[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

[[Page 26562]]



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, Spring 2005

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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.

Dated: March 18, 2005.

 Geraldine Broadway,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

                                  Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1           National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured    0581-AB97
            Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08)............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2           Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY-     0581-AC25
            02-003)...............................................................................
3           Plant Variety Protection Services, Supplemental (ST-02-02)............................    0581-AC31
4           National Organic Program: Amending the National List (TM-04-01), Crops and Processing.    0581-AC35
5           Honey Research and Promotion (Packer/Importer Board)..................................    0581-AC37
6           National Organic Program: National List--Crops, Livestock, and Processing (TM-04-04)..    0581-AC38
7           Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Certificates: Fee Increase (ST-05-02)..................    0581-AC42
8           User Fees for 2005 Crop Cotton Classification Services (CN-05-001)....................    0581-AC43
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9           Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable                0581-AC26
            Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04)......................................
10          USDA Farmers Market Operating Procedures (TM-04-09)...................................    0581-AC39
11          Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading: Increase in Fees (2005), PY-05-001..................    0581-AC44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12          Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10).......................................    0581-AC12
13          National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (DA-02-03)..............................    0581-AC16

[[Page 26563]]

 
14          California Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Tree Pull, FV05-82-01).................    0581-AC45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15          Exemption of Organic Producers From Research and Promotion/Marketing Order Assessment     0581-AC15
            (PY-02-006)...........................................................................
16          Voluntary Shell Egg Grading Regulation--Facilities and Equipment (PY-03-005)..........    0581-AC33
17          Tobacco Inspection: Flue-Cured and Burley Tobacco; Importation Prohibitions and           0581-AC36
            Tobacco Pesticide Residue Testing Requirements........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18          Selection of FSA State and County Committees..........................................    0560-AG90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19          Appraisal Updates.....................................................................    0560-AH33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20          Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouses for Commodity Credit               0560-AE50
            Corporation Storage Contracts.........................................................
21          Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs........    0560-AF60
22          Interest Assistance Program...........................................................    0560-AG46
23          Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process....................................    0560-AG49
24          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers........................    0560-AG76
25          Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures..........................................    0560-AG88
26          Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns.........................................    0560-AH02
27          Retaining Preferred Lender Program (PLP) Status, Processing Loss Claims, Payment of       0560-AH07
            Interest Accrued During Bankruptcy, and Redemption Rights Periods for Guaranteed Loans
28          Debt Collection, Debt Settlement, and Assignment of Payments..........................    0560-AH09
29           Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers..    0560-AH16
30          Disaster Declaration and Designation..................................................    0560-AH17
31          Planting Reporting for Tropical Crops--Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program....    0560-AH19
32          Designated Marketing Associations for Peanuts.........................................    0560-AH20
33          Policy for Certain Commodities Available for Sale.....................................    0560-AH22
34          Conservation Contract Debt Write-Down.................................................    0560-AH23
35          American Indian Livestock Feed Program................................................    0560-AH26
36          2004 Dairy Assistance Program.........................................................    0560-AH28
37          2004 Cottonseed Program...............................................................    0560-AH29
38          Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information...................................    0560-AH32
39          Guaranteed Loans--Unauthorized Assistance.............................................    0560-AH34
40          Collection of State Commodity Assessments.............................................    0560-AH35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 26564]]


                                     Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41          Tobacco Marketing Quota, Cards, Penalty Provisions, Recordkeeping and Reporting.......    0560-AG52
42          Revision of Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Loan Regulations...................    0560-AG87
43          Remove Tobacco Warehouse Designation Requirements.....................................    0560-AH13
44          Tobacco Marketing Quotas and Price Support............................................    0560-AH14
45          Ewe Lamb Incentive Payment Program....................................................    0560-AH15
46          Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment Regulations for         0560-AH18
            Honey.................................................................................
47          2004 Crop Disaster Program............................................................    0560-AH24
48          2004 Livestock Assistance Program.....................................................    0560-AH25
49          Tobacco Transition Payment Program....................................................    0560-AH30
50          Tobacco Manufacturer and Importer Assessments.........................................    0560-AH31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs........    0579-AB24
52          Amend Regulations To Harmonize Our Import Requirements With Proposed National             0579-AB44
            Tuberculosis Eradication Program......................................................
53          Karnal Bunt Compensation..............................................................    0579-AB45
54          Importation of Swine and Swine Products From the European Union.......................    0579-AB79
55          Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations (Q.56)...........................    0579-AB80
56          Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Records and Reports..................    0579-AB90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity..........................................    0579-AB34
58          Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment     0579-AB35
            of Indemnity..........................................................................
59          Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review)............    0579-AB55
60          Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada...........................................    0579-AB76
61          Importation of Small Lots of Seed Without Phytosanitary Certificates..................    0579-AB78
62          Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
63          Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification,    0579-AB84
            and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................
64          User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services.........................    0579-AB88
65          Introductions of Plants Genetically Engineered To Produce Industrial Compounds........    0579-AB89
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review).............    0579-AA80
67          Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea.........................    0579-AA93
68          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
69          Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy..................    0579-AB26
70          Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity.......................    0579-AB29
71          Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries..............................    0579-AB38
72          Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and Dead     0579-AB43
            Stock of Cattle and Other Species.....................................................
73          Cost-Sharing for Animal and Plant Health Emergency Programs...........................    0579-AB50
74          Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use..............................    0579-AB54
75          Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds, Rats, and Mice...................    0579-AB69

[[Page 26565]]

