 
1955; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1965; 7 CFR 3550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Rural Housing Service (RHS) has purchased a state-of-the-art 
dedicated loan origination servicing system (DLOSS) which includes 
escrow capability. To conform to this new system, RHS proposes to make 
further amendments to the regulations to allow the agency to provide 
escrow services to Single Family Housing borrowers which follow 
industry standards. In

[[Page 21723]]

addition, the agency proposes to amend its regulations to conform to 
processes and techniques currently utilized by the private sector.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/08/96                    61 FR 15395
NPRM Comment Period End         06/07/96
Interim Final Rule              11/22/96                    61 FR 59762
Final Action                    11/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with 
this action.

Agency Contact: Betsy Fletcher, Senior Loan Specialist, Single Family 
Housing, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., STOP 0783, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1486

RIN: 0575-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________




136. COMMUNITY FACILITY GRANTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3570 subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is establishing a new grant program for community 
facilities. Grant purposes are the same as the Community Facilities 
direct and guaranteed programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/07/97                    62 FR 16465
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jennifer Barton, Loan Specialist, Community Programs 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Stop 3222, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1504

RIN: 0575-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________




137. SERVICING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3711; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3570 subpart D; 7 CFR 1951 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 
subpart O; 7 CFR 1955 subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 
subpart C; 7 CFR 1956 subpart C; 7 CFR 1951 subpart F

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is combining seven regulations affecting the 
servicing of Community Program loans and grants into one regulation. 
Justification: This is part of the Reinventing Government Initiative. 
There are no policy or procedural changes. The published regulation 
will be simplified by removing the administrative portion and will only 
contain the information affecting the public. Agency field staff will 
receive an instruction which will include the administrative portion 
and the published regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., STOP 3222, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1498
Fax: 202 690-0471

RIN: 0575-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________




138. SECTION 538 GUARANTEE RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1490p-2; 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3565

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Implement the Rural Rental Housing Guarantee Loan Program 
authorized by section 538 of the Housing Act of 1949 as amended. This 
program will serve moderate income rural families with incomes up to 
115 percent of area median. This will increase the stock and affordable 
decent safe and sanitary housing for such families and individuals at 
reduced cost to the Government. Where current direct lending costs $50 
per $100 lent, the guarantee program will cost approximately $4 per 
$100 guaranteed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carl Wagner, Senior Loan Officer, Multi-Family Housing 
Processing Div., Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1604
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________




139.  COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To amend subject Regulation to provide more comprehensive 
guidance to lenders, borrowers and Agency staff. These changes will 
better organize the Regulation and make the program more accessible to 
Rural Lenders. Finally these changes will reflect our new Agency 
structure under USDA's Reorganization.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/07/97                    62 FR 52277
NPRM Comment Period End         12/08/97
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

[[Page 21724]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mel Padgett, Senior Loan Specialist, Community Programs 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Stop 3222, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1495
Fax: 202 690-0471

RIN: 0575-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




140. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM STREAMLINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  40 CFR 300; 40 CFR 260; 40 CFR 700; 40 CFR 400; 7 CFR 
1940

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan Wieferich
Phone: 202 720-9647

RIN: 0575-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________




141. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1926 subpart B; 7 CFR 1806 subpart B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Don Lander
Phone: 202 720-9656

RIN: 0575-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




142. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart I

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Incorporated Into RIN 0575-AC17 11/01/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Melvin Padgett
Phone: 202 720-1495

RIN: 0575-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




143. RURAL RENTAL AND RURAL COOPERATIVE HOUSING LOAN POLICIES, 
PROCEDURES, AND AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1944 subpart E

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Incorporated Comments Into RIN 
0575-AC13                       02/01/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Obediah G. Baker, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-1604

RIN: 0575-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________




144. PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING LEASE WRITE-OFF AND ANNUAL LEASE 
STATEMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1955 subpart B

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Revision No Longer 
Necessary                       02/11/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kristine Kenniston
Phone: 314 539-2261
Fax: 314 539-2764

RIN: 0575-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________




145. ACCESSIBILITY OF EXISTING MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING COMPLEXES

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1924 subpart A; 7 CFR 1944 subpart E; 7 CFR 1965 
subpart B

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Project Dropped     02/11/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Larry Fleming
Phone: 202 720-8547

RIN: 0575-AC08

[[Page 21725]]

_______________________________________________________________________




146. SECTION 515 REFORM REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1930 subpart C; 7 CFR 1944 subpart D; 7 CFR 1944 
subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart K; 7 CFR 1965 subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 
subpart E

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/23/97                    62 FR 67216
Final Action Effective          01/22/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Linda Armour
Phone: 202 720-1604
Fax: 202 690-3444

RIN: 0575-AC15
BILLING CODE 3410-07-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




147. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; HIGH RISK LAND REGULATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation adds new regulations 
to be known as High Risk Land Regulations. The intended effect of this 
rule is to set forth rates apart from those prescribed by standard 
actuarial tables and coverage procedures for acreage on which actual or 
expected frequency and severity of loss does not reasonably conform to 
standard insurance coverage and rating determination methods.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AA98
_______________________________________________________________________




148. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART D; APPLICATION FOR CROP 
INSURANCE

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation amends the General 
Administrative Regulations by revising the ``Collection of Information 
and Data (Privacy Act)'' statement found on the general crop insurance 
application. The proposed amendments to the statement include defining 
``substantial beneficial interest'' as those persons whose interest in 
the policyholder is in excess of 10 percent. Other minor changes have 
been made to more fully comply with provisions of the Privacy Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB00
_______________________________________________________________________




149.  COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; COTTON AND ELS COTTON 
CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457.104; 7 CFR 457.105

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation proposes to amend the 
Cotton Crop Insurance Provisions and the Extra Long Staple (ELS) Cotton 
Crop Insurance Provisions to: 1) provide a replant payment if the 
insured crop is damaged by excess moisture or hail and 2) revise the 
provision used to determine the amount of production to count for 
cotton and ELS cotton that is eligible for quality adjustment. FCIC 
also proposes that the prevented planting coverage level of 45 percent 
contained in the current Cotton and ELS Cotton Crop Provisions be 
retained for the 1999 and succeeding crop years. The intended effect of 
this action is to evaluate the need for and provide policy changes to 
better meet the needs of the insured.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diana Moslak, Regulatory Review Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0801
Phone: 202 720-2832
Fax: 202 690-5879

RIN: 0563-AB62
_______________________________________________________________________




150.  COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SMALL GRAINS CROP 
INSURANCE PROVISIONS AND WHEAT WINTER COVERAGE ENDORSEMENT

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457.101; 7 CFR 457.102

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation proposes to revise and 
clarify existing policy provisions, establish winter wheat coverage in 
certain South Dakota and Wisconsin counties, reduce coverage under 
Option B of the Wheat Winter Coverage Endorsement, and to require 
insurance

[[Page 21726]]

on spring wheat planted to replace damaged winter wheat covered under 
the Wheat Winter Coverage Endorsement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diana Moslak, Regulatory Review Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0801
Phone: 202 720-2832
Fax: 202 690-5879

RIN: 0563-AB63
_______________________________________________________________________




151.  COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; COARSE GRAINS CROP 
INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457.113

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation proposes to make 
changes to the Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions for corn, grain 
sorghum and soybeans for the 2000 crop year specific to the way corn 
grain versus corn silage is insured and to clarify the insurability of 
specialty corn and soybeans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diana Moslak, Regulatory Review Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0801
Phone: 202 720-2832
Fax: 202 690-5879

RIN: 0563-AB64
_______________________________________________________________________




152.  GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; NONSTANDARD 
UNDERWRITING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: ANPRM to seek public comments on the Nonstandard 
Classification System (NCS), which is administered by the Federal Crop 
Insurance Corporation (FCIC) in conjunction with the Federal crop 
insurance program. The NCS program compares an individual producer's 
crop loss history with the losses for the producer's county. If the 
producer exceeds the level of loss frequency and severity set by FCIC, 
the producer's rates and coverages are adjusted to bring the policy 
into line with FCIC's statutory mandate to implement an actuarially 
sound crop insurance program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/17/97                    62 FR 48798
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/17/97
NPRM                            07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diana Moslak, Regulatory Review Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0801
Phone: 202 720-2832
Fax: 202 690-5879

RIN: 0563-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




153. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; TOBACCO (GUARANTEED PLAN) CROP 
INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 401.129

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation proposes to remove the Tobacco (Guaranteed 
Plan) Endorsement from part 401; General Crop Insurance Regulations and 
add it to part 457; Common Crop Insurance Regulations. The Tobacco 
(Guaranteed Plan) endorsement under part 457 will contain late and 
prevented planting provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/16/97                    62 FR 32544
NPRM Comment Period End         07/16/97
Final Action                    08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AA84
_______________________________________________________________________




154. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PEANUT CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation hereby proposes 
regulations for provisions to insure peanuts. The provisions will be 
used in conjunction with the common crop insurance policy which 
contains standard terms and conditions common to most crops. The 
intended effect of this action is to provide automatic

[[Page 21727]]

coverage for late and prevented planting as well as make other minor 
policy changes to better meet the needs of the insured. This rule 
proposes to remove the peanut endorsements which are currently a 
``stand-alone'' policy located in part 425 and part 401.141 of the 
General Crop Insurance provisions and move them under part 457, Common 
Crop Insurance provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/97                    62 FR 23685
NPRM Comment Period End         06/02/97
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AA85
_______________________________________________________________________




155. GROUP RISK PLAN CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS; PART 407

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 407

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) hereby proposes 
to issue provisions which will outline a new risk management tool to be 
known as the Group Risk Plan of Insurance (GRP). This plan will insure 
against the widespread loss of production of certain crops in a county 
and is intended primarily for use by those farmers whose yields tend to 
follow the county average yield. GRP pays only when the average yield 
of the entire county drops below the expected county yield for the 
insured crop set by the FCIC. Payment is based on the percentage of 
county or area wide loss below the insured's trigger yield. Specific 
GRP Crop Insurance Provisions will be proposed for cotton, wheat, 
barley, corn, grain, sorghum, soybeans, forage production, and peanuts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/08/96                    61 FR 52717
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB06
_______________________________________________________________________




156. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART S; REGULATIONS FOR 
INSURANCE COVERAGE BY WRITTEN AGREEMENT

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) hereby proposes 
regulations to allow insurance coverage by written agreement for crops 
in counties which have no actuarial table. Currently, FCIC provides 
insurance by written agreement for only program crops. By providing 
insurance by written agreement, FCIC will provide a risk management 
tool to a broader base of producers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/20/97                    62 FR 33575
NPRM Comment Period End         08/19/97
Final Action                    07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB07
_______________________________________________________________________




157. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART V; SUBMISSION OF 
POLICIES AND PROVISIONS OF POLICIES AND RATES OF PREMIUM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to add a new subpart to the General 
Administrative Regulations which will provide guidelines for FCIC 
approval of supplemental and alternative crop insurance policies and 
policy provisions developed by FCIC approved insurance providers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/11/97                    62 FR 47772
NPRM Comment Period End         11/10/97
Final Action                    07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB15
_______________________________________________________________________




158. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART J; APPEAL PROCEDURE 
REGULATIONS

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will amend FCIC appeal procedures by 
outlining provisions that producers must follow when appealing 
decisions which deny them program benefits or eligibility.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/29/95                    60 FR 67298
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of

[[Page 21728]]

Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB17
_______________________________________________________________________




159. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART N; DISASTER ASSISTANCE 
ACT OF 1988

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to revise subpart N of the General 
Administrative Regulations by repealing obsolete disaster guidelines 
and requiring the mandatory purchase of catastrophic crop insurance for 
program crops as a prerequisite for obtaining benefits under any 
commodity price subpart, production adjustment, or conservation program 
administered by USDA, or any farmer loan program, whether these 
programs are administered by FCIC or CFSA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB20
_______________________________________________________________________




160. TOBACCO, QUOTA PLAN CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 435

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation hereby proposes 
regulations for provisions to insure Tobacco, Quota Plan. The 
provisions will be used in conjunction with the common crop insurance 
policy which contains standard terms and conditions common to most 
crops. This rule proposes to remove the Tobacco, Quota Plan, 
endorsement which is currently a ``stand-alone'' policy located in part 
435 and move it under part 457, common crop insurance provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/13/97                    62 FR 26248
NPRM Comment Period End         06/12/97
Final Action                    07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




161. POPCORN CORN INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 447

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation hereby proposes 
regulations for provisions to insure popcorn. The provisions will be 
used in conjunction with the common crop insurance policy which 
contains standard terms and conditions common to most crops. This rule 
proposes to remove the popcorn endorsement which is currently a 
``stand-alone'' policy located in part 447 and move it under part 457, 
common crop insurance provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/09/97                    62 FR 17103
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/97
Final Action                    07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




162. FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE ON HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLANDS--PART 
400

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 3811; 16 USC 3821

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 400.47

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, July 3, 1996.

Abstract: This action will implement requirements of the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide that 
producers will no longer be required to be in compliance with the 
highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 in order to be eligible to obtain crop insurance. 
No cost is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/23/96                    61 FR 38057
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________




163. FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE ON HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLANDS--PART 
401

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 3811; 16 USC 3821

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 401.8

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, July 3, 1996.

Abstract: This action will implement requirements of the Federal 
Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide that 
producers will no longer be required to be in compliance with the 
highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of the Food 
Security Act of

[[Page 21729]]

1985 in order to be eligible to obtain crop insurance. No cost is 
expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/26/96                    61 FR 39048
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman, Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, MS 0525, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0525
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB60
_______________________________________________________________________




164.  DAIRY OPTIONS PILOT PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  FAIR Act of 1996, section 191, section 226 A(b)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action seeks comments on a new Dairy Options Pilot 
Program (DOPP) to be funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation and 
administered by Risk Management Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/02/98                    63 FR 00051
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/02/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diana Moslak, Regulatory Review Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0801
Phone: 202 720-2832
Fax: 202 690-5879

RIN: 0563-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________




165.  NURSERY CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; COMMON CROP INSURANCE 
REGULATIONS; AND NURSERY CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457.114

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation proposes to revise and 
reissue the Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions. The intended effect of 
this action is to provide policy changes to better meet the needs of 
the insureds, and to restrict the effect of the Nursery Crop Insurance 
Regulations (7 CFR part 406) to the 1995 and prior crop years

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/29/98                    63 FR 04399
NPRM Comment Period End         03/16/98
Final Action                    08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diana Moslak, Regulatory Review Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0801
Phone: 202 720-2832
Fax: 202 690-5879

RIN: 0563-AB65
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




166. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; RICE, FIG, ALMOND, RAISIN, 
FORAGE PRODUCTION, HYBRID SORGHUM SEED, PEAR, APPLE, CANNING AND 
PROCESSING SWEET CORN, DOLLAR PLAN FRESH MARKET TOMATO

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/15/95                    60 FR 31375
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB03
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




167. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NORTHERN POTATO CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/12/97                    62 FR 65321
Final Action Effective          12/12/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AA89
_______________________________________________________________________




168. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; CANNING AND PROCESSING TOMATO 
CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing

[[Page 21730]]

Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/20/97                    62 FR 54339
Final Action Effective          11/19/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________




169. 1996 CROP YEAR COFFEE CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR PUERTO RICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Will Not Publish 
These Policies                  02/06/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________




170. 1996 CROP YEAR FRUIT TREES (AVOCADO, ORANGES, MANGO, CITRON, LEMON) 
INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR PUERTO RICO

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Will not publish 
these policies                  02/06/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________




171. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SUNFLOWER SEED CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 457.108

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/07/95                    60 FR 62727

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenneth D. Ackerman
Phone: 202 690-2803
Fax: 202 690-2818

RIN: 0563-AB42
BILLING CODE 3410-08-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




172. GRAIN INSPECTION GENERAL REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 71

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 800.

