[The Regulatory Plan and 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





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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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, October 2001

AGENCY:  Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION:  Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY:  This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive 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. This agenda also 
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance 
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public 
comment on those actions.

     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 this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most 
important significant regulatory actions are included in part II of 
this issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are 
listed in the table of contents below and are denoted by a 
bracketed bold reference, which directs the reader to the 
appropriate sequence number in part II.

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:  October 19, 2001.

 Jacquelyn Y. Chandler,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory and Automated Systems Staff.

                                  Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
168          Cotton Futures Act: Changing the Destination of Spot Markets (CN-01-004)...........     0581-AC00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
169          General Specifications for Dairy Plants Approved for USDA Inspection and Grading...     0581-AB59
170          Increase in Fees for Voluntary Federal Seed Testing and Certification Services and      0581-AB95
            Establishment of a Fee for Preliminary Test Reports (LS-01-07)......................
171          Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program--Lamb Amendment (LS-01-08)...................     0581-AB98
172          Regulations Governing the California Prune/Plum (Tree Removal) Diversion Program,       0581-AC03
            2001-2002 Crop Year (FV-01-81-01 PR)................................................
173          Revision of User Fees for 2002 Crop Cotton Classification Services.................     0581-AC04
174          Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-707).......................     0581-AC05
175          Establishing a Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order (LS-01-12) (Reg Plan     0581-AC06
            Seq No. 1)........................................................................
176          Establishing Fees for Voluntary Quality Systems Certification Services (LS-00-13)..     0581-AC08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
177          Voluntary Shell Egg Regulations; Repackaging of Shell Eggs Under USDA's Grading         0581-AB56
            Program.............................................................................
178          Tobacco Fees and Charges for Permissive Inspection: Fee Increase (TB-00-04 FR).....     0581-AB86
179          Tobacco Fees and Charges for Mandatory Inspection: Fee Increase....................     0581-AB87
180          Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-705) (Reg Plan Seq       0581-AB92
            No. 2)............................................................................
181          Increase in Fees and Charges For Eggs, Poultry, and Rabbit (PY-01-005).............     0581-AB99

[[Page 61329]]

 
182          Fresh Russet Potato Diversion Program, 2000 Crop (FV-01-80-01).....................     0581-AC07
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References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
183          National Laboratory Accreditation Program..........................................     0581-AB42
184          Changes in Fees for Federal Grading and Certification of Livestock for Chicago          0581-AB66
            Mercantile Exchange Futures Deliveries..............................................
185          Program To Assess Organic Certifying Agencies......................................     0581-AB70
186          Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs.......................................     0581-AB74
187          Discontinue the Official Grading of Imported Beef, Lamb, Veal, and Calf Carcasses       0581-AB90
            Under the Authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.......................
188          Revision of Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading Service of                 0581-AB93
            Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products (DA-00-08).................................
189          National Organic Program: Add Standards for Mushroom, Apiculture, Greenhouse and        0581-AB96
            Hydroponic Production Systems and the Handling of Honey (TM-01-09)..................
190          National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild           0581-AB97
            Captured Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08).................................................
191          Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs; Facilities and Equipment (PY-01-003)..............     0581-AC02
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
192          Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Qualified Through Verification (QTV)..............     0581-AB58
193          Olive Oil Promotion, Research, and Information Order...............................     0581-AB62
194          Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order..........................     0581-AB84
195          Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs....................................................     0581-AB88
196          Revision of User Fees for 2001 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers (CN-      0581-AB94
            00-010).............................................................................
197          Livestock Mandatory Reporting: Confidentially Guideline (LS-01-10).................     0581-AC01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
198          Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs.....     0560-AF60
199          Implementation of the U.S. Warehouse Act of 2000...................................     0560-AG45
200          Interest Assistance Program........................................................     0560-AG46
201          Non-Recourse Cotton Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment Programs; Upland Cotton First      0560-AG47
            Handler Marketing Certificate Program; and Seed Cotton Recourse Loan Program........
202          Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process.................................     0560-AG49
203          Rescheduling Guaranteed Loans With Balloon Payments, Clarification of Annual            0560-AG53
            Analysis Requirements for Guaranteed Lenders, and Subordination Requirements........
204          General Regulations Governing Commodity Loans for 1998 and Subsequent Crops........     0560-AG54
205          Prompt Disaster Set-Aside Consideration and Primary Loan Servicing.................     0560-AG56
206          2002-Crop Peanuts National Poundage Quota for Quota Peanuts........................     0560-AG57
207          2002-Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco......     0560-AG58
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[[Page 61330]]


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
208          Part 1946 Mediation; Subpart A--Agricultural Loan Mediation Program................     0560-AE26
209          Dairy Recourse Loan Program........................................................     0560-AF41
210          Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program............................................     0560-AG17
211          Reduction of Amortized Shared Appreciation Recapture Interest Rate.................     0560-AG43
212          Collecting Guaranteed Loss Payments From FSA Farm Loan Program Borrowers...........     0560-AG44
213          Tobacco Marketing Quotas, Cards, Penalty Provisions, Recordkeeping and Reporting...     0560-AG52
214          2002-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco...............     0560-AG59
215          2002-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco...........     0560-AG60
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                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
216          Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouse for Commodity Credit              0560-AE50
            Corporation Storage Contracts.......................................................
217          Deletion of FSA Regulations Regarding Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program     0560-AE54
218          Amendments to the Debt Settlement Policies and Procedures To Conform to the Debt        0560-AF22
            Collection Improvement Act of 1996..................................................
219          Amendment to the Farm Reconstitution Regulations...................................     0560-AF36
220          1999-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco...............     0560-AF50
221          Remove Internal Agency Provisions From FSA Farm Credit Program Regulations for          0560-AF53
            Liquidation of Loans Secured by Real Estate and Acquisition of Real and Chattel
            Property............................................................................
222          Low Documentation Loan.............................................................     0560-AF71
223          Streamlining of the Emergency Farm Loan Program Regulations........................     0560-AF72
224          Amendments to the Conservation Reserve Program Regulations Regarding Land               0560-AF77
            Eligibility.........................................................................
225          2000-Crop Peanuts National Poundage Quota, National Average Loan Rates for Quota        0560-AF83
            and Additional Peanuts and Minimum Export-Edible Sales Price for Additional Peanuts.
226          2000-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco...........     0560-AF84
227          Disaster Set-Aside Program.........................................................     0560-AF91
228          Designation of Non-Auction Tobacco.................................................     0560-AG07
229          Agricultural Disaster and Market Assistance........................................     0560-AG14
230          Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Regulations for the 2001 and Succeeding     0560-AG20
            Crop Years..........................................................................
231          Emergency Conservation Program.....................................................     0560-AG26
232          2001-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco...........     0560-AG28
233          2001-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco...............     0560-AG29
234          2001-Crop Marketing and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco.............     0560-AG30
235          2001-Crop Peanuts National Poundage Quota, National Average Loan Rates for 2001-        0560-AG31
            Crop Quota and Additional Peanuts and Minimum Export Edible Sales Price for
            Additional Peanuts..................................................................
236          Livestock Indemnity Program and Livestock Indemnity Program for Contract Growers...     0560-AG33
237          Conservation Reserve Program--Failure To Establish Cover and Good Faith Reliance...     0560-AG37
238          Conservation of Farmable Wetlands..................................................     0560-AG38
239          Tobacco Loss Assistance Program and Amendments to the Tobacco Marketing Quota           0560-AG40
            Regulations.........................................................................
240          Collection of Appraisal Fees for Farm Loan Programs, Insured Loans.................     0560-AG42
241          Elimination of 30-Day Past-Due Period for Farm Loan Program Borrowers..............     0560-AG50
242          Tobacco Marketing Quotas, Acreage Allotments and Production Adjustment.............     0560-AG51
243          Amendment to the Regulations for Determining Acreage for Skip-Row Cotton...........     0560-AG55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
244          Selection and Functions of Farm Service Agency State and County Committees.........     0560-AE33
245          Small Hog Operation Payment Plan...................................................     0560-AF70
246          Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact.................................................     0560-AG25
247          Sugar Payment-In-Kind (PIK) Diversion Program......................................     0560-AG48
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[[Page 61331]]


                            Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
248          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs.....     0579-AB24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
249          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)........     0579-AA80
250          Phytosanitary Treatment by Ionizing Energy of Imported Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.     0579-AA97
251          Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material.........................................     0579-AA99
252          Blood and Tissue Collection at Livestock Slaughtering Establishments...............     0579-AB13
253          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................     0579-AB18
254          Bees, Beekeeping Byproducts, and Beekeeping Equipment (Section 610 Review).......     0579-AB20
255          Veterinary Diagnostic User Fees--5-Year Plan for Fees (Section 610 Review).......     0579-AB22
256          Nursery Stock Regulations (Section 610 Review)...................................     0579-AB23
257          Draft Action Plan for the Noxious Weeds Program....................................     0579-AB30
258          Salmonella Enteritidis Phage-Type 4; Remove Import Restrictions....................     0579-AB31
259          Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610       0579-AB32
            Review)...........................................................................
260          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity (Reg Plan Seq No. 3)................     0579-AB34
261          Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment of         0579-AB35
            Indemnity (Reg Plan Seq No. 4)....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
262          Importation of Fuji Apples From the Republic of Korea..............................     0579-AA93
263          Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing, and Procurement of Animals (Section 610          0579-AA94
            Review)...........................................................................
264          Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles From Mexico............................     0579-AB02
265          Commercial Transportation of Equines to Slaughter..................................     0579-AB06
266          Importation of Unshu Oranges.......................................................     0579-AB17
267          Plum Pox Compensation..............................................................     0579-AB19
268          Animal Welfare; Policy on Environment Enhancement for Nonhuman Primates............     0579-AB25
269          Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy...............     0579-AB26
270          Interstate Movement of Swine Within a Production System............................     0579-AB28
271          Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity....................     0579-AB29
272          Black Stem Rust; Addition of Rust-Resistant Varieties (Section 610 Review).......     0579-AB33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
273          Importation of Certain Embryos and Animal Semen (Section 610 Review).............     0579-AA63
274          Establishment of Regions in the European Union for Hog Cholera, Foot-and-Mouth          0579-AB03
            Disease, and Swine Vesicular Disease................................................
275          Horse Protection; Horse Industry Organizations.....................................     0579-AB04
276          Aquaculture; Farm-Raised Fin Fish..................................................     0579-AB09
277          Pseudorabies in Swine; Payment of Indemnity........................................     0579-AB10
278          Importation of Beef From Brazil....................................................     0579-AB16
279          Exportation of Livestock (Section 610 Review)....................................     0579-AB21
280          Mexican Hass Avocado Import Program................................................     0579-AB27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61332]]


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
281          Karnal Bunt........................................................................     0579-AA83
282          Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats From States That Do Not Quarantine Scrapie-      0579-AA90
            Infected and Source Flocks..........................................................
283          Restrictions on the Importation of Ruminants, Meat and Meat Products From               0579-AA98
            Ruminants, and Certain Other Ruminant Products......................................
284          Requiring Treatment of Solid Wood Packing Material From China......................     0579-AB01
285          Noxious Weeds; Weed Categories and Priorities......................................     0579-AB07
286          Noxious Weeds; Restrictions on Interstate Movement.................................     0579-AB08
287          Citrus Canker; Payments for Commercial Citrus Tree Replacement and Lost Production      0579-AB15
            Income..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
288          Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program; Administrative Provisions.........     0524-AA09
289          Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program Administrative Provisions...     0524-AA17
290          Community Food Projects Administrative Provisions..................................     0524-AA19
291          Small Business Innovation Research Program Administrative Provisions...............     0524-AA20
292          Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program Administrative Provisions....     0524-AA21
293          National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Administrative Provisions..     0524-AA22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
294          Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D.............................     0575-AA83
295          Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants......................................     0575-AC12
296          Multi-Family Housing...............................................................     0575-AC13
297          Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants..............................................     0575-AC20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
298          Direct Section 502 and 504 Single-Family Housing Program...........................     0575-AB99
299          Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................     0575-AC18
300          Operating Assistance for Migrant Farmworker Projects...............................     0575-AC24
301          Technical Assistance To Encourage the Development of Domestic and Migrant Farm          0575-AC25
            Labor Housing.......................................................................
302          7 CFR 3565, Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing, Section 538 Statutory Changes.........     0575-AC26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Housing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
303          Environmental Program..............................................................     0575-AB98
304          National Flood Insurance Regulations...............................................     0575-AC07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61333]]


                                    Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
305          Denying Credit to Applicants Delinquent on Any Federal Debt........................     0575-AA66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
306          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart D; Application for Crop Insurance......     0563-AB00
307          General Administrative Regulations; Movement of Business Among Insurance Providers.     0563-AB71
308          General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions......................................     0563-AB73
309          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Blueberry Crop Insurance Provisions.............     0563-AB76
310          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions...............     0563-AB80
311          General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History......................     0563-AB83
312          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Basic Provisions and General Administrative          0563-AB85
            Regulations, Subpart T, Regulations for Implementation..............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
313          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Small Grains Crop Insurance Provisions and Wheat     0563-AB63
            Winter Coverage Endorsement.........................................................
314          General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System.     0563-AB66
315          General Administrative Regulations; Premium Reductions; Payments of Rebates,            0563-AB70
            Dividends, and Patronage Refunds; and Payments to Insured-Owned and Record-
            Controlling Entities................................................................
316          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Millet Crop Insurance Provisions................     0563-AB79
317          Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations;     0563-AB81
            Basic Provisions....................................................................
318          General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of            0563-AB84
            Policies and Rates of Premiums......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
319          General Administrative Regulations; Subpart S; Regulations for Insurance Coverage       0563-AB07
            by Written Agreement................................................................
320          Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions.........     0563-AB64
321          General Administrative Regulations; Civil Rights Data Collection...................     0563-AB78
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
322          Review Inspection Requirements.....................................................     0580-AA58
323          Packer Recordkeeping Requirements..................................................     0580-AA72
324          Exceptions to Geographic Areas for Official Agencies Under the USGSA...............     0580-AA76
325          Prohibition on Disguising Grain Quality............................................     0580-AA77
326          Laboratory Accreditation Program...................................................     0580-AA78
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61334]]


                    Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
327          Tolerances for Dividers............................................................     0580-AA57
328          Swine Packer Marketing Contracts...................................................     0580-AA71
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
329          Poultry Grower Contracts...........................................................     0580-AA51
330          Livestock Purchase or Sale: Prohibit Non-Reporting of Price........................     0580-AA65
331          How Can USDA Best Facilitate the Marketing of Grains, Oilseeds, Fruits, Vegetables,     0580-AA73
            and Nuts in Today's Marketplace.....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
332          Fees for Commodity and Rice Inspection Services....................................     0580-AA74
333          Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services........................     0580-AA75
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
334          Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):               0584-AB10
            Miscellaneous Provisions............................................................
335          Food Stamp Program Matching Programs and Privacy Protections.......................     0584-AB51
336          FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections.................................................     0584-AC75
337          Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Plain Language, Program Accountability, and        0584-AC84
            Program Flexibility.................................................................
338          Food Stamp Program: Administrative Cost Reimbursement..............................     0584-AC86
339          Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):          0584-AC90
            Revisions in the WIC Food Packages (Reg Plan Seq No. 5)...........................
340          Improving Access to the Food Stamp Program for Persons With Limited English             0584-AD06
            Proficiency.........................................................................
341          Food Stamp Program: Vehicle and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deduction Provisions     0584-AD13
            of Public Law 106-387 (Reg Plan Seq No. 6)........................................
342          Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers.............     0584-AD15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
343          WIC: Requirements for and Evaluation of WIC Program Requests for Bids for Infant        0584-AB52
            Formula Rebate Contracts............................................................
344          Food Stamp Program: Anticipating Income and Reporting Changes......................     0584-AB57
345          Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity (Reg      0584-AC24
            Plan Seq No. 7)...................................................................
346          Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced-Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools:      0584-AC25
            Provision 2 and Provision 3.........................................................
347          Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of       0584-AC37
            Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems......................................
348          Food Stamp Program: Work Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work             0584-AC45
            Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the Food Stamp Provisions of the Balanced
            Budget Act of 1997 (Reg Plan Seq No. 8)...........................................
349          WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Expansion Funds Allocation Formula....     0584-AC68
350          Child Nutrition Programs: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs....     0584-AC72

[[Page 61335]]

 
351          Food Distribution Program: Deletion of Requirement To Evaluate State-Run Commodity      0584-AC79
            Distribution and Warehousing Systems Every 3 Years..................................
352          FSP: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems Interoperability and Portability....     0584-AC91
353          Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen       0584-AC94
            Program Integrity...................................................................
354          Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under      0584-AC95
            the Child Nutrition Programs........................................................
355          Special Milk Program for Children: Plain Language Revision and Reorganization......     0584-AC97
356          Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 250, Donation of       0584-AC98
            Foods for Use in the United States, Its Territories and Possessions, and Areas Under
            Its Jurisdiction....................................................................
357          Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 251, The Emergency     0584-AC99
            Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).....................................................
358          Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 252, The National      0584-AD00
            Commodity Processing Program (NCP)..................................................
359          Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 253, the Food          0584-AD01
            Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).................................
360          Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 254, the Food          0584-AD02
            Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) in Oklahoma.....................
361          Implementation of Poultry Substitution Pilot as Permanent and Modification of           0584-AD08
            Commodity Recordkeeping Requirements................................................
362          Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;                     0584-AD16
            Nondiscretionary Technical Amendments...............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
363          State Administrative Expense Funds: Plain Language Rewrite.........................     0584-AC96
364          Nutrition Education and Training Program: 7 CFR Part 227, Plain Language Rewrite...     0584-AD03
365          State Agency Liabilities and Federal Sanctions, 7 CFR 276..........................     0584-AD04
366          Payments of Certain Administrative Costs of State Agencies, 7 CFR 277..............     0584-AD05
367          School Breakfast Program: Plain Language Revision and Reorganization (7 CFR 220)...     0584-AD10
368          WIC: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 248, Farmers' Market Nutrition Program...     0584-AD11
369          Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation: Resource Limits and Exclusions,        0584-AD12
            Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits...........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
370          Disclosure of Free and Reduced-Price Eligibility Information Under the School           0584-AC21
            Nutrition, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult Care Food Programs..............
371          National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Identification of Blended          0584-AC92
            Beef, Pork, Poultry, or Seafood Products............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Food Safety and Inspection Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
372          Poultry Inspection: Revision of Finished Product Standards With Respect to Ingesta      0583-AC77
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 9)..............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


[[Page 61336]]


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
373          Grant and Inauguration of Inspection...............................................     0583-AC07
374          Performance Standards for Bacon (Reg Plan Seq No. 10)............................     0583-AC49
375          Reform of Regulations on Imported Meat and Poultry Products........................     0583-AC56
376          Egg and Egg Products Inspection Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 11)................     0583-AC58
377          Labeling--Generic Approval and Regulation Consolidation............................     0583-AC59
378          Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Systems;        0583-AC63
            Additions to Generic E. Coli Criteria (Reg Plan Seq No. 12).......................
379          Elimination of Requirements for Total Quality Control Systems......................     0583-AC68
380          Petitions for Rulemaking...........................................................     0583-AC81
381          Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards................................     0583-AC83
382          Elimination of Chilling Time and Temperature Requirements for Ready-To-Cook Poultry     0583-AC87
            (Section 610 Review) (Reg Plan Seq No. 13)........................................
383          Emergency Regulations To Prevent Meat Food and Meat Products That May Contain the       0583-AC88
            BSE Agent From Entering Commerce (Reg Plan Seq No. 14)............................
384          Increases in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Services--Fiscal       0583-AC89
            Year (FY) 2002......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
385          Beef or Pork With Barbecue Sauce; Revision of Standards............................     0583-AC09
386          Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Recovery Systems (Reg      0583-AC51
            Plan Seq No. 15)..................................................................
387          Incorporation of Food and Color Additives Into 21 CFR..............................     0583-AC69
388          Performance Standards for On-line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry       0583-AC73
            Carcasses (Reg Plan Seq No. 16)...................................................
389          Sharing Recall Distribution Lists With State and Other Federal Government Agencies.     0583-AC75
390          Agency Organization................................................................     0583-AC78
391          Labeling of Natural or Regenerated Collagen Sausage Casings........................     0583-AC80
392          Food Standards: Requirements for Substantive Standardized Meat and Poultry Products     0583-AC82
            Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term.........
393          Mandatory Inspection of Ratites and Squabs.........................................     0583-AC84
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
394          Transportation, Storage, and Other Handling of Potentially Hazardous Foods.........     0583-AC05
395          Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry....................     0583-AC43
396          Requirements for Disposition and Disposal of Inspected Raw Meat and Poultry             0583-AC44
            Products............................................................................
397          Performance Standards for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products...................     0583-AC46
398          Reworking of Meat and Poultry Carcasses Accidentally Contaminated During                0583-AC53
            Evisceration........................................................................
399          Nutrition Labeling of Ground or Chopped Meat and Poultry Products and Single-           0583-AC60
            Ingredient Products.................................................................
400          Food Labeling; Nutrient Content Claims, Definition of the Term Healthy.............     0583-AC65
401          Food Standards; Guiding Principles and Standards Modernization.....................     0583-AC72
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
402          Performance Standard for the Chilling or Other Processing of Livestock Carcasses        0583-AC21
            and Ready-To-Cook Poultry...........................................................
403          Other Consumer Protection Activities...............................................     0583-AC64

[[Page 61337]]

 
404          Terminology........................................................................     0583-AC79
405          Product Labeling: Defining United States Cattle and United States Fresh Beef            0583-AC85
            Products............................................................................
406          Elimination of Requirements for Partial Quality Control Programs; Certification of      0583-AC86
            Scales..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
407          Program To Provide Technical Assistance To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports to         0551-AA62
            Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Progam)..........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
408          Program To Assist U.S. Producers in Developing Domestic Markets for Value-Added         0551-AA60
            Wheat Gluten and Wheat Starch Products..............................................
409          Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations for the Foreign Agricultural Service.     0551-AA61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
410          CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program..............................................     0551-AA30
411          Facility Guarantee Program.........................................................     0551-AA35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
412          Export Sales Reporting Requirement.................................................     0551-AA51
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
413          Hydropower Applications............................................................     0596-AA47
414          Small Tracts Act Regulations.......................................................     0596-AA79
415          Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs....................................     0596-AB27
416          Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Extension of Timber Sale            0596-AB48
            Contracts To Permit Urgent Removal of Other Timber..................................
417          Law Enforcement Support Activities.................................................     0596-AB61
418          Noncompetitive Sale of Timber......................................................     0596-AB70
419          Clarification of Exemptions From Special-Use Authorizations........................     0596-AB74
420          Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution      0596-AB75
            Restrictions........................................................................
421          Use of Fixed Anchors in Wilderness.................................................     0596-AB80
422          Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products..............................     0596-AB81
423          Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations..........     0596-AB83
424          Inventoried Roadless Areas.........................................................     0596-AB85