 
76          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities.    0579-AB73
77          Requirements for Requests To Amend 7 CFR Part 319 Import Regulations..................    0579-AB83
78          Revision of the Nursery Stock Regulations (Q.37)......................................    0579-AB85
79          Federal Measures to Mitigate BSE Risks: Considerations for Further Action.............    0579-AB86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80          Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Possession, Use, and Transfer of        0579-AB47
            Biological Agents and Toxins..........................................................
81          Karnal Bunt; Revision of Regulations for Importing Wheat..............................    0579-AB74
82          Importation of Clementines, Mandarins, and Tangerines From Chile......................    0579-AB77
83          Mexican Hass Avocado Import Program...................................................    0579-AB81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84          Guidelines for Hatch Multistate Research Fund.........................................    0524-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
85          Matching Requirements for Formula Funds for Agricultural Research and Extension           0524-AA25
            Activities at the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and at the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions
            in Insular Areas......................................................................
86          Revised Administrative Provisions--Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program..    0524-AA31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
87          CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions.............    0524-AA26
88          CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions..............    0524-AA27
89          CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions..........................    0524-AA28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90          Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D................................    0575-AA83
91          National Flood Insurance Regulations..................................................    0575-AC07
92          Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants.........................................    0575-AC12
93          Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants.................................................    0575-AC20
94          Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update               0575-AC27
            Regulations...........................................................................
95          3550 Regulation.......................................................................    0575-AC54
96          Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development............................    0575-AC55
97          Environmental Policies and Procedures.................................................    0575-AC56
98          Community Programs Guaranteed Loans...................................................    0575-AC58

[[Page 26566]]

 
99          Amend 3550 Regulation To Modify Existing Payment Assistance Formula...................    0575-AC59
100         Environmental Policies and Procedures.................................................    0575-AC61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101         Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention................................................    0575-AC13
102         Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
103         Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program--Secondary Mortgage Market Participation......    0575-AC28
104         Servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs Loans and Grants--Workout             0575-AC57
            Agreements............................................................................
105         Surety Requirement....................................................................    0575-AC60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
106         General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions.........................................    0563-AB73
107         General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)...................    0563-AB83
108         Common Crop Insurance Regulations and Various Crop Insurance Provisions...............    0563-AB96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
109         General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System....    0563-AB66
110         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions..................    0563-AB80
111         General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of Policies     0563-AB84
            and Rates of Premiums.................................................................
112         General Administrative Regulations; Subpart V--Premium Reduction Plans................    0563-AB95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
113         Export Inspection and Weighting Waiver for High Quality Specialty Grains Transported      0580-AA87
            in Containers.........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
114         Process Verification Service and Associated Fees......................................    0580-AA85

[[Page 26567]]

 
115         Fees Assessed by the Service..........................................................    0580-AA88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
116         United States Standards for Wheat.....................................................    0580-AA86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
117         Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the       0584-AB51
            Food Stamp Program....................................................................
118         Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions,         0584-AD12
            Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits.............................
119         Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers................    0584-AD15
120         Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment       0584-AD25
            and Collection Standards..............................................................
121         Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)......................................    0584-AD35
122         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AD36
            Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions...............................................
123         FSP: Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171.......    0584-AD37
124         Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program; Serving Fruits and Vegetables    0584-AD40
            as Afterschool Snacks.................................................................
125         Data Collection Related to Institutions, Organizations, Sites, and Facilities.........    0584-AD43
126         FSP: Revisions to Bonding Requirements for Violating Retail and Wholesale Food            0584-AD44
            Concerns..............................................................................
127         Donated Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program,      0584-AD45
            and Charitable Institutions, Including Contracts With Food Service Management
            Companies.............................................................................
128         FSP: Regulation Restructuring To Reflect the End of Coupon Issuance Systems...........    0584-AD48
129         Special Nutrition Programs: Fluid Milk Substitutions..................................    0584-AD58
130         Food Distribution Programs--Distributing Agency Evaluations of Non-Commercial             0584-AD72
            Warehousing and Distribution Systems, Cost Comparisons, System Approval and
            Implementation........................................................................
131         WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Implementation of the FMNP Provisions in    0584-AD74
            the CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) and FMNP Funding Formula.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
132         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AB10
            Miscellaneous Provisions..............................................................
133         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity.........    0584-AC24
134         Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of Food    0584-AC37
            Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems.............................................
135         National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs..    0584-AC72
136         FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections....................................................    0584-AC75
137         Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Plain Language, Program Accountability,       0584-AC84
            and Program Flexibility...............................................................
138         Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under the    0584-AC95
            Child Nutrition Programs..............................................................
139         Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary      0584-AD16
            Technical Amendments..................................................................
140         Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program........................    0584-AD27
141         FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment      0584-AD28
            Act of 2002...........................................................................
142         FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural              0584-AD30
            Investment Act of 2002................................................................
143         FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural            0584-AD32
            Investment Act of 2002................................................................
144         Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special     0584-AD38
            Milk Programs.........................................................................

[[Page 26568]]