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposal, a housekeeping-type rulemaking, is the result 
of GIPSA's review, under the NPR, of regulations contained in 7 CFR 
800. These regulations relate to inspection of grain under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act and consist of administrative direction on how the 
public can request service, how Federal, State or private laboratories 
must provide service and what fees are charged for the service. In 
determining what changes to propose in this section, GIPSA consulted 
users of the service on what changes they felt were needed in the 
regulations, discussed with legal counsel information required to be in 
the regulations for enforcement purposes, and reviewed information 
taken from its day-to-day operations. These changes are being proposed 
to clarify the language and update the regulations to reflect current 
technology and operating practices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: George W. Wollam, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
Room 0623 S. Bldg, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0292
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA53
_______________________________________________________________________




173. OFFICIAL/UNOFFICIAL WEIGHING SERVICES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 800.76; 7 CFR 800.186; 7 CFR 800.195; 7 CFR 
800.196

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA proposes to amend portions of part 800, General 
Regulations under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, to allow official 
agencies to provide both official and unofficial weighing within their 
assigned area of responsibility but not at the same facility. This 
action will make official Class X and Class Y weighing services more 
readily available at a lower cost to the grain industry at non-export 
locations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/30/98                    63 FR 15104
NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 21731]]

Agency Contact: George Wollam, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
Room 0623 South, 1400 Independence Ave SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0292
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA55
_______________________________________________________________________




174.  REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 71

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 800.125; 7 CFR 800.135

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to review regulations under the US Grain 
Standards Act to allow interested persons to stipulate the quality 
factors that would be redetermined during a reinspection or appeal 
inspection for grade. Currently reinspections and appeal inspections 
for grade must include a review for all factors that (1) may determine 
the grade; (2) are reported on the original certificate; or (3) are 
required to be shown. GIPSA has determined that mandating all quality 
factors be reexamined during a review inspection is inefficient, time 
consuming and costly. Further, such a complete review of the preceding 
inspection service is usually not needed to confirm the true quality of 
the grain. This proposed action will allow interested parties to 
specify which official factors should be redetermined during the 
reinspection or appeal inspection service. However, to safeguard 
against inadvertent misgrading, official personnel may determine other 
factors, when deemed necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: George Wollam, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
Room 0623A, 1400 Independence Ave SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0292
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




175. GENERAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL 
COMMODITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1621 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 868.1; 7 CFR 868.80

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA proposes to amend regulations under the AMA of 1946 to 
allow FGIS and State cooperators to use contractors to perform 
specified inspection services. FGIS has determined that private firms, 
institutions, and individuals, working under contract with FGIS field 
offices and State cooperators, may be able to perform some inspection 
services, at certain locations, more effectively or at less cost than 
if those services were performed by Department or State employees. 
Consequently, FGIS proposes to amend the regulations to allow FGIS and 
State cooperators to contract for service work and to license 
individual contractors and those employed by contractors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/15/98                     63 FR 2353
NPRM Comment Period End         03/16/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: George Wollam, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
Room 0623 S, 1400 Independence Ave SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0292
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




176. TOLERANCES FOR DIVIDERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 801.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA proposes to remove section 801.10, Tolerance for 
Dividers, from the CFR. Since GIPSA no longer tests dividers, the rule 
is no longer needed. By using the direct final rule process GIPSA will 
give the public general notice of its intent to remove the rule and 
provide interested persons an opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking through submission of comments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: George Wollam, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
Room 0623 S, 1400 Independence Ave SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0292
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA57

[[Page 21732]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




177. POULTRY GROWER CONTRACTS, SCALES, WEIGHING

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 201

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/10/97                     62 FR 5935
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/12/97


Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: George Wollam
Phone: 202 720-0292
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA51
BILLING CODE 3410-EN-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




178. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
(WIC): FOOD DELIVERY SYSTEMS INTEGRITY

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1786

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A proposed rule addressing WIC Food Delivery Systems was 
published on December 28, 1990 (55 FR 53446). The Department provided a 
120-day comment period for the proposed rule, which closed on April 29, 
1991. Nearly 1,100 comments were received from a wide variety of 
sources. Despite the degree of preliminary input to the December 28, 
1990, proposed rule, many of the commenters responding during the 
formal comment period suggested that the Department's food delivery 
regulations needed to be proposed again, rather than proceeding 
directly to a final rule. In addition, several members of Congress 
requested that the rule be reproposed in light of its impact on State 
agency food delivery systems. Therefore, the Department intends to 
issue a second proposed rule addressing WIC food delivery systems and 
requirements. This second rule will address all of the provisions 
contained in the previous rulemaking, but will contain significant 
modifications to some of the proposed provisions, as well as 
clarifications of several provisions that may not have been clearly 
understood in the earlier rule. (88-512)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98
Final Action                    06/00/99
Final Action Effective          10/00/99

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Sectors Affected:  None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




179. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS--IMPLEMENTATION OF 1990 FARM BILL

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  PL 101-624

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 250; 7 CFR 251

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, July 30, 1992.

Abstract: This rule will revise the requirements for evaluation of 
State warehousing and distribution systems and conversion to commercial 
systems. (91-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________




180. PROVISIONS OF COMPUTER MATCHING AND PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT OF 1988, 
AMENDMENTS OF 1990, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT 
SUBSYSTEM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 552(a) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection 
Act; 7 USC 2015(b) Food Stamp Act

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In accordance with the Computer Matching and Privacy 
Protection Act, PL 100-503, and the Computer Matching and Privacy 
Protection Amendments of 1990, PL 101-508, the Food Stamp Program must 
extend certain protections to persons whose benefits could be adversely 
affected by computer matches. These protections include independent 
verification of computer information, notification to the affected 
individual and provision of an opportunity to respond to the 
information before an adverse action becomes effective.
In addition, this proposed rule describes requirements for State 
agencies to report information on individuals disqualified from the 
program for intentional program violations to FCS and the related FCS 
computer matching program known as the Disqualified Recipient Subsystem 
(DRS). (89-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/99
Final Action Effective          10/00/99

[[Page 21733]]

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________




181. ELIMINATION OF WHOLE COW'S MILK FROM THE INFANT MEAL PATTERN

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1751 to 1760; 42 USC 1762a; 42 USC 1765; 42 
USC 1766; 42 USC 1773; 42 USC 1779

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action proposes three amendments that would affect meal 
pattern requirements for infants under the National School Lunch 
Program, School Breakfast Program, and Child and Adult Care Food 
Program, 7 CFR parts 210, 220, and 226, respectively. Scientific 
studies on infant nutrition have demonstrated that it is difficult for 
infants to consume a balanced diet, with adequate nutrients, when whole 
cow's milk replaces breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Given the 
nutritional and medical concerns about cow's milk, this rule proposes 
to prohibit the service of whole cow's milk to infants through age 11 
months, and would require that breast milk or iron-fortified formula be 
served for an infant's entire first year of life. Tables describing 
infant meal requirements are amended and new tables are added to 
indicate what the Department's recommendations are regarding the 
offering of breast milk to infants, and clarify which meals containing 
breast milk in place of iron-fortified formula may fulfill the infant 
meal pattern. These changes would provide additional assistance to 
child care providers who refer to the infant meal pattern for guidance. 
Finally, this rule proposes to correct the definition of ``infant 
formula'' in part 226 and make the wording consistent with the 
definition that is currently used in parts 210 and 220. (95-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




182. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: FOOD STAMP RECIPIENT CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND 
COLLECTION STANDARDS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food and Consumer Service is revising Food Stamp Program 
regulations which cover the establishment and collection of recipient 
claims. This action is the result of the enactment of the Personal 
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) 
and is consistent with the President's regulatory reform effort. In 
addition, this rule revises existing discretionary areas to improve 
claim establishment and promote effective management. The inability of 
State agencies to establish and collect claims has continuously been 
cited as a deficiency by the Department's Office of Inspector General. 
The last significant revision to these regulations was in 1983. 
Subsequent activities, such as technological advances and general debt 
management regulations, have rendered many portions of the current rule 
obsolete. In addition, the current rule has been found to place 
unnecessary burdens on State agencies. State agencies are responsible 
for establishing and collecting recipient claims. (94-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98
Final Action                    09/00/99
Final Action Effective          12/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________




183. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: REVISIONS TO THE RETAIL FOOD STORE DEFINITION 
AND PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION GUIDANCE

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 103-225; 7 USC 2012; 7 USC 2018

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 278

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, March 25, 1994.

Abstract: It is not anticipated that this proposed rule will impact 
program costs. It is anticipated that the clarifications of program 
eligibility criteria in this proposed rule will make it easier for 
firms to understand and for the Food and Consumer Service to 
administer. (95-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________




184. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: RETAILER APPLICATION PROCESSING

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 278.1

[[Page 21734]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would increase from 30 to 60 days the initial 
application processing time frame for stores that apply for 
authorization. It would also allow FCS to request specific 
documentation to verify applicant firms' eligibility. Such information 
would include, but would not be limited to, business licenses, 
photographic identification cards, bills of sale, deeds, leases, sales 
contracts, certificates of incorporation, sales records, invoice 
records, and tax records. This documentation would be used to confirm 
self-reported information provided on the application form and to 
obtain third-party verification. This rule also includes two provisions 
dealing with disclosure of retailer tax information based on changes 
made by Pub. L. 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). (95-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




185. SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM: PROGRAM MEAL SERVICE DURING THE SCHOOL 
YEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 103-448; 42 USC 1769a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 225

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Implements provision of PL 103-448 which permits Summer Food 
Service Program (SFSP) meal service to be provided at non-school sites 
to children who are not in school for a period during the months of 
October through April due to a natural disaster, building repair, court 
order, or similar cause. Rule also simplifies the SFSP sponsor 
application and State monitoring requirements in order to eliminate 
unnecessary paperwork and reduce administrative burden for sponsors and 
State agencies. (95-011)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________




186. CONSOLIDATION OF NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST 
PROGRAM INTO COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-448

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, May 2, 1996.

Abstract: Sec. 301 of P.L. 103-448 required the consolidation of the 
school lunch program and the school breakfast program into a 
comprehensive school meal program. In establishing the comprehensive 
school meal program, (a) children who are eligible for free and reduced 
price benefits will continue to receive such benefits; (b) the meals 
will continue to meet the nutritional requirements of sec. 9(a)(1) of 
the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and sec. 4(e)(1) of the Child 
Nutrition Act (CNA); and (c) breakfast and lunch payments will continue 
to meet the requirements of sec. 4 and 11 of the NSLA and sec. 4 of the 
CNA. This regulation will consolidate the two programs by making 
structural changes to the framework of 7 CFR part 210 to accommodate 
the incorporation of the breakfast program and by removing repetitive 
and obsolete provisions. Further, 7 CFR part 220 will be removed in its 
entirety. (95-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98
Final Action                    02/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________




187. FSP: COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT RETAILER DEBTS: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSET

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  PL 97-365; PL 104-134

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 278.6

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule notifies the public that FNS will begin referring 
delinquent retailer debts to the Treasury for administrative offset. 
These debts represent monetary penalties which FNS assessed against 
retailers who have violated Food Stamp Program rules and regulations. 
This rule implements authority granted by the Debt Collection 
Improvement Act, as amended. (95-014)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC11

[[Page 21735]]

_______________________________________________________________________




188. RELEASE OF FREE AND REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEAL ELIGIBILITY 
INFORMATION

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 103-448, sec 108

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would allow the disclosure and use of a student's 
free and reduced price school meal or free milk eligibility information 
when needed for certain educational programs, to facilitate eligibility 
determinations in other means tested programs, and for certain 
monitoring and investigative purposes. The rule would (1) establish 
limits on the persons and programs that may have access to a student's 
free and reduced price school meal or free milk eligibility 
information, (2) require that households be notified that information 
may be shared, and (3) provide penalties for unauthorized disclosures. 
The proposed amendments are intended to facilitate children's access to 
certain programs serving low-income children and protect free and 
reduced price eligibility information from misuse and unauthorized 
disclosures. (95-022)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98
Final Action                    09/00/99
Final Action Effective          10/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________




189. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: WELFARE REFORM AND REGULATORY REVIEW OF PROGRAM 
MANAGEMENT

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273.15; 7 CFR 274; 7 CFR 
275; 7 CFR 276; 7 CFR 281

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Agriculture is proposing substantial 
revisions to the Food Stamp Program regulations governing State agency 
administrative and management requirements. This action is being taken 
to incorporate certain provisions from the Personal Responsibility and 
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform) and in 
response to the President's Regulatory Reform effort and as part of the 
Department's ongoing effort to expand State flexibility. This action 
will provide the State agencies with more flexibility in operating the 
Food Stamp Program by eliminating outdated or overly prescriptive 
requirements. This rule also proposes to implement provisions of the 
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), which shifts the 
focus of Federal agencies from managing processes to achieving results. 
(95-023)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    09/00/99
Final Action Effective          09/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________




190. IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY IN THE CHILD AND ADULT 
CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1758; 42 USC 1766

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking proposes to incorporate in the Child and 
Adult Care Food Program regulations several recommendations suggested 
by the Department's Office of Inspector General as a result of recently 
conducted audits. The audits revealed high levels of noncompliance by 
sponsors and family day care homes in several areas of Program 
operations.
The Department also proposes to incorporate in the regulations several 
recommendations from a State-Federal task force in the areas of (1) 
State approval of both new and renewing institutions; (2) State 
oversight of institutions; and (3) training and operational 
requirements for child care institutions, sponsors of family day care 
homes, outside-school-hours care centers, and family day care home 
providers.
As a result of the task force's recommendations, this rulemaking also 
proposes other changes to the CACFP regulations which are intended to 
streamline the operation of the program at the State and local levels, 
improve its integrity, and strengthen oversight control. (95-024)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          03/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________




191. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS AND FREE 
MILK IN SCHOOLS: PROVISION 2 AND PROVISION 3

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing

[[Page 21736]]

Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-448

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, schools that serve all meals free for 3 
consecutive years may determine free and reduced price school meal 
eligibility and take daily meal counts by category (free, reduced price 
and paid) once every 3 years. In years when actual meal counts by 
category are not taken, schools claim meals for reimbursement based on 
claiming percentages. This counting and claiming alternative is 
commonly referred to as Provision 2. This rule would allow schools to 
extend current procedures an additional 2 years if the socioeconomic 
status of the schools' population remains stable and allow subsequent 
5-year cycles. This rule would also add another alternative for schools 
that serve all meals free for 4 consecutive years. These schools would 
receive the same level of cash and commodity assistance they received 
in the last year free and reduced price eligibility determinations were 
made, adjusted for inflation and changes in enrollment. For both 
alternatives, meal costs that exceed reimbursement must be paid for 
with other than Federal funds. (96-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/99
Final Action Effective          09/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________




192. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REGULATORY REVIEW: CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE 
HOUSEHOLDS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2026

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action proposes to amend Food Stamp Program rules 
governing the certification of eligible households. It results from a 
comprehensive, page-by-page review of all existing Food Stamp Program 
regulations conducted in response to the President's regulatory reform 
initiative. The proposed changes would empower States to set their own 
procedures for case management and customer service; remove overly 
prescriptive, outdated, and redundant provisions; and emphasize 
recipient responsibility for complying with Program requirements. (96-
006)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/99

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive Room 
308, Alexandria VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________




193. PART 240, CASH IN LIEU OF DONATED FOODS AND PART 250, FOOD 
DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-448

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 240; 7 CFR 250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will incorporate provisions of the Healthy Meals 
for Healthy Americans Act of 1994 relative to schools participating in 
the National School Lunch Program. (96-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________




194. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REGULATORY REVIEW: FSP STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL 
AND OPERATION OF FOOD STAMP ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEMS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 TO 2034

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 274.12

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes revisions to food stamp regulations 
affecting the standards and administration of EBT systems for food 
stamp issuance. Current regulations at 7 CFR 274.12 delineate the 
standards that EBT systems must meet in order to be approved for 
operation. This rule will revise those regulations to provide the State 
agency more flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. 
Clarifications and FCS settlement improvements will also be 
incorporated into the rule. (96-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

[[Page 21737]]

NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________




195. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM: 
ADDITIONAL MENU PLANNING ALTERNATIVES

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 104-149

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 104-149, enacted on May 29, 1996, establishes 
additional menu planning alternatives for the school meals programs and 
requires the secretary to establish guidelines for the use of these 
additional alternatives. One alternative specified in the statute was 
the meal pattern in effect for the 1994-95 school year; the other was 
``any reasonable approach.'' This proposed regulation would reestablish 
the meal pattern as a menu planning alternative and provide guidelines 
for school food authorities to develop a different approach to menu 
planning. (96-017)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98
Final Action                    01/00/99
Final Action Effective          02/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________




196. FSP: PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY PROVISIONS OF THE PERSONAL 
RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline:  Other, Statutory, August 22, 1996.
Stat. implementation deadline of 8/22/96 for sec 813, 814, 820, 821, 
837, and 911 of PL 104-193; stat. implementation deadline of 7/1/97 for 
sec 115, and 11/22/96 for sec 824 of PL 104-193.

Abstract: This rule will implement 13 provisions of the Personal 
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. (96-
019)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Analysis: Regulatory Flexibility Analysis; Regulatory Impact Analysis 
06/00/98

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC39
_______________________________________________________________________




197. FSP: NONDISCRETIONARY PROVISIONS OF THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND 
WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193, sec 803; PL 104-193, sec 804; PL 104-193, 
sec 805; PL 104-193, sec 809; PL 104-193, sec 810; PL 104-193, sec 838; 
PL 104-193, sec 109; PL 104-193, sec 826

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271.2; 7 CFR 273.1; 7 CFR 273.2; 7 CFR 273.8; 7 
CFR 273.9; 7 CFR 273.10; 7 CFR 276.2(e)

Legal Deadline:  Other, Statutory.
Statutory Implementation Dates: PL 104-193, sec 809 - 1/1/97; PL 104-
193, sec 803, 805 and 838 - 08/22/96; PL 104-193, sec 804 and 810 - 10/
01/96.

Abstract: This proposed rule amends the Food Stamp Program regulations 
to implement 8 provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. These provisions which require 
no interpretation or discretion: 1) freeze the minimum allotment at 
$10; 2) change the way the maximum allotments are calculated to use 
100% of the Thrifty Food Plan as opposed to 103%; 3) freeze the 
standard deduction at current level and eliminate the adjustment 
procedures; 4) cap the excess shelter expense deduction; 5) change the 
household composition definition so that children under 22 years of age 
and living with their parents cannot be a separate household; 6) 
increase the time frame from 5 to 7 days for expedited service; 7) set 
a time limit of not more than 90 days for considering the person 
homeless; and 8) set the fair market value of vehicles at $4,600 
through 9/30/96 and raise it to $4,650 effective 10/1/96 and eliminate 
future adjustments. (96-021)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC41

[[Page 21738]]

_______________________________________________________________________




198. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: SIMPLIFIED FOOD STAMP PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE 
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193, sec 854

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would implement section 854 of the 
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 
and provides State agencies with an option to align food stamp and 
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program requirements in 
determining benefit levels for low-income eligible families. (96-023)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Sectors Affected:  None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2446

RIN: 0584-AC43
_______________________________________________________________________




199. ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) PROVISIONS OF THE PERSONAL 
RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193, sec 825

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 274.3; 7 CFR 274.12

Legal Deadline:  Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002.
Statutory implementation date of EBT systems per section 825.