[[Page 61338]]

 
425          National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning.......................     0596-AB86
426          National Environmental Policy Act Documentation for Certain Small Administrative        0596-AB88
            Timber Sales on National Forest System Lands and Research Projects (Forest Service
            Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30).......................................................
427          Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and          0596-AB89
            Activities..........................................................................
428          Revisions to Road Management Policy (Forest Service Manual Chapter 7710)...........     0596-AB90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
429          Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands..................................     0596-AA52
430          Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts..........     0596-AB21
431          Collection of Reimbursable Costs for Processing Special-Use Applications and            0596-AB36
            Administration of Special-Use Authorizations........................................
432          Preference for Visitor Service; Alaska National Forest Conservation System Units...     0596-AB57
433          Categorical Exclusion for Certain Special Uses Permit Actions (FSH 1909.15, Chapter     0596-AB73
            30).................................................................................
434          National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning; Extension of              0596-AB87
            Compliance Deadline.................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
435          Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands..     0596-AB45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
436          General Nonprocurement Regulations.................................................     0503-AA21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
437          Designation of Rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities..................     0503-AA20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
438          Nondiscrimination in USDA-Conducted Programs and Activities........................     0503-AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61339]]


                                Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
439          Intermediary Relending Program Participation Agreements............................     0570-AA33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
440          Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock.........     0570-AA26
441          Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program............................................     0570-AA28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
442          Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program..................................     0570-AA19
443          Allocation Formulas................................................................     0570-AA30
444          Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Domestic Lamb Industry Adjustment        0570-AA31
            Assistance Program Set-Aside........................................................
445          The Rural Business Enterprise Grants and Television Demonstration Grants...........     0570-AA32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
446          Business and Industrial Guaranteed Loan Program--Miscellaneous Changes.............     0570-AA23
447          Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan............................................     0570-AA24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
448          Business and Industry Direct Loan Program..........................................     0570-AA22
449          Rural and Rural Area Under the Rural Community Advancement Program.................     0570-AA27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
450          Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and           0572-AB40
            Construction........................................................................
451          Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants.......................................     0572-AB59
452          Mergers and Consolidations of Electric Borrowers...................................     0572-AB63
453          Electric Program Standard Contract Forms...........................................     0572-AB67
454          Exemptions of RUS Operational Controls Under Section 306E of the RE Act............     0572-AB68
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61340]]


                                    Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
455          Extensions of Payments of Principal and Interest...................................     0572-AB60
456          Settlement of Debt.................................................................     0572-AB61
457          Demand Side Management and Renewable Energy Systems................................     0572-AB65
458          Telecommunications Program Specification...........................................     0572-AB69
459          Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program..........................     0572-AB70
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
460          RUS Approval of Additions and Extensions to Electric Plants........................     0572-AB38
461          The `Buy American' Requirement.....................................................     0572-AB55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
462          Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials and Construction...............     0572-AA67
463          Telecommunications System Construction Contract and Specifications.................     0572-AB41
464          Post-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Guaranteed and Insured Loans...........     0572-AB48
465          Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans.................................     0572-AB57
466          Elimination of Current Ratio Requirements..........................................     0572-AB58
467          Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers; Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards     0572-AB62
            (GAGAS).............................................................................
468          Pre-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Insured and Guaranteed                       0572-AB64
            Telecommunications Loans............................................................
469          Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers: Management Letter...............................     0572-AB66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Natural Resources Conservation Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
470          Wetland Categorical Minimal Effects Exemptions.....................................     0578-AA27
471          Emergency Watershed Protection Program.............................................     0578-AA30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
472          Forestry Incentives Program........................................................     0578-AA26
473          Conservation of Private Grazing Land...............................................     0578-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
474          Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation......................................     0578-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61341]]


                         Office of Procurement and Property Management--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
475          Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM); Uniform Procedures for the        0599-AA10
            Acquisition and Transfer of Excess Federal Property.................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Office of Procurement and Property Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
476          New Restrictions on Lobbying.......................................................     0599-AA03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Office of Procurement and Property Management--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
477          Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR); Contractor Employment of Migrant and         0599-AA05
            Seasonal Agricultural Workers.......................................................
478          Agriculture Acquisition Regulation: Amendment to Part 442, Contract Administration.     0599-AA08
479          Agriculture Acquisition Regulation; Part 419 Amendment; North American Industrial       0599-AA09
            Classification System...............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




168.  COTTON FUTURES ACT: CHANGING THE DESTINATION OF SPOT 
MARKETS (CN-01-004)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 156; PL 94-455, 90 Stat. 1841-1846; PL 102-287, 
Stat. 1844

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 27

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Cotton Futures Act authorizes the Secretary of 
Agriculture to determine the five most appropriate spot cotton markets 
to designate for settlement of cotton futures contracts. Regional 
changes in current commercial sales of cotton makes it necessary to 
change the designation of spot market to more accurately reflect the 
commercial market prices and qualities of cotton for use in determining 
settlement differences for cotton traded on the cotton exchange

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Norma Randall McDill, Deputy Administrator, Department 
of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence 
Avenue SW, Room 2641-South, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2145
Fax: 202 690-1718
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




169. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR DAIRY PLANTS APPROVED FOR USDA 
INSPECTION AND GRADING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 58

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule would: (1) Lower the maximum allowable 
bacterial estimate for manufacturing-grade producer milk from 1,000,000 
per milliliter to 500,000 per milliliter; (2) lower the maximum 
allowable somatic cell count from 1,000,000 to 750,000 cells per 
milliliter; (3) lower the maximum permitted bacterial estimate in 
commingled milk from 3,000,000 per milliliter to 1,000,000 per 
milliliter; (4) modify the follow-up procedures when producer herd milk 
exceeds the maximum allowable bacterial estimate; (5) delete the 
laboratory screening test for somatic cells in producer-held milk 
samples (no change for goat milk); and (6) make editorial changes where 
necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/13/01                    66 FR 42458

[[Page 61342]]

NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/01
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Duane R. Spomer, Acting Chief, Grading Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2746-
South, Dairy Programs, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-7473
Fax: 202 720-2643
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________




170.  INCREASE IN FEES FOR VOLUNTARY FEDERAL SEED TESTING AND 
CERTIFICATION SERVICES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A FEE FOR PRELIMINARY TEST 
REPORTS (LS-01-07)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 1624

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to increase 
the hourly fees charged for voluntary Federal seed testing and 
certification services and to establish a fee for preliminary test 
reports.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/01                    66 FR 53550
NPRM Comment Period End         12/24/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard C. Payne, Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing 
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
209, Building 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705-2325
Phone: 301 504-9430
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________




171.  LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING PROGRAM--LAMB AMENDMENT 
(LS-01-08)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 59

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the Livestock 
Reporting Act of 1999 regulations. The amendments would: (1) Amend 
regulations requiring lamb packers to report negotiated purchases of 
live lamb and sales of carcass lamb; (2) adjust requirements for 
reporting of imported and domestic boxed lamb sales; and (3) make 
adjustments to input data collection forms. The Act was implemented 
April 2, 2001, and requires packers to report purchase and sales 
transactions for cattle, swine, sheep, boxed beef, and lamb meat.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: John Edward Van Dyke, Chief, Livestock and Grain Market 
News Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
Stop 0252, Room 2619-South, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6231
Fax: 202 690-3732
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________




172.  REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE/PLUM (TREE 
REMOVAL) DIVERSION PROGRAM, 2001-2002 CROP YEAR (FV-01-81-01 PR)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 612c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 81

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under the California Prune/Plum (Tree Removal) Diversion 
Program for the 2001-2002 crop year, producers would voluntarily remove 
prune/plum trees to reduce acreage and help the California dried plum 
industry address its severe oversupply problems. The goal of the 
program is to remove the greatest number of trees with the greatest 
production potential prior to the 2002 crop for the least overall cost. 
The program is expected to bring supplies closer in line with market 
needs and provide some relief to producers faced with low prices, 
packer closures, and contract cancellations. Section 32 funds would be 
used to cover tree removal costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Anne M. Dec, Leader, Rulemaking Team, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9921
Fax: 202 720-8938
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________




173.  REVISION OF USER FEES FOR 2002 CROP COTTON CLASSIFICATION 
SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 473a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 2001.

Abstract: This action would increase the user fees for cotton producers 
for the 2002 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton 
Statistics and Estimates Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Darryl Earnest, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2633--
Stop 0224, Washington, DC
Phone: 202 720-2145

[[Page 61343]]

Fax: 202 690-1718
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________




174.  MANGO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER (FV-01-
707)

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1206

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish a Mango Promotion, Research, and 
Information Order. The purpose of the new program would be to increase 
consumption of mangos in the United States. The program would be 
administered by the National Mango Promotion Board under the 
supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanette A. Palmer, Marketing Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0244, Fruit and 
Vegetable Program, Research and Promotion Branch, Room 2535-South, 
Washington, DC 20250-0244
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




175.  ESTABLISHING A LAMB PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION 
ORDER (LS-01-12)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0581-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________




176.  ESTABLISHING FEES FOR VOLUNTARY QUALITY SYSTEMS 
CERTIFICATION SERVICES (LS-00-13)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed action is necessary to ensure that voluntary 
Quality Systems Certification Program (QSCP) services provided by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service's Meat Grading and Certification Branch 
remain financially self-sufficient and viable. The QSCP is a voluntary, 
audit-based program developed at the request of the industry and others 
to provide a means of verifying value-adding processes in the 
production and processing of agricultural products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows, Chief, Meat Grading and Certification 
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 
0248, Rm. 2628-South, Livestock & Seed Program, 14th & Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0248
Phone: 202 720-1113
Fax: 202 690-4119
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC08
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




177. VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG REGULATIONS; REPACKAGING OF SHELL EGGS UNDER 
USDA'S GRADING PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently about one-third of the Nation's table eggs are 
marketed under the voluntary shell egg-grading program. Shell egg 
processors that choose to use this service pay a fee to have graders in 
their plants monitor processing operations and verify the grade and 
size of eggs packaged into packages bearing the USDA grade shield. The 
proposal would provide that, in order to be officially identified with 
a USDA consumer grade shield, shell eggs must not be more than 15 days 
old (or some other period between 15 and 30 days if justified by public 
comment) and must not have been previously shipped for retail sale.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/27/99                    64 FR 40522
NPRM Comment Period End         09/27/99
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Bowden, Jr., Chief, Standardization Br., Poultry 
Programs, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
Room 3944-S, MS 0259, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-0259
Phone: 202 720-3506
Fax: 202 690-0941
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________




178. TOBACCO FEES AND CHARGES FOR PERMISSIVE INSPECTION: FEE INCREASE 
(TB-00-04 FR)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 511 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (the Department) is 
proposing to increase the fees and charges currently in force for 
permissive grading of quota and nonquota tobacco to reflect the 
increased costs of operating the program. The Tobacco Inspection Act 
requires the Secretary to fix and collect fees and charges for the 
voluntary inspection and certification of tobacco, and fees must cover, 
as nearly as practicable, the Department's costs for performing these 
services. The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing that the base 
hourly rate be

[[Page 61344]]

revised to $47.40, the overtime rate shall be revised to $54.22, and 
Sunday and holiday rate will be revised to $69.38. These fees would 
cover expenses and maintain a reserve that would meet any reasonable 
contingency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/23/01                    66 FR 28359
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/22/01
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John P. Duncan III, Deputy Administrator, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Ag Code 0280, Tobacco 
Programs, Room 502 Annex Bldg., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-
6456
Phone: 202 205-0567
Fax: 202 205-0235
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________




179. TOBACCO FEES AND CHARGES FOR MANDATORY INSPECTION: FEE INCREASE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 511 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (the Department) is 
increasing the fees and charges for mandatory inspection and 
certification of producer tobacco sold at designated auction markets. 
The current fee of $.0083 per pound has been in effect since 1995. The 
new rate will be $.0100 per pound. Due to reduced quotas, the volume of 
tobacco delivered for inspection has declined. An increase of $.0017 
per pound is necessary to adequately fund the level of service the 
industry desires.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/26/00                    65 FR 34039
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/30/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/26/00
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John P. Duncan III, Deputy Administrator, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Ag Code 0280, Tobacco 
Programs, Room 502 Annex Bldg., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-
6456
Phone: 202 205-0567
Fax: 202 205-0235
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB87
_______________________________________________________________________




180. HASS AVOCADO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER (FV-01-705)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0581-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________




181.  INCREASE IN FEES AND CHARGES FOR EGGS, POULTRY, AND 
RABBIT (PY-01-005)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 70

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to increase the 
fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit 
grading. These fees and charges are increased to cover the increase in 
salaries of Federal employees, salary increases of State employees 
cooperatively utilized in administering the program, and other 
increased agency costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/13/01                    66 FR 42456
NPRM Comment Period End         09/12/01
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry 
Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________




182.  FRESH RUSSET POTATO DIVERSION PROGRAM, 2000 CROP (FV-01-
80-01)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 612c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 80

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to establish 
a Fresh Russet Potato Diversion Program for the 2000 crop. The proposed 
program will assist fresh Russet potato growers faced with oversupplies 
and low prices by diverting potatoes to charitable institutions, or use 
as livestock feed, ethanol production, or to render them nonmarketable 
and dispose of in conformance with Federal, State, and local 
regulations. AMS expects to publish a final rule in early fall.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/13/01                    66 FR 19099
Comment Period Extended         05/16/01                    66 FR 27045
Comment Period Extended         06/12/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan Proden, Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, P.O. Box 
96456, Room 2546-South Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-4517
Fax: 202 720-2782
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC07

[[Page 61345]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




183. NATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/20/92                    57 FR 54727
ANPRM Comment Period End        01/19/93


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: James V. Falk
Phone: 202 690-4089
Fax: 202 720-4631
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________




184. CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL GRADING AND CERTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK 
FOR CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE FUTURES DELIVERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 53

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John E. VanDyke
Phone: 202 720-6231
Fax: 202 690-3732
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________




185. PROGRAM TO ASSESS ORGANIC CERTIFYING AGENCIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 37

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/09/99                    64 FR 30861
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/10/99
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/09/99


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows
Phone: 202 720-1113
Fax: 202 690-4119
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




186. REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSPECTION OF EGGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 57

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________




187. DISCONTINUE THE OFFICIAL GRADING OF IMPORTED BEEF, LAMB, VEAL, AND 
CALF CARCASSES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 
1946

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/01/00                     65 FR 4780
NPRM Comment Period End         04/03/00


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Martin E. O'Connor
Phone: 202 720-7046
Fax: 202 690-4119

RIN: 0581-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________




188. REVISION OF REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSPECTION AND GRADING 
SERVICE OF MANUFACTURED OR PROCESSED DAIRY PRODUCTS (DA-00-08)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 58

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Tracy Schonrock
Phone: 202 720-3171
Fax: 202 720-2643
Email: [email protected]

Duane R. Spomer
Phone: 202 720-7473
Fax: 202 720-2643
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________




189.  NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR MUSHROOM, 
APICULTURE, GREENHOUSE AND HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND THE 
HANDLING OF HONEY (TM-01-09)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: AMS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions for 
labeling agricultural products as organically produced and handled (7 
CFR part 205). AMS will propose production standards for mushroom, 
apiculture, and greenhouse production systems and handling standards 
for apiculture products. The proposed standards will incorporate the 
recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 
finalized at its October 2001 meeting. In June 2001, the NOSB released 
and accepted public comment on a draft version of mushroom and 
greenhouse standards. Concurrently, the NOSB implemented a task force 
to develop production and handling standards for apiculture.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal, State, Local

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

[[Page 61346]]

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Acting Program Manager, Department 
of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-South, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-7806
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________




190.  NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC 
CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: AMS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions for 
labeling of agricultural products as organically produced and handled 
(7 CFR part 205). AMS proposes to incorporate the term `aquatic animal' 
in the definition of livestock and to establish production and handling 
standards for operations that capture aquatic animals from the wild. 
AMS has defined `aquatic animal' as any finfish or shellfish used for 
human consumption, whether taken from regulated but free roaming marine 
and fresh water populations (wild captured) or propagated and raised in 
a controlled or selected environment (aquaculture). Production 
standards for operations producing aquatic animals will incorporate 
requirements for livestock origin, feed ration, health care, living 
conditions, and recordkeeping. Handling standards for such operations 
will address prevention of commingling or organically produced 
commodities and prevention of contact between organically produced and 
prohibited substances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Acting Program Manager, Department 
of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-South, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-7806
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________




191.  VOLUNTARY GRADING OF SHELL EGGS; FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT 
(PY-01-003)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reviewed the 
regulations in 7 CFR part 56 and identified changes necessary to bring 
the regulations up-to-date. AMS is proposing to update and clarify the 
voluntary shell egg grading regulations for facilities required for 
grading service, the operating requirements of plants utilizing the 
grading service, and the methods by which the grading service is 
provided.

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry 
Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




192. PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: QUALIFIED THROUGH VERIFICATION 
(QTV)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 52

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/01/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James R. Rodeheaver
Phone: 202 720-4693
Fax: 202 690-1087
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB58
_______________________________________________________________________




193. OLIVE OIL PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1217

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/19/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margaret B. Irby
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB62
_______________________________________________________________________




194. HONEY RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1240

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/01/01                    66 FR 21823
Final Action Effective          05/31/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kathie Birdsell
Phone: 202 720-4835
Fax: 202 205-2800

[[Page 61347]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________




195. VOLUNTARY GRADING OF SHELL EGGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       07/27/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: [email protected]

Martin E. O'Connor
Phone: 202 720-7046
Fax: 202 690-4119

RIN: 0581-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________




196. REVISION OF USER FEES FOR 2001 CROP COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES 
TO GROWERS (CN-00-010)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/23/01                    66 FR 20408
Final Action                    05/30/01                    66 FR 29215
Final Rule Effective            07/01/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Darryl Earnest
Phone: 202 720-2145
Fax: 202 690-1718
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB94
_______________________________________________________________________




197.  LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING: CONFIDENTIALLY GUIDELINE 
(LS-01-10)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to 
modify the reporting guideline used to protect the identity of firms 
and preserve the confidentiality of proprietary business information 
submitted by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Livestock 
Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program. The proposed modification in the 
confidentiality guideline would continue to preserve the confidential 
nature of reported livestock transactions, while enable AMS to issue 
more frequent and comprehensive reports on livestock and meat, and 
provide all segments of the livestock and meat industries with a 
greater volume of relevant information on which to base market 
decisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          08/07/01                    66 FR 41194

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Edward Van Dyke, Chief, Livestock and Grain Market 
News Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
Stop 0252, Room 2619-South, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6231
Fax: 202 690-3732
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC01
BILLING CODE 3410-02-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




198. REGULATORY STREAMLINING OF THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY'S DIRECT FARM 
LOAN PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 18

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct farm loan programs are 
still using the regulations and handbooks from the former Farmers Home 
Administration and still share many of its regulations, forms, and 
handbooks with the Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and 
the Rural Business-Cooperative Services of the Rural Development 
Agency. This is very cumbersome and confusing to both Agency employees 
and the general public. This action will move all the direct farm loan 
program regulations from 7 CFR chapter 18 to 7 CFR chapter 7 and will 
allow FSA the opportunity to rewrite and re-engineer its direct farm 
loan program regulations. This action also consolidates a number of 
actions that were previously included in the regulatory agenda under 
separate RINs: 0560-AE04, 0560-AE07, 0560-AE09, 0560-AE11, 0560-AE13, 
0560-AE14, 0560-AE15, 0560-AE37, 0560-AE87, 0560-AE88, 0560-AE90, 0560-
AE98, and 0560-AE99.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF60
_______________________________________________________________________




199. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE U.S. WAREHOUSE ACT OF 2000

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-432

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 735 to 742

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 7, 2001.
Final, Statutory, May 8, 2001.

Abstract: The U.S. Warehouse Act of 2000 replaced the existing statutes 
governing federally licensed warehouses. This action implements that 
Act and will re-write all the CFR parts governing warehouses. This will

[[Page 61348]]

make U.S. agriculture more competitive in both domestic and foreign 
markets through efficiencies and cost savings provided by today's 
computer technology and information management systems.
The Congress originally enacted the USWA in 1916, and amended it in 
1919, 1923, and 1931. However, since that time, the authorizing 
legislation for this program has seen little change.
The Warehouse Act of 2000 makes this program more relevant to today's 
agricultural marketing system. The statute and its regulations 
authorize and standardize electronic documents and allow their transfer 
from buyer to seller across State and international boundaries. This 
new paperless flow of agricultural commodities from farm gate to end-
user will provide significant savings and efficiencies.
The new USWA allows federally licensed warehouse operators to issue 
electronic warehouse receipts for any approved agricultural product, an 
authority previously granted to cotton, as well as electronically 
transmit other business documents, such as grade and weight 
certificates, certificates, bills of lading, export evidence 
certificates, and business-related documents required by letters of 
credit.
The USWA is paid for through user fees. Therefore, implementation of 
the USWA is basically budget neutral statute.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/04/01                    66 FR 46310
NPRM Comment Period End         10/04/01
Final Rule                      02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG45
_______________________________________________________________________




200.  INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act authorizes 
the Farm Service Agency to establish and carry out an interest rate 
reduction program, which provides an interest subsidy for guaranteed 
loans. The existing Interest Assistance Program is cumbersome and 
administratively expensive for lenders, causing many of them not to 
participate. The lenders that do participate use it extensively for 
many of their clients, resulting in an unbalanced and regional use of 
the program, and not always for those producers most in need of the 
assistance.
Our proposal is to reduce administrative burden for the lender, with 
the elimination of the annual needs test, to encourage non-
participating lenders to utilize the program. We also propose to reduce 
the number of years that a producer can receive an interest subsidy and 
revise the way this is determined. This reduced term will target the 
program to addressing short-term cash flow problems, and discourage use 
of the program for major expansion, capital improvements or other 
longer term purposes.
There will be no change in program funding. However, some allocated 
funds will be redirected to reach producers more in need of assistance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG46
_______________________________________________________________________




201.  NON-RECOURSE COTTON LOAN AND LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENT 
PROGRAMS; UPLAND COTTON FIRST HANDLER MARKETING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM; AND 
SEED COTTON RECOURSE LOAN PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7231; 7 USC 7234 - 7237

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Changes are proposed to the regulations that implement the 
upland cotton non-recourse loan and loan deficiency payment (LDP) 
programs at 7 CFR 1427, subpart A. These changes are being proposed to 
improve the accuracy and timeliness of producer transactions and are 
not foreseen as changing the number of program applications or the 
total value of program outlays. Rather, payment applications and loan 
settlements will be simply processed in less time, at less cost to the 
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and the cotton industry, and with a 
greater degree of accuracy. Additional editorial changes to these 
regulations are included to improve the precision of the regulations.
It also is proposed that regulations for the Upland Cotton First 
Handler Marketing Assistance Program at 7 CFR 1427, subpart B, be 
deleted because they no longer apply to the cotton program. When the 
cotton marketing loan program was established, the statute limited the 
loan repayment rate to no less than 70 percent of the loan level. If 
the world price fell below that minimum level, the difference between 
the world price and the minimum loan repayment level was to be payable 
with first handler marketing certificates provided by regulations at 
subpart B. Because there is no longer any statutory minimum to the loan 
repayment rate, the regulations at 7 CFR 1427, subpart B are no longer 
needed.
Finally, one change is proposed to 7 CFR 1427, subpart D, that adds an 
additional eligibility requirement for the seed cotton loan.
Expected Effects.
1.Reduced administrative burden for loan repayments for both FSA and 
cotton merchants.
2.Quicker release of loan collateral by CCC to the market.