 
145         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AD47
            Discretionary WIC Vendor Provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act
            of 2004, Public Law 108-265...........................................................
146         Severe Need Assistance in the School Breakfast Program................................    0584-AD50
147         District-Wide Use of Provisions 2 and 3...............................................    0584-AD51
148         Administrative Error Reduction in the School Meals Programs...........................    0584-AD52
149         State Administrative Expenses.........................................................    0584-AD53
150         Applying for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools..................................    0584-AD54
151         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD56
            Increasing the Maximum Age for Children in Homeless Shelters That Participate in the
            CACFP.................................................................................
152         National School Lunch Program: Marketing and Sales of Fluid Milk Products in Schools..    0584-AD57
153         Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs........    0584-AD59
154         Direct and Discretionary Certification in the School Meals Programs...................    0584-AD60
155         Revised Verification Procedures in the School Meals Programs..........................    0584-AD61
156         Categorical Eligibility of Certain Migratory, Homeless, and Runaway Youth.............    0584-AD62
157         Food Safety Inspections, Audits, and Reports..........................................    0584-AD64
158         School Food Safety: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System.................    0584-AD65
159         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD66
            For-Profit Center Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program..............
160         Implementing Provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:       0584-AD68
            Disregard of Overpayments in the Child Nutrition Programs.............................
161         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD69
            Permanent Agreements for Day Care Home Providers in the Child and Adult Care Food
            Program...............................................................................
162         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD70
            Seamless Summer Option for Schools Participating in the National School Lunch Program.
163         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC        0584-AD71
            Vendor Cost Containment...............................................................
164         WIC: Implementation of the Nondiscretionary WIC Certification and General                 0584-AD73
            Administration Provisions in the CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-
            265)..................................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
165         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen         0584-AC94
            Program Integrity.....................................................................
166         FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171...    0584-AD31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
167         Food Stamp Program: Administrative Cost Reimbursement.................................    0584-AC86
168         FSP: High Performance Bonuses.........................................................    0584-AD29
169         WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Funding Formula Rule....................    0584-AD41
170         National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Fluid Milk Requirement...........    0584-AD55
171         Waiver of the Requirement To Use Weighted Averages in the National School Lunch and       0584-AD63
            School Breakfast Programs.............................................................
172         Implementing Provision From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:      0584-AD67
            Increasing the Duration of Tiering Status of Day Care Homes in the Child and Adult
            Care Food Program.....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
173         Performance Standards for Pumped or Massaged Bacon....................................    0583-AC49

[[Page 26569]]

 
174         Egg Products Inspection Regulations...................................................    0583-AC58
175         Prior Labeling Approval System: Generic Label Approval................................    0583-AC59
176         Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization...................    0583-AC72
177         Petitions for Rulemaking..............................................................    0583-AC81
178         Performance Standard for Chilling of Ready-To-Cook Poultry............................    0583-AC87
179         Addition of Mexico to the List of Countries Eligible for the Importation of               0583-AD01
            Slaughtered (Fresh) Poultry and Egg Products Into the United States...................
180         Food Security Plans...................................................................    0583-AD06
181         Accredited Laboratory Program.........................................................    0583-AD09
182         Sharing of Firms' Distribution Lists of Retail Consignees During Meat or Poultry          0583-AD10
            Product Recalls.......................................................................
183         Requiring Industry E. Coli O157:H7 Test Results for Raw Beef Products Be Maintained in    0583-AD11
            One Specific Location in the Establishment............................................
184         Increases in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Services--Fiscal         0583-AD12
            Years 2004 to 2008....................................................................
185         Electronic Signatures.................................................................    0583-AD14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186         Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products.......    0583-AC46
187         Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and           0583-AC60
            Poultry Products......................................................................
188         Performance Criteria for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry          0583-AC73
            Carcasses.............................................................................
189         Food Standards: Requirements for Substitute Standardized Meat and Poultry Products        0583-AC82
            Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term...........
190         Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards...................................    0583-AC83
191         Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for    0583-AC88
            the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle.....................................
192         Addition of San Marino to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat          0583-AC91
            Products to the United States.........................................................
193         Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems....    0583-AD00
194         Prohibition on the Use of Air-Injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle..........    0583-AD03
195         Frequency of Foreign Inspection System Supervisory Visits to Certified Foreign            0583-AD08
            Establishments........................................................................
196         Termination of Designation of the State of North Dakota With Respect to the Inspection    0583-AD13
            of Poultry Products...................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
197         Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry.......................    0583-AD02
198         Retail Exemption......................................................................    0583-AD04
199         Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations.................................    0583-AD05
200         Addition of Slovakia to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat Products to the     0583-AD15
            United States.........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
201         Quality Samples Program...............................................................    0551-AA68
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 26570]]


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
202         New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530..............    0551-AA65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
203         CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program.................................................    0551-AA30
204         Facility Guarantee Program............................................................    0551-AA35
205         Program To Provide Technical Assistance To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports to           0551-AA62
            Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Program)...........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206         Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands.....................................    0596-AA52
207         Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs.......................................    0596-AB27
208         Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands.....    0596-AB45
209         Law Enforcement Support Activities....................................................    0596-AB61
210         Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution....................................    0596-AB70
211         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution        0596-AB75
            Restrictions..........................................................................
212         Locatable Minerals....................................................................    0596-AB98
213         National Forest System Land Management Planning Directives (Proposed Directives,          0596-AC02
            Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1330, 1900, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12)....
214         Grazing Permit Administration (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Handbook 2209.13,      0596-AC12
            Chapters 10 and 20)...................................................................
215         Watershed Forestry Assistance Program.................................................    0596-AC18
216         Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program..........................................    0596-AC19
217         Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Onshore Oil and    0596-AC20
            Gas Order Number 1, Approval of Operations............................................
218         Predator Damage Management (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)..    0596-AC22
219         Recreation Event Fees (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2720).......    0596-AC24
220         Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directives, Forest Service       0596-AC25
            Handbook 2709.11, Chapters 30 and 40).................................................
221         Secretary Determination That Domestic Species of Unprocessed Timber Are Surplus to        0596-AC27
            Domestic Needs Within Zone of Southern California.....................................
222         Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and            0596-AC28
            Activities............................................................................
223         Market-Related Contract Term Additions................................................    0596-AC29
224         Clarifying Prohibitions Against Damage to the National Forest by Escaped Fires........    0596-AC30
225         Revisions to General Prohibitions Regarding Livestock and Wild Free-Roaming Horses and    0596-AC31
            Burros on National Forest System Lands................................................
226         National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation for Sporicide Use on National      0596-AC32
            Forest System Lands (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15,
            Chapter 30)...........................................................................
227         Piscicide Applications on National Forest System Lands................................    0596-AC33
228         National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Documentation for Surface Use         0596-AC34
            Plans of Operation for Exploration or Development of an Oil and Gas Lease (Proposed
            Directive, FSH 1909.15, Chapter 3)....................................................
229         Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Implementation...............................    0596-AC35
230         Wilderness Management (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)......    0596-AC36
231         Clarification for the Appropriate Use of a Criminal or a Civil Citation To Enforce        0596-AC38
            Mineral Regulations...................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 26571]]