Abstract: On August 22, 1996, the President signed the Personal 
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193). This 
rule proposes to implement the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) 
provisions found in section 825 of this law which affect the Food Stamp 
Program. These provisions are meant to encourage implementation of EBT 
systems to replace food stamp coupons. (96-024)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________




200. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: WORK PROVISIONS OF THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 
AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 273.7; 7 CFR 273.22

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will implement revisions to the Food Stamp 
Program's work and employment and training requirements, as well as new 
provisions for a work supplementation or support program and an 
employment initiative program. (96-025)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302-1594
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC45
_______________________________________________________________________




201. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: RETAILER INTEGRITY, FRAUD REDUCTION AND 
PENALTIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193; PL 104-127

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will implement the three-tiered legislative 
initiative for combating retailer fraud in the Food Stamp Program: (1) 
Pre-authorization screening - tightens applicant retailer verification 
requirements to ensure only legitimate stores are authorized; (2) post-
authorization controls - allows FNS to: move quickly to immediately 
suspend stores that are caught trafficking; access more information 
from more sources about business integrity; and better track stores 
using up-to-date technology; (3) stiffer penalties - will impose 
tougher penalties on retailers found violating the program. (96-026)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________




202. REGULATORY REFORM: PROVISIONS RELATING TO FIRMS PARTICIPATING IN 
THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

[[Page 21739]]

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to the President's regulatory reform effort, the 
Food and Nutrition Service is proposing to revise or eliminate certain 
sections of parts 278 and 279 of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) 
regulations which govern the authorization and sanctioning of firms 
which participate in the FSP. The proposed changes which will be made 
to parts 278 and 279 are discretionary. (96-028)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC48
_______________________________________________________________________




203. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM: REGULATORY IMPLEMENTATION OF PERSONAL 
RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996 (PL 104-
193, 110 STAT 2105)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 250 (Revision); 7 CFR 251 (Revision)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to amend provisions of the Food 
Distribution Program Regulations and the Emergency Food Assistance 
Program Regulations to implement the personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, commonly known as Welfare 
Reform, while generally streamlining and providing greater clarity to 
these regulations. In accordance with the Welfare Reform legislation, 
the proposals contained in this rule would address various program 
changes required by the repeal of Section 110 of the Hunger Prevention 
Act of 1988, which authorized the former Soup Kitchens/Food Banks 
Program (SK/FB) and the amendment of definitional terms regarding 
organizational eligibility in the Emergency Food Assistance Program 
(TEFAP), contained in the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, 
accompanying the absorption of SK/FB into TEFAP. Changes to term 
definitions are also proposed in order to provide greater clarity to 
the regulations. As required by Welfare Reform, this rule also proposes 
changes in the required contents and frequency of submission of the 
TEFAP State plan of operation, an encouragement for States to create 
advisory boards comprised of public and private entities with an 
interest in the distribution of TEFAP commodities, broadening the 
definition of allowable usage of TEFAP administrative funds at the 
State level, and greater flexibility for States in meeting the TEFAP 
maintenance of effort requirement. In order to reduce the paperwork 
burden and afford the States greater flexibility, this rule also 
proposes changes in TEFAP recordkeeping, monitoring, and reporting 
requirements. (96-029)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________




204. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): DISQUALIFICATION OF WIC VENDORS WHO ARE DISQUALIFIED 
FROM THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1786

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish criteria for the disqualification 
of WIC vendors who are disqualified from the Food Stamp Program, as 
required by Pub. L. 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. As mandated in Pub. L. 104-193, 
such disqualifications are for the same period of time as the Food 
Stamp Program disqualification and are not subject to judicial or 
administrative review. This rule would also establish mandatory 
sanctions for the most serious WIC program violations. (96-030)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________




205. WIC: EVALUATION OF WIC PROGRAM INFANT FORMULA REBATE CONTRACTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1786

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would implement the mandate of P.L. 104-180, title 
IV, Appropriations Act for Domestic Food Programs, relative to food 
cost containment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 
Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Specifically, the rule would require 
State agencies that are required to procure infant formula through a 
sole-source infant formula rebate system to award infant formula rebate 
contracts to the bidder offering the lowest net price unless the State 
agency demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Food and Nutrition 
Service that the weighted average retail price for different brands of 
infant formula in the State does not vary by more than five percent. 
(97-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    09/00/98

[[Page 21740]]

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with 
this action.

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC55
_______________________________________________________________________




206. FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS PROGRAMS: COMMODITY ACCEPTABILITY REPORT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  PL 100-237

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 250.13(k)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Food Distribution Programs - Reduction of the Paperwork 
Burden Associated with this Requirement for State and Local Agencies. 
This rule proposes to reduce the paperwork burden for State and local 
agencies administering Food Distribution Programs by reducing the 
sample size needed for collecting commodity acceptability report 
information for the National School Lunch Program, Child and Adult Care 
Food Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Food 
Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. A sixty-day comment period 
will be provided. (97-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
Final Action                    12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________




207.  WIC: FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION (NSA) 
FUNDING FORMULA RULE

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1786

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation proposes to revise both the food and 
nutrition services and administration (NSA) funding formulas to improve 
the effectiveness of WIC funds distribution in a stable funding 
environment with limited program growth. The revised food funding 
formula will help to ensure food funds are allocated to States that can 
utilize the funds to maintain current participation as well as to 
direct additional funds, if available, to States that are serving a 
lesser proportion of their WIC eligible population as compared to other 
States. The revised NSA funding formula will simplify the funding 
formula by deleting obsolete components and will update existing 
components to more equitably distribute funding among WIC State 
Agencies. (97-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC64
_______________________________________________________________________




208.  FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS: 
DISQUALIFICATION PENALTIES FOR INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 253

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes the establishment of disqualification 
penalties under the Food Distribution Program for Indian Reservations 
(FDPIR) for intentional program violations (IPV). It will include 
provisions that define IPV, establish disqualification penalties for 
initial and subsequent violations, and address the procedures and 
requirements for disqualification hearings and notices. The proposed 
rule will also address the establishment and handling of claims against 
households. This proposed rulemaking is in response to a recent audit 
recommendation by USDA's Office of Inspector General to adopt 
disqualification penalty procedures for IPVs. FDPIR is an alternative 
to the Food Stamp Program for eligible households living on or near 
Indian reservations. Food Stamp Program regulations at 7 CFR 273.16 
establish disqualification penalties for IPVs and require State 
agencies to take appropriate action on alleged cases of IPVs. In 
proposing similar requirements under FDPIR, we expect to deter program 
abuse, thereby improving program integrity. (97-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC65

[[Page 21741]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




209. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: AUTHORITY TO COLLECT OVERCLAIMS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1766

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Establishes the Department's authority to collect overclaims 
where participating institutions fail to comply with regulatory 
recordkeeping requirements. (96-009)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/05/95                    60 FR 62227
NPRM Comment Period End         02/05/96
Final Action                    06/00/98
Final Action Effective          07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB19
_______________________________________________________________________




210. PERMANENT AGREEMENTS/DIRECT CERTIFICATION IN NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH, 
SCHOOL BREAKFAST, AND SPECIAL MILK PROGRAMS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 101-147; PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, July 1, 1990.

Abstract: In response to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization 
Act of 1989, the Department proposed to (1) make the agreement between 
the State agency and school food authorities a permanent document, 
which may be amended as necessary; and (2) allow school officials to 
certify children eligible for free meals based on information obtained 
directly from the State or local agency administering the Food Stamp or 
Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program. As part of the 
permanent agreement, the Department had also proposed to make most of 
the provisions in the school food authorities' free and reduced price 
school meal policy statement permanent. Subsequent to the proposal, the 
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 
further amended the National School Lunch Act to eliminate the annual 
submission of the free and reduced price policy statement. In 
accordance with the statute, the school food authority shall not be 
required to resubmit its policy statement to the State agency for 
approval unless there is a substantive change, as specified by the 
State agency, in the school food authorities' free and reduced price 
policy. The statute also replaces AFDC with the Temporary Assistance 
for Needy Families (TANF) program. Children in households participating 
in TANF in States that the Secretary determines have comparable 
standards or more stringent standards than the program on June 1, 1995, 
shall continue to be automatically eligible for free meals. (89-520)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/28/91                    56 FR 24033
NPRM Comment Period End         07/29/91
Final Action                    05/00/98
Final Action Effective          06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




211. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: 1995 QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271.2; 7 CFR 275.3; 7 CFR 275.10; 7 CFR 275.11; 7 
CFR 275.12; 7 CFR 275.13; 7 CFR 275.23

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food and Consumer Service is proposing technical changes 
to the Food Stamp Program's Quality Control System which will reduce 
the workload on State agencies and improve the efficiency of the 
quality control system. The proposed changes would: (1) permit State 
agencies to reduce their sample sizes; (2) clarify the minimum size of 
the Federal subsample; (3) clarify State sampling procedures; (4) 
change the formulas for calculating Federal subsample sizes; (5) 
clarify the process of conducting a quality control review of negative 
subsystem cases and add suspended cases, those cases that are certified 
for the Program but do not receive benefits, to the sample universe of 
cases that are reviewed under the negative subsystem; (6) change the 
error dollar tolerance level; (7) modify the requirements regarding a 
home visit in active quality control reviews; (8) provide a variance 
exclusion under certain circumstances for errors resulting from 
incorrect policy issued in written State agency policies or directives; 
(9) adjust the case completion standard; and (10) codify into 
regulations those circumstances under which Federal quality control 
findings or disposition for a case will be changed. (92-006)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/10/96                    61 FR 47680
NPRM Comment Period End         11/12/96
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Additional Information: RIN 0584-AB07 has been withdrawn, and the 
actions in that proposed rule have been included in this action.

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302

[[Page 21742]]

Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________




212. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS--OKLAHOMA WAIVER 
AUTHORITY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 97-98, Sec 1338; PL 95-113

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This direct final rule will extend the Department's authority 
to grant waivers in Oklahoma to serve urban places in excess of 10,000 
people. This authority expired on September 30, 1985. This rule will 
also create consistency with Food Stamp Program on the treatment of 
child support payments and make several technical corrections. (94-002)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/98
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________




213. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ANTICIPATING INCOME AND REPORTING CHANGES

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal 
governments.
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes revisions in Food Stamp Program procedures 
for reporting and acting on changes in earned income. The changes are 
designed to increase State agency flexibility and improve procedures 
for determining the eligibility and benefits of households whose income 
fluctuates unpredictably. Under this proposal, State agencies would 
choose from three different reporting requirements for households with 
earned income. The reporting requirement a State agency selects would 
replace the current requirement that households report a change of more 
than $25 in earned income. In addition to reporting a change in source 
of income, households would be required to report one of the following: 
a change in wage rate or salary and a change in part-time or full-time 
status, provided the household is certified for no more than 3 months; 
a change in wage rate or salary and a change of more than 5 hours a 
week that is expected to continue for more than a month; or a change in 
the amount earned of more than $80 a month. (93-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/17/96                    61 FR 66233
NPRM Comment Period End         02/18/97
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




214. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: PAYMENT OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF 
STATE AGENCIES

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 103-66, sec 13961

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 277

Legal Deadline:  Other, Statutory, April 1, 1994.
The Act requires funding rate reduction effective 04/01/94.

Abstract: State agencies are reimbursed by FCS at standard or enhanced 
Federal reimbursement level for all allowable costs incurred in the 
State's operation of the Food Stamp Program. This proposed rule would 
reduce the Federal reimbursement rate for State agencies for fraud 
control, system development, and immigration status verification to the 
standard 50 percent rate. It would also limit the time period during 
which State agencies may file a claim for retroactive funding, and 
allows the cost of certifying aid to families with dependent children 
to be charged to the Food Stamp Program for purposes of Federal 
reimbursement. (93-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/22/94                    59 FR 60079
NPRM Comment Period End         01/23/95
Final Action                    06/00/98
Final Action Effective          10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________




215. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS: DEFINITION OF 
INDIAN TRIBAL HOUSEHOLD

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  PL 88-525; PL 97-98, sec 1338; PL 95-113

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule will amend part 253 to permit households 
containing a Native American living in ``near areas'' to participate in 
the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) regardless 
of the Native American's tribal affiliation or age. It will also amend 
part 254 to permit households containing a Native American to 
participate in FDPIR in Oklahoma regardless of the Native American's 
age. (82-217)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/20/87                    52 FR 39158

[[Page 21743]]

Interim Final Rule              01/11/94                     59 FR 1447
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




216. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF THE MICKEY LELAND 
CHILDHOOD HUNGER RELIEF ACT

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 103-66, sec 13951

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 275

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To implement quality control changes to the Food Stamp Act 
required by section 13951 of the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief 
Act in the following areas: 1) interest on quality control claims, 2) 
the formula for determining quality control claim amounts, 3) variance 
exclusion for the application of new regulations, 4) time frames for 
completion of the arbitration process, 5) time frames for determining 
final error rates, the national average payment error rate, and the 
amounts of payment claims against State agencies, 6) time frames for 
notifying State agencies of payment claims, 7) the addition of specific 
criteria for a determination that ``good cause'' exists for not 
imposing a payment claim, and 8) the transfer of authority to make 
``good cause'' determinations from FNS to the Administrative Law 
Judges. These provisions are nondiscretionary and will not result in an 
annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or a major 
increase in costs or prices for consumers, individuals, industries, 
Federal, State or local government agencies, or geographical regions. 
(93-018)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/23/95                    60 FR 32615
NPRM Comment Period End         08/22/95
Final Rule                      06/02/97                    62 FR 29652
Final Rule Comment Period End   05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________




217. IMPLEMENTATION OF LEGISLATIVE REFORMS IN THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE 
PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1758; 42 USC 1761; 42 USC 1762a

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 225

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Recent legislative actions have made a number of changes to 
conditions affecting reimbursement, participation of certain service 
organizations, and State administration under the Summer Food Service 
Program (SFSP). This interim rule implements several nondiscretionary 
amendments to SFSP that are prescribed by the Healthy Meals for Healthy 
Americans Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-448) and the Personal Responsibility 
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193). This 
rule also formalizes categorical eligibility for households 
participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, 
and makes a number of technical corrections to part 225. (95-025)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC23
_______________________________________________________________________




218. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF 
WIC-RELATED PROVISIONS OF PL 104-193, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK 
OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 1786

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would implement the WIC-related provisions of Pub. 
L. 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 
1996. These provisions include: sharing of WIC information with the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service; revision to the definition of 
homeless individual; and the elimination of several current 
requirements including annual evaluation of nutrition education and 
breastfeeding promotion and support efforts, provision of written 
information on certain programs, and timeframes for action on local 
agency applications for program participation. (96-031)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/98
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC51
_______________________________________________________________________




219. IMPLEMENTATION OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGES IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE 
FOOD PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193

[[Page 21744]]

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim rulemaking will implement non-discretionary 
changes to the Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations mandated 
by Public Law 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act of 1996. This rule will not implement changes to 
section 708(e) of P.L. 104-193, targeting reimbursement for meals 
served in family day care homes, which was addressed in a separate 
interim rulemaking published on January 7, 1997 (62 FR 889). (96-032)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/98
Final Action                    06/00/99
Final Action Effective          07/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive Room 
308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC52
_______________________________________________________________________




220.  FOOD STAMP PROVISIONS OF THE BALANCED BUDGET ACT OF 1997

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority:  PL 105-33, sec 1001; PL 105-33, sec 1002

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 272.1(g); 7 CFR 273.7(c); 7 CFR 273.7(d); 7 CFR 
273.24

Legal Deadline:  Final, Statutory, August 5, 1998.
PL 105-33, sec 1005 requires publication of a rule implementing Title I 
provisions of that Act no later than 1 yr. after date of enactment. PL 
105-33 was enacted 8/5/97.

Abstract: This rule will implement two food stamp provisions of the 
Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The first provision provides States the 
authority to exempt from the work requirement at Section 6(o)(2) of the 
Food Stamp Act up to 15 percent of the State's caseload that is subject 
to the requirement. The second provision provides additional funding 
for administration of the Food Stamp Employment and training (E&T) 
programs. These two provisions enhance State flexibility in exempting 
portions of a State's caseload from the food stamp work requirement and 
increase significantly the funding available to create work 
opportunities for recipients that must meet the work requirement in 
order to remain eligible for the Food Stamp Program. (97-011)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




221. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
(WIC): MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________




222. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
(WIC): FOOD COST CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/15/90                     55 FR 9709
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB11
_______________________________________________________________________




223. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
(WIC): INFANT FORMULA PROCUREMENT ACT OF 1992

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal, Federal

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with 
this action.

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB52

[[Page 21745]]

_______________________________________________________________________




224. SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: TECHNICAL AND NONDISCRETIONARY 
AMENDMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 235; 7 CFR 245

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00
Final Action Effective          00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________




225. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): IMPLEMENTATION OF WIC MANDATES OF THE HEALTHY MEALS FOR 
HEALTHY AMERICANS ACT OF 1994

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




226. AMENDMENT TO REMOVE FORMULATED GRAIN--FRUIT PRODUCT SECTION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 220 app A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________




227. MODIFICATION OF THE ``VEGETABLE PROTEIN PRODUCTS'' PORTION OF 
APPENDIX A OF 7 CFR PARTS 210, 225, AND 226

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 210 app A; 7 CFR 210.10(k)(3)(i); 7 CFR 
210.10a(d)(2)(i); 7 CFR 225 app A; 7 CFR 225.16(f)(3); 7 CFR 226 app A; 
7 CFR 220 app A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________




228. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT AMENDMENTS AND HEALTHY MEALS FOR HEALTHY AMERICANS 
ACT OF 1994

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 226

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/26/98                     63 FR 9721
Final Action                    04/00/99
Final Action Effective          05/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________




229. NSLP/SBP/SMP/FDP/ CACFP/SFSP/WIC: NONPROCUREMENT DEBARMENT

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  None

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. The agency has not yet determined whether there 
is a paperwork burden associated with this action.

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________




230. WIC: MINOR WIC FOOD PACKAGE ADJUSTMENTS AND CORRECTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC29
_______________________________________________________________________




231. WIC: BLOODWORK REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC30

[[Page 21746]]

_______________________________________________________________________




232. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): ACCOMMODATION OF CULTURAL FOOD PREFERENCES IN THE WIC 
PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/23/94                    59 FR 32406
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/20/94


Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC32
_______________________________________________________________________




233. NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 227

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/99

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________




234. FSP: STATE FLEXIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 
104-193

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 272.3; 7 CFR 273.1; 7 CFR 273.2; 7 CFR 273.4; 7 
CFR 273.9(c); 7 CFR 273.9(d); 7 CFR 273.10(a); 7 CFR 273.10(c) to (f); 
7 CFR 273.11(a) to (c); 7 CFR 273.11(e); 7 CFR 273.11(j); 7 CFR 273.13; 
7 CFR 273.14(b); 7 CFR 273.14(e)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC40
_______________________________________________________________________




235. WIC: NOTICE ANNOUNCING USDA'S DECISION TO RETAIN THE 6-GRAM SUGAR 
LIMIT FOR WIC CEREALS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/18/96                    61 FR 10903
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/17/96
Withdrawal of ANPRM             12/31/97                    62 FR 68233
NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________




236.  FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) 
BENEFIT ADJUSTMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 274

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will allow States and/or their EBT 
processors to make adjustments to an EBT household's food stamp account 
under certain circumstances. Current regulations do not allow 
adjustments to a household's EBT account balance once the benefits have 
been made available to the household. Occasionally, however, system 
errors and other malfunctions result in out-of-balance settlement 
conditions which must be adjusted manually. This proposed rule 
describes the conditions under which an adjustment is allowed, and the 
accompanying notice requirements. The rule also makes changes to the 
representation formula. (97-009)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC61
_______________________________________________________________________




237.  DEFINITION OF FEDERAL MEANS-TESTED PUBLIC BENEFIT

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 104-193

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Definition of Federal means-tested public benefit. (97-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 
308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC62

[[Page 21747]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




238. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF DISASTERS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 274; 7 CFR 280

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/29/96

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AA85
_______________________________________________________________________




239. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS--PAPERWORK REDUCTION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 250; 7 CFR 251; 7 CFR 253

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/16/97                    62 FR 53727
Final Action Effective          11/17/97

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________




240. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM: ELDERLY-ONLY SITES, 
ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDING, REFERRALS TO HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, 
CASELOAD ALLOCATION PROCESS, PRIORITY SYSTEM, AND MISCELLANEOUS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 247

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Superseded by RIN 
0584-AC60                       12/08/97                    62 FR 64511

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________




241. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1989 AND OTHER AMENDMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 226

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/01/97                    62 FR 23613
Final Action Effective          06/02/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________




242. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): INFANT FORMULA COST CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 246

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Incorporated Into 
RIN 0584-AC55                   09/30/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with 
this action.