[[Page 61349]]

3.Reduced CCC outlays for classification information currently 
purchased from the Agricultural Marketing Service to represent some 
cotton. For the 2000 crop, CCC paid approximately $230,000 for 
classification information. There could be a corresponding increase in 
outlays for classification information by ginners or warehouses that 
consistently have omitted this information from bale lists submitted to 
CCC.
4.Purchase of software by about 25 ginners and purchase of hardware and 
software by 6 to 8 ginners.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
Final Rule                      02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG47
_______________________________________________________________________




202.  OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1431; 7 U.S.C. 1736o; 15 U.S.C. 714 et seq.; 
PL 480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405; 7 CFR 1499; 22 CFR 211

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will establish an administrative appeals procedure 
that would be used by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) with 
respect to ocean transportation cargo loss and damage claims arising 
under shipments of agricultural commodities made available by CCC under 
various foreign donation programs. Whether or not title to the 
commodities has passed from CCC to a cooperating sponsor, which may be 
a foreign government, private voluntary organization, or private 
entity, CCC either retains the right or may be assigned the right to 
initiate, prosecute, and with certain limited exceptions retain the 
proceeds of cargo loss and damage claims. This proposed rule sets forth 
the administrative appeal system to be used in resolving these claims. 
The proposed rule would require that any recipient of CCC-donated 
commodities must include in the contract for the ocean transportation 
of the commodities a provision that the ocean carrier must agree to 
participate in this administrative appeal process.
The current process requires CCC to file suit against ocean carriers in 
U.S. District Court to pursue claims that CCC is not able to settle 
through negotiations. CCC currently does not have an established 
administrative appeal process to handle the internal review of these 
cargo claims before the claims are referred to the U.S. Department of 
Justice for collection through litigation. The total amount of these 
claims is approximately $20 million including $10 million that has been 
referred to the Department of Justice. Based upon a review of the 
programs under which these claims arise, CCC has determined that an 
administrative appeals system is necessary in order to: (1) Provide a 
more uniform treatment of these types of claims; (2) handle these types 
of claims in a manner that is more consistent with the manner in which 
other CCC claims are handled; and (3) ensure compliance with the Debt 
Collection Improvement Act of 1996.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
Final Rule                      02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG49
_______________________________________________________________________




203.  RESCHEDULING GUARANTEED LOANS WITH BALLOON PAYMENTS, 
CLARIFICATION OF ANNUAL ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARANTEED LENDERS, 
AND SUBORDINATION REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will revise FSA regulations to allow the 
rescheduling of guaranteed loans with balloon payments if adequate 
security is available, eliminate inconsistencies in the CFR regarding 
annual analysis requirements for lenders, and clarify subordination 
requirements when no additional debt is incurred.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
Final Rule                      05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG53
_______________________________________________________________________




204.  GENERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING COMMODITY LOANS FOR 1998 
AND SUBSEQUENT CROPS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-224; PL 106-387

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action is needed for the clarification of the Marketing 
Assistance Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment Regulations for the 1998 
through 2002 Crops of Wheat, Feed Grain, Rice, Oilseed (Canola, Crambe, 
Flaxseed, Mustard Seed, Rape Seed, Safflower, Soybean and Sunflower). 
Through this action we propose to reorganize the current regulations 
and

[[Page 61350]]

simplify language for better understanding.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG54
_______________________________________________________________________




205.  PROMPT DISASTER SET-ASIDE CONSIDERATION AND PRIMARY LOAN 
SERVICING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency has found that a Disaster Set Aside (DSA) (7 CFR 
part 1951, subpart T) is often used to correct defaults when the 
account should have been serviced under the delinquent account 
restructuring regulations in 7 CFR part 1951, subpart S, commonly 
referred to as `Primary Loan Servicing,' (PLS). Current regulations are 
not clear on when a DSA is not appropriate versus PLS. When finalized, 
the rule approved under this workplan will amend the regulations under 
7 CFR part 1951 to require that Primary Loan Servicing be considered 
before a loan default is corrected using a DSA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
Final Rule                      07/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG56
_______________________________________________________________________




206.  2002-CROP PEANUTS NATIONAL POUNDAGE QUOTA FOR QUOTA 
PEANUTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1358-1; PL 101-624; PL 103-66; PL 104-127

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 729; 7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1446

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, December 15, 2001, Announcement of 
Quota.

Abstract: The objective of the peanut quota is to balance supply with 
demand at a level that will assure stable supplies for domestic use and 
assure producers a stable income. This action is required by statute, 
which provides a formula for computing the national quota based on the 
Secretary's estimate of the amount of peanuts required for domestic 
food and related uses for the 2002 marketing year. The 2002 marketing 
year is from August 1, 2002, through July 31, 2003. The Peanut Program, 
which includes the poundage quota, price support, and export policies, 
will result in gross outlays of $42.6 million that are expected to be 
offset by repayments and assessments in FY 2002 and subsequent years 
for a net cost of 0.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
Final Rule                      02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG57
_______________________________________________________________________




207.  2002-CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR 
FIVE KINDS OF TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1312; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, March 1, 2002, Announcement of 
marketing quotas.

Abstract: Marketing quotas/acreage allotments and price support are 
required by statute for these kinds of tobacco: Fire-cured (type 21), 
Fire-cured (types 22-23), Dark Air-cured (types 35-36), Virginia sun-
cured (type 37), and Cigar Filler and Binder (types 42-44 and 53-55). 
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. Producers approved quotas for the 2002 crops of fire-cured 
(types 21-23), dark air-cured (types 35-36) and sun-cured (type 37) in 
March 2001. Cigar filler and binder (types 42-44 and 53-55) were 
approved in March 1999. Price support levels are also set by statutory 
formula. The Secretary may reduce the level at the request of producer 
associations, and may limit increases to 65 percent of the formula 
increase. Gross loan outlays of $1 million are expected in FY 2002, to 
be offset by loan redemptions and no-net-cost assessments in FY 2002 
and subsequent years, for a net cost of 0.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
Final Rule                      05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851

[[Page 61351]]

Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG58
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




208. PART 1946 MEDIATION; SUBPART A--AGRICULTURAL LOAN MEDIATION PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 7 USC 301; PL 103-354, sec 282; PL 106-
472, sec 306

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1946 subpart A

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 13, 1994.

Abstract: Legislation expanded the State Mediation Programs to include 
wetland determinations, conservation compliance, and other issues the 
Secretary deems appropriate. This action will establish procedures for 
certification and for administering the matching grant program, and set 
out the Department's duties to participate in such programs. The USDA 
Reorganization Act of 1994 requires mediation to be a part of the 
informal hearing process when an officer, employee, or committee of an 
agency makes an adverse decision. The legislation also requires 
certification of a State's Mediation Program in order to participate in 
mediation pursuant to a State's Certified Mediation Program and to 
enable a State to receive a Federal matching grant(s) to be used for 
the operation and administration of the program. The Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 1992 increased the percentage of grants to 70 
percent from 50 percent of the cost of a State's program, limited to 
$500,000, whichever is the lesser. The Reorganization Act of 1994 
extended the mediation program authority through fiscal year 2000. The 
Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-472) 
re-authorizes the mediation program by extending it until 2005, 
clarifies that funds appropriated by Congress to the mediation program 
be used for farm credit cases, including USDA direct and guaranteed 
loans and loans from commercial entities, and stresses that mediation 
services can facilitate counseling services to prepare farmers prior to 
mediation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/09/99                    64 FR 61034
NPRM Comment Period End         01/10/00
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State

Additional Information: This entry was reported as RIN 0575-AB91 prior 
to the reorganization of USDA.

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AE26
_______________________________________________________________________




209. DAIRY RECOURSE LOAN PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7252

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1430

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 142 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform 
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7252) requires USDA, through the CCC, to offer 
recourse loans for dairy products beginning on January 1, 2000. The 
objective of the program is to assist processors in managing their 
inventories of eligible dairy products and thereby increase price 
stability for the dairy industry. The current regulations were 
promulgated as final without public review or comment, as mandated, as 
part of the implementation of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
Reform Act of 1996. A notice of proposed rulemaking sought public 
review and comment on the terms and conditions of the dairy recourse 
loan program as currently provided in the regulations. Industry 
representatives have questioned the advisability of several provisions 
in the current regulation. No cost is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/22/99                    64 FR 39442
NPRM Comment Period End         09/07/99
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AF41
_______________________________________________________________________




210. LAMB MEAT ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 612c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 784

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This program will provide monetary assistance to eligible 
sheep and lamb producers who have recently experienced record low 
prices and poor market conditions due the recent surge of low-priced, 
imported lamb meat. Lamb meat is being imported into the United States 
in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of threat of 
serious injury to the domestic lamb meat industry. During the first 
year of the program, benefits will be provided to eligible sheep and 
lamb producers throughout the United States based on the number of rams 
purchased, the number of sheep enrolled in the National Sheep 
Improvement Program, and the cost of

[[Page 61352]]

lambing facility improvements during the period August 1, 1999, through 
July 31, 2000. During the second and third year, benefits will be 
provided to eligible sheep and lamb producers throughout the United 
States based on the number of slaughter lamb and feeder lamb marketed, 
grade, weight, and muscling during the period August 1, 2000, through 
July 31, 2002. The expected cost is $30 million.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    06/19/00
Interim Final Rule              06/21/00                    65 FR 38412
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/21/00
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG17
_______________________________________________________________________




211. REDUCTION OF AMORTIZED SHARED APPRECIATION RECAPTURE INTEREST RATE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 87-128; PL 106-387

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 761; 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1927; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 
1943; 7 CFR 1945

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency is amending the regulations regarding 
Shared Appreciation Agreement recapture amortization and 
reamortization. This modification is necessary because the Agriculture, 
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act amended the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act to reduce the rate applicable to amortizations from the current 
Homestead Protection Program Rate (currently 6.5%) to 1% less than that 
rate. No change in outlays is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Tribal

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG43
_______________________________________________________________________




212. COLLECTING GUARANTEED LOSS PAYMENTS FROM FSA FARM LOAN PROGRAM 
BORROWERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 3716

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will revise FSA regulations to provide that any 
amounts paid by FSA on account of a guaranteed loan borrower will 
constitute a Federal debt owed to FSA by the guaranteed loan borrower. 
The rule will not affect any guaranteed borrowers who have had loss 
claims paid on their guaranteed loans at the present time. Under the 
new rule, when farmers apply for a guaranteed loan, they will sign a 
loan application, which includes a section entitled `Federal Debt,' in 
which they agree that any amounts paid by FSA on account of the 
liabilities of the guaranteed loan borrower will constitute a Federal 
debt owed to FSA by the guaranteed loan borrower. In such cases, FSA 
may use all remedies available to it, including offset under the Debt 
Collection Improvement Act, to collect the debt from the borrower. It 
will affect only those guaranteed borrowers who have a loss claim paid 
by FSA to the lender from whom they received a guaranteed loan. 
Currently, there are approximately 40,000 guaranteed farm loan 
borrowers with 67,000 loans. Approximately 1,200 loss claims are paid 
on guaranteed loans per year, and approximately 100 of those loans are 
discharged in bankruptcy, leaving approximately 1,100 loans that could 
be considered for offset.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG44
_______________________________________________________________________




213.  TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTAS, CARDS, PENALTY PROVISIONS, 
RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1311 et seq.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend several sections of the tobacco 
marketing quota regulations to accommodate the implementation of an 
improved tobacco market reporting system, consisting mainly of non-
auction receiving stations, which are common delivery points for non-
auction purchases of flu-cured and burley tobacco. The new reporting 
system is necessary because an extremely large percentage of the 2001 
flue-cured and burley crops is expected to be sold non-auction through 
private contact arrangements. The new system will allow for electronic 
reporting and paperwork reduction and will facilitate the tracking and 
monitoring of producer marketings, which will aid in assuring the 
integrity of the marketing quota system. Receiving stations are 
technically dealers, but a system similar to the warehouse system is 
needed due to the large volume of transactions. Warehouse operators and 
receiving stations will be given advance information through the flue-
cured and burley tobacco designation programs as to the amount of 
tobacco that will be

[[Page 61353]]

marketed and the farms from which the tobacco will be delivered. Some 
cost-savings will accrue to producers, warehouses and receiving 
stations, and USDA due to more efficient collection of marketing 
information.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG52
_______________________________________________________________________




214.  2002-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR 
BURLEY TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1314; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, February 1, 2002, Announcement of 
marketing quotas.

Abstract: The burley tobacco marketing quota and price support are 
required by statute. The purpose of the quota and price support 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, a loan stocks adjustment, and a 
discretionary adjustment of plus or minus 3 percent. The price support 
level 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 approved the program in a 
referendum for this kind of tobacco held in February 2001. Net receipts 
of $10 million in FY 2003 are expected to be offset by loan repayments 
and no-net-cost assessments in FY 2003 and subsequent years, for a net 
cost of 0.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG59
_______________________________________________________________________




215.  2002-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR 
FLUE-CURED TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1314; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, December 15, 2001, Announcement of 
marketing quotas.

Abstract: The flue-cured tobacco marketing quota and price support are 
required by statute. The purpose of the quota and price support 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, a loan stocks adjustment, and a 
discretionary adjustment of plus or minus 3 percent. The price support 
level 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. Growers approved the program in a 
referendum in January 2001. Net receipts of $10 million in FY 2002 and 
2003 are expected to be offset by loan repayments and no-net-cost 
assessments in FY 2003 and subsequent years, for a net cost of 0.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG60
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




216. 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-Part 1421                   To Be                       Determined
NPRM-Part 1423                   To Be                       Determined
NPRM-Part 1427                   To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AE50

[[Page 61354]]

_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AE54
_______________________________________________________________________




218. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF22
_______________________________________________________________________




219. AMENDMENT TO THE FARM RECONSTITUTION REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 718

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/04/00                     65 FR 5444
NPRM Comment Period End         03/06/00
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF36
_______________________________________________________________________




220. 1999-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF50
_______________________________________________________________________




221. REMOVE INTERNAL AGENCY PROVISIONS FROM FSA FARM CREDIT PROGRAM 
REGULATIONS FOR LIQUIDATION OF LOANS SECURED BY REAL ESTATE AND 
ACQUISITION OF REAL AND CHATTEL PROPERTY

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1955

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF53
_______________________________________________________________________




222. LOW DOCUMENTATION LOAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1941

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/09/01                     66 FR 1570
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/09/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/12/01
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF71
_______________________________________________________________________




223. STREAMLINING OF THE EMERGENCY FARM LOAN PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1945

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/12/00                    65 FR 54973
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/00
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF72
_______________________________________________________________________




224. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM REGULATIONS 
REGARDING LAND ELIGIBILITY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1410

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF77

[[Page 61355]]

_______________________________________________________________________




225. 2000-CROP PEANUTS NATIONAL POUNDAGE QUOTA, NATIONAL AVERAGE LOAN 
RATES FOR QUOTA AND ADDITIONAL PEANUTS AND MINIMUM EXPORT-EDIBLE SALES 
PRICE FOR ADDITIONAL PEANUTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 729; 7 CFR 1446

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/30/99                    64 FR 66790
NPRM Comment Period End         12/10/99
Quota Announcement              12/13/99
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF83
_______________________________________________________________________




226. 2000-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR FLUE-CURED 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Quota Announcement              12/15/99


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF84
_______________________________________________________________________




227. DISASTER SET-ASIDE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/17/00                    65 FR 31248
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/17/00
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF91
_______________________________________________________________________




228. DESIGNATION OF NON-AUCTION TOBACCO

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG07
_______________________________________________________________________




229. AGRICULTURAL DISASTER AND MARKET ASSISTANCE

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1411; 7 CFR 1427; 7 CFR 1439; 7 CFR 1464; 7 CFR 
1478

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/00                    65 FR 36550
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/10/00
Correction                      08/01/00                    65 FR 47840
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG14
_______________________________________________________________________




230. NONINSURED CROP DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REGULATIONS FOR THE 
2001 AND SUCCEEDING CROP YEARS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1437

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG20
_______________________________________________________________________




231. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG26
_______________________________________________________________________




232. 2001-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR FLUE-CURED 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG28

[[Page 61356]]

_______________________________________________________________________




233. 2001-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG29
_______________________________________________________________________




234. 2001-CROP MARKETING AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR FIVE KINDS OF 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG30
_______________________________________________________________________




235. 2001-CROP PEANUTS NATIONAL POUNDAGE QUOTA, NATIONAL AVERAGE LOAN 
RATES FOR 2001-CROP QUOTA AND ADDITIONAL PEANUTS AND MINIMUM EXPORT 
EDIBLE SALES PRICE FOR ADDITIONAL PEANUTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 729; 7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1446

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Announcement                    12/15/00
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG31
_______________________________________________________________________




236. LIVESTOCK INDEMNITY PROGRAM AND LIVESTOCK INDEMNITY PROGRAM FOR 
CONTRACT GROWERS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule: LIP-CG              12/29/00                    65 FR 82892
NPRM: LIP 2000                  03/07/01                    66 FR 13679
NPRM Comment Period End: LIP 
2000                            04/06/01
Final Rule: LIP 2000             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG33
_______________________________________________________________________




237. CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM--FAILURE TO ESTABLISH COVER AND GOOD 
FAITH RELIANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1410

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/15/01                    66 FR 15048
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/01
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG37
_______________________________________________________________________




238. CONSERVATION OF FARMABLE WETLANDS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1410

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG38
_______________________________________________________________________




239. TOBACCO LOSS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND AMENDMENTS TO THE TOBACCO 
MARKETING QUOTA REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG40
_______________________________________________________________________




240. COLLECTION OF APPRAISAL FEES FOR FARM LOAN PROGRAMS, INSURED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 761; 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1927; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 
1945; ...

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG42

[[Page 61357]]

_______________________________________________________________________




241.  ELIMINATION OF 30-DAY PAST-DUE PERIOD FOR FARM LOAN 
PROGRAM BORROWERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3716; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, borrowers are considered `past due' for the first 
30 days after a missed Farm Loan Program (FLP) payment and are then 
`delinquent.' This is not consistent with the terminology used by Farm 
Programs (FP), which considers borrowers `delinquent' immediately after 
a missed payment. This action will eliminate the 30-day past due period 
prior to delinquency. In addition to clarification and consistency, 
this change would allow FLP borrowers to receive debt write-down on the 
day after a missed payment, assuming all other primary loan servicing 
criteria are met, instead of waiting 31 days. This change will also 
clarify the use of the word delinquent with regard to all servicing and 
offsets. The rule will not affect the statutorily required `90 days 
past due' criteria that is currently used to determine the onset of 
primary loan servicing. This rule will not significantly affect costs 
for either the government or borrowers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG50
_______________________________________________________________________




242.  TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTAS, ACREAGE ALLOTMENTS AND 
PRODUCTION ADJUSTMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1311 et seq; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will require that burley tobacco producers 
designate their quota tobacco to a specific auction warehouse, buying 
company, or dealer as a condition for receiving price support. This 
action is a recommendation of the Burley Tobacco Advisory Committee and 
will establish a Grower Designation Program for burley tobacco similar 
to a program for flue-cured tobacco that has been in operation since 
1974. The purpose of the program will to be to improve the marketing of 
burley tobacco by enabling more efficient staffing of warehouses with 
warehouse employees and government inspectors. Designation of burley 
tobacco is expected to take place June 1, 2001, through August 1, 2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG51
_______________________________________________________________________




243.  AMENDMENT TO THE REGULATIONS FOR DETERMINING ACREAGE FOR 
SKIP-ROW COTTON

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1373; 7 USC 1374; 7 USC 7201; 15 USC 714(b) and 
(c); 21 USC 889

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 718.107

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the regulations for determining 
acreage for acreage-based program payments such as crop insurance and 
disaster payments. Program regulations provide that cotton acreage 
planted in a `skip-row' pattern should be factored when determining 
program payments. The current regulations defining skip rows allows 
some producers to take advantage of the provisions and devise cotton 
planting patterns that are considered solidly planted, and thus inflate 
their program payment acreage. This rule will close that loophole. 
Program payments using acreage determinations based on skip-row 
planting patterns will be more equitably distributed and crop insurance 
payments will be more accurate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG55

[[Page 61358]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       10/05/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AE33
_______________________________________________________________________




245. SMALL HOG OPERATION PAYMENT PLAN

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 761

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

No Further Action To Be Taken   10/05/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AF70
_______________________________________________________________________




246. NORTHEAST INTERSTATE DAIRY COMPACT

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1430

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       10/09/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG25
_______________________________________________________________________




247.  SUGAR PAYMENT-IN-KIND (PIK) DIVERSION PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant

Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1308a

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Sugar Program costs may increase because the FY 2001 
Appropriations Act requires that CCC offer nonrecourse loans, which 
provide processors with the option of forfeiting sugar pledged as 
collateral. Processors may continue to exercise this option given the 
outlook for continued excess supply of sugar in domestic markets, a 
793,000-ton, raw value, CCC sugar inventory, and the absence of a CCC 
inventory disposal plan. The risk, magnitude, and cost of potential 
forfeitures would be reduced if the Secretary has the ability, by means 
of a Sugar PIK Diversion Program, to replace sugar on the domestic 
market made from harvested sugar beets with sugar from CCC's inventory. 
A Sugar PIK Diversion Program would help restore balance to the sugar 
market and reduce CCC's sugar acquisition and storage costs. Without 
implementation of this Program, domestic sugar supplies are expected to 
exceed domestic demand requirements, leaving prices at low levels and 
increasing the likelihood of a second consecutive year of forfeitures 
in FY 2001. These forfeitures of sugar would increase CCC's current 
monthly storage costs of almost $1.4 million.
This option would enable the Secretary to achieve savings of $6.66 
million annually based on the results of the FY 2000 PIK Diversion 
Program. The FY 2000 PIK Program produced a $555,000 reduction in 
monthly CCC storage costs and diverted about 7 percent of sugarbeet 
acreage from production. Reintroduction of the PIK Program in FY 2001 
has received encouragement from growers and processors, who strongly 
supported the FY 2000 PIK Diversion Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          09/12/01                    66 FR 47447

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 6734-S, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG48
BILLING CODE 3410-05-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




248. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND 
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture 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. We intend to develop amendments to the marine mammal standards 
on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking 
conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. The amendments would be 
to standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, outdoor 
facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as swim-
with-the-dolphins programs. These actions appear necessary to ensure 
that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, 
and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current 
general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.