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
232         Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts....    0596-AB21
233         Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications and    0596-AB36
            Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations.................................
234         Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products.................................    0596-AB81
235         Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations.............    0596-AB83
236         National Forest System Land Management Planning.......................................    0596-AB86
237         Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines........................................    0596-AB92
238         Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines............................    0596-AB93
239         Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program.............................    0596-AB96
240         Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals............................    0596-AC09
241         State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management..............................    0596-AC10
242         Travel Management, Designated Routes, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use.................    0596-AC11
243         National Forest System Appeals and Litigation (Final Directives, Forest Service           0596-AC13
            Manual, Chapter 1570).................................................................
244         Predecisional Administrative Review and Objection Process for Projects Authorized         0596-AC15
            Under Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.........................................
245         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts;                0596-AC16
            Modification of Contracts.............................................................
246         Clarification as to When a Notice of Intent and/or a Plan of Operations Is Needed for     0596-AC17
            Locatable Mineral Operations on National Forest System Lands..........................
247         Maximum Term for Outfitter/Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directive,          0596-AC23
            Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, Chapter 40)....................................
248         Integrated Resource Contracts, FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T (Notice of Final Contracts).    0596-AC26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
249         Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to National Forest System        0596-AC05
            Lands in Alaska.......................................................................
250         Climbing Bolts In Wilderness (Proposed Interim Directive, Forest Service Manual,          0596-AC21
            Chapter 2320).........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251         Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products...........................    0503-AA28
252         Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement.................................    0503-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
253         General Nonprocurement Regulations....................................................    0503-AA21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
254         Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Reference....................    0503-AA26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 26572]]


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
255         Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan...............................................    0570-AA24
256         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock............    0570-AA26
257         Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations....................    0570-AA41
258         National Security Emergency...........................................................    0570-AA48
259         Secondary Market Pooling by Fiscal Transfer Agent.....................................    0570-AA53
260         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Implement the Debt Collection              0570-AA54
            Improvement Act (DCIA) of 1996........................................................
261         Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations.........................................    0570-AA61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
262         Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.....................................    0570-AA19
263         Annual Renewal Fee....................................................................    0570-AA34
264         Rural Business Investment Program.....................................................    0570-AA35
265         B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria..........    0570-AA39
266         Intermediary Relending Program........................................................    0570-AA42
267         Fiscal Transfer Agent--Secondary Market Sales of Guaranteed Loans.....................    0570-AA47
268         Tangible Net Equity...................................................................    0570-AA49
269         Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements...........................    0570-AA50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
270         Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program...............................................    0570-AA28
271         Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program--Farm Bill Changes............................    0570-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
272         Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and             0572-AB40
            Construction..........................................................................
273         Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398.................    0572-AB76
274         Telecommunications System Construction Policies and Procedures........................    0572-AB98
275         Lien Accommodations and Subordinations for 100 Percent Private Financing..............    0572-AB99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
276         Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants..........................................    0572-AB59
277         Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers..........................    0572-AB77
278         Elimination of Subpart M: Operational Controls........................................    0572-AB97
279         Household Water Well System Grant Program.............................................    0572-AC00
280         Seismic Safety........................................................................    0572-AC01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 26573]]


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
281         Exemption of Certain Borrowers From Controls..........................................    0572-AB85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
282         Technical Assistance Grants...........................................................    0572-AB75
283         High Energy Cost Rural Community Grants (Section 610 Review)..........................    0572-AB91
284         Definition Clarification of State Nonmetropolitan Median Household Income (SNMHI).....    0572-AB96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
285         Conservation Security Program.........................................................    0578-AA36
286         Grassland Reserve.....................................................................    0578-AA38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
287         Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information...................................    0578-AA40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
288         Wetland Categorical Minimal Effects Exemptions........................................    0578-AA27
289         Emergency Watershed Protection Program................................................    0578-AA30
290         Technical Service Provider Assistance.................................................    0578-AA35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         National Agricultural Statistical Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
291         Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting.....................................................    0535-AA00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Office of Procurement and Property Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
292         Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Use of Biobased Materials..................    0599-AA12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 26574]]


                        Office of Procurement and Property Management--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
293         Agricultural Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Updates and Technical Changes (AGAR Case      0599-AA11
            2004-01)..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




1. 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: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising 
regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as 
organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic 
animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock 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 of organically produced commodities and prevention of 
contact between organically produced and prohibited substances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-
South, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




2. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG, POULTRY, AND 
RABBIT GRADING (PY-02-003)

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 is updating the 
administrative requirements for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and 
rabbit grading. The regulations, in effect since the 1950s, contain 
some outdated terms, references, and phrases that need updating to make 
them current and clear.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

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-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________




3. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION SERVICES, SUPPLEMENTAL (ST-02-02)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2321; 7 USC 2401

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will establish a new fee schedule covering various 
administrative services that stakeholders are not currently charged for 
by the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office. PVP, as provided by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service is a voluntary, user-fee service, 
conducted under the authority of the PVP Act of 1970. The Act requires 
reasonable fees be collected from applicants for plant variety 
protection in order to cover program expenses. Program obligations and 
administrative costs have increased and user fees have been falling 
short of projections. Based on current level of activity, new service 
fees will generate approximately $169,000 of new revenue in fiscal year 
2003.