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________




243. REVISION OF THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE DETERMINATION OF 
ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS AND FREE MILK IN SCHOOLS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 245

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn Pending Further 
Consideration                   01/26/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________




244. IMPROVED TARGETING OF DAY CARE HOME REIMBURSEMENTS IN THE CHILD AND 
ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 226

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/24/98                     63 FR 9087
Final Action Effective          04/27/98

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246

RIN: 0584-AC42
_______________________________________________________________________




245. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: MAXIMUM ALLOTMENTS FOR THE 48 STATES AND DC

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/08/97                    62 FR 64557

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC57

[[Page 21748]]

_______________________________________________________________________




246. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: MAXIMUM ALLOTMENTS FOR ALASKA, HAWAII, GUAM, 
AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/08/97                    62 FR 64556
Final Action Effective          12/08/97

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________




247.  COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM--CASELOAD ASSIGNMENT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 612c

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 247

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This direct final rule amends provisions of the Commodity 
Supplemental Food Program regulations to provide for the allocation of 
a single caseload to State agencies each year instead of the allocation 
of two separate caseloads, one for women, infants, and children, and 
one for the elderly. (97-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               10/23/97                    62 FR 55142
Final Action Effective          12/08/97                    62 FR 64511

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sheri Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 308, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 305-2921

RIN: 0584-AC60
BILLING CODE 3410-30-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




248. HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT (HACCP) SYSTEMS FOR EGG 
PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 1031 to 1056

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 355; 7 CFR 359

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is considering 
amending the egg products inspection regulations to require egg 
products plants to develop and implement sanitation standard operating 
procedures (SOP's) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point 
(HACCP) systems. FSIS also is considering converting current 
prescriptive egg products processing requirements to performance 
standards, as well as establishing pathogen reduction performance 
standards applicable to pasteurized egg products.
With this notice, FSIS is soliciting information specific to the costs 
and benefits of requiring plants to implement sanitation SOP's and 
HACCP systems. FSIS also is interested in reviewing any research 
concerning pathogen reduction in egg products, as well as any 
epidemiological information relevant to pathogens in egg products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Hasiak, Labeling, Product, and Technology 
Standards Division, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 501-7615

RIN: 0583-AC30
_______________________________________________________________________




249.  ELIMINATION OF ACCREDITED LABORATORY PROGRAM FOR FOOD 
CHEMISTRY AND RESIDUE CHEMISTRY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601; 21 USC 451

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318.21; 9 CFR 381.153

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to eliminate its Accredited Laboratory 
Program (ALP). The ALP was established in 1987 to enable meat and 
poultry establishments to obtain timely analytic results for product 
suspected of noncompliance with regulatory requirements (9 CFR 318.21 
and 381.153). In such ``hold-and-test'' situations, plants can have 
samples analyzed by laboratories accredited by FSIS for certain residue 
chemistry analyses (e.g., chlorinated by hydrocarbons) and/or four food 
chemistry analyses (protein, moisture, fat, and salt content). These 
analyses by accredited laboratories are paid for by the meat or poultry 
plant, whereas samples analyzed by FSIS laboratories are at Agency 
expense. Despite this, accredited laboratories appeal to industry 
because there are only three FSIS laboratories and they carry a heavy 
analytic burden. Product held for testing is highly perishable, and 
obtaining rapid test results is frequently a high priority for plants. 
FSIS believes, however, that the ALP is no longer the best way to 
provide this service to industry and the public and that its functions 
would be better performed by independent third-party accredited 
laboratory results for whatever reasons can consult and independent, 
third party accreditation service to determine if a specific laboratory 
meets appropriate standards.
Such standards are increasingly being harmonized internationally as a 
result of widespread adoption of the ISO 9000 Series of Standards for 
quality evaluation of industry performance (the ISO 9000 Standard for 
analytic laboratories is contained in Guideline 25). The European 
Community, for example, has recently required that quality systems of 
many suppliers of products related to health, safety, and

[[Page 21749]]

the environment be formally registered by a third party according to 
the ISO 9000 Standards. Moreover, such accreditation can be performed 
by third parties at a lower cost than the FSIS ALP, which charges each 
laboratory $2500 per year. Eliminating the ALP would not cause any 
additional expense or burden for industry, and it would place the 
responsibility on industry to obtain credible sample results for 
whatever purposes. FSIS will request comment on this proposed action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/00/98
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations Development and Analyst Division, Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, 
Program Development, and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC48
_______________________________________________________________________




250.  SALMONELLA ENTERITIS IN SHELL EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 59; 21 CFR 100

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is initiating action to decrease the food safety risks 
associated with shell eggs and egg products through joint issuance of a 
notice with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eggs contaminated 
with Salmonella enteritidis (SE) are associated with increasing numbers 
of human illnesses and continue to be a public health concern. Although 
FDA has primary jurisdiction over shell eggs, the two agencies share 
inspection responsibility for eggs and egg products. A 1991 amendment 
to the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) directed FSIS to develop 
regulations requiring shell eggs packed for consumers to be kept 
refrigerated during commercial transportation and storage. FSIS did not 
implemented the temperature requirements because such requirements did 
not address basic food safety problems for all perishable products. 
Through joint issuance of the ANPRM, FSIS and FDA are exploring all 
alternatives and gathering data on the costs and benefits of various 
regulatory approaches.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Connie Suwalsky, Program Analyst, Regulations and 
Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, Office of Policy Development and Evaluation, Washington, DC 
20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-7325

RIN: 0583-AC52
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




251. ELIMINATION OF PRIOR APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EGG PRODUCT PLANT 
DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND EQUIPMENT

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1621 et seq; 7 USC 1031 to 1056 Egg Products 
Inspection Act

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 55; 7 CFR 59

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the Federal egg products inspection regulations by removing 
current requirements for prior approval by FSIS of establishment 
drawings, specifications, and prior to the construction or remodeling 
of official establishments. Requirements involving the comparison of 
blueprints and specifications with actual facilities and equipment 
would end. FSIS would continue to verify through inspection that good 
sanitation is being achieved. This action is taken to streamline and 
modernize the egg products food safety regulations, to separate the 
roles of Government and the regulated industry, to encourage 
innovations that will improve food safety, and to remove unnecessary 
regulatory burdens on inspected egg establishments. In addition, the 
proposal represents an important shift away from FSIS's ``command-and-
control'' regulatory approach and toward a less bureaucratic approach 
consistent with the Agency's food safety mission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/99

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________




252. GRANT AND INAUGURATION OF INSPECTION

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 304; 9 CFR 305

[[Page 21750]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to streamline and clarify the regulations 
in 9 CFR parts 304 and 305, which provide for grant and inauguration of 
inspection in meat and poultry establishments.
Under the current regulations, prior to commercial operation, 
establishments must apply for grant of inspection by submitting for 
FSIS review and approval establishment floor plans and blueprints, 
equipment specifications, and other information. If FSIS approves this 
information and grants inspection, a circuit supervisor visits the 
establishment to inform the operator of the applicable regulations. 
Subsequently, FSIS inspection is inaugurated and the establishment may 
begin manufacturing product for commercial distribution.
FSIS is proposing to streamline and clarify these requirements in light 
of (1) new section 304.3, under which compliance with requirements in 
the Agency's regulations on sanitation standard operating procedures 
and hazard analysis and critical control point systems (parts 416 and 
417) are conditions for receiving inspection, and (2) final action on 
the Agency's proposal (Docket No. 95-032P) to eliminate the requirement 
that floor plans, blueprints, equipment specifications be preapproved 
by FSIS before inspection is granted.
This rule will amend FSIS's regulations to describe, in part 300, the 
Agency's responsibilities and current organization. As part of its 
regulatory modernization initiative, FSIS has reorganized its 
headquarters offices and field structure, and it is reorganizing and 
amending its regulations to reflect these and other changes in the 
Agency's responsibilities. This rule will provide information on the 
location of FSIS's new field offices and the reassignment of regulatory 
activities under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________




253. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS WITH ESTABLISHED STANDARDS OF IDENTITY

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 319; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the Federal meat and poultry inspection regulations by 
establishing food safety performance standards for certain raw, 
partially cooked, and ready-to-eat meat and poultry products listed in 
9 CFR 319. Performance standards spell out the objective level of 
performance establishments must meet during their operations to produce 
safe products, but allow the use of customized, plant-specific 
processing procedures. The standards of identity or composition in part 
319 define these products in terms of meat and poultry content, 
ingredients, methods of processing and preparation, or other 
characteristics relative to product content, representation, and 
labeling. However, currently there are few food safety standards or 
requirements specific to the processing or handling of these products 
in the regulations. FSIS must rely upon statutory authorities, general 
regulations, regulations for similar products, or FSIS directives when 
regulating these products. Establishing food safety performance 
standards specific to these products would provide FSIS with a better 
regulatory mechanism for ensuring their safety and would grant 
establishments flexibility to comply with the new requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________




254. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE THERMAL PROCESSING OF MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to replace the current, ``command-and-
control'' procedures for the thermal processing of meat and poultry 
products with performance standards. The current regulations are highly 
prescriptive, redundant with HACCP, and inhibit the adoption by the 
industry of new, more efficient technologies. The proposed performance 
standards, which spell out the objective level of performance 
establishments must meet during their operations, would permit the use 
of alternative processing procedures by establishments. Establishments 
would be required to develop written process schedules describing their 
alternative procedures, but could incorporate these schedules into 
their HACCP plans. FSIS would allow establishments that do not develop 
alternative procedures to follow the current regulations, which would 
be retained as ``safe harbors.''

[[Page 21751]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC19
_______________________________________________________________________




255. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE HANDLING, CHILLING, AND FREEZING OF 
POULTRY

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to replace the current ``command-and-
control'' procedures for the handling, chilling, and freezing of 
poultry products in 9 CFR 381.66 with performance standards. The 
current regulations are highly prescriptive, redundant with HACCP, and 
inhibit the adoption by the industry of new, more efficient 
technologies. The proposed performance standards, which spell out the 
objective level of performance establishments must meet during their 
operations, would permit the use of alternative procedures, but could 
incorporate these schedules into their HACCP plans. FSIS would allow 
establishments that do not develop alternative procedures to follow the 
current regulations, which would be retained as ``safe harbors.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________




256. PREVENTION OF PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION OF MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS OR PRODUCT INGREDIENTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to replace with performance standards the 
current regulations ensuring that meat and poultry products and product 
ingredients are not physically or chemically contaminated. Performance 
standards spell out the objective level of performance establishments 
must meet during their operations to produce safe products, but allow 
the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures. Under 
requirements for mandatory establishment-operated HACCP systems, the 
performance standards and establishment-developed procedures could be a 
part of establishment HACCP plans. FSIS would allow establishments that 
do not develop alternative procedures to follow the current 
regulations, which would be retained as ``safe harbors.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________




257. RETAINED WATER IN RAW MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; POULTRY CHILLING 
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 440

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is developing a proposal to limit the amount of water 
absorbed and retained by single-ingredient raw meat and poultry 
products to the amount that is unavoidable in carrying out washing or 
chilling procedures. Such products include immersion-chilled poultry 
carcasses and raw meat byproducts that are chilled in water. A 
requirement for raw products to bear a labeling statement on absorbed 
water content is being considered. However, establishments having data 
that demonstrate their raw products do not gain weight as a result of 
washing or chilling would not have to label the products with such a 
statement. The proposal also would replace the command-and-control 
provisions of the regulations on poultry chilling and moisture control 
with performance standards. This proposal is being made in furtherance 
of the Agency's regulatory reform effort and in response to a July 23, 
1997, U.S. District Court order setting aside current moisture limits 
for frozen, cooked, or consumer-packaged whole poultry. The labeling 
provisions of this proposal would be intended to provide consumers with 
additional information for making purchasing decisions.
Affected establishments would have to bear the minimal costs associated 
with any required labeling modifications.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 21752]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Alice Thaler, Chief, Concepts and Design Branch, 
Inspection Methods Design and Development Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Division, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3219

RIN: 0583-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________




258. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR CARCASSES CUT INTO PRIMAL PARTS WITHIN AN 
ESTABLISHMENT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to permit inspected and 
passed, but unmarked, carcasses to be cut into primal parts within the 
establishment as long as the establishment is operating under a HACCP 
system which includes a process control component to prevent the 
commingling of inspected and uninspected product. Product 
identification and control, and a system of recordkeeping and 
monitoring are essential elements of any HACCP system. An adequate 
HACCP system would ensure that identification and appropriate 
separation of inspected and uninspected product would be maintained.
This action would be in keeping with FSIS's move away from ``command-
and-control'' regulations toward HACCP-compatible performance 
standards, which afford establishments greater latitude in choosing how 
to meet performance objectives, for example, ensuring segregation 
inspected and uninspected product. FSIS is proposing this action in 
response to a petition.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/99

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________




259. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTIAL QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAMS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 319; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the meat and poultry 
inspection regulations by removing most requirements pertaining to 
partial quality control (PQC) programs. A PQC program controls a single 
product, operation, or part of an operation in a meat or poultry 
establishment. The proposal would remove the design requirements 
affecting most PQC programs that establishments have and most 
requirements for establishments to have PQC programs for certain 
products or processes. The proposal would also remove from the thermal 
processing regulations the requirements for FSIS prior approval, or 
approval before use, of systems and devices not specified in the 
regulations and all requirements concerning PQC programs. The proposal 
would expand the alternatives available to establishments under the 
thermal processing regulations for ensuring the safety of their 
products. However, the requirements for establishments to have quality 
control programs to control food irradiation processing and certain 
slaughtering inspection systems for poultry and the requirements 
concerning the design and content of those programs would be unaffected 
by this rulemaking. This proposal is intended to allow establishments 
under inspection additional flexibility, consistent with the Pathogen 
Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) 
regulations, to adopt new technologies and methods that will improve 
food safety and other consumer protections.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Inspection Methods Design and Development, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________




260. ELIMINATION OF PRIOR APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPRIETARY 
SUBSTANCES AND NONFOOD COMPOUNDS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 450; 21 USC 601

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 308.3; 9 CFR 308.7; 9 CFR 308.8; 9 CFR 318.15; 9 
CFR 381.60; 9 CFR 381.147

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is announcing that it is eliminating the prior approval 
system for all nonfood compounds and proprietary substances and 
requesting comment on alternatives to the current prior approval 
system. The compounds and substances currently subject to prior 
approval include maintenance and operating chemicals (sanitizers, 
cleaning compounds, water treatments, lubricants, and pesticides) and 
proprietary food processing chemicals (branding inks, scalding agents, 
rendering agents, and denaturants). Similarly, FSIS recently proposed 
to eliminate the sanitation regulations

[[Page 21753]]

requiring prior approval of some of these compounds and substances 
(contained in 9 CFR parts 308 and 381, subpart H).
This prior approval program is inconsistent with the new food safety 
strategy and approach set forth in FSIS Docket No. 93-016F,''Pathogen 
Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems'' 
(61 FR 38806). Under these new regulations, every official meat and 
poultry establishment will be required to develop and implement HACCP, 
a science-based process control system designed to improve the safety 
of meat and poultry products. Establishments will be responsible for 
developing and implementing HACCP plans incorporating the controls 
necessary and appropriate to produce safe meat and poultry products. 
Consequently, establishments, not FSIS, will be responsible for 
determining whether the nonfood compounds and proprietary substances 
they use are safe and effective. FSIS will, of course, continue to 
require that meat and poultry products be neither adulterated non-
misbranded through the misuse of proprietary additives and nonfood 
compounds.
FSIS receives annually between 16,000 and 20,000 applications for 
approval of nonfood compounds and proprietary substances. By 
terminating the prior approval program for nonfood compounds and 
proprietary substances and discontinuing publication of the List, FSIS 
will be able to redirect resources to better implement inspection under 
the HACCP regulations. FSIS anticipates that establishments considering 
purchasing and using nonfood compounds and proprietary substances will 
demand formulation and other information from chemical manufacturers as 
part of their decision-making in the private marketplace. Manufacturers 
failing to provide such information could expect to lose their market 
share.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
Notice of Policy Change Nonfood 
Compounds and Proprietary 
Substances                      00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________