[[Page 61359]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




249. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2260; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 
7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731; 7 USC 7734; 7 USC 7751; 7 USC 7754; 19 USC 
1306; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 
4331 to 4332

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 330

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is undertaking rulemaking 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 regulated 
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. This action 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                            10/09/01                    66 FR 51340
NPRM Comment Period End         12/10/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Robert Flanders, Permits and Risk Assessment, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1228
Phone: 301 734-5930

RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




250. PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENT BY IONIZING ENERGY OF IMPORTED FRESH FRUITS 
AND VEGETABLES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319.56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish ionizing energy (irradiation) 
as a new treatment alternative for the importation of certain fresh 
fruits and vegetables. Ionizing energy would be allowed as an 
alternative to mitigation measures that are required to control certain 
species of fruit flies in a variety of imported fruits and vegetables. 
If this proposal is adopted, importers of certain fruits and vegetables 
will have an additional alternative to the currently approved 
treatments, such as fumigation and cold treatment, for treating their 
articles. No net societal gains and losses other than small price-
related changes are expected from this rulemaking.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Policy Statement for Irradiation 
Treatment of Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables                      05/15/98                    63 FR 24433
Proposed Rule                   05/26/00                    65 FR 34113
Comment Period End              07/25/00
Proposed Rule (Supplemental 
Monitoring)                     01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donna L. West, Import Specialist, Phytosanitary Issues 
Management Team, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AA97
_______________________________________________________________________




251. IMPORTATION OF SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is undertaking rulemaking to strengthen restrictions on 
the importation of solid wood packing material (e.g., crates, dunnage, 
wooden spools, pallets, packing blocks) into the United States. 
Imported solid wood packing material (SWPM) has been linked to 
introductions of exotic plant pests, such as the pine shoot beetle and 
the Asian longhorned beetle. These and other plant pests that could be 
carried by imported SWPM pose a serious threat to U.S. agriculture and 
to natural, cultivated, and urban forests. SWPM accompanies nearly all 
types of imported commodities, from fruits and vegetables to machinery 
and electrical equipment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/20/99                     64 FR 3049
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/22/99
Notice                          07/07/99                    64 FR 36608
Comment Period End              09/07/99
Notice                          10/17/00                    65 FR 61301
Proposed Rule                   09/00/02
Comment Period End              11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

[[Page 61360]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register, and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Robert Flanders, Permits and Risk Assessment, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1228
Phone: 301 734-5930

RIN: 0579-AA99
_______________________________________________________________________




252. BLOOD AND TISSUE COLLECTION AT LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTERING 
ESTABLISHMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 111 to 113; 21 USC 114a to 114a-1; 21 USC 115 
to 117; 21 USC 120 to 126; 21 USC 134b; 21 USC 134f

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are considering establishing requirements for the 
collection of blood and tissue samples from livestock (horses, cattle, 
bison, sheep, and swine) and poultry at slaughter establishments when 
it is necessary for disease surveillance. Under this proposal, any 
person who moves an animal interstate for slaughter could only move the 
animal to a slaughter establishment that has been approved by the 
Administrator. The Administrator would approve a slaughter 
establishment after determining that it is not necessary to conduct 
testing at the establishment or determining that it is necessary to 
conduct testing at the establishment and the establishment provides 
space and facilities to collect blood and tissue samples for disease 
testing. This collection of blood and tissue samples would enable us to 
identify animals at slaughter that are affected by various communicable 
diseases. This change would affect persons moving animals interstate 
for slaughter, slaughter plants that receive animals in interstate 
commerce, and in cases where an animal that tests positive can be 
successfully traced back to its herd or flock of origin, the owners of 
such herds or flocks. The long-term effects of this change would be to 
improve surveillance programs for animal diseases and to contribute to 
the eventual control or eradication of such diseases.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, VS, 
National Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4363

RIN: 0579-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________




253. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 
to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate 
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States 
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign 
regions. This proposed rule would amend our regulations to require that 
a phytosanitary certificate accompany all fruits and vegetables 
imported into the United States, with certain exceptions. This proposal 
would include commercial produce imported into the United States, as 
well as fruits and vegetables brought in by travelers. We would exempt 
from this requirement fruits and vegetables that are dried, cured, 
frozen, or processed, as well as fruits and vegetables that travelers 
and shoppers bring into the United States for personal use through land 
ports-of-entry located along the Canadian and Mexican borders. If 
implemented, this proposal would require changes in the practices of 
importers and travelers who bring produce into the United States from 
other countries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
Comment Period End              10/29/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




254. BEES, BEEKEEPING BYPRODUCTS, AND BEEKEEPING EQUIPMENT (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 281; 7 USC 7701 to 7772

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 322

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise the regulations for the importation of 
honeybees and honeybee semen. Among other things, we propose to allow, 
under certain conditions, the importation into the United States of 
honeybees from Australia and honeybees and honeybee germ plasm from New 
Zealand. We also propose changes to make these regulations more 
consistent with standards established by the Office International des 
Epizooties, to update them to reflect current research and terminology, 
and to simplify them and make them more useful.
In addition, we propose to combine the regulations for the importation 
of honeybees and honeybee semen with the regulations established to 
prevent the introduction of exotic bee diseases and parasites through 
the importation of bees other than honeybees, certain beekeeping 
byproducts, and used beekeeping equipment. This change would make the 
regulations more useful by consolidating all of the requirements 
related to the importation of bees, beekeeping byproducts, and used 
beekeeping equipment into one part.

[[Page 61361]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   01/00/02
Comment Period End              03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Wayne Wheling, Permits and Risk Assessment, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1228
Phone: 301 734-8757

RIN: 0579-AB20
_______________________________________________________________________




255. VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC USER FEES--5-YEAR PLAN FOR FEES (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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; 21 USC 134c to 134d; 
21 USC 134f; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716; 31 USC 3717; 
31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.4

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 130

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing user fees for multiple fiscal years for 
APHIS' Veterinary Services' veterinary diagnostic user fee goods and 
services. We are proposing this action in order to ensure that we 
recover the full costs of providing these goods and services.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donna Ford, User Fee Section Head, FSSB, BASE, MRPBS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8351

RIN: 0579-AB22
_______________________________________________________________________




256. NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 7 CFR 2.22; 
7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.3

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 300; 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations for importing 
nursery stock to provide additional treatment certifications for the 
importation of niger seed and lilac, to reflect recent changes in plant 
taxonomy and pest distributions, and to make various changes to the 
requirements for postentry quarantine of imported plants. We are also 
proposing several other amendments to update and clarify the 
regulations and improve their effectiveness.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB23
_______________________________________________________________________




257.  DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE NOXIOUS WEEDS PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 360

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are requesting comments on a draft document titled `Draft 
Action Plan for the Noxious Weeds Program' that we have developed. The 
draft document recommends specific changes to the noxious weeds 
regulatory program, including changes to the noxious weeds regulations. 
Because these recommendations may form the basis for future rulemaking, 
we are requesting public comments on the draft document so that we may 
consider any relevant public input before taking further action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          02/00/02
Comment Period End              04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Alan V. Tasker, National Weed Program Coordinator, 
Invasive Species and Pest Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5225

RIN: 0579-AB30
_______________________________________________________________________




258.  SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS PHAGE-TYPE 4; REMOVE IMPORT 
RESTRICTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7751; 7 USC 7754; 
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; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 
2.80; 7 CFR 371.4

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations to remove import 
restrictions on eggs (other than hatching eggs) of poultry, game birds, 
and other birds from regions where Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 
exists. Previously, Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 had not been 
isolated in the United States; therefore, those import restrictions 
were necessary to help prevent Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 from 
being introduced into this country. However, Salmonella enteritidis 
phage-type 4 is now known to be present in the United States. This 
proposed rule would eliminate unnecessary trade restrictions on other 
regions where Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 exists.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   03/00/02

[[Page 61362]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Michael David, Asst. Director, Sanitary 
International Standards Team, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 33, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8093

RIN: 0579-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________




259.  STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE 
FACILITIES (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 19 USC 1306; 21 USC 102 to 105; 21 USC 
111; 21 USC 114a; 21 USC 134a to 134d; 21 USC 134f; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 
31 USC 9701; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.4

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to place in the regulations standards for 
permanent privately-owned quarantine facilities for horses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. James P. Davis, Senior Staff Veterinarian, VS, 
National Center for Import/Export, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 39, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________




260.  FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




261.  CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT 
RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




262. IMPORTATION OF FUJI APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 
to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56-2cc

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would amend the regulations that allow Fuji 
variety apples to be imported into the United States. It would allow 
Fuji variety apples to be imported from the Republic of Korea under a 
systems approach, including strict cultural control conditions, from 
certified orchards. This action 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 certified orchards in the Republic of Korea would be 
subject would reduce the risk of pest introduction to a negligible 
level.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   04/26/00                    65 FR 24423
Comment Period End              06/26/00
Comment Period Extended         08/22/00                    65 FR 50937
Comment Period End              10/23/00
Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________




263. ANIMAL WELFARE; INSPECTION, LICENSING, AND PROCUREMENT OF ANIMALS 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would make several amendments to the Animal 
Welfare Act regulations to clarify them and improve their 
enforceability. In addition, it would amend a number of administrative 
procedures to make them more efficient. We believe these actions are 
necessary to help ensure compliance with the regulations and the Animal 
Welfare Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   08/04/00                    65 FR 47908
Comment Period End              10/03/00
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 0579-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________




264. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES FROM MEXICO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to

[[Page 61363]]

7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.3

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.40

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would add restrictions on the importation of pine 
and fir logs and lumber, as well as other unmanufactured wood articles, 
from Mexico. These wood articles from Mexico would have to meet certain 
treatment and handling requirements to be eligible for importation into 
the United States. We believe this action is necessary to prevent the 
introduction into the United States of dangerous plant pests, including 
forest pests, with unmanufactured wood articles from Mexico.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   06/11/99                    64 FR 31512
Comment Period End              08/10/99
Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________




265. COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION OF EQUINES TO SLAUGHTER

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1901

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 70; 9 CFR 88 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish regulations pertaining to the 
commercial transportation of equines to slaughter. The purpose of these 
regulations is to establish minimum standards to ensure the humane 
movement of equines to slaughter via commercial transportation. We are 
proposing these regulations to fulfill our responsibility under the 
1996 Farm Bill to regulate the commercial transportation of equines to 
slaughter by persons regularly engaged in that activity within the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   05/19/99                    64 FR 27210
Comment Period End              07/19/99
Final Rule                      01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Timothy R. Cordes, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
National Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-3279

RIN: 0579-AB06
_______________________________________________________________________




266. IMPORTATION OF UNSHU ORANGES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 
to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.28

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the 
importation of citrus fruit to allow, under certain conditions, Unshu 
oranges grown on Kyushu Island, Japan, to be imported into the United 
States. We are also proposing to amend the regulations for importing 
Unshu oranges from Honshu Island, Japan, by requiring fumigation using 
methyl bromide prior to exportation and by allowing the fruit to be 
imported into commercial citrus-producing areas of the United States. 
In addition, we are proposing to remove the requirement for 
individually wrapping Unshu oranges imported from Japan or the Republic 
of Korea. These actions would relieve restrictions on the importation 
into and distribution within the United States of Unshu oranges without 
presenting a significant risk of introducing citrus canker or other 
diseases or pests of plants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   04/18/01                    66 FR 19892
Comment Period End              06/18/01
Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Inder Paul Gadh, Senior Staff Officer, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB17
_______________________________________________________________________




267. PLUM POX COMPENSATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 7 USC 7731; 
7 USC 7735; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; sec 301.75-15 also issued under sec 
204, title II, PL 106-113; 113 Stat. 1501A-293; sec 301.75-15 and 
301.75.16 also issued under sec 203; title II, PL 106-224, 114 Stat. 
400 (7 USC 1421 note)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301.74-5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS has published an interim rule amending its plum pox 
regulations to provide for the payment of compensation to the owners of 
commercial stone fruit orchards and fruit tree nurseries who had stone 
fruit trees or nursery stock destroyed in order to control plum pox. 
The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic 
impact of the plum pox quarantine on affected commercial stone fruit 
growers and fruit tree nursery owners. APHIS anticipates finalizing 
this interim rule after addressing the comments received.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/14/00                    65 FR 55431
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/13/00
Final Rule                      01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Operations Officer, Program Support 
Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB19

[[Page 61364]]

_______________________________________________________________________




268. ANIMAL WELFARE; POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT ENHANCEMENT FOR NONHUMAN 
PRIMATES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3.81

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS' Animal Welfare Act regulations require that dealers, 
exhibitors, and research facilities that maintain nonhuman primates 
develop and follow a plan for environment enhancement adequate to 
promote the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates.
APHIS is preparing a final policy statement to provide guidance on what 
we believe must be considered and included in the plan in order for 
dealers, exhibitors, and research facilities to adequately promote the 
psychological well-being of nonhuman primates. This final policy 
statement addresses the comments received in response to our draft 
policy statement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Draft Policy Statement          07/15/99                    64 FR 38145
Comment Period End              10/13/99
Final Policy Statement          12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0579-AB25
_______________________________________________________________________




269.  IMPORTATION PROHIBITIONS BECAUSE OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM 
ENCEPHALOPATHY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7751; 7 USC 7754; 
18 USC 1306; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 134b to 134c; 21 USC 134f; 21 USC 136 
to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.4

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94.18; 9 CFR 95.1; 9 CFR 95.4; 9 CFR 95.29 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim rule prohibits, with limited exceptions, the 
importation of certain animal materials and their derivatives, and any 
products they are used in, from regions considered to present an 
unacceptable risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) 
into the United States. Additionally, it requires that those materials, 
when imported from regions not considered at risk for BSE, be 
accompanied by Government certification regarding the species, region 
of origin, processing, and handling of the materials and the animals 
from which they were derived. These actions are necessary to ensure 
that materials containing the BSE agent are not imported into the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

IRM Retroactively Effective     12/07/00
Interim Final Rule              08/14/01                    66 FR 42595
Sec 95.29 Effective             08/14/01
Comment Period End              10/15/01
Interim Final Rule              03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Donna L. Malloy, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Technical Trade Services, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 38, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-3277

RIN: 0579-AB26
_______________________________________________________________________




270.  INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SWINE WITHIN A PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 111 to 113; 21 USC 114a to 114a-1; 21 USC 115 
to 117; 21 USC 120 to 126; 21 USC 134b; 21 USC 134f; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 
2.80; 7 CFR 371.4

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71; 9 CFR 85

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are establishing an alternative to the current 
requirements for moving swine interstate. Under this alternative, 
persons may move swine interstate without meeting individual swine 
identification and certain other requirements if they move the swine 
within a single swine production system, and if swine producers 
participating in that system sign agreements with the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service and involved State governments to monitor the 
health of animals moving within the swine production system and to 
facilitate traceback of these animals if necessary. This action will 
facilitate the interstate movement of swine while continuing to provide 
protection against the interstate spread of swine diseases. This action 
will affect persons engaged in swine production against the interstate 
spread of swine diseases. This action will affect persons engaged in 
swine production who regularly move swine interstate in their business 
operations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   09/21/00                    65 FR 57106
Comment Period End              11/20/00
Final Rule                      01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dr. Arnold C. Taft, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National 
Animal Health Programs Staff, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4916

RIN: 0579-AB28
_______________________________________________________________________




271.  ANIMALS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS; PAYMENT OF 
INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 111 to 114a-1; 21 USC 120 to 121; 21 USC 125; 
21 USC 134b

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will provide that APHIS will pay owners of 
animals destroyed because of bovine tuberculosis an indemnity equal to 
the difference between the net salvage received and the appraisal value 
of the animals destroyed up to $3,000 per animal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/00/02

[[Page 61365]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0579-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________




272.  BLACK STEM RUST; ADDITION OF RUST-RESISTANT VARIETIES 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 7 USC 7731; 
7 USC 7735; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 7 CFR 2.22; 7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.3

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to add 32 new varieties to the list of rust-
resistant varieties of Berberis, Mahoberberis, or Mahonia spp. We are 
also proposing to update the regulations to reflect changes to the 
variety listing process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   04/07/98                    63 FR 16908
Comment Period End              05/22/98
Proposed Rule; Withdrawal and 
Reproposal                      06/14/01                    66 FR 32268
Comment Period End              08/13/01
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Vedpal S. Malik, National Karnal Bunt Coordinator, 
PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6774

RIN: 0579-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




273. IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN EMBRYOS AND ANIMAL SEMEN (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Roger Perkins
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________




274. ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR HOG CHOLERA, 
FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE, AND SWINE VESICULAR DISEASE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 92; 9 CFR 94; 9 CFR 98

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   06/25/99                    64 FR 34155
Comment Period End              08/24/99
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gary Colgrove
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AB03
_______________________________________________________________________




275. HORSE PROTECTION; HORSE INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 11

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                    To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jodie Kulpa
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AB04
_______________________________________________________________________




276. AQUACULTURE; FARM-RAISED FIN FISH

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/04/99                    64 FR 23795
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/06/99
Public Meeting                  11/22/00                    65 FR 70330
Public Meeting                  01/16/01                     66 FR 3532
Public Meeting                  03/22/01                    66 FR 16031
Public Meeting                  05/10/01                    66 FR 23877
Public Meeting                  07/27/01                    66 FR 39134
Public Meeting                  08/31/01                    66 FR 45957


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Otis Miller
Phone: 301 734-6188

RIN: 0579-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________




277. PSEUDORABIES IN SWINE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 52

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/99                     64 FR 2545
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/16/99
Interim Final Rule              04/18/00                    65 FR 20706

[[Page 61366]]

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/19/00
Affirmation of Interim Rules     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Arnold C. Taft
Phone: 301 734-4916

RIN: 0579-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________




278. IMPORTATION OF BEEF FROM BRAZIL

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                    To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman
Phone: 301 734-4929

RIN: 0579-AB16
_______________________________________________________________________




279. EXPORTATION OF LIVESTOCK (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 91

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                    To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Najam Faizi
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________




280.  MEXICAN HASS AVOCADO IMPORT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 7 CFR 2.22; 
7 CFR 2.80; 7 CFR 371.3

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56-2ff

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the regulations to allow 
Mexican Hass avocados to be imported into the United States for 2 
additional months (March and April). This proposed rule would allow 
Mexican Hass avocados to be distributed in 12 additional U.S. states.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule                   07/13/01                    66 FR 36891
Public Hearing                  07/27/01                    66 FR 39121
Comment Period End              09/11/01


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




281. KARNAL BUNT

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule Compensation for the 
1999-2000 and Subsequent Crop 
Seasons                         08/06/01                    66 FR 40839
Final Rule Effective            08/06/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Vedpal S. Malik
Phone: 301 734-6774

RIN: 0579-AA83
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 54; 9 CFR 79

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      08/21/01                    66 FR 43964
Final Rule Effective            09/20/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton
Phone: 301 734-4363

RIN: 0579-AA90
_______________________________________________________________________




283. RESTRICTIONS ON THE IMPORTATION OF RUMINANTS, MEAT AND MEAT 
PRODUCTS FROM RUMINANTS, AND CERTAIN OTHER RUMINANT PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93.404(c); 9 CFR 94.18; 9 CFR 95.4(a); 9 CFR 
96.2(b)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/21/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy
Phone: 301 734-3277

RIN: 0579-AA98

[[Page 61367]]

_______________________________________________________________________




284. REQUIRING TREATMENT OF SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL FROM CHINA

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.40

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0579-AA99       08/21/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930

RIN: 0579-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




285. NOXIOUS WEEDS; WEED CATEGORIES AND PRIORITIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 360; 7 CFR 361

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0579-AB30       08/17/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Polly Lehtonen
Phone: 301 734-8896

RIN: 0579-AB07
_______________________________________________________________________




286. NOXIOUS WEEDS; RESTRICTIONS ON INTERSTATE MOVEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 360.300

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Affirmation of Interim Rule as 
Final Rule                      06/14/01                    66 FR 32213

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Alan V. Tasker
Phone: 301 734-5225

RIN: 0579-AB08
_______________________________________________________________________




287. CITRUS CANKER; PAYMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL CITRUS TREE REPLACEMENT AND 
LOST PRODUCTION INCOME

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301.75

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

FRM (Lost Production)           06/18/01                    66 FR 32713
FRM (Tree Replacement)          08/17/01                    66 FR 43065
Final Rule Effective            08/17/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB15
BILLING CODE 3410-34-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


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



_______________________________________________________________________




288. HIGHER EDUCATION MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM; ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3409

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA09
_______________________________________________________________________




289. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAM 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3412

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________




290. COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3416

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________




291. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3403

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________




292. BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3415

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA21

[[Page 61368]]

_______________________________________________________________________




293. NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3411

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA22
BILLING CODE 3410-22-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 100-259; 29 USC 794; PL 94-135; 42 USC 6101 et seq; 
PL 94-239; 15 USC 1601 et seq; EO 11246; 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; EO 12898

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: This ruling will effectuate a comprehensive civil rights 
regulation implementing the following laws: The Equal Credit 
Opportunity Act (ECOA); title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; title 
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing 
Amendments Act of 1988 (The Fair Housing Act); section 504 Federally 
Conducted and Federally Assisted Programs; title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Executive 
Orders 11246 and 12898 (Environmental Justice). 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 Federal financial assistance at all levels 
will decrease the Agency's vulnerability that exist due to 
noncompliance with recently enacted Civil Rights legislation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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 Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 692-0097
TDD Phone: 202 692-0107
Fax: 202 692-0305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AA83
_______________________________________________________________________




295. SERVICING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3570 subpart E; 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 Programs loans and grants into one regulation. 
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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/
Stop 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1498
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________




296. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1806 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; 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 subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service proposes to 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

[[Page 61369]]

customer friendly and responsive to the needs of the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patrick Sheridan, Assistant Deputy Administrator, MFH, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 1263/Stop 0782, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1609
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________




297. SELF-HELP TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944; 7 CFR 3551

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations for 7 CFR 1944-I `Self-Help Technical 
Assistance Grants' is being rewritten and renumbered to 7 CFR 3551. 
Changes are proposed for clarification of policy and procedures 
relative to the: 1) Application procedure, which is changing to an 
annual competitive grant process; 2) labor contribution of 
participating families; 3) monitoring of grantee progress through Self-
Help Automated Reporting and Evaluation System (SHARES); and 4) define 
the roles of Technical and Management Assistance Contractors.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daryl Cooper, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2209/Stop 0783, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0783
Phone: 202 720-1366
Fax: 202 720-2232

Carolyn Bell, Chief, Spec. Prog./New Init. Branch, SFH Direct Loan 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1532
Fax: 202 720-2232

RIN: 0575-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




298. DIRECT SECTION 502 AND 504 SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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: The Rural Housing Service reopened the comment period on four 
sections of this regulation seeking potential changes to the definition 
of modest housing and calculation of payment subsidies. The Agency has 
reviewed comments and will be publishing minor corrections and 
clarifications in the existing regulation. In addition, the Agency will 
provide an updated definition of modest housing moving away from 
reliance on the section 203(b) mortgage limits set by the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development. The Agency will use more localized data 
and provide clearer guidance to ensure compliance with our mission to 
finance housing that is decent, safe, sanitary, and modest. No changes 
in the payment subsidy are anticipated.