[[Page 26575]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Paul Zankowski, Commissioner, Plant Variety 
Protection Office, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Room 401, National Agricultural 
Library, Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301 504-5518

RIN: 0581-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________




4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDING THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-01), 
CROPS AND PROCESSING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On December 21, 2000, the Secretary of Agriculture 
(Secretary) established within the National Organic Program (NOP) the 
National List. The National List is the Federal list that identifies 
synthetic substances and ingredients that are allowed and non-synthetic 
(natural) substances and ingredients that are prohibited for use in 
organic production and handling. Under the authority of the Organic 
Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended, the National List can 
be amended by the Secretary based on proposed amendments developed by 
the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This proposed rule would 
amend the National List to reflect recommendations submitted to the 
Secretary by the NOSB from October 17, 2001, through May 14, 2003. 
Between the specified timeframe, the NOSB has recommended that the 
Secretary add substances to sections 205.601, 205.605, and 205.606 of 
the National List based on petitions received from industry 
participants. These substances were evaluated by the NOSB using the 
criteria specified in OFPA and the NOP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-
South, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________




5. HONEY RESEARCH AND PROMOTION (PACKER/IMPORTER BOARD)

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1212

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) received a 
request from the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association, dated 
7/8/2003, to develop an industry-funded research, promotion, consumer 
education, and information program for honey and honey products. This 
proposed new program, the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer 
Education and Industry Order (Order), will assist the honey industry 
to: (1) Develop and finance an effective and coordinated program to 
strengthen the position of the honey industry; and (2) maintain, 
develop, and expand existing markets for honey and honey products. 
Under the proposed Order, first handlers (packers) and importers of 
250,000 or more pounds of honey and honey products would pay an 
assessment on $0.01 per pound to the National Honey Packers and 
Importers Board (Board). At this initial rate, revenue for the program 
would be approximately $3 million. Of this amount, about 47 percent 
would be generated by assessments on imported honey and honey products. 
The Board would be appointed by the Department to conduct a program of 
research and promotion, industry information, and consumer information 
needed to strengthen and increase the consumption of honey and honey 
products in the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margaret B. Irby, Assistant Branch Chief, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0244, Fruit & 
Vegetable Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-0244
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________




6. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: NATIONAL LIST--CROPS, LIVESTOCK, AND 
PROCESSING (TM-04-04)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), National Organic 
Program (NOP) is amending the National List. The National List is the 
Federal list that identifies synthetic substances and ingredients that 
are allowed and non synthetic (natural) substances and ingredients that 
are prohibited for use in organic production and handling. This 
proposed rule would amend the National List to reflect recommendations 
submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National 
Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from the April 28, 2004, NOSB meeting. 
Between the specified time period, the NOSB has recommended that the 
Secretary add substances to sections 205.601, 205. 603, and 205.605 of 
the National List based on petitions received from industry 
participants. These substances were evaluated by the NOSB using the 
criteria specified in OFPA and NOP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 26576]]

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-
South, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________




7. [bull] PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION (PVP) CERTIFICATES: FEE INCREASE (ST-
05-02)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2321 et seq; 7 USC 2401 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action increases Plant Variety Protection Office 
application, and certificate issuance fees by approximately 20 percent 
to yield additional program revenue of $277,200 annually. In addition, 
other fees and services listed in the fee schedule will also be 
increased. The current fee, last increased in February 2003, is no 
longer adequate to cover current obligations. The program must also 
maintain an adequate program reserve balance called for by Agency 
policy and prudent financial management. In addition, program users 
have requested that there be greater use of electronic technology and 
have suggested that investments be made to enhance internal workflow, 
therefore, direct deposit of seed will be allowed. The Plant Variety 
Protection Advisory Board were consulted at the March 2003 annual 
meeting and recommended that fees be increased and that direct deposit 
of seeds be allowed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James V. Falk, Scientist, Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, Technical Services Branch, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 3523-South Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-4089
Fax: 202 720-6496
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC42
_______________________________________________________________________




8. [bull] USER FEES FOR 2005 CROP COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES (CN-05-
001)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 473a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would sustain the user fees for cotton producers 
for the 2003 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton 
Statistics and Estimates Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Earnest Darryl, Acting Deputy Administrator, Department 
of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2641, South 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3193

RIN: 0581-AC43
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




9. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, 
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 60

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, September 30, 2004.

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm 
Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act 
(2002 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 107-206) amended the Agricultural 
Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) to require 
retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered 
commodities beginning September 30, 2004. Covered commodities include 
muscle cuts of beef (including veal), lamb, and pork; ground beef, 
ground lamb, and ground pork; farm-raised fish and shellfish; wild fish 
and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities; and peanuts. The FY 
2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill (2004 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 
108-199) delayed the implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered 
commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until 
September 30, 2006. This final rule contains definitions, the 
requirements for consumer notification and product marking, and the 
recordkeeping responsibilities of both retailers and suppliers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/30/03                    68 FR 61944
NPRM Comment Period End         12/29/03
Interim Final Rule              10/05/04                    69 FR 59708
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/03/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/04/05
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

[[Page 26577]]

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

Additional Information: The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an 
interim final rule with request for comments for the labeling of fish 
and shellfish covered commodities that will become effective on April 
4, 2005. A final regulatory action for all covered commodities will be 
issued by June 30, 2006.

Agency Contact: Kathie Birdsell, Research and Promotion Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2535-
South, Stop 0244, Fruit and Vegetable Program, 14th and Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244
Phone: 888 720-9917
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________




10. [bull] USDA FARMERS MARKET OPERATING PROCEDURES (TM-04-09)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is establishing 
operating procedures for the USDA Farmers Market. These procedures 
would allow AMS the means to demonstrate and experiment with direct 
marketing techniques (operate a farmers market), while at the same time 
educate consumers on the significance of small farms, the nutritional 
benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the merits of food 
recovery. Included in this action would be the establishment of vendor 
criteria, selection procedures, and guidelines for governing the 
operation of the USDA Farmers Market.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/17/05                     70 FR 8040
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/05
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Errol R. Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 2646, South Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-8317
Fax: 202 690-0031
Email: [email protected].