261.  LABELING STANDARDS FOR OVINE CARCASSES, PARTS OF CARCASSES 
MEAT AND MEAT FOOD PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under       
    PL 104-4.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 450 et seq; 21 USC 601 to 695 et seq; 7 USC 
1901 to 1906 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pursuant to a requirement in the Farm Bill of 1996, the Food 
Safety and Inspection Service is issuing advance notice of proposed 
rulemaking to determine the type of labeling standards it should 
establish for lambs and mutton. The principal issue of concern in the 
marketing of sheep is the identification, for the benefit of consumers, 
of the higher valued lamb from the lower valued mutton. One of the key 
elements of this issue is the attributes of lamb that gives it this 
higher value, such as flavor, texture, moisture, color, mouth feel, or 
portion size. Among the subissues to be considered are: should the 
Agency consider reissuing voluntary grading standards analogous to the 
recent Agricultural Marketing Service ones for slaughter animals and 
for carcasses; should these standards continue to be voluntary; should 
they embrace the detail of the previous standards, including the 
standards for yearling mutton; should the standards include anything 
from the slaughter animal standards or just use the carcass and parts 
standards; what method of determining maturity should the standards 
employ; what are the economic or other regulatory impacts of such a 
standard; should the terms ``no-roll lamb' or ``yearling lamb'' or 
``spring lamb'' be made part of the standard; how should the government 
assure the integrity of establishment application of the standard; and, 
finally, should the Agency establish labeling standards, such as that 
lamb must be under one year of age, and then require operators of 
official establishments establish their own objective methods to 
separate carcasses for which the label ``Lamb'' may be claimed from 
other ovine carcasses for which it may not.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Alfred Liepold, Food Technologist, Regulations 
Development, Analyst Division, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Office Of Policy, Program, Development, and 
Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0292

RIN: 0583-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________




262.  ANTE-MORTEM AND POST-MORTEM INSPECTION OF LIVESTOCK AND 
POULTRY

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 to 695 et seq; 7 USC 138 et seq; 21 USC 
450 et seq; 7 USC 2.18 to 2.53 et seq; 21 USC 451 to 470 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 309; 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing ante-
mortem and post-mortem inspection of livestock and poultry. A number of 
the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions 
under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed 
today (e.g., splitting of sterna, prohibition of inflating carcasses). 
Others are duplicative regulations (e.g., those

[[Page 21754]]

dealing with bruises and contamination) applying separately to meat and 
to poultry that could be combined into single regulations applying to 
both meat and poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving 
regulatory objectives rather than the objectives themselves. This 
proposal would remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete 
regulations or convert them to performance standards that are 
consistent with FSIS requirements for establishment-operated hazard 
analysis and critical control points (HACCP) systems and with the 
Agency's food safety regulatory strategy.
Under the proposal, the current ante-mortem requirements, listing 
objectionable diseases or conditions and corresponding actions to be 
taken, would be replaced by performance standards intended to ensure 
that only ``normal,'' healthy animals that do not pose an evident 
hazard to public health are permitted to enter a slaughtering 
establishment. ``Normal'' animals would include those, for example, 
that are not running a temperature or that do not exhibit lesions of 
disease or behaviors characteristic of central nervous system 
disorders. Similarly, the post-mortem regulations, with their lists of 
conditions and detailed, command-and-control procedures, would be 
streamlined. The prescriptive provisions would be replaced by 
performance standards relating to food safety (Prevention of economic 
adulteration).
This proposal would also recodify the ante-mortem and post-mortem 
inspection regulations for livestock and poultry. To the extent 
possible, consistent with Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act, regulations concerning livestock and meat 
carcasses and parts, and those concerning poultry carcasses and parts 
would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code of 
Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the on-going Agency 
effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user-friendly.
This proposal would focus on the performance standards that 
establishments should meet through operation of their HACCP systems for 
slaughtering and dressing operations. It would remove impediments to 
the development and operation of HACCP plans by making the current 
regulations compatible with the HACCP approach to food safety.
Besides the proposed action, FSIS considered the alternative of no 
rulemaking and the alternative of eliminating all regulations on 
livestock, poultry, and the carcasses and parts of livestock and 
poultry, affected by specific diseases and conditions. The first 
alternative would leave in place numerous detailed prescriptions and 
procedural requirements inconsistent with, or duplicative of, HACCP 
systems. The second would risk exposing the public to products that may 
be unwholesome or otherwise adulterated.
The Agency believes the alternative represented by this proposal--
converting to performance standards the ante-mortem and post-mortem 
inspection regulations--would offer the best prospect for the efficient 
and effective implementation of HACCP. It would also maximize the 
flexibility establishments have to adopt technological innovations that 
would increase the assurance of food safety.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Alice Thaler, Chief, Concepts and Design Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
Inspection Methods Development Division, Office of Policy, Program 
Development, and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-3219

RIN: 0583-AC43
_______________________________________________________________________




263.  REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPOSITION AND DISPOSAL OF INSPECTED RAW 
MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 450, 1901 to 1906; 21 USC 451 to 470 et seq; 21 
USC 601 to 695 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 311; 9 CFR 314; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381; 9 
CFR 428; 9 CFR 455

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing the 
disposition of inspected raw meat and poultry products and the disposal 
of such products that are condemned or otherwise inedible. A number of 
the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions 
under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed 
today. Others are duplicative regulations applying separately to meat 
and to poultry that should be combined into single regulations applying 
to both meat and poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving 
regulatory objectives rather than the objectives themselves. The 
proposal would remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete 
regulations or convert them to performance standards that are 
consistent with FSIS requirements for establishment-operated hazard 
analysis and critical control points (HACCP) systems and with the 
Agency's food safety regulatory strategy.
Besides the proposed action, FSIS considered the alternative of no 
rulemaking and the alternative of eliminating all regulations on the 
disposition and disposal of inspected raw products. Among these 
regulations are those concerning the handling of raw product moving 
between official establishments and the disposal of condemned or 
inedible carcasses and parts. The first alternative would leave in 
place numerous detailed prescriptions and procedural requirements 
inconsistent with, or duplicative of, HACCP systems. The second would 
risk exposing the public to products that may be unwholesome or 
otherwise adulterated.
This proposal would convert to performance standards the regulations 
governing the disposition, handling, and disposal of raw carcasses and 
parts. The Agency believes this alternative would offer the best 
prospect of permitting the efficient and effective implementation of 
HACCP and of maximizing the flexibility official establishments and 
other entities have to adopt technological and other innovations that 
could increase the assurance of food safety.
This proposal would also recodify the regulations on the disposition,

[[Page 21755]]

handling, and disposal of raw meat and poultry products. To the extent 
possible, consistent with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act, regulations affecting both meat and 
poultry would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code 
of Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the on-going 
Agency effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user-
friendly.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Alice Thaler, Chief, Concepts and Design Branch, 
Inspection Methods Development Division, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program 
Development, and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-3219

RIN: 0583-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________




264.  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SHELF-STABLE, READY-TO-EAT 
PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the Federal meat and poultry inspection regulations by 
establishing food safety performance standards for shelf-stable, ready-
to-eat meat and poultry products. The proposed performance standards 
spell out the objective level of pathogen reduction meat and poultry 
establishments must meet during their operations in order to produce 
safe products, but allow the use of customized, plant-specific 
processing procedures. Although FSIS routinely samples and tests some 
shelf-stable, ready-to-eat products for the presence of pathogens prior 
to distribution, currently there are no specific regulatory 
requirements for pathogen reduction in place for these products. 
Further, a 1994 outbreak of disease linked to consumption of dry 
fermented salami contaminated with the pathogen E. coli 0157:H7 
indicates a need for performance standards for these products. The 
proposed performance standards would improve the safety of these 
products, give establishments the incentive and flexibility to adopt 
innovative, science-based food safety processing procedures and 
controls, and provide objective, measurable standards that can be 
verified by Agency inspectional oversight.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program Development, and 
Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC45
_______________________________________________________________________




265.  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PERISHABLE, READY-TO-EAT 
PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 430

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to establish pathogen reduction performance 
standards for all perishable, ready-to-eat 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 the 
earlier regulations. Along with HACCP, food safety performance 
standards will 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 those soon to be in place 
for ready-to-eat poultry products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program Development, and 
Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________




266.  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR BACON

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318.7(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions 
concerning the production and testing of bacon (9 CFR 318.7(b)). FSIS 
is proposing to remove proposing to remove provisions that require the 
Agency to test bacon for nitrosamines and to remove provisions that 
prescribe the substances and amounts of such substances that must be 
used to produce bacon. FSIS is proposing to replace these provisions 
with performance standards that establishments producing bacon must 
meet. To meet these proposed performance standards, the process used 
would be required to prevent a detectable level of Clostridium 
botulinum toxin and limit the multiplication Clostridium perfringens. 
In addition, the process would be required to limit the presence of 
nitrosamines when the product is cooked.
All establishments using a process not covered under the Hazard 
Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system requirements would 
be required to

[[Page 21756]]

develop and have on file a process schedule documenting the control, 
monitoring, verification, validation, and corrective action activities 
associated with bacon production. Once all establishments are operating 
according to HACCP system requirements, a separate process schedule for 
producing bacon would no longer be necessary .
The existing regulatory provisions that prescribe the substances and 
amounts of such substances to be used in producing bacon will be 
included in an appendix to these proposed regulations as compliance 
guidelines. If establishments producing bacon follow these compliance 
guidelines FSIS would consider the establishments to have met the 
performance standards. If establishments develop new methods of 
producing bacon using substances and/or amounts not included in the 
safe harbor examples, they would be required to obtain the approval of 
a ``process authority,'' a person or organization with expertise in 
meat production process control and relevant regulations.
FSIS is proposing these regulations in order to allow establishments to 
develop alternative means of producing bacon. In addition, FSIS is 
proposing these regulations to remove the Agency's testing 
responsibilities and to require establishments producing bacon, 
instead, to control and monitor their own processes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia F. Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations Development and Analyst Division, Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, 
Program Development, and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________




267.  IRRADIATION OF MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under       
    PL 104-4.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 450; 21 USC 601

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the meat inspection regulations to permit the use of ionizing 
radiation for treating fresh or frozen uncooked meat, meat byproducts, 
and certain meat food products to reduce levels of pathogens. FSIS is 
proposing this action in light of the Food and Drug Administration's 
recent final rule amending the food additive regulations to provide for 
the safe use of irradiation sources to treat these same meat products. 
FSIS also is proposing to revise for consistency the current 
regulations governing the irradiation of poultry.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations Inspection Methods, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program Development, and 
Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________




268.  MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY 
AND MEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 320

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1994, the Food Safety and Inspection Service amended its 
regulations to recognize that product resulting from advanced meat/bone 
separation machinery comes within the definition of meat when recovery 
systems are operated to assure that the characteristics and composition 
of the resulting product are consistent with those of meat. Subsequent 
compliance problems and other concerns have made it apparent that the 
regulations are confusing and inadequate to prevent misbranding and 
economic adulteration. Therefore, FSIS is developing a proposed rule to 
clarify the regulations and supplement the rules for assuring 
compliance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program Development, and 
Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC51

[[Page 21757]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




269. REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN COUNTRY IMPORT CERTIFICATION AND LIVE 
ANIMAL IMPORTATION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 99-198

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will respond to amendments to the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act by the Food Security Act of 1985. The amendments require 
that FSIS periodically certify residue control programs submitted by 
foreign countries desiring to export meat and poultry products to the 
United States. The amendments also provide the Secretary with the 
authority to issue an order prohibiting the importation of livestock 
for immediate slaughter that have been administered a drug or 
antibiotic banned for use in the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/26/88                    53 FR 27998
NPRM Comment Period End         09/26/88
Reproposal                      03/09/90                     55 FR 8956
Reproposal Comment Period End   04/09/90
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles Williams, Program Analyst, Regulations 
Development and Analysis Division, Department of Agriculture, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program Development, 
and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-6933

RIN: 0583-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________




270. SUBSTANCES APPROVED FOR USE IN THE PREPARATION OF MEAT FOOD AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the Federal meat and poultry products 
inspection regulations to simplify the procedures by which FSIS 
approves food additives and Generally Recognized as Safe substances to 
be used as ingredients in meat food products and poultry products. The 
proposed rule will be developed in cooperation with the Food and Drug 
Administration to make the Federal regulation of food additives and 
other substances that may be used as ingredients in meat food and 
poultry products more efficient and uniform.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/29/95                    60 FR 67459
NPRM Comment Period End         05/06/96
Final Action                    01/00/99

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________




271. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY 
PRODUCTS NAMED BY USE OF AN EXPRESSED NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM AND A 
STANDARDIZED TERM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 319; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the Federal meat and poultry 
regulations to establish a general definition and standard of identity 
for standardized meat and poultry food products that have been modified 
to qualify for use of certain expressed nutrient content claims as part 
of the product name. These products would be identified by a nutrient 
content claim, such as ``fat free,'' in conjunction with an appropriate 
standardized product name, e.g., ``fat free frankfurter.'' The general 
standard proposes to set requirements that would allow for modified 
versions of standardized meat and poultry food products, i.e., 
``substitute standardized products.'' These products would be 
formulated and processed with ingredients otherwise not in or in 
amounts greater than that allowed by FSIS regulatory food standards in 
9 CFR parts 319 and 381, subpart P.
FSIS is taking this action to: (1) Assist consumers in maintaining 
healthy dietary practices by providing for substitute versions of 
standardized processed meat food and poultry food products that have 
reductions in certain constituents that are of health concern to 
consumers, such as fat and cholesterol, (2) increase regulatory 
flexibility and support product innovation in accord with Executive 
Orders 12861 and 12866 and with President Clinton's Memorandum to Heads 
of Departments and Agencies, ``Regulatory Reinvention Initiative,'' 
dated March 4, 1995, and (3) provide consumers with an informative 
nutrition labeling system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/29/95                    60 FR 67474
NPRM Comment Period Extended    02/27/96                    61 FR 26470
NPRM Comment Period End         11/25/96
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: William Hudnall, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Standards and Methods Review, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7773

RIN: 0583-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________




272. NUTRITION LABELING: HEALTH CLAIMS ON MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq

[[Page 21758]]

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the Federal meat and poultry products 
inspection regulations to permit the use of health claims that 
characterize the relationship of a substance to a disease-related or 
health-related condition on labeling of meat and poultry products. The 
rule will also establish a labeling application process for such health 
claims. This action stems from the final nutrition labeling 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/25/94                    59 FR 27144
NPRM Comment Period End         07/25/94
Final Action                    10/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Charles Edwards, Director, Facilities, Equipment, 
Labeling and Compounds Review Division, Department of Agriculture, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 418-8900

RIN: 0583-AB64
_______________________________________________________________________




273. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN MEAT PRODUCTS AND POULTRY 
PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 60 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the Federal meat and poultry inspection regulations by converting 
the current regulations governing the production of cooked beef 
products, uncured meat patties, and certain poultry products into 
performance standards. The proposed performance standards spell out the 
objective level of performance establishments must meet during their 
operations in order to produce safe products, but allow the use of 
plant-specific processing procedures other than the procedures 
prescribed in the current regulations. All of the provisions in the 
current regulations meet the proposed performance standards. Therefore, 
establishments probably would not be required to change any current 
practices in response to this proposed rule. The current provisions 
would remain in the regulations as examples of how an establishment 
might comply with proposed performance standards, constituting ``safe 
harbors.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/02/96                    61 FR 19564
Comment Period Extended to      09/09/96                    61 FR 35990
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia F. Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AB94
_______________________________________________________________________




274. CONTINUOUS CHILLING OF SPLIT POULTRY PORTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is amending the poultry products inspection regulations 
to specify that the continuous immersion chilling of the front or rear 
portions of transversely split carcasses is permitted. The existing 
regulations have permitted the continuous chilling of whole carcasses 
or ``major portions,'' including front or rear portions, resulting from 
trimming or salvage. This final rule defines ``major portions'' to 
include the front or rear portions of transversely split carcasses, 
without identifying the operation creating the portions. This change 
will afford additional flexibility to poultry establishments in 
adopting efficient production techniques, such as on-line carcass 
splitting, that meet food safety performance standards. This final rule 
is compatible with FSIS initiatives addressing fecal contamination and 
moisture absorption of raw poultry products. FSIS proposed these 
regulatory amendments June 6, 1997 (62 FR 310). The Agency received six 
letters commenting on the proposal. Five letters, from meat and poultry 
processing companies (3) and trade associations (2), supported the 
proposal. One letter, jointly signed by three livestock producer 
associations, objected to the proposal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/06/97                    62 FR 31017
NPRM Comment Period End         08/05/97
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alice M. Thaler, Slaughter Inspection Standards and 
Procedures Division, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3219

RIN: 0583-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________




275. BEEF OR PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE; REVISION OF STANDARDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been 
petitioned to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations by removing 
a meat yield requirement for the standardized products ``Beef With 
Barbecue Sauce'' and ``Pork With Barbecue Sauce.'' Current regulations 
for these products require that the product contain not less than 50 
percent of the species identified on the label, and that the weight of 
the cooked pork or beef not exceed 70 percent of the uncooked weight of 
the meat. The

[[Page 21759]]

first requirement is consistent with other meat and sauce requirements, 
but the second requirement is not. The petitioner asserts that the 
product standard (promulgated in 1952) does not reflect current 
production practices or the commercial marketability of beef or pork 
with barbecue sauce. The petitioner further states that producers of 
these products are at a competitive disadvantage with other meat and 
sauce producers, because other meat and sauce producers do not have a 
70 percent yield requirement. For example, producers of the 
standardized products ``Beef with Gravy,'' ``Meat Pies,'' and 
``Spaghetti with Meat and Sauce'' and similar standardized products do 
not have any meat yield requirements.
FSIS has determined that the petitioner's request should be granted. 
This action would permit fair competition between meat and barbecue 
sauce producers, and poultry and sauce producers, and would provide 
consistent requirements in both the meat and poultry inspection 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/03/97                    62 FR 46450
NPRM Comment Period End         11/03/97
Interim Final Rule              10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: William Hudnall, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Standards and Methods Review, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-7773

RIN: 0583-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________




276. NUTRITION LABELING; REFERENCE DAILY INTAKES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the list of Reference Daily Intakes (RDI's) in the Federal meat 
and poultry products inspection regulations by adding RDI values for 
vitamin K, selenium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and chloride. 
FSIS is also proposing to modify the units of measure for the RDI 
values for calcium, folate, biotin, and phosphorus. This action would 
provide consistency between the Food and Drug Administration's and 
FSIS's nutrition labeling requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/13/96                    61 FR 65490
NPRM Comment Period End         02/11/97
Final Action                    10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: William Hudnall, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Standards and Method Review, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-7773

RIN: 0583-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________




277. ADDITION OF MEXICO TO LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT POULTRY 
PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  7 USC 138f; 7 USC 450; 21 USC 451; 21 USC 470

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 196

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
add Mexico to the list of countries eligible to export poultry products 
listed in the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) into the United 
States. Reviews of Mexico's laws, regulations, and other materials 
indicate that its poultry processing system is acceptable under the 
PPIA and its implementing regulations. Poultry slaughtered in Mexico 
would not be permitted to be imported into the United States. Only 
poultry products that have been slaughtered in federally inspected 
establishments in the United States and processed in certified Mexican 
establishments would be permitted to be imported into the United 
States. This action would enable processed poultry products from 
certified processing establishments in Mexico to be imported into the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/26/97                    62 FR 63284
NPRM Comment Period End         01/27/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________




278. RULES OF PRACTICE

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601; 21 USC 451

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 304; 9 CFR 305; 9 CFR 306; 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 335; 9 
CFR 381; 9 CFR 460

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
revise and consolidate the regulations that address the rules of 
practice FSIS follows when inspection services are refused, suspended, 
or withdrawn. FSIS is proposing to add specific language regarding the 
refusal, suspension, or withdrawal of inspection when the Agency 
determines that an establishment's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control 
Points (HACCP) system is inadequate, an establishment is not meeting 
the Salmonella pathogen reduction performance standards, an 
establishment's Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure is inadequate, 
or an establishment is not conducting generic E. coli testing. 
Additionally, FSIS proposes to revise and consolidate the regulations 
regarding the procedures for appealing Agency decisions.