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
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/26/96
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/26/96
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carolyn Bell, Chief, Spec. Prog./New Init. Branch, SFH 
Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 
Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1532
Fax: 202 720-2232

Mike Feinberg, Chief, Loan Origination Branch, SFH Direct Loan 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0783, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3214

RIN: 0575-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________




299. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3555; 7 CFR 1980, subpart D

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is rewriting the regulations 
governing the Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program to provide 
better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken 
to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and 
provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 70124

[[Page 61370]]

NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Roger Glendenning, Deputy Director, Guaranteed Loan 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2248/
Stop 0784, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0780
Phone: 202 720-1480
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________




300. OPERATING ASSISTANCE FOR MIGRANT FARMWORKER PROJECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486; 42 USC 1490a; PL 
105-276, sec 599c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D; 7 CFR 1930, subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulation implements the provisions of Public Law 105-276, 
enacted October 21, 1998, which amended section 521 of the Housing Act 
of 1949. This amendment provides that, for migrant farmworker housing 
projects financed under section 514 or 516 of the Housing Act, the 
Secretary may, at the request of the owner, permit amounts provided for 
rental assistance under section 521 to be used to provide assistance 
for the costs of operating the project.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/02/00                    65 FR 65790
NPRM Comment Period End         01/02/01
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Layfield, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 1239/STOP 0781, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 690-0759
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________




301. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC AND 
MIGRANT FARM LABOR HOUSING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 514 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes 
USDA to make loans for farm labor housing. Section 516 of the Act 
authorizes USDA to make grants for the same purpose. These authorities 
are implemented through 7 CFR part 1944, subpart D. Section 516 also 
authorizes USDA to provide financial assistance to private and public 
nonprofit agencies to encourage the development of farm labor housing. 
Recipients of this financial assistance, in turn, assist other 
organizations obtain loans and grants for the construction of farm 
labor housing. This regulation change will incorporate the `technical 
assistance' provision of the statute into 7 CFR 1944. The amount of 
assistance is limited by statute to 10 percent of the total section 516 
allocation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/01/01                    66 FR 29739
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/01
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Layfield, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 1239/STOP 0781, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 690-0759
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________




302.  7 CFR 3565, GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING, SECTION 538 
STATUTORY CHANGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486; PL 106-569

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 538 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes 
the Secretary of Agriculture to make commitments to guarantee loans for 
the development of housing and related facilities. By this authority, 
the Rural Housing Service administers the Guaranteed Rural Rental 
Housing Program. Program regulations have been issued at 7 CFR part 
3565. The regulations are being revised to implement statutory changes 
that were made to section 538 of the Housing Act of 1949. The Act was 
amended by Public Law 106-569 on December 27, 2000. These regulatory 
revisions are required by the statutory change and the revisions to the 
regulation will only restate the statutory requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell, Senior Loan Specialist, Department 
of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 720-1627
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC26

[[Page 61371]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




303. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/14/00                    65 FR 55784
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/00
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan Wieferich
Phone: 202 720-9647

RIN: 0575-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________




304. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Baxter Hill
Phone: 202 720-1499

RIN: 0575-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




305. DENYING CREDIT TO APPLICANTS DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 1980, subpart E

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/13/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Chris Burgess
Phone: 314 539-2360
Fax: 314 539-2780
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AA66
BILLING CODE 3410-07-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




306. 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                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB00
_______________________________________________________________________




307. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; MOVEMENT OF BUSINESS AMONG 
INSURANCE PROVIDERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To ensure that the interests of policyholders are protected 
and that the policies and policyholder data are transferred in an 
orderly manner, the Risk Management Agency is providing comprehensive 
regulations that will apply to agents, managing general agents, policy-
issuing companies, and reinsured companies. The objective of this 
regulation is to prescribe uniform administrative requirements for the 
movement or assumption of crop insurance policies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0804
Phone: 202 720-4286

RIN: 0563-AB71
_______________________________________________________________________




308. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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

[[Page 61372]]

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To add a new section to the Sanction regulation that will 
specify the conditions under which a person and affiliate may qualify 
for a waiver or reduction of a civil penalty imposed by the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0804
Phone: 202 720-4286

RIN: 0563-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




309. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BLUEBERRY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on 
FCIC's proposed action to convert the blueberry pilot insurance program 
to a permanent insurance program. The pilot was initiated for the 1995 
crop year for selected counties in Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, 
and North Carolina and covered highbush and rabbiteye blueberry 
varieties.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




310. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to solicit public 
comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Nursery Crop 
Provisions (99-073) for the 2002 crop year to: Specify that container 
grown and field grown plants are separate crops, provide optional units 
by location for field grown nursery plant, incorporate the `lower of' 
rule into section 6 of the provisions, permit insureds to purchase 
insurance coverage on a year-round basis, incorporate provisions to 
provide a rehabilitation payment for plants damaged by an insured cause 
of loss.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




311. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To revise actual production history regulations to reflect 
changes in calculation of approved APH yields as mandated by the 
Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. Revisions will include: 
Assigned yields for crops produced on land not farmed before (added 
land), rotations to crops not previously produced (new crops), and for 
prevented planting acreage if planted to a substitute crop; adjustments 
for successful pest control efforts and for organic crops destroyed to 
maintain organic certification; and substitution of 60 percent of the 
transitional yield for low actual yields if producers elect that 
option.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________




312. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS AND GENERAL 
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS, SUBPART T, REGULATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400; 7 CFR 457.8

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 18, 2000.

Abstract: The purpose of these rules is to propose changes to the 
Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions and the General 
Administrative Regulations, Subpart T--Insurance Implementation, 
mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. The changes 
will be proposed to be effective beginning with the 2002 crop year for 
all crops with a contract change date on or after June 30, 2001. The 
major changes to the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic 
Provisions are: 1) Limit indemnities and premiums when more than one 
crop is planted on acreage within the same crop year; 2) if an initial 
crop is prevented from being planted and a substitute crop is planted 
on the acreage within the same crop year, allow reduced prevented 
planting coverage for the initial crop, and the initial crop's Actual 
Production History (APH) will be reduced to 60 percent of the 
producer's APH; and 3) add scientifically sound sustainable

[[Page 61373]]

and organic farming practices as good farming practices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/20/00                    65 FR 21144
NPRM Comment Period End         06/19/00
Final Rule                      01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB63
_______________________________________________________________________




314. 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: Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System (NCS): NCS was 
criticized by producers and their representatives for several years and 
became a major issue with the repetitive floods in the upper Midwest 
and multi-year droughts in the Southwest. Complaints included claims 
that the NCS procedures: 1) Did not adequately exclude widespread 
causes of loss (disaster adjustment); 2) failed to recognize diverse 
conditions within a county; 3) unfairly hit new or struggling producers 
caught by repetitive disasters; and 4) set too high a premium for those 
producers listed. Additionally, administration of the NCS process was 
complicated, sometimes subjective, and labor intensive.
The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was published in the 
Federal Register in September 1997 sought comments from the public on 
options to improve NCS. Twenty-two comments were received in response 
to the advanced notice. RMA decided to replace NCS with a process that 
charged appropriate rates for those producers with adverse loss 
experience and less than average production histories.
RMA examined increasing premium rates based on producers' lower APH 
yields and using a surcharge based on use of the yield floor (or some 
other identifiable indicator of adverse experience) to determine if 
these measures would adequately address the need to increase premiums 
for those producers with the most adverse loss histories based on the 
frequency and severity of losses. After reviewing past NCS experience 
on the existing book of business, it was determined that appropriate 
rate increases for those producers whose APH yields were less than 
average would compensate entirely for the elimination of NCS.
RMA implemented the following actions to accomplish the goal of 
replacing NCS beginning with the 1999 crop year:
-- Removed and reserved the current NCS regulation (7 CFR part 400, 
subpart O) by publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. The 
final rule is pending clearance, however the Agency proceeded with the 
process and has waived NCS since 1999.
-- Developed and implemented appropriate rate adjustments to offset the 
removal of NCS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/17/97                    62 FR 48798
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/17/97
NPRM                            09/02/98                    63 FR 46703
NPRM Comment Period End         10/19/98
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB66

[[Page 61374]]

_______________________________________________________________________




315. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; PREMIUM REDUCTIONS; PAYMENTS OF 
REBATES, DIVIDENDS, AND PATRONAGE REFUNDS; AND PAYMENTS TO INSURED-OWNED 
AND RECORD-CONTROLLING ENTITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p); 7 USC 1508(e)(3)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To allow approved insurance providers to apply to the Federal 
Crop Insurance Corporation for authority to reduce the premium charged 
producers in accordance with section 508(e)(3) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act, as amended, and to provide the limitations and 
requirements applicable to the payment of rebates, dividends, and 
patronage refunds to insureds and payments to insured-owned and record-
controlling entities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/12/99                    64 FR 25464
NPRM Comment Period End         07/12/99
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0804
Phone: 202 720-4286

RIN: 0563-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




316. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; MILLET CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on 
FCIC's proposed action to convert the millet pilot crop insurance 
program to a permanent insurance program and clarify existing crop 
provisions and methodology for calculated losses for the 2001 and 
succeeding crop years. FCIC believes this proposed rule will provide 
additional coverage benefits and improve the risk management tool for 
millet producers in all regions of the country.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/19/00                    65 FR 37919
NPRM Comment Period End         08/18/00
Final Rule                      01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________




317. CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTECTION ENDORSEMENT; GROUP RISK PLAN OF 
INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 402; 7 CFR 407; 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 30, 2000.

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) amends the 
Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement (7 CFR part 402), the Group 
Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations (7 CFR part 407), and the Common 
Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions (7 CFR part 457) to revise 
those provisions affected by the changes in the administrative fees and 
subsidies and the substitution of yields in the producer's actual 
production history mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 
2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    06/28/00                    65 FR 40483
Interim Final Rule              06/30/00                    65 FR 40483
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/29/00
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




318. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND 
PROVISIONS OF POLICIES AND RATES OF PREMIUMS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Minor revisions will be made to the regulation for 
clarification and other revisions will be made as specified: Remove the 
need to publish policies from 508(h) submissions as a Notice of 
Availability in the Federal Register; information will be made 
available electronically to producers and approved insurance providers; 
confidential information may be withheld from the public under the 
standard for privileged or confidential information pertaining to trade 
secrets and commercial or financial information even after approval by 
the Board; there will be an expert review of submissions; the applicant 
will be notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the Board 
disapproving a submission, if the Board intends to disapprove the 
submission; a submission will be deemed approved by the Board if the 
Board fails to make a determination within a prescribed time period; 
applicants will be reimbursed for research and developmental costs and 
maintenance costs; and companies selling the product will pay fees to 
the developer of the product after the fourth year of the applicant 
being paid maintenance costs unless maintenance for the product is 
transferred to FCIC.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/01                    66 FR 36951
NPRM Comment Period End         08/15/01
Interim Final Rule              01/00/02

[[Page 61375]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/07/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB07
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457.113

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       06/12/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB64
_______________________________________________________________________




321. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; CIVIL RIGHTS DATA COLLECTION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/07/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Buchanan
Phone: 202 690-6068

RIN: 0563-AB78
BILLING CODE 3410-08-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




322. REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.125; 7 CFR 800.135; 7 CFR 800.87

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise regulations under the U.S. 
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. The Agency 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                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________




323. PACKER RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 181 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA proposes adding a regulation to specify recordkeeping 
requirements for packers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755

[[Page 61376]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA72
_______________________________________________________________________




324.  EXCEPTIONS TO GEOGRAPHIC AREAS FOR OFFICIAL AGENCIES 
UNDER THE USGSA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.81; 7 CFR 800.99; 7 CFR 800.116-.118; 7 CFR 
800.185; 7 CFR 800.196

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise regulations under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act to reflect the amendment made by the Grain 
Standards and Warehouse Improvements Act of 2000 that provides an 
exception under which the Secretary may determine that more than one 
official agency can provide inspection services in a specified 
geographic area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________




325.  PROHIBITION ON DISGUISING GRAIN QUALITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.61

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise regulations under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act to prohibit the disguising of grain quality by 
adding various substances during post-harvest marketing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________




326.  LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to issue regulations under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act to establish an accreditation program to meet 
market demand for consistency in laboratories that test for quality 
characteristics of grain to facilitate grain marketing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA78
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




327. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA57
_______________________________________________________________________




328. SWINE PACKER MARKETING CONTRACTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 181; PL 106-78

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 206

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is issuing rules under the Packers and Stockyards 
Act to implement the Swine Packer Marketing Contracts subtitle of the 
Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999. The Agency will establish a 
swine contract library and publish contract provisions on its web site.

[[Page 61377]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/05/00                    65 FR 53653
NPRM Comment Period End         10/05/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades, Regulatory Liaison, Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Room 1647-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA71
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




329. POULTRY GROWER CONTRACTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201.100

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/10/97                     62 FR 5935
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/12/97
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA51
_______________________________________________________________________




330. LIVESTOCK PURCHASE OR SALE: PROHIBIT NON-REPORTING OF PRICE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201.54

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/10/98                    63 FR 48450
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/09/98


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA65
_______________________________________________________________________




331. HOW CAN USDA BEST FACILITATE THE MARKETING OF GRAINS, OILSEEDS, 
FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND NUTS IN TODAY'S MARKETPLACE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/30/00                    65 FR 71272
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/28/01
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/16/01                    66 FR 13267


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA73
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




332. FEES FOR COMMODITY AND RICE INSPECTION SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.90; 7 CFR 868.91

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/04/01                    66 FR 17775
Final Action Effective          05/04/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA74
_______________________________________________________________________




333. FEES FOR OFFICIAL INSPECTION AND OFFICIAL WEIGHING SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.71

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/04/01                    66 FR 17817
Final Action                    07/31/01                    66 FR 35751
Final Action Effective          08/08/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon L. Vassiliades
Phone: 202 720-1738
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA75
BILLING CODE 3410-EN-S

[[Page 61378]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




334. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
(WIC): MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule responds to a variety of program concerns, 
most of which have been expressed by WIC State agencies. The proposal 
increases State agency flexibility regarding the sharing of participant 
information with other programs and streamlines Federal requirements 
for financial and participation reporting by State agencies. Several 
minor clarifications and technical corrections are also made. (89-515)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________




335. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM MATCHING PROGRAMS AND PRIVACY PROTECTIONS

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: This proposed rule describes requirements for State agencies 
to report information on individuals disqualified from the program for 
intentional program violations to FNS and the related FNS computer 
matching program known as the Disqualified Recipient Subsystem (DRS).
This proposed rule also describes protections to persons whose benefits 
could be adversely affected by computer matches used in the Food Stamp 
Program. Such protections must 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. (89-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/02
Final Action                    01/00/03
Final Action Effective          04/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________




336. FSP: CIVIL RIGHTS DATA COLLECTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 88-352, sec 601

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires the 
collection of racial/ethnic data for all programs utilizing Federal 
funds. State agencies are required to collect the data by racial/ethnic 
categories set by the Federal Government. In 1997, those categories 
changed. This proposed rule would change the racial categories for 
State Food Stamp Program reporting to comply with the new Federal 
racial categories. (98-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/02
Final Action                    10/00/02
Final Action Effective          12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC75
_______________________________________________________________________




337. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM: PLAIN LANGUAGE, PROGRAM 
ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 101-624; PL 104-127

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 247

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will rewrite regulations pertaining to the 
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (7 CFR part 247) in `plain 
language.' It will also amend regulatory provisions in this part to 
increase program accountability and flexibility for program operators. 
The rule will affect program accountability by : (1) Requiring State 
agencies to initiate a claim against participants for repayment of the 
value of program benefits obtained as a result of intentional 
misrepresentation; (2) extending the period that State agencies may 
disqualify participants for program violations for up to 1 year; (3) 
requiring State agencies to disqualify participants for engaging in 
dual participation or for other selected program violations; (4) 
including under program violations the physical abuse, or the threat of 
physical abuse, of program staff.
Amendments to increase program flexibility include: (1) Allowing the 
State to extend the certification of elderly persons on a fixed income 
for an indefinite period without a formal review of eligibility; (2) 
increasing the period of time the State agency has to review a local 
agency's application for participation; (3) allowing State agencies to 
request to retain more than

[[Page 61379]]

the maximum amount of administrative funds allocated whether or not 
they perform warehouse services; (4) reducing the frequency of State 
management evaluations of local agencies; and (5) making State plans 
and Federal-State agreements permanent, with amendments submitted as 
needed.
Other miscellaneous proposed changes include: (1) Requiring local 
agencies to notify applicants of a decision on their application within 
10 days of the date of application; (2) including the specific factors 
that FNS uses to determine the amount of caseload that States will 
receive in addition to base caseload; (3) making the caseload cycle the 
period from January 1 to December 31; and (4) including a pregnant 
woman's embryo or fetus in utero as a household member in determining 
the family's income eligibility.
The rule will also incorporate legislative provisions that have been 
implemented through program policy, including: (1) Increasing the 
percentage of the program appropriation, and of funds carried over from 
the pervious year, to be allotted for administrative support of State 
and local agencies from 15 to 20 percent; and (2) requiring that State 
and local agencies provide information on certain other public 
assistance programs to participants. (99-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02
Final Action                    05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________




338. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE COST REIMBURSEMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: PL 105-185, sec 502

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 1998, Payment reduction 
required by law.