RIN: 0581-AC39
_______________________________________________________________________




11. [bull] EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING: INCREASE IN FEES (2005), 
PY-05-001

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 and 70

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/01/05                     70 FR 9883
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/05
Final Action                    09/00/05

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-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




12. QUALITY SYSTEMS VERIFICATION PROGRAM (LS-02-10)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 62

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/05                    70 FR 17611
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James L. Riva
Phone: 202 720-1124
Fax: 202 690-3428
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________




13. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM (DA-02-03)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1150

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Jamison
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________




14. [bull] CALIFORNIA CLINGSTONE PEACH DIVERSION PROGRAM (TREE PULL, 
FV05-82-01)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 612c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 82

[[Page 26578]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to implement 
this program. This program would be voluntary, consist entirely of tree 
removal, and ensure that removal is not part of the normal process of 
tree replacement. The program would help the California clingstone 
peach industry bring supplies more closely in line with market needs. 
Domestic overproduction coupled with an abundant supply of low-priced 
foreign produced canned peaches in recent years has resulted in both 
the U.S. domestic market and its traditional export markets being 
oversupplied.

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Chief, Marketing Order 
Administration Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, 
DC 20250-0237
Phone: 202 720-2491
Fax: 202 720-8938

RIN: 0581-AC45
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




15. EXEMPTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCERS FROM RESEARCH AND PROMOTION/MARKETING 
ORDER ASSESSMENT (PY-02-006)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 900; 7 CFR 1150; 7 CFR 1160; 7 CFR 1205; 7 CFR 
1207; 7 CFR 1209; 7 CFR 1210; 7 CFR 1215; 7 CFR 1216; 7 CFR 1218; 7 CFR 
1219; 7 CFR 1220; 7 CFR 1230; 7 CFR 1240; 7 CFR 1250; 7 CFR 1260; 7 CFR 
1280; . . .

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/14/05                     70 FR 2763

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Angela C. Snyder
Phone: 202 720-4476
Fax: 202 720-5631

RIN: 0581-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________




16. VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG GRADING REGULATION--FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT 
(PY-03-005)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/21/04                    69 FR 76373

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-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________




17. TOBACCO INSPECTION: FLUE-CURED AND BURLEY TOBACCO; IMPORTATION 
PROHIBITIONS AND TOBACCO PESTICIDE RESIDUE TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29; 7 CFR 92

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/01/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Coats
Phone: 202 205-0508

RIN: 0581-AC36
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




18. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to implement the 
provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill relating to the establishment of FSA 
county, area, and local committees. The statute provides that 
committees shall have from three to five members, that they shall be 
representative of the producers in the area, and that the term of 
office shall not exceed 3 years. It also provides that the Secretary 
shall solicit nominations from organizations representing the interests 
of socially disadvantaged groups and, if determined necessary, 
promulgate uniform guidelines for conducting elections that will ensure 
fair representation of socially disadvantaged groups. The Secretary may 
also ensure inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers by appointing 
one additional voting member to a committee. The rule will provide for 
election procedures, including nominations, opening of ballots and 
reporting of results. Further, the rule will eliminate community 
committees from the existing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          08/17/04                    69 FR 51052
Comment Period End              09/22/04                    69 FR 56742
Notice                          01/18/05                     70 FR 2837
NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting

[[Page 26579]]

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG90
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




19. [bull] APPRAISAL UPDATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 761; 7 CFR 762

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency is amending 7 CFR parts 761 and 762 
regarding appraisals required for Farm Loan Programs Direct and 
Guaranteed Loan Programs. Current regulations allow an appraisal of 
real estate that is or is proposed to be security for an FSA direct or 
guaranteed farm loan to be considered a current appraisal when it is 
not completed in the previous 12 months, if it has been updated in 
compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
Practice (USPAP). However, USPAP was recently amended to provide that 
an update of an appraisal does not meet USPAP standards. This amendment 
will make FSA regulations comply with USPAP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 5313 Activities Related to Real Estate; 11 
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 522292 Real Estate Credit

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH33
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




20. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSES 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

________________________________________________________________________

Reinstated by Agency            10/08/03
NPRM                            11/20/03                    68 FR 65412
NPRM Comment Period End         03/11/04
Final Action                     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-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 18

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/09/04                     69 FR 6056
NPRM Comment Period End         05/04/04
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-AF60
_______________________________________________________________________




22. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

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-AG46
_______________________________________________________________________




23. OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS

Priority: Other Significant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/03/03                     68 FR 9944
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/03
Final Action                     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

[[Page 26580]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG49
_______________________________________________________________________




24. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439

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-AG76
_______________________________________________________________________




25. CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG88
_______________________________________________________________________




26. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RELATED CONCERNS

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 799

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-AH02
_______________________________________________________________________




27. RETAINING PREFERRED LENDER PROGRAM (PLP) STATUS, PROCESSING LOSS 
CLAIMS, PAYMENT OF INTEREST ACCRUED DURING BANKRUPTCY, AND REDEMPTION 
RIGHTS PERIODS FOR GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

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-AH07
_______________________________________________________________________




28. DEBT COLLECTION, DEBT SETTLEMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS

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

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

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0560-AF22
RIN: 0560-AH09
_______________________________________________________________________




29. PAYMENT LIMITATION AND PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY; TRADE ADJUSTMENT 
ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     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-AH16
_______________________________________________________________________




30. DISASTER DECLARATION AND DESIGNATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 791; 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-AH17
_______________________________________________________________________




31. PLANTING REPORTING FOR TROPICAL CROPS--NONINSURED CROP DISASTER 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1437