[[Page 21760]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/12/98                     63 FR 1797
NPRM Comment Period End         03/13/98
Final Action                    06/00/98
Final Action Effective          07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20240-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________




279. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is converting into pathogen reduction performance 
standards the regulations governing the production of cooked beef, 
roast beef, and cooked corned beef products; partially cooked and char-
marked meat patties, and certain fully and partially cooked poultry 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/02/96                    61 FR 19564
NPRM Comment Period End         09/09/96
Final Action                    10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________




280. SANITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICIAL MEAT AND POULTRY 
ESTABLISHMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 303; 9 CFR 308; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to consolidate the sanitation regulations 
into a single part applicable to both meat and poultry establishments, 
eliminate unnecessary differences between the meat and poultry 
sanitation requirements, and convert many of the highly prescriptive 
requirements to performance standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/25/97                    62 FR 45045
NPRM Comment Period End         10/24/97
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC39
_______________________________________________________________________




281.  PATHOGEN REDUCTION; HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL 
POINT (HACCP) SYSTEMS SAMPLING COLLECTION--TECHNICAL AMENDMENT AND 
CORRECTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601 to 695; 21 USC 451 to 470; 7 USC 450 et 
seq

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 417

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is making a 
technical amendment and two minor corrections to the final rule, 
``Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point 
(HACCP) Systems,'' published on July 25, 1996.
Currently, turkeys tested for generic E. coli are shaken in a bag 
containing a buffer solution. At FSIS's May 8, 1997, E. coli Testing 
Conference, FSIS received numerous comments regarding this process. 
Most of the commenters expressed concern about the physical difficulty 
of shaking large turkeys (i.e., those that are 15 to 20 pounds). 
Commenters also stated that because of the size of the turkeys sample 
contamination can occur when the shaking fluid is scanted from the 
shaking bag into the sample bottle for transportation to the 
laboratory. Data presented at the conference indicated that sampling 
turkeys by using a sponging technique provides accurate and reliable 
results for microbiological sampling.
FSIS has determined that shaking turkeys in the bag may be difficult 
for individuals taking the sample and that sample contamination may 
occur. Also, FSIS has reviewed the data regarding sponge sampling 
turkey carcasses and determined that such sampling is effective. 
Therefore, FSIS will amend the Pathogen Reduction/HACCP final rule to 
permit establishments to sample turkeys by sponging the back and thigh 
or to continue shaking the turkeys in a bag.
This technical amendment and the correction of two editorial oversights 
will not change the cost estimate and the information collection burden 
in the final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               11/14/97                    62 FR 61007
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patrica Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC40

[[Page 21761]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




282. NUTRITION LABELING OF GROUND BEEF AND HAMBURGER

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/24/94                    59 FR 26916
NPRM Extension of Comment Period07/05/94                    59 FR 34396
NPRM Comment Period End         07/08/94
NPRM Extension of Comment Period 
End                             08/22/94
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Hudnall
Phone: 202 720-7773

RIN: 0583-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________




283. NUTRITION LABELING; NEW PRODUCT CATEGORIES AND REFERENCE AMOUNTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 418-8900

RIN: 0583-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




284. USE OF SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AND FOOD STARCH--MODIFIED AS BINDERS 
IN CURED PORK PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________




285. REFRIGERATION AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR SHELL EGGS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 59

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________




286. TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS 
FOODS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 305; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/22/96                    61 FR 59372
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/20/97
NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Ralph Stafko
Phone: 202 205-0700

RIN: 0583-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




287. CARRAGEENAN, LOCUST BEAN GUM, AND XANTHAN GUM BLEND USED AS A 
BINDER IN CERTAIN CURED PORK PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               11/19/97                    62 FR 61619
NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




288. USE OF TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE (TSP) ON RAW, UNCHILLED POULTRY 
CARCASSES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/02/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




289. MEAT AND POULTRY STANDARDS OF IDENTITY AND COMPOSITION

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       01/28/98

[[Page 21762]]

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Hudnall
Phone: 202 720-7773

RIN: 0583-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________




290. USE OF SORBITOL IN COOKED ROAST BEEF PRODUCTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 318

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       01/28/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles Edwards
Phone: 202 254-2588

RIN: 0583-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




291. PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS FOR OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS RULES OF 
PRACTICE

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 335; 9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0583-AC34       01/28/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________




292. USE OF TWO KINDS OF POULTRY WITHOUT LABEL CHANGE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0583-AC42       01/28/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cheryl Wade
Phone: 202 254-2590

RIN: 0583-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




293. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE IRRADIATION OF POULTRY TO CONTROL 
FOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/02/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________




294. LABELING OF EGG PRODUCTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 59

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       01/28/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Hudnall
Phone: 202 720-7773

RIN: 0583-AC23
_______________________________________________________________________




295. USE OF MODIFIED FOOD STARCH IN HAM WITH NATURAL JUICES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/05/98                      63 FR 147
Final Action Effective          03/06/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC29
_______________________________________________________________________




296. GENERIC E. COLI TESTING FOR SHEEP, GOATS, DUCKS, GEESE, AND GUINEAS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/03/97                    62 FR 59305
Final Action Effective          01/02/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC32
_______________________________________________________________________




297.  USE OF TWO KINDS OF POULTRY WITHOUT LABEL CHANGE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 451

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been 
petitioned to amend the poultry products inspection regulations to 
permit the use of different amounts, within limits, of two kinds of 
poultry in a poultry product without changing the product's ingredient 
statement. This is currently allowed in the Federal meat inspection 
regulations. In these situations, the word ``and'' instead of a comma 
between the declaration of the

[[Page 21763]]

two meat components in the ingredients statement indicates that the 
order of predominance may be interchanged. This allows processor the 
flexibility to modify formulas within limits to utilize inventory 
properly, while protecting label integrity and consumer expectancy.
The 7 comments, 2 from industry members and 5 from trade associations 
were overall in full support of the added flexibility. All but one 
suggested additional changes that they felt would make the rule more 
effective. Most said the use of the word ``and'' was needed in the 
product name as well as the ingredient statement, otherwise no benefit 
from the change would be realized. The change was intended to be 
effective and so this change has been added to the rule. Several 
commenters remarked that, since at the time of the publication of the 
proposal, mechanically separated (kind) (MSK) product did not need to 
be separately labeled in poultry, it was not specifically mentioned as 
permitted as part of the two kinds of meat. Now without specific 
mention, the commenters state, it would not be permitted. This is true. 
The purpose of the rule is to make meat and poultry rules the same with 
regard to this provision. In as much as the meat equivalent to MSK 
can't be used to fulfill the meat requirement, MSK poultry can't be 
used to fulfill the poultry requirement. This was intended at the time 
of the proposal and the Agency has no reason to change.
Several of the commenters wanted to allow the use of two kinds across 
meat and poultry lines, so that, for instance, beef and chicken could 
be used. this was not intended at this time, was not proposed, and will 
have to await fuller integration of the two sets of regulations. At the 
moment the Agency has no information as to consumer expectations in 
this regard.
Some commenters requested that the lower level be changed to 20% and 
some requested the change be expanded to 80%/20%. The 20% level was 
obtained from Policy Memos 029 and 030A entitled ``Labeling Poultry 
Ingredients,'' Labeling Meat Products Containing Poultry Ingredients,'' 
respectively. The purpose of the policy memos was to distinguish 
between the need for when a species or kind identification must appear 
as part of the product name as to being product name qualifier. The use 
of 20% or 80%/ 20% here would allow too much flexibility and could well 
frustrate consumer expectancy. Further no data was submitted on the 
subject of consumer expectancy to support this drastic change.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/27/96                    61 FR 68167
NPRM Comment Period End         02/27/97
Final Action                    03/09/98                    63 FR 11359
Final Action Effective          03/09/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Stolfa, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Regulations and Inspection, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Office of Policy, Program Development, and 
Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 205-0699

RIN: 0583-AC42
_______________________________________________________________________




298.  FOOD LABELING: NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS, DEFINITION OF 
TERM: HEALTHY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  21 USC 601; 21 USC 451

CFR Citation:  9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), in response to 
a petition, is amending the Federal meat and poultry products 
inspection regulations to extend the effective date to January 1, 2000, 
on certain provisions of the nutrient content claims regulations 
pertaining to the use of the term ``healthy.'' FSIS also is requesting 
public comment on whether the Agency should proceed with further 
rulemaking. The petitioner has raised serious questions on the 
technological feasibility of manufacturing certain meat and poultry 
products at the defined low sodium ``healthy'' levels and about the 
lack of scientific knowledge about sodium and health and safety issues. 
FSIS needs to explore the issues more fully and reevaluate the standard 
for ``healthy'' with regard to low sodium content meat and poultry 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/13/98                     63 FR 7279
Final Action Effective          02/13/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Hudnall, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office 
of Policy, Program Development, and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-
3700
Phone: 202 205-0495

RIN: 0583-AC47
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




299.  DAIRY TARIFF-RATE IMPORT QUOTA LICENSING

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under       
    PL 104-4.
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 624; 19 USC 1202; 31 USC 9701; PL 103-465; 19 
USC 3513; 19 USC 3601

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 6.20 to 6.36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Amend the existing regulation to clarify certain provisions

[[Page 21764]]

and streamline operational requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/00/98
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/00/98
NPRM                            09/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4965-S, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6713
Fax: 202 720-7138
Email: [email protected]
  
Valerie Countiss, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, 
Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4965-S, 1400 Independence SW., 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6713
Fax: 202 720-7138
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA53
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




300. EXPORT SALES REPORTING REQUIREMENT

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 5712

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 20

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Consideration of a proposal to add meat and meat products to 
the list of commodities to be reported under the Export Sales Reporting 
requirements. The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requested 
public comment on the benefits, costs, and methods for collecting meat 
export sales information.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/14/96                    61 FR 58343
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/12/97
NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4957-S, Washington, DC 
20250-1000
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA51
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




301. CCC SUPPLIER CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority:  Economically Significant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 714(b); 15 USC 714(f); 7 USC 5602; 7 USC 5622; 
7 USC 5661; 7 USC 5663; 7 USC 5664; 7 USC 5676

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1493

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The final rule will amend regulations for CCC export credit 
guarantee programs by adding a new subpart D, supplier credit guarantee 
program. Subpart D will establish the terms and conditions by which 
U.S. exporters of U.S. agricultural commodities and products may obtain 
CCC credit guarantees for short term credits extended directly to 
foreign buyers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      10/19/94                    59 FR 52866
NPRM                            07/19/95                    60 FR 37025
NPRM Comment Period End         09/18/95
Interim Final Rule              07/01/96                    61 FR 33825
Final Action                    04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4957 South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________




302. SUGAR IMPORT LICENSING

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  19 USC 1202

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1530 subpart A; 7 CFR 1530 subpart B; 7 CFR 1530 
subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This notice of proposed rulemaking addresses some 
administrative changes to the sugar import licensing programs. These 
changes are intended to increase the regulatory efficiency, assist in 
verifying program compliance and provide for the adherence of the 
applicable sugar provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The NPRM will also provide for implementation of certain changes to the 
lead note to chapter 17 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United 
States, pursuant to the Uruguay Round agreement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/04/94                    59 FR 23017
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/08/94
NPRM                            08/06/96                    61 FR 40749
NPRM Comment Period End         10/07/96
Final Action                    10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 21765]]

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Robert Riston, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4957 South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-1000
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA39
_______________________________________________________________________




303.  PROPOSED REGULATION GOVERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARKET 
ACCESS PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  7 USC 5623

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1485

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule proposes to amend the regulations to incorporate 
into the level of export contributions made by US industry participant, 
authorized reimbursement of certain travel expenses for brand 
participants, and certain necessary packaging and labeling design 
expenses; extend the activity payment deadline following the end of an 
activity plan year; establish a 5-year limit per country on CCC 
assistance for brand promotion by single companies; and permit 
reimbursement to participants based upon issuance of a Credit memo as 
an alternative to a transfer of funds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4965, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6713
Fax: 202 720-7138
Email: [email protected]
  
Valerie Countiss, Regulatory Coordinator, Compliance Review Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 4965-S, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6713
Fax: 202 720-7138
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




304. PROPOSED REGULATIONS GOVERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COOPERATOR 
MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERSEAS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1550

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________




305. DAIRY TARIFF RATE IMPORT QUOTA LICENSING

Priority:  Economically Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 6.20 to 6.34

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/02/94                    59 FR 28495
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/01/94
Interim Final Rule              05/02/95                    60 FR 21425
Interim Final Rule              09/13/95                    60 FR 47453
NPRM                            01/18/96                     61 FR 1233
NPRM Comment Period End         03/18/96
Final Rule                      10/09/96                    61 FR 53002
NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________




306. FACILITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 17; 7 CFR 1493

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    03/01/93
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/01/93
Interim Final Rule              08/08/97                    62 FR 42651
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/07/97
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________




307. REFORM OF EXPORT BONUS PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1494; 7 CFR 1570

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/26/95                    60 FR 32923
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/26/95


Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Riston
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA41

[[Page 21766]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




308. REGULATION GOVERNING THE FINANCING OF COMMERCIAL SALES OF 
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES (PL 480, TITLE I)

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 17

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/10/97                    62 FR 52929
Final Action Effective          11/10/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Riston
Phone: 202 720-6713

RIN: 0551-AA42
BILLING CODE 3410-10-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




309. SMALL TRACTS ACT REGULATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 521(c) to 521(i)

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Implementation of the Agency's Small Tracts regulations 
(adopted in 1984) has revealed an inadvertent inconsistency between the 
regulations at 36 CFR 254.35(f) and 254.41(a) and the legislative 
history of the Small Tracts Act of January 12, 1983. The regulations 
imply that the disposal of mineral fractions by sale can only be made 
in response to an application from an abutting landowner, thus 
discouraging the conveyance by sale to the public. The Act clearly 
authorizes sale of mineral fractions to the public through public sale, 
as well as individual applications, provided that certain conditions 
are met. The revisions will clarify the application of the Act to 
ensure that both individual applications and public sale are 
permissible means of disposing of qualifying tracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AA79
_______________________________________________________________________




310. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1600 et seq; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 219

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Secretary has chartered a Committee of Scientists to 
advise the Forest Service and the Department on improvements to 
national forest land and resource management planning. The agency will 
draft a new proposed rule following considerations of the Committee's 
recommendations. In the interim, the Department will evaluate 
opportunities to streamline the current plan revision requirements to 
help forests avoid costly, outdated and burdensome revision processes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/15/91                     56 FR 6508
NPRM                            04/13/95                    60 FR 18886
NPRM Comment Period End         08/17/95                    60 FR 36767
Second NPRM                     09/00/98
Second NPRM Comment Period End  11/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB20
_______________________________________________________________________




311. SPECIES SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 620 et seq

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend 36 CFR 223.200, to list 
species proposed to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. This 
proposed rule would implement a portion of section 620a(b) of the 
Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 USC 
620 et seq). Section 620a(a) of the Act provides that no person who 
acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 
100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States may export such timber from 
the United States, or sell, trade, exchange or otherwise convey such 
timber from the United States, unless such timber has been determined 
under subsection (b) to be surplus to the needs of timber manufacturing 
facilities in the United States. Section 620a(b) of the Act provides 
that the prohibition contained in section (a) shall not apply to 
specific quantities of grades and species of unprocessed timber 
originating in Federal lands which the Secretary determines, through 
rulemaking, to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB27

[[Page 21767]]

_______________________________________________________________________




312. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING FOREST 
SERVICE MANUAL CHAPTER 1920

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1600 et seq

CFR Citation:  00 CFR 00

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed manual policy would streamline planning 
requirements to guide forest plan amendment revisions until such time 
as new planning regulations are adopted.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________




313. COLLECTION OF REIMBURSABLE COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL-USE 
APPLICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL-USE AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  43 USC 1764; 30 USC 181

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The objective of this proposal is to incorporate into 
regulation the authority contained in the Mineral Leasing Act and the 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act to reimburse the United States 
for reasonable administrative costs associated with the issuance and 
administration of special-use authorizations on National Forest System 
lands. It responds to a recommendation contained in GAO Audit Report 
RCED-97-16 (12/96).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Cost reimbursement for processing special-use 
applications and administration of special-use authorizations was 
originally included under RIN 0596-AA36. All provisions pertaining to 
the special-use application and administration process have been merged 
with RIN 0596-AB35. Thus, this rulemaking addresses only the cost-
reimbursement provisions.