Abstract: This rule will allow State agencies to charge the FSP for its 
share of common costs for determining eligibility of Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) households for FSP in accordance 
with new HHS policy and approved cost allocation plans. (99-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/02
Final Action                    11/00/02
Final Action Effective          03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________




339. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): REVISIONS IN THE WIC FOOD PACKAGES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AC90
_______________________________________________________________________




340. IMPROVING ACCESS TO THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED 
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 2000d

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272.4(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On August 11, 2000, the President signed an Executive order 
requiring Federal agencies to examine the services they provide and to 
develop and implement a system that ensures persons with limited 
English proficiency (LED) have meaningful access to Federal health and 
human services programs and activities. The Executive order clarifies 
long-standing title VI principles that prohibit discrimination based on 
national origin. (00-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/02
Final Action                    03/00/03
Final Action Effective          06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD06
_______________________________________________________________________




341.  FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: VEHICLE AND MAXIMUM EXCESS SHELTER 
EXPENSE DEDUCTION PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 106-387

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

RIN: 0584-AD13

[[Page 61380]]

_______________________________________________________________________




342.  CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP): AT-RISK 
AFTERSCHOOL SUPPERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243(i)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the Child and Adult Care Food 
Program (CACFP) regulations to allow reimbursement of suppers provided 
by at-risk afterschool care programs in six States, as authorized by 
the Agricultural Risk Protection Act (Pub. L. 106-224). At-risk suppers 
in these States (Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, New York, 
and Oregon) are reimbursed under the same conditions set forth in the 
National School Lunch Act (NSLA) for at-risk snacks in the CACFP. 
Children who are 18 or younger and enrolled in qualifying afterschool 
programs located in the six States may receive free suppers. To 
qualify, afterschool care programs must be located in low-income areas, 
provide care to children, and have an educational or enrichment 
purpose. (01-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD15
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




343. WIC: REQUIREMENTS FOR AND EVALUATION OF WIC PROGRAM REQUESTS FOR 
BIDS FOR INFANT FORMULA REBATE CONTRACTS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: At the time the current cost containment regulations were 
published in 1989, there were only minor differences in infant formula 
wholesale prices and few differences in types of infant formulas 
offered by manufacturers; i.e., milk- and soy-based infant formula. 
However, current wholesale prices vary considerably among manufacturers 
for similar formulas and several new infant formulas have emerged on 
the market over the last decade. Therefore, to reflect market changes 
in the infant formula industry and to optimize competition in the WIC 
Program's infant formula rebate contracts, this interim rule would 
require WIC State agencies to award infant formula rebate contracts 
based on the lowest net price, allowing highest gross rebate as a basis 
of award only when retail prices of the different brands of infant 
formula vary, on average, by 5 percent or less. Additionally, this rule 
would define the types and forms of infant formula that must be 
included in cost containment systems. It would also expand on 
conditions that must be met for the issuance of infant formulas not 
covered by rebate contracts. (92-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/98                    63 FR 38343
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/98
Interim Final Rule              08/23/00                    65 FR 51213
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/23/00
Interim Final Rule 
Implementation Date             11/21/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/23/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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 a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________




344. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ANTICIPATING INCOME AND REPORTING CHANGES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule revises 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 rule, State agencies would choose 
from four 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 $100 a month. The reporting requirement 
for changes in unearned income would be increased to changes of more 
than $50 a month from the current threshold of

[[Page 61381]]

changes of more than $25 a month. In addition to the above reporting 
options, State agencies would also be able to select the option of 
requiring households to report changes through a quarterly reporting 
system rather than at the time the changes become known to the 
household. (93-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/17/96                    61 FR 66233
NPRM Comment Period End         02/18/97
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




345. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM 
INTEGRITY

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

RIN: 0584-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 103-448

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under an alternative known as Provision 2, schools that serve 
all meals at no charge for 3 consecutive years may distribute 
applications and make free and reduced price meal eligibility 
determinations once every 3 years. During year 1 of the 3-year cycle, 
they count and claim meals by category (free, reduced price, and paid) 
and use these counts to develop claiming percentages to use during 
years 2 and 3. Public Law 103-448 amended the NSLA to allow schools to 
extend these procedures an additional 2 years and allow subsequent 5-
year cycles, without making new free and reduced price eligibility 
determinations, provided the income level of the school's population 
remained stable. Public Law 103-448 also added a new Provision 3 for 
schools that serve all meals at no charge for 4 consecutive years. 
These schools receive the same level of cash and commodity assistance 
they received in the last year free and reduced price eligibility 
determinations and actual meal counts were taken. Additional 4-year 
cycles were permitted, without making new free and reduced price 
eligibility determinations, provided the income level of the school's 
population remained stable. For both provisions, schools must make up 
the difference between Federal reimbursement and meal costs. Public Law 
105-336 subsequently amended the timeframe for Provision 2 so that both 
Provisions 2 and 3 are 4-year cycles, which may be extended, without 
making new eligibility determinations, if the income level of the 
school's population remains stable. The rule will codify these 
provisions and specify technical aspects, such as the measurement of 
the income level of the school's population and the types of data that 
may be used. (96-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/07/00                     65 FR 5791
NPRM Comment Period End         04/07/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

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 FNS settlement improvements will also be 
incorporated into the rule. (96-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/12/01                    66 FR 36495
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Final Action                    07/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________




348. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: WORK PROVISIONS OF THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 
AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1996 AND THE FOOD STAMP 
PROVISIONS OF THE BALANCED BUDGET ACT OF 1997

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 8 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AC45

[[Page 61382]]

_______________________________________________________________________




349. WIC FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): EXPANSION FUNDS 
ALLOCATION FORMULA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786(m)(6)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 as amended (42 U.S.C. 
1786(m)(6)) sets forth funding requirements of State agencies currently 
operating the program and for State agencies wishing to start a new 
program. The law leaves it to the discretion of the Secretary to 
determine the method of allocating funds to currently operating State 
agencies. This interim rule would implement a funding formula for the 
allocation of such expansion funds to existing FMNP State agencies. 
(98-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/00/02
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/00/02
Final Action                    10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________




350. CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS: REIMBURSEMENT FOR SNACKS IN AFTERSCHOOL 
CARE PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105-336

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 235; 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act 
of 1998 amended the National School Lunch Act to authorize 
reimbursement for snacks served under the NSLP in afterschool care 
programs operated by schools. The afterschool program must be organized 
primarily to provide care for children and have an educational or 
enrichment purpose. Additionally, the statute mandates free snacks for 
all children enrolled in afterschool care programs operated by schools 
in areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the 
enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals.
In the CACFP, the statute authorizes free snacks to children through 
age 18 enrolled in afterschool programs located in low-income areas. 
Low-income areas are defined in the law as areas in which at least 50 
percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced price school 
meals. Therefore, individual eligibility determinations are not 
required for these programs. This rule also implements the provision of 
the law which permits outside school hours care programs to participate 
in CACFP if they meet health and safety standards where no State or 
local licensing or approval is required. (98-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/11/00                     65 FR 6050
NPRM Comment Period End         01/09/01
Final Action                    02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________




351. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM: DELETION OF REQUIREMENT TO EVALUATE 
STATE-RUN COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION AND WAREHOUSING SYSTEMS EVERY 3 YEARS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 100-237

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.14; 7 CFR 250.15

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 250.14(a) currently requires State distributing 
agencies that operate their own warehousing and distribution system to 
make a cost comparison of that system with a commercial system every 3 
years. Most State distributing agencies have now either switched to a 
commercial system or evaluated their own system at least twice and 
determined it to be the most cost effective. Therefore, we propose to 
remove that requirement from our regulations. We will maintain the 
authority to require a cost comparison when circumstances warrant. We 
are suggesting a direct final rule rather than a proposed rule because 
we do not expect any objections to this discretionary change. (99-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC79
_______________________________________________________________________




352. FSP: ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) SYSTEMS INTEROPERABILITY AND 
PORTABILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272.1; 7 CFR 274.12

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, September 7, 2000, PL 106-171, sec 3.
Other, Statutory, February 11, 2001, PL 106-171, sec 4.
Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, PL 106-171, sec 3.

Abstract: This rule revises Food Stamp regulations to ensure that 
recipients can use their electronic food stamp benefits across State 
borders by requiring interoperable State electronic issuance

[[Page 61383]]

systems. The regulations establish uniform national standards to 
achieve this requirement. Also, 100 percent funding is available under 
the regulation to pay for the operational cost of this functionality up 
to a national limit of $500,000. Costs beyond this level will be 
covered at the standard 50 percent program reimbursement rate for State 
administrative costs. (00-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/15/00                    65 FR 49719
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/19/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/13/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________




353. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATIVE REFORMS 
TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM INTEGRITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000.

Abstract: This interim rule incorporates changes to the Child and Adult 
Care Food Program as required by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act 
(Pub. L. 106-224) to strengthen the management and integrity of the 
program. Provisions include 1) changes to eligibility requirements for 
participating institutions; 2) conditions for approval, such as 
ensuring financial viability, stipulating that new sponsoring 
organizations are allowed to participate only where there is need for 
the program, and the elimination of `moving toward tax exempt status' 
of institutions; 3) new program monitoring requirements; 4) new 
parental notification requirements by CACFP centers or homes that 
describe the program and benefits and provide parents with access to 
the sponsoring organization and State agency; 5) rules on allowing 
corrective action and appeals in situations involving the termination 
or suspension of participating institutions, facilities, and 
individuals; 6) funds recovery in situations involving fraud, abuse, or 
improper submissions for reimbursement; and 7) limitation on the 
percentage of funds that sponsoring organizations of centers can retain 
from day care meal reimbursements for their administrative expenses. 
These changes support the Department's ongoing efforts in management 
and integrity improvement. (00-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC94
_______________________________________________________________________




354. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: DISCLOSURE OF CHILDREN'S ELIGIBILITY 
INFORMATION UNDER THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 242; PL 103-448, sec 108

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000.

Abstract: This rule establishes requirements for the disclosure of 
children's free and reduced price meal and free milk eligibility 
information by agencies that makes the free and reduced price meal or 
free milk determination under the National School Lunch Program, the 
School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult 
Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. The rule 
responds to amendments to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 
Act, which allow limited disclosure of children's free and reduced 
price meal or free milk eligibility information, Public Law 103-448, 
the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994; and Public Law 
106-224, the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000; comments 
received on the July 25, 2000, proposed rule on `Disclosure of 
Children's Eligibility Information' (65 FR 45725 issued under RIN 0584-
AC21) and comments received on the January 11, 2001, interim rule on 
`Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information to State Medicaid and 
the State Children's Health Insurance' (66 FR 2195 issued under RIN 
0584-AC95). This rule incorporates the proposed rule and interim rule 
into one final rule. Therefore, RIN 0584-AC21 is withdrawn, and the 
final provisions will be issued under RIN 0584-AC95. The final rule 
will adopt or modify as necessary many of the provisions mandated by 
the statute and required by the interim rule. Many of these same 
provisions were presented as recommendations in the proposed rule. The 
objective is to provide consistency in procedures when determining 
agencies opt to disclose children's eligibility information and to 
provide some protection against unauthorized disclosures and misuse of 
personal information, regardless of whether the disclosure is to 
Medicaid or SCHIP or to an education or other program. (00-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/00
Interim Final Rule              01/11/01                     66 FR 2195
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/11/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

[[Page 61384]]

Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC95
_______________________________________________________________________




355. SPECIAL MILK PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN: PLAIN LANGUAGE REVISION AND 
REORGANIZATION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1772; 42 USC 1779

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The intent of this regulation is to comply with the 
President's memorandum of June 1, 1998, entitled `Plain Language in 
Government Writing' (63 FR 31885, June 10, 1998). This memorandum 
encourages all existing Agency regulations to be rewritten in plain 
language. The revision and reorganization of part 215 will allow 
affected persons to easily understand the regulations of the Special 
Milk Program for Children. This revision and reorganization does not 
alter the existing policies and requirements contained within this 
part. (00-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC97
_______________________________________________________________________




356. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE OF 7 CFR PART 
250, DONATION OF FOODS FOR USE IN THE UNITED STATES, ITS TERRITORIES AND 
POSSESSIONS, AND AREAS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 612c; 7 USC 612c note; 7 USC 1431; 7 
USC 1431b; 7 USC 1431e; 7 USC 1431 note; 7 USC 1446a-1; 7 USC 1859; 7 
USC 2014; 7 USC 2025; 15 USC 713c; 22 USC 1922; 42 USC 1751; 42 USC 
1755; 42 USC 1758; 42 USC 1760; 42 USC 1761; 42 USC 1762a; 42 USC 1766; 
42 USC 3030a; 42 USC 5179; 42 USC 5180

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes no changes in the meaning of the regulations; 
it is only a reorganization and rewriting of the existing text in plain 
language. Our goal in rewriting is simple and two-fold: Allow the 
reader to quickly find and easily understand desired subject matter. 
The rewrite accomplishes our first goal by presenting material in a 
more logical sequence where needed, and most importantly, by splitting 
the text into much smaller and more easily scanned units. We have 
greatly increased the number of sections within the part, also 
increased the number of paragraphs within each of the new sections, and 
made greater use of italicized headings. By increasing the number of 
sections, we have `flattened' the regulation's structure. This in turn 
generally allows the elimination of at least one level of codification, 
despite the increased number of paragraphs and subparagraphs within 
each section. The result is much easier scanning of the sections for 
subject matter, further aided by the italicized headings. Each section 
is headed by a question on a major aspect of the regulations, which is 
then answered in the headings and paragraphs which follow. Finally, our 
second goal, greater comprehensibility, is accomplished by the use of 
shorter sentences, the active voice, and common words, except for 
necessary technical terms. (00-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC98
_______________________________________________________________________




357. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE OF 7 CFR PART 
251, THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7501 to 7516

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes no changes in the meaning of the regulations; 
it is only a reorganization and rewriting of the existing text in plain 
language. Our goal in rewriting is simple and two-fold: Allow the 
reader to quickly find and easily understand desired subject matter. 
The rewrite accomplishes our first goal by presenting material in a 
more logical sequence where needed, and most importantly, by splitting 
the text into much smaller and more easily scanned units. We have 
greatly increased the number of sections within the part, also 
increased the number of paragraphs within each of the new sections, and 
made greater use of italicized headings. By increasing the number of 
sections, we have `flattened' the regulation's structure. This in turn 
generally allows the elimination of at least one level of codification, 
despite the increased number of paragraphs and subparagraphs within 
each section. The result is much easier scanning of the sections for 
subject matter, further aided by the italicized headings. Each section 
is headed by a question on a major aspect of the regulations, which is 
then answered in the headings and paragraphs which follow. Finally, our 
second goal, greater comprehensibility, is accomplished by the use of 
shorter sentences, the active voice, and common words, except for 
necessary technical terms. (00-009)

[[Page 61385]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC99
_______________________________________________________________________




358. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE OF 7 CFR PART 
252, THE NATIONAL COMMODITY PROCESSING PROGRAM (NCP)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1431

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 252

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes no changes in the meaning of the regulations; 
it is only a reorganization and rewriting of the existing text in plain 
language. Our goal in rewriting is simple and two-fold: Allow the 
reader to quickly find and easily understand desired subject matter. 
The rewrite accomplishes our first goal by presenting material in a 
more logical sequence where needed, and most importantly, by splitting 
the text into much smaller and more easily scanned units. We have 
greatly increased the number of sections within the part, also 
increased the number of paragraphs within each of the new sections, and 
made greater use of italicized headings. By increasing the number of 
sections, we have `flattened' the regulation's structure. This in turn 
generally allows the elimination of at least one level of codification, 
despite the increased number of paragraphs and subparagraphs within 
each section. The result is much easier scanning of the sections for 
subject matter, further aided by the italicized headings. Each section 
is headed by a question on a major aspect of the regulations, which is 
then answered in the headings and paragraphs which follow. Finally, our 
second goal, greater comprehensibility, is accomplished by the use of 
shorter sentences, the active voice, and common words, except for 
necessary technical terms. (00-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD00
_______________________________________________________________________




359. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE OF 7 CFR PART 
253, THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 253

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes no changes in the meaning of the regulations; 
it is only a reorganization and rewriting of the existing text in plain 
language. Our goal in rewriting is simple and twofold: Allow the reader 
to quickly find and easily understand desired subject matter. The 
rewrite accomplishes our first goal by presenting material in a more 
logical sequence where needed, and most importantly, by splitting the 
text into much smaller and more easily scanned units. We have greatly 
increased the number of sections within the part, also increased the 
number of paragraphs within each of the new sections, and made greater 
use of italicized headings. By increasing the number of sections, we 
have `flattened' the regulation's structure. This in turn generally 
allows the elimination of at least one level of codification, despite 
the increased number of paragraphs and subparagraphs within each 
section. The result is much easier scanning of the sections for subject 
matter, further aided by the italicized headings. Each section is 
headed by a question on a major aspect of the regulations, which is 
then answered in the headings and paragraphs which follow. Finally, our 
second goal, greater comprehensibility, is accomplished by the use of 
shorter sentences, the active voice, and common words, except for 
necessary technical terms. (00-011)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD01
_______________________________________________________________________




360. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE OF 7 CFR PART 
254, THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR) IN 
OKLAHOMA

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: PL 97-98, sec. 1338; PL 95-113

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes no changes in the meaning of the regulations; 
it is only a reorganization and rewriting of the existing text in plain 
language. Our goal in rewriting is simple and twofold: Allow the reader 
to quickly find and easily understand desired subject matter. The 
rewrite accomplishes our first goal by presenting material in a more 
logical sequence where needed, and most importantly, by splitting the 
text into much smaller and more easily scanned units. We have greatly 
increased the number of sections within the part, also increased the 
number of paragraphs within each of the new sections, and made greater 
use of italicized headings. By increasing the number of sections, we 
have `flattened' the regulation's

[[Page 61386]]

structure. This in turn generally allows the elimination of at least 
one level of codification, despite the increased number of paragraphs 
and subparagraphs within each section. The result is much easier 
scanning of the sections for subject matter, further aided by the 
italicized headings. Each section is headed by a question on a major 
aspect of the regulations, which is then answered in the headings and 
paragraphs which follow. Finally, our second goal, greater 
comprehensibility, is accomplished by the use of shorter sentences, the 
active voice, and common words, except for necessary technical terms. 
(00-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD02
_______________________________________________________________________




361. IMPLEMENTATION OF POULTRY SUBSTITUTION PILOT AS PERMANENT AND 
MODIFICATION OF COMMODITY RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 612c; 7 USC 612c note; 7 USC 1431; 7 
USC 1431b; 7 USC 1431e; 7 USC 1431 note; 7 USC 1446a-1; 7 USC 1859; 7 
USC 2014; 7 USC 2025; 15 USC 713c; 22 USC 1922; 42 USC 1751; 42 USC 
1755; 42 USC 1758; 42 USC 1760 to 1761; 42 USC 1762a; 42 USC 1766; 42 
USC 3030a; 42 USC 5179 to 5180

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.14; 7 CFR 250.16; 7 CFR 250.30

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: 1) Poultry and fruit and vegetables may currently be 
substituted for commodities under pilots and waivers. Due to the 
success of these programs, the regulations will be changed to allow 
such commercial substitution on a permanent basis. 2) Due to changes in 
the commercial market and the food donation program, the Department 
will allow vendors to use their own labels in place of USDA donated 
labels for school programs. This will complicate school's recordkeeping 
and inventory procedures. The regulations will be modified to 
accommodate the change in labels. (01-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD08
_______________________________________________________________________




362.  SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 
REGULATIONS; NONDISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 503, 111 and 7501; PL 98-502; PL 104-156

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, and 235

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule makes a number of technical changes to the 
regulations governing the National School Lunch Program, the Special 
Milk Program for Children, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and 
Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and State 
Administrative Expense Funds. The United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is revising its grants management regulations in 
order to bring the entitlement programs it administers under the same 
regulations that already apply to nonentitlement programs and to 
identify exceptions to these general rules that apply only to 
entitlement programs. (01-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

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

RIN: 0584-AD16
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




363. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE FUNDS: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 235

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220

[[Page 61387]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC96
_______________________________________________________________________




364. NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM: 7 CFR PART 227, PLAIN 
LANGUAGE REWRITE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 227

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD03
_______________________________________________________________________




365. STATE AGENCY LIABILITIES AND FEDERAL SANCTIONS, 7 CFR 276

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 276

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD04
_______________________________________________________________________




366. PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF STATE AGENCIES, 7 CFR 
277

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD05
_______________________________________________________________________




367.  SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM: PLAIN LANGUAGE REVISION AND 
REORGANIZATION (7 CFR 220)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: 7 CFR 220 has been rewritten in plain language format. The 
document contains only plain language writing and format changes. No 
policy has been changed, added, or deleted by this rewrite. (01-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________




368.  WIC: PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE OF 7 CFR PART 248, FARMERS' 
MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes no changes in the meaning of the regulations; 
it is only a reorganization and rewriting of the existing text in plain 
language. Our goal in rewriting is simple and two-fold: Allow the 
reader to quickly find and easily understand desired subject matter. 
The rewrite accomplishes our first goal by presenting material in a 
more logical sequence where needed and, most importantly, by splitting 
the text into much smaller and more easily scanned units. We have 
greatly increased the number of sections within the part, also 
increased the number of paragraphs within each of the new sections, and 
made greater use of italicized headings. By increasing the number of 
sections, we have `flattened' the regulation's structure. This in turn 
generally allows the elimination of at least one level of codification, 
despite the increased number of paragraphs and subparagraphs within 
each section. The result is much easier scanning of the sections for 
subject matter, further aided by the italicized headings. Each section 
is headed by a question on a major aspect of the regulations, which is 
then answered in the headings and paragraphs which follow. Finally, our 
second goal, greater comprehensibility, is accomplished by the use of 
shorter sentences, the active voice, and common words, except for 
necessary technical terms. (01-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 910, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD11
_______________________________________________________________________




369.  FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATION: RESOURCE 
LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS, EXTENDED CERTIFICATION PERIODS, AND TRANSITIONAL 
BENEFITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend FDPIR regulations to: 1) 
Increase the standard FDPIR resource limit from $1750 to $2000 per 
household

[[Page 61388]]

(households that include a member or members age 60 or over shall 
continue to have a resource limit of $3000); 2) allow a resource 
exclusion for the first $1500 of the value of one pre-paid funeral 
arrangement per household member (in instances where the total value of 
the agreement is not already excluded because it is funded under a life 
insurance policy or an inaccessible trust fund; 3) allow households in 
which all members are elderly or disabled to be certified for up to 24 
months, provided that the State agency contacts the household at least 
once every 12 months; and 4) allow States the option to provide 
transitional FDPIR benefits (for 3 months), at a minimum, to households 
with earnings that leave the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy 
Families (TANF). All of the above provisions conform to Food Stamp 
Program policy and will ensure consistent treatment between the two 
programs. (01-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

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
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD12
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




370. DISCLOSURE OF FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION UNDER 
THE SCHOOL NUTRITION, SUMMER FOOD SERVICE, AND CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD 
PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 245

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn--Incorporated into RIN 
0584-AC95                       01/11/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________




371. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS: IDENTIFICATION 
OF BLENDED BEEF, PORK, POULTRY, OR SEAFOOD PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/24/01                    66 FR 38349
Final Action Effective          08/24/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC92
BILLING CODE 3410-30-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




372. POULTRY INSPECTION: REVISION OF FINISHED PRODUCT STANDARDS WITH 
RESPECT TO INGESTA

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 9 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




373. GRANT AND INAUGURATION OF INSPECTION

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 304; 9 CFR 305

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to clarify the regulations in 9 CFR parts 
304 and 305, which provide for grant and inauguration of inspection in 
meat and poultry establishments to address

[[Page 61389]]

issues raised by the Office of Inspector General and others.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________




374. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR BACON

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 10 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________




375. REFORM OF REGULATIONS ON IMPORTED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: As part of its continuing regulatory reform effort, FSIS is 
proposing to consolidate and streamline the regulations governing the 
importation of livestock and poultry products to make them consistent 
with the regulatory approach the Agency has taken in its Pathogen 
Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (PR/HACCP) 
regulations and related rulemakings. FSIS is proposing to eliminate 
obsolete provisions and, where appropriate, to replace command-and-
control provisions with performance standards. The Agency is proposing 
to require establishments where import inspection is conducted to have 
documented process controls that parallel in some respects the HACCP 
and other documented systems that establishments where inspection of 
domestic products is conducted must have.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________