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     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-AH19

[[Page 26581]]

_______________________________________________________________________




32. DESIGNATED MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS FOR PEANUTS

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421

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-AH20
_______________________________________________________________________




33. POLICY FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1402

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     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]

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

RIN: 0560-AH22
_______________________________________________________________________




34. CONSERVATION CONTRACT DEBT WRITE-DOWN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 766

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

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

RIN: 0560-AH23
_______________________________________________________________________




35. [bull] AMERICAN INDIAN LIVESTOCK FEED PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-324

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement provisions of the Emergency 
Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 
2005. The Act provides payments for livestock losses to producers for 
2003 or 2004 losses (as elected by a producer), but not both, in a 
county that has received an emergency designation as a primary county 
by the President or the Secretary after January 1, 2003, of which an 
amount determined by the Secretary shall be made available for the 
American Indian Livestock Feed Program.
Assistance shall be made available in the same manner as provided under 
section 806 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug 
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (Pub. L. 
106-387; 114 Stat. 1549A-51), except that in determining the 
eligibility for or amount of payments under the program, a producer may 
not be penalized for actions (recognizing disaster conditions) that 
reduced the average number of livestock the producer owned for grazing 
in an eligible county during the production year for which assistance 
is being provided. Estimated outlays for FY 2005 and 2006 are $15 
million.
The Act provides that the issuance of these regulations shall be made 
without regard to: (1) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 
of title 5, United States Code; (2) the Statement of Policy of the 
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 FR 13804), 
relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in 
rulemaking; and (3) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
(commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act') and that, the 
Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 
5, United States Code.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH26
_______________________________________________________________________




36. [bull] 2004 DAIRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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

Legal Authority: PL 108-324

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the dairy assistance provisions of 
the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters 
Assistance Act, 2005. The Act provides $10 million to make payments to 
dairy producers for dairy production losses and dairy spoilage losses 
in counties declared a disaster by the President in 2004 due to 
hurricanes. Payments will be made, and prorated if necessary, after all 
requests for assistance are received. Outlays for FY 2005 and 2006 will 
be $10 million.

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, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572

[[Page 26582]]

Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH28
_______________________________________________________________________




37. [bull] 2004 COTTONSEED PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-324

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the cottonseed assistance 
provisions of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane 
Disasters Assistance Act, 2005. The Act provides $10 million to make 
payments to producers and first handlers of the 2004 crop of cottonseed 
in counties declared a disaster by the President in 2004 due to 
hurricanes. No loss is required to obtain payments. Outlays for FY 2005 
and 2006 will be $10 million.

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, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH29
_______________________________________________________________________




38. [bull] CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3844

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the regulations regarding 
confidentiality of private information obtained from NRCS and FSA 
conservation program applicants. The Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002, provides that certain information obtained by NRCS and FSA 
to provide technical or financial assistance to an owner, operator, or 
producer with respect to any natural resources conservation program 
shall not be considered public information and shall not be released to 
anyone outside the Department of Agriculture. In particular, it 
provides a statutory exemption to release requirements under the 
Freedom of Information Act for proprietary information regarding the 
agricultural operation or land of an NRCS or a FSA program participant. 
No significant economic effect is expected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH32
_______________________________________________________________________




39. [bull] GUARANTEED LOANS--UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANCE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, the regulations at 7 CFR 762 provide no 
information on how to handle loan accounts where unauthorized 
assistance has been received by the guaranteed loan borrower or the 
guaranteed lender. The objective of the new regulation is to provide 
this guidance and to clarify when FSA may deny liability on a 
guaranteed loan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 52211 
Commercial Banking; 522292 Real Estate Credit

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH34
_______________________________________________________________________




40. [bull] COLLECTION OF STATE COMMODITY ASSESSMENTS

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7231; 7 USC 7931; 15 USC 714b

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 108-470, entitled ``Confirmation Of Authority Of 
Secretary Of Agriculture To Collect State Commodity Assessments,'' 
authorizes the Secretary to collect commodity assessments, promotion 
and research fees from the proceeds of marketing assistance loans for 
producers if the assessment is required to be paid by the producer or 
the first purchaser of a commodity pursuant to a State law or to an 
authority administered by the Secretary. The collection authority does 
not extend to a State tax or other State revenue activity and 
collections shall be made as specified in an agreement between the 
Secretary and the requesting State. Previously, authority to collect 
such assessments existed only with regard to cotton and soybeans. The 
new authority applies to any commodity.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 11115 
Corn Farming; 111 Crop Production; 11113 Dry Pea and Bean Farming; 
11112 Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming; 111191 Oilseed and Grain 
Combination Farming; 1111 Oilseed and Grain Farming; 11119 Other Grain

[[Page 26583]]

Farming; 11116 Rice Farming; 11111 Soybean Farming; 11114 Wheat Farming

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH35
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




41. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTA, CARDS, PENALTY PROVISIONS, RECORDKEEPING 
AND REPORTING

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       04/01/05

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-AG52
_______________________________________________________________________




42. REVISION OF INDIAN TRIBAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM LOAN REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 770

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/11/05                     70 FR 7165

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AG87
_______________________________________________________________________




43. REMOVE TOBACCO WAREHOUSE DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/06/04                    69 FR 70367

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-AH13
_______________________________________________________________________




44. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       01/01/05

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-AH14
_______________________________________________________________________




45. EWE LAMB INCENTIVE PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 784

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/23/04                    69 FR 76836

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-AH15
_______________________________________________________________________




46. NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOAN AND LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENT 
REGULATIONS FOR HONEY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1434

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/25/04
Final Action                    01/21/05                     70 FR 3139

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-AH18
_______________________________________________________________________




47. [bull] 2004 CROP DISASTER PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 108-324