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________




314. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472; 16 USC 551

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 214

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed regulations would redesignate these appeals 
rules as a new part 214, thus placing all appeals and notices and 
comment rules in close proximity. Additionally, this proposed rule 
would revise a number of existing provisions. For example, changes to 
part 251 would clarify the application of this rule to the issuance of 
permits for occupancy and use of National Forest System lands. When 36 
CFR part 251, subpart C, regulations were promulgated in 1989, NEPA 
analysis and documentation was not consistently applied to the 
authorization of special uses. Now the authorization and the issuance 
of permits and other authorization requires application of the NEPA 
process prior to issuance. In addition, since these regulations were 
implemented, Congress has passed the Appeal Reform Act. The proposed 
changes to the permit related appeal rules are needed to make this 
regulation consistent with regulations at 36 CFR part 215. Among 
specific proposed changes being considered are removing the second 
level of appeal opportunity, removing the discretionary review option, 
shortening timeframes for scheduling oral presentations, and changes to 
conform terminology and definitions with 36 CFR part 215.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




315. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; EXTENSION OF 
TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS TO PERMIT URGENT REMOVAL OF OTHER TIMBER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.50; 36 CFR 223.53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule and policy change will provide for extension of 
National Forest System (NFS) timber sale contracts when such extension 
will permit the prompt removal and utilization of non-NFS owned timber 
damaged by catastrophic events. The change will define the 
responsibilities of the parties for requesting and approving such 
extensions and specify when such extension should be approved. This 
change will also allow for the use of scarce timber resources and the 
recovery of economic benefits from timber that might otherwise be lost 
because of contractual obligations to harvest undamaged timber.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

[[Page 21768]]

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




316. DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER: TIMBER SALE CONTRACT REVISIONS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620 et seq

CFR Citation:  00 CFR 00

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed policy would revise form 2400-6 and the 2400-6T 
timber sale contracts currently used by the Forest Service to sell 
National Forest System timber. The proposed timber sale contract 
provisions will be included as part of the proposed policy. The 
proposed contracts reflect recent court decisions and recent natural 
resource and environmental legislation and would clarify the rights, 
responsibilities, and obligations of the contracting parties. The 
proposed policy also would address specific provisions in the current 
contract that have generated costly litigation in the past between the 
Government and the purchaser and would address the concerns regarding 
timber theft and log accountability.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marian Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________




317. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT; REVISED POLICY AND PROCEDURES; 
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 4371

CFR Citation:  00 CFR 00

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed revision to Forest Service Manual and Handbook 
direction would be revised to clarify the environmental analysis 
process used by the Forest Service to implement the NEPA regulations at 
40 CFR part 1500. The proposal will focus on better defining the 
process for determining when projects are categorically excluded and 
expanding the categories of action that can be excluded under NEPA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Department of Agriculture, Forest 
Service, P. O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________




318. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS; MEDIATION OF GRAZING PERMIT DISPUTES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 5101 to 5106

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under section 282 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and 
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the Secretary of 
Agriculture is required to offer mediation of grazing permit disputes 
on National Forest System lands in those States which have USDA 
certified mediation programs. In response to the Act, the Forest 
Service proposes to publish proposed modifications of the Agency's 
administrative appeal rule at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, to allow for 
mediation of grazing permit disputes. Final modifications will be 
promulgated after the public comment period ends.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________




319. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1011(f); 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 559(a) 
to 559(g); 40 USC 484(m)

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 262

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In February, 1994, the Forest Service published proposed rule 
changes for parts 261 and 262 of title 36 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations. Due to the high level of interest in and comment on part 
261, the decision was made to publish a second proposed rule. The 
majority of the public comment on part 262 referred to the definition 
section which has been revised to respond to those comments. The Forest 
Service has decided to issue a second proposed rule for comment on part 
262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. Proposed revisions to part 261 
will proceed separately.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/16/94                     59 FR 7880
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/94
Second NPRM                     08/00/98
Second NPRM Comment Period End  11/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Coordinator, Department 
of Agriculture, Forest Service, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB61

[[Page 21769]]

_______________________________________________________________________




320. ADMINISTRATIVE, COOPERATIVE FUNDS AGREEMENTS

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  16 USC 498; 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 211

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to amend current regulations to 
establish minimum requirements applicable to written agreements between 
cooperators and the Forest Service. This rulemaking expands the basis 
for executing written agreements by allowing reimbursable payments by 
the cooperator and provides guidance to address conflict of interest as 
well as appearance of conflict of interest, in addition to protecting 
the Government's interest. The agency anticipates no additional cost 
for this regulation. Allowing the cooperator to reimburse the Forest 
Service upon completion of a project for their contribution will 
benefit both parties in that now there will be only one payment. The 
proposed rule will result in the elimination of refunds from the Forest 
Service to the cooperator for delayed or cancelled projects or for 
variances from the original cost estimates. The Government's interests 
are protected through guaranteed reimbursement by the cooperator, when 
the cooperator's contributions are greater than $25,000, by Department 
of Treasury approved corporate sureties, Federal Government obligations 
or irrevocable letters of credit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB63
_______________________________________________________________________




321.  ADMINISTRATION OF THE FOREST DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION 
SYSTEM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  Not Applicable

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 212

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to revise the regulations 
concerning the management of the National Forest System transportation 
system to address changes in how the road system is developed,used, 
maintained, and funded. The existing road system on National Forest 
System lands was largely funded and constructed to develop areas for 
timber harvesting and the development of other resources. In the last 
two decades, interest in the appropriate uses of the resources of the 
national forests, as well as the costs associated with resource 
development, including road-building, has generated much public debate. 
At the same time, resource uses on the national forests have shifted 
substantially toward recreation. The agency believes this is an 
appropriate time to consider changes in public opinion, public demand, 
and public use of national forest resources in the context of the 
accumulated body of scientific information about the benefits and 
environmental impacts of roads, and to consider adjustments in the 
management of the forest road system to respond to these changes and, 
thus, better serve present and future management objectives in a more 
efficient manner.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/28/98                     63 FR 4350
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/30/98
NPRM                            07/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Coordinator, Department 
of Agriculture, Forest Service, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090
Phone: 703 235-1488
Fax: 703 235-2523
Email: mconnoll/[email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




322.  NONCOMPETITIVE SALE OF TIMBER

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472(a)

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.85

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 223.85 by removing 
references to section 2001(k) of Public Law 104-19 (109 Stat.246) and 
define ``extraordinary conditions'' to allow forest officers, without 
advertisement, to make modifications to timber and forest product 
sales, which result in the substitution of timber or forest products 
from outside the sale area specified in the contract. Under the 
proposed rule, substitute timber or forest products would have to come 
from the same administrative national forest and meet agency 
requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
and other environmental laws. This proposed rule would not compel a 
timber purchaser to accept a timber sale modification offered under 
this rule. The rule only authorizes the Forest Service to propose 
modifications and to enter into discussions with purchasers on such 
modifications.
This proposed rule will reduce timber sale cancellations and partial 
cancellations, thus reducing future damage claims on timber sales.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488
Fax: 703 235-2523
Email: mconnoll/[email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB70

[[Page 21770]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




323. HYDROPOWER APPLICATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761

CFR Citation:  00 CFR 00

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is revising its current policy and 
procedures implemented in February 1987, concerning administration of 
hydropower authorizations and the processing of proposals for 
hydropower projects affecting National Forest System lands. These 
revisions are necessary to make agency policy and procedures consistent 
with regulatory changes by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
(FERC). The proposed policy was published in the Federal Register on 
May 22, 1995 (60 FR 27153) for a 60-day public comment period, which 
was extended for another 45 days (60 FR 36401). The final policy 
incorporates revisions and addresses comments received during the 
public comment period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/22/95                    60 FR 27153
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/17/95                    60 FR 36401
NPRM Comment Period End         09/05/95
Final Action                    12/00/98
Final Action Effective          12/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________




324. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1603; 43 USC 1740; 25 
USC 337

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule sets forth Forest Service procedures and role in 
the regulation of Indian allotments on National Forest System land. The 
Indian Allotment Act, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of the 
Interior to make allotments of National Forest System lands to Indians 
for homesteading and agricultural and grazing purposes. The Forest 
Service has relied upon USDI rules and procedures at 43 CFR 2533 to 
govern its involvement in Indian allotment cases. Litigation and a 
decision by the Interior Board of Land Appeals require the Forest 
Service to set forth its own regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/87                    52 FR 23473
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/87
Final Action                    05/00/98
Final Action Effective          06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________




325. DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER SALE 
CONTRACTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472a; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 618

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.30; 36 CFR 223.40; 36 CFR 223.116

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current regulations governing cancellation of National Forest 
timber sale contracts do not adequately protect the Government's 
financial interests in the event the Forest Service is forced to cancel 
contracts due to events beyond its control arising from compliance with 
environmental statutes. This rulemaking would remove an unworkable 
compensation-of-damages formula and establish a termination-for-
environmental-protection clause in timber sale contracts, a standard in 
most Federal procurement contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/96                    61 FR 68690
NPRM Comment Period End         02/13/97
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________




326. STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY ASSISTANCE STEWARDSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  16 USC 2101 et seq

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 230

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule would incorporate streamlined procedural 
changes in response to public comments on the interim rule published 
December 4, 1991. The interim rule established the interim procedures 
for administration of the Stewardship Incentive Program. The Program is 
intended to encourage private landowners, through cost-share 
assistance, to manage their forest lands for economic, environmental, 
and social benefits. Only two alternatives were considered in detail: 
(1) to implement the Program in accordance with 16 USC 2101, et seq, 
and (2) not to implement the Program, in which case there would be no 
accelerated program for multiple resource management on nonindustrial 
private forest lands. The overall effects of the Program over time will 
be environmentally beneficial by enhancing wetlands, wildlife habitat, 
forest health, forest productivity, and recreation. The Program will 
help meet future demand for commodity and noncommodity forest 
resources. There are no potential negative impacts anticipated for the 
Program.

[[Page 21771]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/04/91                    56 FR 63581
Interim Final Rule Public 
Comment Period End              01/21/92
Final Action                    05/00/98
Final Action Effective          06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________




327. SPECIAL-USE APPLICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL-USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  43 USC 1764; 31 USC 483(a); 30 USC 181; 16 USC 551

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is amending the regulations governing the 
special use and occupancy of National Forest System lands to minimize 
application expenses, streamline and make more efficient environmental 
analysis of special use proposals, provide the ability to use one-time 
payments for easements as presently used in the marketplace, limit 
certain liability requirements to amounts determined by a risk 
assessment, make certain definitions more explicit, and clarify 
direction on renewal of existing special use regulations. The intended 
effect is to reduce costs to proponents and the agency, expedite 
decisionmaking, and administer authorizations in a more ``user 
friendly'' manner by removing certain requirements deemed unnecessary 
and/or outdated. This rulemaking responds to goals identified in the 
National Performance Review Regulatory Reform effort.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/14/92                    57 FR 36618
NPRM Comment Period End         09/28/92
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




328. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; MARKET-RELATED 
CONTRACT TERM ADDITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Based on General Accounting Office Testimony Report Number T-
RCED-92-58, 04/28/92, the Secretary of Agriculture agreed to reexamine 
the use of the Bureau of Labor Statistics unadjusted indices to 
determine whether wood product prices have shown a drastic decline. 
This final rule will provide improved procedures for identifying 
drastic declines in lumber market prices that will trigger the need for 
contract-term additions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/21/96                    61 FR 54589
NPRM Comment Period End         01/21/97
Final Action                    05/00/98
Final Action Effective          06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________




329. PREFERENCE FOR VISITOR SERVICE; ALASKA NATIONAL FOREST CONSERVATION 
SYSTEM UNITS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 3197

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing regulations to define and 
establish procedures for administering the statutory rights and 
preferences established by the Alaska National Interest Lands Act of 
1980 for historical operators, Native Corporations, and local residents 
to conduct revenue producing visitor services on certain National 
Forest System Lands in Alaska. The regulations are necessary to comply 
with section 1307 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Act which 
requires the Secretary of Agriculture to give preference to persons he 
determines by rule are local residents. The regulations, which have 
been developed in close consultation with the other Federal land 
managing agencies in Alaska, will apply only to Conservation System 
Units administered by the Forest Service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/25/97                    62 FR 20140
NPRM Comment Period End         06/24/97
Final Action                    04/00/98
Final Action Effective          04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Department of Agriculture, Forest 
Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




330. SMALL BUSINESS TIMBER SALE SET-ASIDE PROGRAM; APPEAL PROCEDURE ON 
RECOMPUTATION OF SHARES

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620; PL 104-208

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.118

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule provides an opportunity for timber purchasers 
to comment on and appeal the recomputation of small business's share of 
timber sales. The Conference Report accompanying the 1997 Omnibus 
Appropriations Act (P.L. 104-208) directs the Forest Service to 
reimplement an administrative appeals procedure for the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) timber sale set-aside program. The final rule will 
establish procedures for appealing decisions relating to the 
recomputation of SBA shares.

[[Page 21772]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/24/97                    62 FR 13826
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/23/97
Final Action                    06/00/98
Final Action Effective          07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB62
_______________________________________________________________________




331. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR CERTAIN SKI AREA PERMIT ACTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  Not Applicable

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service plans to issue interim directives (ID) to 
guide employees in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act 
when changes to or issuance of a ski area permit are purely ministerial 
actions and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or 
facilities. The ID would interpret a provision in section 701(i) of the 
Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Act of 1996 that reissuance of a ski 
area permit for activities similar in nature and amount to the 
activities authorized under the previous permit shall not constitute a 
major Federal action. The ID to sec. 31.1b of FSH 1909.15, 
Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook, would add a new category 
to the existing list of categorical exclusions established by the Chief 
to include permits for existing ski areas when no changes to the Master 
Development Plan and no new facilities or activities are authorized.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/27/97                    62 FR 55571
NPRM Comment Period End         12/26/97
Final Action                    04/00/98
Final Action Effective          04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB65
_______________________________________________________________________




332.  ADMINISTRATION OF THE FOREST DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION 
SYSTEM: TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN ROADLESS AREAS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 551; 23 USC 205

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 212.13

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) published 
in the Federal Register on January 28, 1998 (63 FR 4350), the Forest 
Service announced its intentions to revise its management of the 
National Forest road system. In concert with that ANPR, the Forest 
Service proposes to suspend temporarily road construction and 
reconstruction in most roadless areas of the National Forest System. 
The intended effect is to safeguard the significant ecological values 
of roadless areas from potentially adverse effects associated with road 
construction, while new and improved analytical tools are developed to 
evaluate the impact of locating and constructing roads. The temporary 
suspension of road construction and reconstruction would expire upon 
the application of the new and improved analysis tools or 18 months, 
whichever is sooner. This rulemaking is a component of a larger effort 
to address a number of National Forest system transportation issues.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/28/98                     63 FR 4349
Extension of Comment Period     02/27/98                     63 FR 9980
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/27/98
Interim Final Rule              04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Coordinator, Department 
of Agriculture, Forest Service, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090
Phone: 703 235-1488
Fax: 703 235-2523
Email: mconnoll/[email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB68
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




333. NATIONAL FOREST PROHIBITIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 261

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/16/94                     59 FR 7880
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/94
Second NPRM                     00/00/00
Second NPRM Comment Period End  00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AA75
_______________________________________________________________________




334.  NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL FOREST 
SYSTEM PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 102-381, sec 322

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A recent lawsuit brought by a Forest Service employee 
challenging this regulation led to a reassessment of

[[Page 21773]]

the employee appeal limitation 36 CFR 215.11(c). The Department agreed 
to repeal the employee prohibition provision to allow the agency time 
to consider the issues related to employees filing appeals. After 
additional consideration of relevant factors, the Department may decide 
to publish a new proposed rule to address the matter of appeals by 
employees. If so, public comment would be requested at the time.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/28/98                     63 FR 4187


Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 235-1488
Fax: 703 235-2523
Email: mconnoll/[email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




335. TIMBER SALE PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND FORM REVISION

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - This Will Be 
Published As an Info. Collection02/11/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________




336. RETENTION OF DOWNPAYMENT ON TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.49

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - The Agency Is 
Reevaluating This Action.       02/11/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________




337. DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; MODIFICATION OF TIMBER 
SALE CONTRACTS IN EXTRAORDINARY CONDITIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 223.115

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn -Agency Looking at 
Alternatives for Achieving This 
Objective                       02/11/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB58
_______________________________________________________________________




338. FEE SCHEDULE FOR COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AUTHORIZED TO USE AND 
OCCUPY NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN REGIONS 8, 9, AND 10

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/30/97                    62 FR 68073
Final Action Effective          12/30/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB60
_______________________________________________________________________




339. SMITH RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  36 CFR 292

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/27/98                    63 FR 15041

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB64
_______________________________________________________________________




340. NEPA PROCEDURE FOR EMERGENCY ACTIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - This Action Will Be 
Incorporated Into 0596-AB54.    02/11/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 235-1488

RIN: 0596-AB66
BILLING CODE 3410-11-F

[[Page 21774]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)



_______________________________________________________________________




341. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES TO REFLECT SINGLE AUDIT 
ACT AMENDMENTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3052

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

No Further Action Required      10/28/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Pat Wensel
Phone: 202 720-1175
Fax: 202 690-3561

RIN: 0505-AA10
BILLING CODE 3410-KS-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




342. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3016

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The USDA is proposing to move the administrative requirements 
for open-ended entitlement programs currently in 7 CFR part 3015 from 
part 3015 to 7 CFR part 3016 and 7 CFR part 3019 and (1) to expand the 
scope of part 3016 to include open-ended entitlement awards and 
subawards to State and local governmental organizations and (2) to 
include in subpart E of part 3016 any deviations or exceptions from the 
requirements of subparts A to D of that part to apply only to 
entitlement programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Gerald Miske, Supervisory Management Analyst, Office of 
the Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, Office of the 
Secretary, Rm. 3022-S, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1553
Fax: 202 690-1529

RIN: 0503-AA16
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




343.  RURAL EMPOWERMENT ZONES-ROUND II

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 105-34

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 25

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule sets forth the policies and procedures for 
designating five new empowerment zones.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202 720-7491

RIN: 0503-AA18
_______________________________________________________________________




344.  UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER OF 
EXCESS PERSONAL PROPERTY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 2206(a); 7 USC 301; 20 USC 1059c(b)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3200; 7 CFR 3201; 7 CFR 3202; 7 CFR 3203; 7 CFR 
3204; 7 CFR 3205; 7 CFR 3206; 7 CFR 3208; 7 CFR 3209; 7 CFR 3210; 7 CFR 
3211