376. EGG AND EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 11 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________




377. LABELING--GENERIC APPROVAL AND REGULATION CONSOLIDATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 412

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will continue an effort initiated several 
years ago by amending FSIS's regulations to expand the types of 
labeling that are generically approved. FSIS plans to propose that the 
submission of labeling for approval prior to use be limited to certain 
types of labeling, as specified in the regulations. In addition, FSIS 
plans to reorganize and amend the regulations by consolidating labeling 
rules that currently are stated separately for livestock products and 
poultry products (in part 317, subpart A, and part 381, subpart N, 
respectively) and by amending their provisions to set out clearly 
various circumstances under which these products are misbranded.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________




378. PATHOGEN REDUCTION; HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS 
(HACCP) SYSTEMS; ADDITIONS TO GENERIC E. COLI CRITERIA

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 12 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________




379. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR TOTAL QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 394 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the meat and poultry 
inspection regulations by removing all requirements relating to total 
quality control (TQC) systems. A TQC system is a comprehensive, planned 
documented system of activities intended to ensure the stability of 
processes and the uniformity of products throughout a manufacturing 
plant. The proposal would remove the design requirements for TQC 
systems and the requirements for FSIS prior approval, or approval 
before implementation, of such systems. The proposal also would amend 
the regulations governing the operating schedules of official 
establishments to remove the provisions concerning establishments with 
approved TQC systems.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of

[[Page 61390]]

Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________




380. PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 553

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 392

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to add a new part 
that prescribes procedures for the submission, consideration, and 
disposition of petitions for rulemaking. The proposal also describes 
the Agency's expectations for the type of documentation that must be 
submitted in support of a petition and that will facilitate regulatory 
development. FSIS is proposing this action to provide clear guidance to 
those who would like to participate in the rulemaking process by 
petitioning FSIS to issue, amend, or repeal a rule administered by the 
Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC81
_______________________________________________________________________




381. CLASSES OF POULTRY UPDATING POULTRY CLASS STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.170(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend the official U.S. classes of 
poultry so that they more accurately and clearly describe the 
characteristics of poultry in the market today. Poultry classes are 
defined primarily in terms of age and sex of the bird. Genetic 
improvements and new poultry management techniques have reduced the 
grow-out period for some poultry classes while extensive cross breeding 
has produced poultry with higher meat yields but blurred breed 
distinctions. This action is being taken to ensure that poultry 
products are labeled in a truthful and non-misleading manner.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC83
_______________________________________________________________________




382.  ELIMINATION OF CHILLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 
FOR READY-TO-COOK POULTRY (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 13 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________




383.  EMERGENCY REGULATIONS TO PREVENT MEAT FOOD AND MEAT 
PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN THE BSE AGENT FROM ENTERING COMMERCE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 14 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC88
_______________________________________________________________________




384.  INCREASES IN FEES FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS 
INSPECTION SERVICES--FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2002

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 1031 et 
seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 391.2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service is proposing to 
increase the fees it charges meat and poultry establishments, egg 
products plants, importers, and exporters for providing voluntary 
inspection services, overtime and holiday inspection services, 
identification services, certification services, and laboratory 
services. These proposed fee increases reflect the national and 
locality pay raise for Federal employees and inflationary costs. FSIS 
is proposing to make the fee increases effective as soon as possible. 
At this time, FSIS is not proposing to change the fee it charges for 
the accredited Laboratory Program. The Agency is also proposing to add 
part 592 to title 9 of the CFR to raise fees for the voluntary 
inspection of egg products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/16/01                    66 FR 52548
NPRM Comment Period End         11/15/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC89

[[Page 61391]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




385. BEEF OR PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE; REVISION OF STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 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
Final Action                    02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________




386. MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND 
RECOVERY SYSTEMS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC51
_______________________________________________________________________




387. INCORPORATION OF FOOD AND COLOR ADDITIVES INTO 21 CFR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 602 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 321 et 
seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318.7; 9 CFR 381.147

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule will amend the meat and poultry inspection 
regulations by completing earlier efforts to incorporate current 
listings in 9 CFR into 21 CFR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________




388. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ON-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL REPROCESSING OF 
PRE-CHILL POULTRY CARCASSES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________




389. SHARING RECALL DISTRIBUTION LISTS WITH STATE AND OTHER FEDERAL 
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 7 CFR 1.3; 7 CFR 2.7

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 390

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS will add regulations concerning sharing distribution 
lists with State and other Federal Government agencies during a food 
recall.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/19/00                    65 FR 56503
NPRM Comment Period End         11/20/00
Final Action                    02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC75
_______________________________________________________________________




390. AGENCY ORGANIZATION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695; 21 USC 1031 to 
1056

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 300; 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 306; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 381; 9 
CFR 590

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend FSIS's regulations adopted under 
the FMIA, PPIA, and EPIA by updating and consolidating organizational 
provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives

[[Page 61392]]

Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC78
_______________________________________________________________________




391. LABELING OF NATURAL OR REGENERATED COLLAGEN SAUSAGE CASINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695; 7 USC 138f; 7 USC 450; 21 USC 451 
to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is requiring that the source of natural sausage casings 
be disclosed on the product label if they are derived from a different 
type of meat or poultry than the meat or poultry in the enclosed 
sausage. Establishments producing, manufacturing, or using natural 
sausage casings or sausages encased in natural casings are also 
required to maintain records documenting the source of the casings. 
FSIS is requiring that the labels of sausage products encased in 
regenerated collagen casings disclose the use of the regenerated 
collagen casing. However, FSIS is not requiring that records on the 
source of the regenerated collagen casings be kept.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/17/97                    62 FR 38220
NPRM Comment Period End         09/15/97
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC80
_______________________________________________________________________




392. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDIZED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS NAMED BY USE OF AN EXPRESSED NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM AND 
A STANDARDIZED TERM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601; 21 USC 451

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.172; 9 CFR 319.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry inspection 
regulations to establish a general definition and standard of identity 
for standardized meat and poultry products that have been modified to 
qualify for use of an expressed nutrient content claim in their product 
names. These products will be identified by an expressed nutrient 
content claim, such as `fat free,' `low fat,' and `light,' in 
conjunction with an appropriate standardized term. FSIS is taking this 
action to 1) assist consumers to maintain healthy dietary practices by 
providing for modified versions of standardized meat and poultry 
products that have reductions of certain constituents that are of 
health concern to some people, 2) increase regulatory flexibility and 
support product innovation 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 End         02/27/96
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________




393. MANDATORY INSPECTION OF RATITES AND SQUABS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 361; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is amending the regulations to include ratites and 
squabs under mandatory poultry inspection.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    04/26/01
Interim Final Rule              05/01/01                    66 FR 21631
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/02/01
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Arshad Hussain, Staff Director, Inspection and 
Enforcement Standards Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3219

RIN: 0583-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




394. TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE, AND OTHER HANDLING OF POTENTIALLY 
HAZARDOUS FOODS

Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 308; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/22/96                    61 FR 59372
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/20/97
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn

[[Page 61393]]

Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




395. ANTE-MORTEM AND POST-MORTEM INSPECTION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 309; 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC43
_______________________________________________________________________




396. REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPOSITION AND DISPOSAL OF INSPECTED RAW MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 311; 9 CFR 314; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381; 9 
CFR 428; 9 CFR 455

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________




397. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR READY-TO-EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Economically Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 430

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/27/01                    66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/01
NPRM Extended Comment Period    07/03/01                    66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________




398. REWORKING OF MEAT AND POULTRY CARCASSES ACCIDENTALLY CONTAMINATED 
DURING EVISCERATION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 433

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC53
_______________________________________________________________________




399. NUTRITION LABELING OF GROUND OR CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS 
AND SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/18/01                     66 FR 4970
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/01
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/01
Extension of Comment Period     07/20/01                    66 FR 20213
Final Action                    12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC60
_______________________________________________________________________




400. FOOD LABELING; NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS, DEFINITION OF THE TERM 
HEALTHY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/28/99                    64 FR 72490
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/27/00


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC65
_______________________________________________________________________




401. FOOD STANDARDS; GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS MODERNIZATION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC72

[[Page 61394]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




402. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR THE CHILLING OR OTHER PROCESSING OF 
LIVESTOCK CARCASSES AND READY-TO-COOK POULTRY

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       07/30/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________




403. OTHER CONSUMER PROTECTION ACTIVITIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 319; 9 CFR 381

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       07/26/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC64
_______________________________________________________________________




404. TERMINOLOGY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 311; 9 CFR 327;; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 590

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       07/26/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC79
_______________________________________________________________________




405.  PRODUCT LABELING: DEFINING UNITED STATES CATTLE AND 
UNITED STATES FRESH BEEF PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317 and 327

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is seeking comments on the need to clarify the 
definition of `U.S. Cattle' and `U.S. fresh beef products' for labeling 
purposes. The secretary, USDA, has been directed to promulgate 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/07/01                    66 FR 41160

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC85
_______________________________________________________________________




406.  ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTIAL QUALITY CONTROL 
PROGRAMS; CERTIFICATION OF SCALES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is amending sections 317.21(d) and 381.121d of the 
Federal meat and poultry inspection regulations to permit FSIS-
inspected establishments to have, in lieu of certification by State or 
local agencies or State-licensed repair firms or persons, alternative 
documented procedures for showing that the scales meet the requirements 
of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44. 
The alternative documented procedures could be a partial quality 
control (PQC) program for net weight (for which FSIS no longer has 
approval or design requirements), a total quality control (TQC) system 
provision, or other procedures showing the establishment's scales meet 
NIST Handbook 44 requirements. FSIS has determined that the regulatory 
provisions in question are unduly restrictive and should include an 
option for the establishments to have alternative documented procedures 
showing that scales meet NIST Handbook 44 requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/18/00                    65 FR 56262
NPRM Comment Period End         10/03/00
Final Action                    10/16/01                    66 FR 52484
Final Action Effective          11/15/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627

RIN: 0583-AC86
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-S

[[Page 61395]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




407.  PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE U.S. 
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS (EMERGING MARKETS PROGAM)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the 
Emerging Marketing Program, currently authorized by the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The Emerging 
Markets Program currently operates under agency guidelines. The 
proposed rule would amend and codify the existing guidelines. 
Codification of the guidelines should not change program administration 
noticeably. Because the program is already in operation under agency 
guidelines, this proposal would have no significant impact on the U.S. 
economy.
The proposed rule will provide specific regulations concerning program 
administration. Significant provisions include definition of emerging 
market and country eligibility, program objectives and priorities, 
eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and 
review processes, decisions and appeals, reimbursement rules and 
procedures, reporting requirements, evaluations, and program controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA62
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




408.  PROGRAM TO ASSIST U.S. PRODUCERS IN DEVELOPING DOMESTIC 
MARKETS FOR VALUE-ADDED WHEAT GLUTEN AND WHEAT STARCH PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 714c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1482

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule provides for a 2-year program to assist U.S. wheat 
gluten producers in fully adjusting to import competition by 
transitioning the industry from production of basic bulk commodities to 
production of value-added commodities where the market potential is 
more viable. U.S. producers of wheat gluten, who meet the eligibility 
requirements of the rule and submit the required market development 
plans, will receive an annual lump sum payment by CCC to conduct 
specific program activities aimed at facilitating the transition to 
value-added wheat gluten products for sale in the domestic market.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/01                    66 FR 30801
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/09/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA60
_______________________________________________________________________




409.  FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) REGULATIONS FOR THE 
FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 552

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule is issued in accordance with the regulations 
of the Secretary of Agriculture, 7 CFR part 1--Administrative 
Regulations, subpart A--Official Records, 1.3, Agency Implementing 
Regulations, for the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA61

[[Page 61396]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




410. CCC SUPPLIER CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1493

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/19/95                    60 FR 37025
NPRM Comment Period End         09/18/95
Interim Final Rule              07/01/96                    61 FR 33825
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/30/96
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/30/96
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

Tamoria Thompson
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________




411. FACILITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 17; 7 CFR 1493

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/01/93                    58 FR 11786
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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

Tamoria Thompson
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




412. EXPORT SALES REPORTING REQUIREMENT

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 20

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/25/01                    66 FR 38526

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

Tamoria Thompson
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA51
BILLING CODE 3410-10-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




413. HYDROPOWER APPLICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

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). As a result of the 
comments received, substantial changes were made to the proposed policy 
(60 FR 36401). Therefore, the Forest Service is publishing a revised 
proposed policy for public comment.

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
Second NPRM                     04/00/02
Second NPRM Comment Period End  06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AA47

[[Page 61397]]

_______________________________________________________________________




414. 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                            01/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AA79
_______________________________________________________________________




415. 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 U.S.C. 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                            02/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________




416. 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 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                            02/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




417. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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.
In addition, the proposed amendment to 36 CFR part 262, Law Enforcement 
Support Activities, would amend the rules that govern monetary rewards 
and payments for information leading to the arrest and conviction of 
people who harm natural resources or threaten employees. The proposed 
rule would

[[Page 61398]]

remove established rewards for damaging or stealing yew trees, the 
natural source of taxol, as taxol is now produced synthetically. The 
change also would clarify the procedures in subpart B for 
administrative impoundments and removals of livestock, dogs, and 
personal property.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/16/94                     59 FR 7880
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/94
Second NPRM                     05/00/02
Second NPRM Comment Period End  07/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________




418. 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                            02/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




419. CLARIFICATION OF EXEMPTIONS FROM SPECIAL-USE AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 477 to 482; 16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761 to 1771

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251.50(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering 
study of its special uses program on how to manage the program in a 
more businesslike, customer-service-oriented way. The Agency proposes 
the following revisions to 36 CFR 251.50 that would implement 
recommendations from this study. The study determined that many units 
are issuing special use authorizations unnecessarily, thereby 
increasing workloads. The study concluded that the Agency should 
clarify the special uses rules at section 251.50(a) to make explicitly 
clear that special use authorizations should not be issued for 
activities that are regulated by other Forest Service regulations; for 
example, those governing the disposal of timber (part 223); minerals 
(part 228); the use of forest development roads and trails (part 212 
and section 251.110); and the grazing of cattle (part 222). The study 
also concluded that section 251.50(d) should be revised to direct that 
special use authorizations should not be issued where such 
authorization would serve no land or resource management objective and 
would have nominal effects on National Forest System lands; for 
example, where activities are adequately regulated by other 
governmental entities or where an authorized officer determines that 
normal operation and maintenance by the holder is within the scope of a 
right-of-way, easement, or other valid existing real property interest. 
Further, the rule at section 251.50(c) would be revised to clarify 
that, in emergency situations, a special use authorization should be 
sought at the earliest opportunity following the emergency to ensure 
that appropriate measures are carried out to protect National Forest 
System lands after the emergency situation no longer exists.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________




420. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER EXPORT 
AND SUBSTITUTION RESTRICTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 620

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223; 36 CFR 261

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule for timber export and substitution 
restrictions would implement the Forest Resources Conservation and 
Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended. The proposed rule defines the 
certain terms necessary to facilitate uniform compliance; prohibits 
transfer of unprocessed private timber for export by a person who 
possesses or acquires unprocessed Federal timber; prohibits export of 
such unprocessed private timber by a third or successive party; 
prescribes procedures for reporting the acquisition and disposition of 
NFS and private

[[Page 61399]]

timber requiring domestic processing, including transfers; prescribes 
procedures for identifying unprocessed National Forest Service and 
private timber requiring domestic processing; and establishes 
procedures for assessing civil and criminal penalties and applying 
administrative remedies for violations of the Act, its implementing 
regulations, and contracts subject to the Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________




421. USE OF FIXED ANCHORS IN WILDERNESS

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

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to issue regulations on the 
use of climbing equipment in designated wilderness areas within the 
National Forest System (NFS). Prior to the adoption of the Wilderness 
Act, certain climbing equipment, including rock bolts, have been placed 
in rock faces by climbers. This practice has continued for several 
decades and is the focus of controversy among wilderness users. An 
increase in the popularity of bolt-intensive form of rock climbing in 
the early 1990s has fueled this controversy. Some wilderness advocates 
consider rock bolts and other anchors, left behind by climbers, as 
permanent improvements.
To address this issue on NFS lands, a negotiated rulemaking committee 
was convened in June 2000. After four 2-day meetings, the group failed 
to reach consensus on several aspects of the issue; however, consensus 
was reached on other aspects. The Agency is moving forward with a 
proposal that utilizes the advice of the committee and the aspects that 
were agreed upon by the committee. The Agency intends to propose for 
public comment several alternatives to define and regulate permanent 
fixed anchors, including bolts. Resolving these issues through 
rulemaking is preferable to other dispute resolution alternatives, such 
as litigation or legislative amendment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




422. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS AND FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to promulgate regulations for 
managing special forest products and forest botanical products. The 
regulations will guide the Forest Service in the administration of the 
broader category of special forest products. The proposed rule also 
implements Public Law 106-113, Pilot Program of Charges and Fees for 
Harvest of Forest Botanical Products, Appropriations Act H.R. 3423, 
section 339, Forest Botanical Products. Forest botanical products 
include products, such as herbs, berries, seeds, and wildflowers that 
are not wood products. The intended effect of this rule is to give 
guidance and consistency for the sustainability and sale of special 
forest products and forest botanical products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




423. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The appropriations act for the Department of the Interior and 
related agencies for fiscal year 2001 (Pub.L. 106-291) contains 
provisions in title VI `Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000' to ensure 
consistent and fair processes for appraising the fee simple value of 
recreation residence lots on National Forest System (NFS) lands. This 
act (1) establishes in law that the base annual fee for recreation 
residences is 5 percent of the market value of the lot; (2) changes the 
appraisal cycle period from 20 years to 10 years; and (3) requires the 
Secretary of Agriculture to (a) complete an inventory of utilities, 
access, and facilities serving each recreation residence tract or lot 
and document who paid for the installation of those improvements; (b) 
develop a new set of guidelines for conducting appraisals for 
recreation residences on NFS lands; (c) use a different annual indexing 
indicator; and (d) issue new Agency direction to implement the 
provisions of the Act within 2 years of its passage (10/11/2000). The 
Forest Service proposes to publish notice in the Federal Register of 
policy changes

[[Page 61400]]

to the Forest Service Manual (FSM 2723) and Handbooks (FSH 2709.11, 
sec. 33; and FSH 5409.12, ch. 6) that would make Agency direction 
consistent with the requirements in the Act for the base annual fee and 
appraisal cycle (described in the preceding items (1) and (2)) and to 
request public comment on those policy changes related to the 
inventory, guidelines for appraisals, and indexing indicator (described 
in the preceding items (3)(a) to (3)(d). Comments will be considered in 
development of the final policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly, Regulatory Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________




424.  INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREAS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1604; 42 USC 4321

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is seeking public comment on the 
management of Inventoried Roadless Areas. These areas cover 58.5 
million acres, or nearly one-third of the National Forest System. On 
January 12, 2001, USDA published a final rule prohibiting road 
construction, reconstruction, and timber harvesting in Inventoried 
Roadless Areas on National Forest System lands. On May 4, 2001, the 
Secretary of Agriculture stated her intent to implement the rule, with 
modifications to be proposed later. On May 10, 2001, the District Court 
of Idaho preliminarily enjoined implementation of the rule. There are 
seven additional lawsuits seeking to overturn the rule. Continuing 
controversy over the rule, the process used to develop the rule, and 
the long-term protection of roadless values, as well as legal 
uncertainties, make it impractical to offer a proposed rule at this 
time. However, the Secretary wants public input on these issues. This 
advance notice of proposed rulemaking allows the Secretary to get 
comment without prejudicing the outcome of legal proceedings which, 
along with consideration of public comment and other input, will govern 
whether USDA will proceed to a proposed rule.
To stabilize the management situation while the roadless rule is being 
litigated, the Chief has issued interim directives to reserve the 
authority for approving timber harvest and road building in roadless 
areas. Notice of the interim directives was published in the Federal 
Register on August 22, 2001 (66 FR 44111) with a request for public 
comments for consideration in adopting final direction.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/10/01                    66 FR 35918
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/10/01
Interim Direction               08/22/01                    66 FR 44111
Interim Direction Comment End   10/22/01
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________




425.  NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 
PLANNING

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise the November 9, 
2000, land and resource management planning rule. This action responds 
to serious concerns raised by employees and others about the Agency's 
ability to implement some provisions of the November 2000 rule. The 
Agency's ability to promptly implement the November 9, 2000, planning 
regulations has also been called into question through pending 
litigation. A coalition of environmental organizations (Citizens for 
Better Forestry et al., v. USFS (N.D. Calif.)) and a coalition of 
timber and grazing interests (American Forest & Paper Association et 
al., v. Veneman (D. D.C.)) have filed separate lawsuits challenging 
both the implementability and the legality of the new planning 
regulations on a variety of grounds. The Forest Service has been asked 
to resolve deficiencies in the November 2000 rule. In so doing, the 
Forest Service plans to ensure that issues or deficiencies that have 
evolved from over 2 decades of forest planning are also addressed. The 
goal is to develop a new rule that improves the planning process, 
decisionmaking, and legal defensibility of land and resource management 
plans. The goal of the Department is to have a revised planning rule in 
place by the end of the calendar year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02
Final Action                    04/00/02
Final Action Effective          05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB86

[[Page 61401]]

_______________________________________________________________________




426.  NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION FOR 
CERTAIN SMALL ADMINISTRATIVE TIMBER SALES ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM 
LANDS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS (FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 
30)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1999, as a result of a court action, the Forest Service 
lost the ability to use a categorical exclusion from National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation for small timber sales. 
This category was used extensively for small timber sales to remove 
hazard trees, treat insect and disease outbreaks, and provide related 
timber products for local communities. As a consequence, the 
responsible official must now prepare an environmental assessment (EA) 
on these small volume timber sales (under 250,000 board feet of green 
timber or 1 million board feet of salvage timber). This has resulted in 
a Service-wide increase in environmental analysis costs and delays in 
beginning and completing these small timber sale projects on the 
National Forests and Research Experimental Forests. This proposal would 
categorically exclude from documentation in an EA or environmental 
impact statement (EIS) certain types of small timber sales in the 
National Forests and Research Experimental Forests and would enable the 
Agency to accomplish in a more timely and efficient manner the 
treatment of small fire hazard areas, insect and disease outbreaks, and 
hazard tree removal. This new categorical exclusion would be added to 
the existing categories for categorical exclusions in chapter 30 of 
Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, and by Council on Environmental 
Quality (CEQ) regulation, this proposal requires public notice and 
opportunity to comment. For convenience and cost savings, the final 
directive may be issued temporarily as an interim directive to chapter 
30 of FSH 1909.15 but would be incorporated as an amendment as soon as 
there are sufficient other changes to the chapter to warrant revision 
of the entire chapter. Decisions using this new category may be subject 
to a 30-day public comment period and administrative appeal under 36 
CFR part 215