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will set forth uniform procedures for the 
acquisition and transfer of excess personal property to the 1890 Land 
Grant Institutions (including Tuskegee University), the 1994 Land Grant 
Institutions and the Hispanic Serving Institutions in support of 
research, educational, technical and scientific activities or for 
related purposes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/98                     63 FR 3481
NPRM Comment Period End         02/23/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Linda W. Oliphant, Property Utilization Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary
Phone: 202 720-3141
Fax: 202 720-3747

RIN: 0503-AA19

[[Page 21775]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




345. NONDISCRIMINATION IN USDA-CONDUCTED PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 15

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/23/96                    61 FR 17851
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lloyd Wright
Phone: 202 720-5212

RIN: 0503-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




346. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  5 CFR 2635

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/03/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Denise Leger-Lee
Phone: 202 720-3327

RIN: 0503-AA05
_______________________________________________________________________




347. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NONPROFIT 
ORGANIZATIONS

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3019

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0503-AA16       11/20/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gerald Miske
Phone: 202 720-1553
Fax: 202 690-1529

RIN: 0503-AA17
BILLING CODE 3410-90-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




348.  BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM - FINANCING 
COOPERATIVE STOCK

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under       
    PL 104-4.
Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 4279 subpart B; 7 CFR 4279 subpart A; 7 CFR 4287 
subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise the Business and Industry 
Program regulations to incorporate additional guidance and eliminate or 
reduce certain requirements when financing cooperative stock. It also 
purposes to develop a streamlined application form when financing 
working capital, which includes cooperative stocks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rick Bonnet, Sr. Commercial Loan Specialist, Business 
Programs Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 5419 
South, STOP 3201, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Fax: 202 690-3808

RIN: 0570-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




349. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 940c

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1703 subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The current provisions that govern grant fund disbursement 
that were published on March 14, 1994, and October 27, 1994, need to be 
revised to provide more flexibility to advance grant funds to electric 
and telephone borrowers (the ``grantees''). The Agency will review on a 
case-by-case basis the requirements for disbursement of funds and 
provide for the advance of funds on an appropriate basis. This rule 
will greatly improve the Agency's ability to advance grant funds in a 
manner that is in both the government's and the grantee's best 
interest. The Agency and

[[Page 21776]]

current grantees believe the changes should be made effective as soon 
as possible to avoid financial hardships for both the grantees and the 
ultimate recipients who will receive loans from the revolving loan 
funds. The Agency may also propose revisions to other sections 
pertaining to the selection factors, appeals process, bidding, and 
field review process. It will also receive a new number in the CFR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Public Compliance Cost: Initial Cost: $25,000; Yearly Recurring Cost: 
$25,000; Base Year for Dollar Estimates: 1995

Sectors Affected:  None

Agency Contact: Mark Wyatt, Team Leader, Specialty Lenders Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 
5413 South Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0410

RIN: 0570-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________




350. DIRECT BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart A; 7 CFR 1980 subpart E; 7 CFR 1942 
subpart A; 7 CFR 1951 subpart E

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency has received $50 million direct Business and 
Industry (B&I) loan authority for fiscal year 1997. The Agency 
currently utilizes RD Instructions 1980-A and E, 1942-A, 1951-E to make 
and service new and existing direct B&I loans. These regulations 
contain very limited direction in direct B&I loan making. The Agency is 
writing a new regulation to replace the instructions for direct loan 
making and servicing. This program will complement the Agency's 
existing guaranteed (B&I) loan program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/98
NPRM                            08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet, Senior Loan Specialist, Business 
Program Loan Processing, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 5419 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804

RIN: 0570-AA22
_______________________________________________________________________




351. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1948 subpart C; 7 CFR 1942 subpart G; 7 CFR 4284 
subpart B; 7 CFR 1980 subpart E; 7 CFR 4279 subpart B; 7 CFR 1703 
subpart B; 7 CFR 1980 subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will incorporate the requirement for housing-
related projects (such as apartment buildings, nursing homes, group 
homes, and assisted living type facilities) to develop an Affirmative 
Fair Housing Marketing Plan (plan) when receiving funding from the 
Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business Enterprise Grant 
Program, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs and the 
Business and Industry Direct Loan Program. The plan will describe 
strategies to attract applications from all groups in a housing market 
area and efforts to reach those persons in the market area who 
traditionally would not be expected to apply for housing. The Rural 
Housing Service Multi-Family Housing Program regulations currently 
include this borrower requirement. We estimate this action will impact 
a total of 100 housing related projects not previously required to 
complete a plan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: David Lewis, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW., Room 5425 South Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-0797

RIN: 0570-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________




352. RURAL VENTURE CAPITAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 309

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 4279 subpart A; 7 CFR 4279 subpart F; 7 CFR 4287 
subpart G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are implementing a provision of the 1996 Farm Bill which 
authorizes designation of up to 10 community development venture 
capital organizations for a rural venture capital demonstration 
project. Up to $15 million from the B&I National Reserve will be used 
to guarantee up to 30 percent of funds in a rural investment pool to be 
established by the selected community development venture capital 
organizations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/09/97                    62 FR 17107
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/09/97
NPRM                            08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet, Senior Loan Specialist, Business 
Program Loan Processing, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 5419 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804

RIN: 0570-AA25

[[Page 21777]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




353. RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 1989; 7 USC 1926

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 4284; 7 CFR 1951

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to add a new 
regulation implementing a grant program to fund local technical 
assistance and planning activities in rural areas for the purpose of 
improving economic conditions in the areas. Grants will be available to 
public bodies and nonprofit organizations. This action is necessary to 
comply with P.L. 104-127. Grants may be used for technical assistance 
and training for small businesses, identifying and analyzing business 
opportunities in rural areas establishing business support centers, 
conducting local or multi-county economic development planning, 
coordination of economic development activities, and leadership 
development training of local government officials.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/03/98                     63 FR 5474
Final Action                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne Stansbery, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Indpendence Ave. 
SW., Room 2246-South, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6819
Fax: 202 720-6003

RIN: 0570-AA05
_______________________________________________________________________




354. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS AND TELEVISION DEMONSTRATION 
GRANTS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  PL 102-552; 7 USC 1927; 7 USC 1939 (c)

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1942 subpart G; 7 CFR 4284 subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 102-554 authorizes grants to qualified nonprofit 
organizations for the provision of technical assistance and training to 
rural communities for the purpose of improving passenger transportation 
services or facilities; to amend the definition for small and emerging 
private business enterprise to agree with the program size standards 
established by the Small Business Administration; to clarify certain 
administrative regulatory guidelines in order to effect improved 
program administration; and also authorizes grants for educational 
purposes and distance learning networks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

RBEG: Interim Final Rule To 
Provide Educational/Job Training 
Instruction.                    05/23/94                    59 FR 26585
NPRM                            08/09/94                    59 FR 40478
Final Action                    08/00/98
Final Action Effective          08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Carole Boyko, Rural Development Specialist, Specialty 
Lenders Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 5404 South Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0661

RIN: 0570-AA08
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




355. NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER

Priority:  Other Significant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 4286 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Thomas H. Stafford
Phone: 202 690-0368
Fax: 202 690-2723
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________




356. RURAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL LOAN PROGRAM - MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1980 subpart E; 7 CFR 4279 subpart A; 7 CFR 4279 
subpart B; 7 CFR 4287 subpart B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet
Phone: 202 720-1804

RIN: 0570-AA23

[[Page 21778]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




357. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM REWRITE

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1948 subpart C; 7 CFR 4274 subpart D

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/06/98                     63 FR 6052

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Wayne Stansbery
Phone: 202 720-6819

RIN: 0570-AA15
BILLING CODE 3410-07-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




358. RUS FIDELITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1788; 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is considering revising its 
regulations concerning the fidelity and insurance requirements for 
electric and telecommunications borrowers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/28/93                    58 FR 25786
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/28/93
NPRM                            09/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Room 4036 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA86
_______________________________________________________________________




359. LOAN FORECASTS AND MARKET ANALYSIS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 901 to 950(b); PL 99-591

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1710 E

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing to update its 
Power Requirements currently contained in subpart E of 7 CFR part 1710, 
Pre-loan Policies and Procedures for Insured and Guaranteed Electric 
Loans. The updates to subpart E are needed to reflect the addition to 7 
CFR 1710 of subpart H, Loans for Demand Side Management, Energy 
Conservation Programs, and On-Grid and Off-Grid Renewable Energy 
Systems. Subpart H was required by the Rural Electrification Loan 
Restructuring Act of 1993. Other changes to subpart E are intended to 
clarify the existing language without changing its overall intent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Room 4036 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB05
_______________________________________________________________________




360. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921; PL 103-354

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1753

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to revise its 
regulations on telecommunications system construction policies and 
procedures. This revision includes empowering the telephone borrowers 
by reducing oversight by RUS with respect to preparation of plans and 
specifications, bid approvals and final document approvals. In addition 
to reducing the requirements for facilities construction, RUS will also 
make technical corrections and clarifications, and minor technical 
changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/98
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg. Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4036-SBldg. (STOP 1522), 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB34

[[Page 21779]]

_______________________________________________________________________




361. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (INCLUDING INSTALLATION)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  7 USC 901 et seq, 1921 et seq, 6941 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1755.397

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is proposing to amend its regulation on RUS 
Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Material, Equipment 
and Construction. This action codifies RUS Form 397, Special Equipment 
Contract (including installation).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/20/98                     63 FR 8582
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg. Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, STOP 
1522, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 4036, Washington, DC 20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-0736
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




362. RUS APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND EXTENSIONS TO ELECTRIC PLANTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 103-354; 7 USC 901 to 905b

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1717.603

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations 
so that electric power supply borrowers may proceed more expeditiously 
to construct additions and extensions to their electric utility plant 
using their own funds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Room 4036-SBldg., Washington, DC 20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




363. ELECTRIC SYSTEM PLANNING AND DESIGN--POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1724

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will codify and update Agency policies and 
procedures for the planning and design of electrical systems of RUS 
borrowers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/04/97                    62 FR 41883
NPRM Comment Period End         10/02/97
Final Action                    05/00/98
Final Action Effective          06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 14th 
& Independence Avenue SW., Room 4036 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA48
_______________________________________________________________________




364. LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL FORECASTS OF ELECTRIC BORROWERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  7 USC 901 to 950(b); PL 99-591

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1710 G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend its pre-
loan regulations for electric loans to clarify and revise the 
requirement that borrowers submit to RUS a long-range financial 
forecast as part of an application for a loan, loan guarantee, lien 
accommodation. This proposed rule is intended to strengthen credit 
practices and to assist borrowers in preparing, and RUS staff in 
reviewing loan applications.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/20/97                    62 FR 27546
NPRM Comment Period End         07/21/97
Final Action                    05/00/98
Final Action Effective          06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Room 4036 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA89

[[Page 21780]]

_______________________________________________________________________




365. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-127

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1794

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The revision of the existing procedures shall reduce 
regulatory requirements on recipients of financial assistance for the 
planning and construction of rural electric power, telecommunications, 
and water and waste facilities while improving the integrity of RUS' 
environmental protection responsibilities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/24/97                    62 FR 62527
NPRM Comment Period End         01/23/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Support & Reg. 
Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Room 4036 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




366. LOAN SECURITY DOCUMENTS--TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1744

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________




367. LOAN ACCOUNT COMPUTATIONS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1785; 7 CFR 1786 A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/93                    58 FR 18043
NPRM Comment Period End         05/07/93
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA65
_______________________________________________________________________




368. ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND 
CONSTRUCTION

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1728

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA67
_______________________________________________________________________




369. POST-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO INSURED AND GUARANTEED 
ELECTRIC LOANS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1717, subparts A to F; 7 CFR 1717, subparts J to K

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA71
_______________________________________________________________________




370. CIVIL RIGHTS POLICIES APPLICABLE TO RUS BORROWERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1790

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA75

[[Page 21781]]

_______________________________________________________________________




371. LOAN DOCUMENTS--BANK PROGRAM

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1620

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________




372. DEPRECIATION RATES AND PROCEDURES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1767 C

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




373. PRESERVATION OF RECORDS ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS ELECTRIC 
BORROWERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1767 D

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA92
_______________________________________________________________________




374. USE OF GENERAL FUNDS INVESTMENTS, LOAN GUARANTEES, AND RETIREMENT 
OF CAPITAL CREDITS BY ELECTRIC BORROWERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1717 O

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




375. RUS APPROVAL OF SALE OF CAPITAL ASSETS BY ELECTRIC BORROWERS

Priority:  Other Significant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1717 P

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________




376. COMMUNITY FACILITY LOANS--TIMBER-DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1942 subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB11
_______________________________________________________________________




377. LIQUIDATION OF LOANS AND ACQUISITION, MANAGEMENT, AND DISPOSAL OF 
SECURITY PROPERTY

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1696; 7 CFR 1697; 7 CFR 1951 subpart E; 7 CFR 1955 
subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 subpart C; 7 CFR 2.23; 7 
CFR 2.70

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________




378. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1775 subpt B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB14
_______________________________________________________________________




379. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING GRANTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1775 subpt A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00

[[Page 21782]]

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB15
_______________________________________________________________________




380. WATER AND WASTE LOAN AND GRANT SERVICING

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1782

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            00/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB23
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




381. ELECTRIC SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1730

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/23/98                     63 FR 3449
Final Action Effective          02/23/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA74
_______________________________________________________________________




382. GENERAL INFORMATION; ORGANIZATION & FUNCTIONS AND LOAN MAKING 
AUTHORITY

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1700

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/02/98                    63 FR 16085
Final Action Effective          04/02/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr.
Phone: 202 205-3660
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB37
BILLING CODE 3410-15-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




383.  SURFACE MINING SPECIFICATIONS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  30 USC 1236

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 652

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is 
issuing a proposed rule for the specifications for soil handling in 
relation to mining activities on prime farmland, as provided for in the 
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). SMCRA 
requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish specifications for 
the removal, storage, replacement and reconstruction of prime farmland 
soils.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peggy Willis, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, P. O. Box 2890, 
Cotton Annex Mezz 1, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-0450
Fax: 202 690-3144
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA25
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




384. CONSERVATION FARM OPTION (CFO)

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  PL 104-127

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 1468

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A conservation farm option pilot program is established for 
producers of wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice. Owners or operators 
with farms that have a production flexibility contract are eligible for 
participation. Under the pilot program producers may

[[Page 21783]]

receive one consolidated USDA program payment in lieu of a list of 
specified payments. The producer must implement a conservation plan 
that addresses soil, water, and related resources, water quality, 
wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Participation is voluntary and based 
upon a 10-year contract between the Secretary and the producer. Funding 
varies by year through 2002 with a total of $197.5 million, coming from 
CCC, dedicated to this option.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peggy Willis, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO Box 2890, 
Cotton Annex Mezz 1, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-0450
Fax: 202 690-3174
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




385. HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION

Priority:  Other Significant

Legal Authority:  16 USC 3801 et seq

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 12

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, July 3, 1996.

Abstract: Soil erosion and its results, including damage to water 
quality and air quality, loss of productive capacity of the land, and 
offsite damages, is caused in part by inadequate or inappropriate 
systems. The 1985 Food Security Act required producers who farm highly 
erodible land to do so in accordance with an acceptable conservation 
system in order to remain eligible for most USDA program benefits. This 
act gave producers a major incentive to install conservation practices 
on the country's most fragile lands. The 1996 Farm Bill refines these 
requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/06/96                    61 FR 47019
Final Action                    09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Peggy Willis, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890, 
Cotton Annex Mezz 1, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-0450
Fax: 202 690-3174
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________




386. 7 CFR PART 610 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal 
governments.

Legal Authority:  PL 104-129

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 610

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 342 subtitle E of the Federal Agriculture Improvement 
and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIRA) expands the membership and roles of 
State Technical Committees set forth in section 1261 of subtitle G of 
the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended. Under these guidelines, the 
Secretary is required to establish a technical committee in each State 
to assist in making technical considerations relating to the 
implementation of conservation provisions. The Natural Resources 
Conservation Service (NRCS) uses these State Technical Committees in an 
advisory capacity. The rule will set forth the policies and procedures 
for the use of State Technical Committees by the United States 
Department of Agriculture, membership criteria, and the 
responsibilities assigned to these committees.
The NRCS has delivered the majority of the technical assistance 
provided to private landowners through the authorities provided in 7 
CFR part 610.2. Section 610.2 has not yet been revised to provide for 
the responsibilities assigned to the NRCS beyond that of soil 
conservation. To more accurately reflect the broader mission of NRCS, 
particularly as it relates to technical assistance provided to private 
grazing land, section 610.2 is being amended to acknowledge that one of 
NRCS's missions is to improve the quality of all agricultural lands, 
including grazing land, pastureland, rangeland, forestland, and 
cropland so that the long-term sustainability of the resource base is 
achieved.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/04/97
NPRM Comment Period End         01/23/98
Final Action                    06/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: 0578-AA23 has been withdrawn and incorporated 
into this regulation.

Agency Contact: Peggy Willis, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO Box 2890, 
Cotton Annex Mezz 1, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 690-4860
Fax: 202 690-3174
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA22

[[Page 21784]]

_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




387.  WATER BANK

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority:  16 USC 1301

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 633

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 
authorized the establishment of the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service (NRCS) and transferred responsibility for the Water Bank 
Program (WBP) from the Agricultural Stabilization (ASCS) and 
Conservation Service to the NRCS, formerly the Soil Conservation 
Service (SCS). This final rule provides the process by which the WBP 
will be administered within the NRCS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      09/16/97                    62 FR 48471
Final Rule Effective            09/16/97
Interim Final Rule              00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peggy Willis, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, P. O. Box 2890 
Cotton Annex, Mezz 1, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-0450
Fax: 202 720-3174
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




388. WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM (WHIP)

Priority:  Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect State, local or tribal 
governments.

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 636

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/19/97                    62 FR 49357
Final Action Effective          09/19/97

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peggy Willis
Phone: 202 720-0405
Fax: 202 690-3174

RIN: 0578-AA21
BILLING CODE 3410-16-F
_______________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Office of Operations (OO)



_______________________________________________________________________




389. NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

Priority:  Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation:  7 CFR 3018

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/26/90                     55 FR 6736
Final Action                    00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Fax: 202 720-8972

RIN: 0599-AA03
[FR Doc. 98-6264 Filed 04-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-13-F