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02
Final Action                    07/00/02
Final Action Effective          07/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________




427.  NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; PL 102-381, sec 322 (Appeal 
Reform Act); 106 Stat 1419 (16 USC 1612 note)

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215 (Revision)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1992, the Appeal Reform Act mandated the Forest Service to 
develop appeal regulations for site-specific projects on National 
Forest System lands. The regulations were promulgated in 1994. Seven 
years of experience have shown there are certain provisions in the 
regulations that consistently give rise to questions by employees and 
the public and reduce efficient processing of administrative appeals. 
This proposed rule would revise the appeal regulations to bring better 
focus to public participation and to improve consistency in the 
application of this regulation, both of which would result in improved 
efficiency of the appeals process for the public and the Government.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/02
Final Action                    07/00/02
Final Action Effective          08/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________




428.  REVISIONS TO ROAD MANAGEMENT POLICY (FOREST SERVICE 
MANUAL CHAPTER 7710)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 23 USC 205

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2001 (66 FR 3205), the Forest Service adopted 
a new road management policy to improve the analysis and decisionmaking 
of the National Forest System road system. As part of a Governmentwide 
review of recently adopted rules and policies announced January 20, the 
Chief has conducted an internal review of the new road management 
policy. As a consequence, the Agency has identified several changes to 
be made to Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 7710. The first of these 
was to issue an interim directive (ID No. 7710-2001-1) to redelegate 
the authority for extending deadlines for completion of forest-scale 
analysis from the Chief to the Regional Foresters. Additionally, the ID 
granted all units an additional year to complete road inventories and 
analysis. This ID was effective May 31, 2001. The Agency followed with 
a notice in the Federal Register with a request for comment, which has 
not yet been published. The Agency also has determined that the interim 
requirements of the road management policy limiting road construction 
in roadless and contiguous unroaded areas are not relevant to the road 
management policy; rather, these requirements should be dealt with in 
the context of overall management of roadless areas. Moreover, field 
units

[[Page 61402]]

generally are finding it difficult to determine how to identify and map 
contiguous unroaded areas, and in some recent cases involving access to 
oil and gas and other minerals, the interim requirements are requiring 
EISs for minimal road construction or reconstruction along the edge of 
inventoried roadless areas and contiguous unroaded areas, with 
resultant delays in project decisions. The Agency is preparing a second 
ID to rescind these interim requirements. Although the ID will be 
immediately effective, a notice with a request for comment will be 
published in the Federal Register.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02
Final Action                    04/00/02
Final Action Effective          04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




429. 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                    03/00/02
Final Action Effective          04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________




430. DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER SALE 
CONTRACTS

Priority: Other Significant

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                    02/00/02
Final Action Effective          03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________




431. COLLECTION OF REIMBURSABLE COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL-USE 
APPLICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL-USE AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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                            11/24/99                    64 FR 66341
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/29/99                    64 FR 72971
NPRM Comment Period End         02/04/00
Comment Period Extended         02/25/00                    65 FR 10042
Comment Period End              03/09/00

[[Page 61403]]

Final Action                    03/00/02
Final Action Effective          04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________




432. 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 
Conservation 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 Conservation 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. As 
applied to these regulations, administered Conservation System Units 
are Forest Service National Monuments and units of the National Wild 
and Scenic River Systems, National Trails System, and the National 
Wilderness Preservation System in Alaska.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/25/97                    62 FR 20140
NPRM Comment Period End         06/24/97
Final Action                    01/00/02
Final Action Effective          02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




433. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL USES PERMIT ACTIONS (FSH 
1909.15, CHAPTER 30)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering 
study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that 
the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or 
transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no 
significant effect on the human environment, either individually or 
cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, 
and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. 
Therefore, the Forest Service proposes to add a new category of 
categorical exclusions from NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 
31.2 of FSH 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This 
action would give clearer direction regarding the NEPA obligation, when 
issuance of a special use authorization is a purely ministerial action 
and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or facilities.
Further, the Forest Service proposes to amend section 30.3 to clarify 
the NEPA documentation that is needed for processing applications and 
authorizations under a categorical exclusion when extraordinary 
circumstances exist. There is confusion surrounding section 30.3 about 
the `mere presence' of an extraordinary circumstance and the 
implication of a need for an Environmental Assessment (EA) or 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Forest Service proposes to 
amend this section to provide that an identified extraordinary 
circumstance must clearly have a significant impact on the National 
Forest resource to merit preparation of an EA or EIS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/20/01                    66 FR 48412
NPRM Comment Period End         11/19/01
Final Action                    02/00/02
Final Action Effective          02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




434.  NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 
PLANNING; EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1600 et seq; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Agriculture is proposing to amend the 
November 2000 land and resource management planning rule to extend for 
1 year the date specified in 36 CFR 219.35(b) by which all plan 
amendments and revisions would be subject to the new planning rule 
requirements. This proposed rule will allow for public comment on the

[[Page 61404]]

extension of the May 9, 2001, compliance date to May 9, 2002. The 
Department has determined that the May 9, 2001, date is impracticable 
for several reasons: (1) According to the new regulations, units not 
publishing a draft environmental document by May 9, 2001, would be 
required to abandon the 1982 rule procedures and start over using the 
new planning process. Approximately 20 units of the National Forest 
System have begun revising their plans under the 1982 rule, and 
numerous amendments are also underway. Extensive amounts of public 
involvement and analysis have already been invested in these efforts, 
and most of the units are not able to meet the May 9, 2001, deadline. 
The new regulations are substantially different from the 1982 
regulations. As a consequence, the Agency would waste valuable time and 
resources halting and restarting these planning efforts already 
underway. For these reasons, it would be impracticable for the 
Department to require these units to adhere to the May 9, 2001, 
deadline. (2) Because of the complexity of the new regulations, the 
Agency has been unable to complete the necessary policy and procedural 
guidance needed to implement the new rule. In addition, training 
programs have not been developed, and technical support for many of the 
complex new analytical requirements of the new rule are not yet 
available. (3) The Department has been made aware of serious concerns 
about the Agency's ability to implement some provisions of the new 
planning rule. Therefore, extending the compliance date for 1 year to 
May 9, 2002, would also allow the Department to review the regulation 
carefully and determine if any adjustments are necessary to improve its 
implementation. Because the May 9, 2001, compliance date is imminent, 
the Department simultaneously published an interim final rule that 
would immediately extend the compliance deadline. While this interim 
action is necessary to grant relief to the approximately 20 units that 
have begun plan revisions under the 1982 regulations but cannot meet 
the impending deadline, the Department believes that the public should 
have an opportunity to comment on this extension. Consequently, the 
Department is planning to publish a proposed rule with a request for 
public comment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/17/01                    66 FR 27555
NPRM Comment Period End         07/16/01
Final Action                    04/00/02
Final Action Effective          05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

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: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB87
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




435. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 214

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly
Phone: 703 605-4533
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB45
BILLING CODE 3410-11-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




436. GENERAL NONPROCUREMENT REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 901 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3020

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: USDA published 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations, in 1981 to establish and codify departmentwide policies 
and standards for administering grants and cooperative agreements to 
governmental and nongovernmental entities. Since that time, the Office 
of Management and Budget has lead efforts to establish Governmentwide 
common rules for governmental and nongovernmental recipients of grants 
and cooperative agreements. Consequently, over the years, USDA has 
codified its Governmentwide common rules in other parts of title 7 of 
the CFR. This has resulted in corresponding amendments to part 3015 to 
revise its scope accordingly. We are proposing to remove part 3015 and 
to add part 3020 to parts of title 7. We are proposing to include other 
administrative requirements that were never codified. The alternative 
would be to continue to work with the disjointed, outdated part 3015. 
Expected results are that the new part 3020 will be more clear and 
concise and will only contain those crosscutting requirements not 
included in other USDA departmentwide administrative regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 61405]]

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley, Acting Division Director, Office 
of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, Office of 
the Secretary, Room 4606-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-1204

RIN: 0503-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




437. DESIGNATION OF RURAL EMPOWERMENT ZONES AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 25

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/27/00                    65 FR 24656
NPRM Comment Period End         06/26/00


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jay Norman Reid
Phone: 202 619-7980

RIN: 0503-AA20
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




438. NONDISCRIMINATION IN USDA-CONDUCTED PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 15

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/30/99                    64 FR 66709

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Winningham
Phone: 202 720-5212

RIN: 0503-AA15
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




439. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932 note

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274, subpart D

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is considering authorizing Intermediary Relending 
Program intermediaries to sell participation agreements in their loans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/00/02
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne Stansbery, Chief, Processing Branch, Specialty 
Lenders Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6867/Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 720-6819
Fax: 202 720-6561
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA33
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




440. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--FINANCING 
COOPERATIVE STOCK

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart A

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 
proposes to develop a streamlined application form when financing 
working capital, which includes cooperative stock.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02

[[Page 61406]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet, Sr. Loan Specialist, B&I Processing 
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 
Room 6864/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________




441. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to completely 
rewrite and renumber 7 CFR 1942, subpart G, to 7 CFR part 4284, subpart 
B. This rewrite will incorporate public law changes and clarify 
administrative regulatory procedures and guidelines in order to improve 
program administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867/Stop 3225, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 690-2516
Fax: 202 720-6561
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




442. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 940c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703, subpart B; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action is part of a reinvention laboratory initiative of 
the Department of Agriculture and Rural Business-Cooperative Service. 
The regulations will be written in a `plain language' style. The 
regulation will be simpler and improve the ease of use by the public 
and program beneficiaries. The regulation will be written in a question 
and answer format from the perspective of questions from the applicant 
under this program. The regulations will simplify the application 
format, review and selection process, and recipient's recordkeeping 
requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse 
decisions. The comment period on the proposed rule ended February 14, 
2000. The Agency received 28 written comments. The Agency conducted a 
meeting, which was open to the public on August 2, 2000, to allow the 
Agency to listen to oral presentations from the general public on the 
proposed rule. The Agency will respond to the comments made at the 
meeting in the preamble to the final rule as part of the rulemaking 
processing under the Administrative Procedures Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 69937
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Wing, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867, South 
Building, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9558
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________




443. ALLOCATION FORMULAS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1940, subpart L

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend existing regulations for allocating 
program funds among Agency State offices. It will add the Rural 
Business Opportunity Grant Program and update the formulas used for 
Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Business and Industry Programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/03/00                    65 FR 47695
NPRM Comment Period End         10/02/00
Final Action                    06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne Stansbery, Chief, Processing Branch, Specialty 
Lenders Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6867/Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 720-6819
Fax: 202 720-6561
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________




444. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--DOMESTIC LAMB 
INDUSTRY ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SET-ASIDE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

[[Page 61407]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action provides for a set-aside of $15 million in 
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans in fiscal year (FY) 2001, $15 
million in FY 2002, and $5 million in FY 2003 to help fund the Domestic 
Lamb Industry Adjustment Assistance Program. The set-aside is to be 
effective September 30, 2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/30/00                    65 FR 64596
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/30/00
Final Action                    09/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roland T. Woodfolk, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6864/STOP 3224
Phone: 202 690-3805
Fax: 202 690-3808
Email: [email protected]

Richard Bonnet, Sr. Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Branch, Department 
of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6864/Stop 
3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________




445. THE RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS AND TELEVISION DEMONSTRATION 
GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942, subpart G

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise its regulation by clarifying 
the definition of small and emerging private business enterprise. This 
action will streamline the regulation and reduce the burden to the 
applicant in meeting the restricted definition.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/16/01                    66 FR 27013
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/16/01
Final Action                    05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867/Stop 3225, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 690-2516
Fax: 202 720-6561
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA32
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




446. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--MISCELLANEOUS 
CHANGES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4287, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, 
subpart B

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet
Phone: 202 720-1804
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA23
_______________________________________________________________________




447. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703 subpart B; 7 CFR 1942 subpart G; 7 CFR 4284 
subpart D; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4274, 
subpart D; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A; 7 CFR 4287, subpart H

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/02
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Concepcion Malazo
Phone: 202 690-3810

RIN: 0570-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




448. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980 subpart A; 7 CFR 1980, subpart E; 7 CFR 1942, 
subpart A; 7 CFR 1951, subpart E; 7 CFR 4274, subpart I; 7 CFR 4287, 
subpart H

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/12/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet
Phone: 202 720-1804

[[Page 61408]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA22
_______________________________________________________________________




449. RURAL AND RURAL AREA UNDER THE RURAL COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279; 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       01/12/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local

Agency Contact: Bill Hagy
Phone: 202 720-7287

RIN: 0570-AA27
BILLING CODE 3410-07-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




450. TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS, 
EQUIPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend 7 CFR 
1755 to include requirements presently contained in RUS Bulletin 345-3. 
This rule would establish and codify provisions for the inclusion and 
removal for products from I.P. 344-2. This rule also proposes to 
integrate the existing section on field trials in the procedures for 
product acceptance and inclusion in this codification, as well as 
clarifying and reorganizing the field trials section.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




451. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed action combines nine existing loan-servicing 
regulations of Water Programs into one. The new regulations will codify 
and clarify Water Programs policy relating to loan-servicing by 
incorporating simplified language without significantly changing any of 
the Agency's servicing policies or procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________




452. MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATIONS OF ELECTRIC BORROWERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service is proposing to amend subpart D 
to provide the Administrator the flexibility to limit the amount of a 
loan to a successor (surviving business entity following a merger) to 
no more than 10 percent of the municipal loan authorization for a 
particular fiscal year, with the balance of the limited first loan 
request (if any) being considered in subsequent years. The 
Administrator will consider this limitation in years where a 
significant loan backlog is determined to exist.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB63

[[Page 61409]]

_______________________________________________________________________




453.  ELECTRIC PROGRAM STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1724; 7 CFR 1726; 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes to amend its regulations to revise its standard 
forms of contracts that borrowers are required to use when contracting 
for construction and procurement financed through loans made or 
guaranteed by RUS, in accordance with applicable RUS regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/16/98                    63 FR 49503
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/16/98
NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




454.  EXEMPTIONS OF RUS OPERATIONAL CONTROLS UNDER SECTION 306E 
OF THE RE ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes to eliminate duplicative lists of requirements 
and to eliminate RUS notification to each borrower informing them of 
their exemption from operational controls status under the 110 percent 
rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB68
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




455. EXTENSIONS OF PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1721

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will add subpart B which will set forth the 
procedures under which borrowers may request an extension for the 
payment of principal and interest.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/09/01                     66 FR 1604
NPRM Comment Period End         03/12/01
Final Rule                      12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB60
_______________________________________________________________________




456. SETTLEMENT OF DEBT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 to 950b; 7 USC 1981; PL 99-591; PL 103-354

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend its debt 
settlement procedures to allow its Administrator to modify the 
requirements borrowers must meet to receive debt settlements. 
Currently, all borrowers must meet the same requirements regardless of 
the amount of debt or other circumstances. The intent of the proposed 
change is to facilitate debt settlements where the RUS Administrator 
determines that the Government's interest in the debt can still be 
protected without having the borrower meet each of the current 
requirements. Such determinations would be made on a case by case 
basis. While the change is expected to improve the efficiency of debt 
settlements, it is not intended to alter the basic outcome of such 
settlements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________




457. DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

[[Page 61410]]

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is removing subpart H in its entirety.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/25/01                    66 FR 20759
NPRM Comment Period End         05/25/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB65
_______________________________________________________________________




458.  TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM SPECIFICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing to amend its 
regulations to change the manner in which it publishes the 
specifications that products need to meet for their use in 
telecommunications systems of RUS Borrowers. The specifications are 
currently published in the text of the CFR. This proposed rule would 
eliminate this unnecessary and burdensome publication in the CFR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________




459.  DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 950aaa et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations for the Distance Learning and 
Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and Grant Program. These amendments will 
clarify eligibility; change the grant minimum matching contribution; 
clarify the circumstances under which transmission facilities are 
funded; modify financial information requirements; adjust the 
leveraging scoring criterion; clarify financial information to be 
submitted; and make other minor changes and corrections. The intended 
effect is to clarify procedures for DLT applicants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




460. RUS APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND EXTENSIONS TO ELECTRIC PLANTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717.603

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________




461. THE `BUY AMERICAN' REQUIREMENT

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1787

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB55

[[Page 61411]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




462. ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND 
CONSTRUCTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1728

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/17/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AA67
_______________________________________________________________________




463. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND SPECIFICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/17/01                    66 FR 43309
Final Action Effective          09/17/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________




464. POST-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO GUARANTEED AND INSURED 
LOANS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1744

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/09/01                    66 FR 41755

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




465. WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1779; 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 1780

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      05/08/01                    66 FR 23135
Final Action Effective          06/07/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




466. ELIMINATION OF CURRENT RATIO REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/17/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB58
_______________________________________________________________________




467. POLICY ON AUDITS OF RUS BORROWERS; GENERALLY ACCEPTED GOVERNMENT 
AUDITING STANDARDS (GAGAS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1773

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/21/01                    66 FR 27833
Final Action Effective          07/18/01                    66 FR 37406

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB62
_______________________________________________________________________




468. PRE-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO INSURED AND GUARANTEED 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1737

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/17/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB64
_______________________________________________________________________




469. POLICY ON AUDITS OF RUS BORROWERS: MANAGEMENT LETTER

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1773

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/21/01                    66 FR 27829
Final Action Effective          07/18/01                    66 FR 37405

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB66
BILLING CODE 3410-15-S

[[Page 61412]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




470. WETLAND CATEGORICAL MINIMAL EFFECTS EXEMPTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3801 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The 1985 Farm Bill, as amended, gives producers a major 
incentive to conserve wetlands by tying eligibility for most USDA 
program benefits to conservation of wetlands. However, producers can 
convert wetlands based on available exemptions, including a minimal 
effect exemption. A minimal effect applies if the action, individually 
and cumulatively, will have minimal effect on the functional 
hydrological and biological value of the wetlands in the area. A 
categorical minimal effect is one that, when carried out, will always 
have a minimal effect on the hydrologic and biological functions of 
wetlands in the area. These activities will be identified on a regional 
basis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Helen Huntington, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mail Stop 5460, 
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301 504-2165
Fax: 301 504-2161
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________




471. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 81-516; 33 USC 701; PL 95-334; 16 USC 2203

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 624

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A revision is necessary to incorporate changes in the 
program, which have resulted from the passage of the 1996 Farm Bill; to 
fulfill a desire to make the program more responsive and efficient; and 
to respond to concerns of the public and the Agency. The rule is being 
reorganized and several items added.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Thomas A Weber, Deputy Chief for Programs, Department 
of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 5004-S, PO 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 020 720-4527
Fax: 202 720-6559
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




472. FORESTRY INCENTIVES PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 2101 and 2103

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 635; 7 CFR 701

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) supports good forest 
management practices on privately owned, non-industrial forest lands 
nationwide. FIP is designed to benefit the environment while meeting 
future demands for wood products. The Cooperative Forestry Assistance 
Act of 1978, as amended by Public Law 95-313, is the source of 
authority for FIP. FIP was reauthorized for fiscal year 2002 by Public 
Law 104-127. The interim rule sets forth FIP policies and procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/00/02
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Helen Huntington, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mail Stop 5460, 
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301 504-2165
Fax: 301 504-2161
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________




473. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 2005b

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 610

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Private grazing land constitutes nearly one-half of the non-
Federal land of the United States and is basic to environmental, 
social, and economic stability of rural areas. In fact, grazing land 
constitutes the single largest watershed cover type in the United 
States and contributes significantly to the quality and quantity of 
water for all of the many uses in the watershed. Congress recognized 
the importance of grazing lands in subtitle H, section 386, of the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 by authorizing 
the Secretary to provide a coordinated technical, educational, and 
related assistance program to conserve and enhance private grazing 
lands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/29/01                    66 FR 34584
NPRM Comment Period End         08/28/01
Final Rule                      03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Helen Huntington, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mail Stop 5460, 
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705

[[Page 61413]]

Phone: 301 504-2165
Fax: 301 504-2161
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




474. HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/06/96                    61 FR 47019
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/05/96
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Helen Huntington
Phone: 301 504-2165
Fax: 301 504-2161
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA17
BILLING CODE 3410-16-S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)



_______________________________________________________________________




475. OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (OPPM); UNIFORM 
PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER OF EXCESS FEDERAL PROPERTY

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2206a; 7 USC 301 note; 7 USC 321 et seq; 20 USC 
1059c(b)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) is 
amending its procedures for the acquisition and transfer of excess 
personal property to 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of 
the Equity in Education Land Grant Status Act of 1994); Hispanic-
Serving Institutions (as defined in section 316(b) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965); and any college or university eligible to 
receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890. This amendment 
clarifies administrative rules regarding equipment transfer and reduces 
the administrative burden placed on recipient Institutions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathleen N. Fay, Property Utilization Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Office of Procurement and Property 
Management, Mail Stop 9304, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-9779
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA10
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)



_______________________________________________________________________




476. NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3018

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/26/90                     55 FR 6736
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA03

[[Page 61414]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)



_______________________________________________________________________




477. AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR); CONTRACTOR EMPLOYMENT OF 
MIGRANT AND SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 422; 48 CFR 452

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/08/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA05
_______________________________________________________________________




478. AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION: AMENDMENT TO PART 442, CONTRACT 
ADMINISTRATION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 442

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/01/01                    66 FR 49866
Final Action Effective          11/30/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA08
_______________________________________________________________________




479. AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION; PART 419 AMENDMENT; NORTH 
AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 419.508; 48 CFR 452.219-70

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               09/27/01                    66 FR 49316
Direct Final Rule Effective     11/26/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA09
[FR Doc. 01-27113 Filed 11-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-13-S
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