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1480

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the crop disaster provisions of 
the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters 
Assistance Act, 2005. The Act provides emergency financial assistance 
to producers on a farm (other than producers of (cottonseed or 
sugarcane) who have incurred qualifying crop or quality losses for the 
2003, 2004, or 2005 crop (as elected by a producer), but limited to 
only one of the crop years listed, due to damaging weather or related 
condition, as determined by the Secretary. Qualifiying crop losses for 
the 2005 crop are limited to only those losses caused by a hurricane or 
tropical storm of the 2004 hurricane

[[Page 26584]]

season in counties declared disaster areas by the President. Estimated 
outlays for FY 2005 and 2006 are $2,803 million.
The Act provides that the issuance of these regulations shall be made 
without regard to: (1) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 
of title 5, United States Code; (2) the Statement of Policy of the 
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 FR 13804), 
relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in 
rulemaking; and (3) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
(commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act') and that the 
Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 
5, United States Code.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/29/05                    70 FR 15725

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH24
_______________________________________________________________________




48. [bull] 2004 LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 108-324

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the livestock assistance 
provisions of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane 
Disasters Assistance Act, 2005. The Act provides payments for livestock 
losses to producers for 2003 or 2004 losses (as elected by a producer), 
but not both, in a county that has received an emergency designation as 
a primary county by the President or the Secretary after January 1, 
2003.
Assistance shall be made available in the same manner as provided under 
section 806 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug 
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (Pub. L. 
106-387; 114 Stat. 1549A-51), except that in determining the 
eligibility for or amount of payments under the program, a producer may 
not be penalized for actions (recognizing disaster conditions) that 
reduced the average number of livestock the producer owned for grazing 
in an eligible county during the production year for which assistance 
is being provided. Estimated outlays for FY 2005 and 2006 are $675 
million.
The Act provides that the issuance of these regulations shall be made 
without regard to: (1) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 
of title 5, United States Code; (2) the Statement of Policy of the 
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 FR 13804), 
relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in 
rulemaking; and (3) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
(commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act`) and that, the 
Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 
5, United States Code.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/31/05                    70 FR 16392

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH25
_______________________________________________________________________




49. [bull] TOBACCO TRANSITION PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 108-357

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1463; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the program making transitional 
payments to tobacco quota holders and producers of tobacco, also known 
as the Tobacco Quota Buyout Program (TQBOP). The TQBOP will compensate 
tobacco quota holders and producers of tobacco for the value of their 
tobacco marketing quota, which will be lost as a result of the 
termination of the Federal tobacco quota and price support programs. 
The TQBOP will make payments of $7 per pound of quota to quota holders, 
based on their basic quota at the 2002 marketing year level and $3 per 
pound to producers of quota tobacco based on their share of risk in the 
2002, 2003, and 2004 crops of quota tobacco. Payments will be made in 
equal installments over 10 years. The funds required to pay for the 
buyout will be obtained through assessments on manufacturers and 
importers of all tobacco products sold in the United States. The 
regulations for the assessments were promulgated in a separate rule.
The Act provides that the issuance of these regulations shall be made 
without regard to: (1) The notice and comment provisions of section 553 
of title 5, United States Code; (2) the Statement of Policy of the 
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 FR 13804), 
relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in 
rulemaking; and (3) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
(commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act') and that the 
Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 
5, United States Code.
Outlays are limited to $10.14 billion over a 10-year period. This rule 
also removed from the Code of Federal Regulations, effective October 1, 
2005, 7 CFR parts 723 and 1464, which governed the tobacco quota and 
price support programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/05/05                    70 FR 17149

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851

[[Page 26585]]

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

RIN: 0560-AH30
_______________________________________________________________________




50. [bull] TOBACCO MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER ASSESSMENTS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 108-357

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1463

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will provide regulations for the funding of the 
Tobacco Quota Buyout Program (TQBOP). The TQBOP will compensate tobacco 
quota holders and producers of tobacco for the value of their tobacco 
marketing quota that will be lost as a result of the termination of the 
Federal tobacco quota and price support programs. The funds required to 
pay for the buyout will be obtained through assessments on 
manufacturers and importers of all tobacco products sold in the United 
States. Quarterly assessments will be imposed on manufacturers and 
importers based on their market share for each class of tobacco 
product. Assessments will be deposited in the Tobacco Trust Fund 
established in the Commodity Credit Corporation.
The Act provides that the issuance of these regulations shall be made 
without regard to: (1) The notice and comment provisions of section 553 
of title 5, United States Code; (2) the Statement of Policy of the 
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 FR 13804), 
relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in 
rulemaking; and (3) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
(commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act') and that the 
Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 
5, United States Code. Payments are limited to $10.14 billion over a 
10-year period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/10/05                     70 FR 7007

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH31
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




51. 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-dolphin 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/30/02                    67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/29/02
NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

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

RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




52. AMEND REGULATIONS TO HARMONIZE OUR IMPORT REQUIREMENTS WITH PROPOSED 
NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS ERADICATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8316; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 
USC 9701

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would harmonize APHIS' animal import requirements 
with regard to bovine tuberculosis with the provisions of the domestic 
tuberculosis eradication program. It would establish risk 
classification categories based on the risk of tuberculosis in foreign 
regions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at

[[Page 26586]]

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman, Supervisory Staff Officer, 
Regionalization Evaluation Services, NCIE, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 38, 4700 
River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




53. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7712

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to provide 
compensation for certain growers and handlers of grain and seed 
affected by Karnal bunt who are not currently eligible for 
compensation, for certain wheat grown outside the regulated area that 
was commingled with wheat grown in regulated areas, and for other 
parties affected by the Karnal bunt regulations. The payment of 
compensation is necessary in order to encourage the participation of, 
and obtain cooperation from, affected individuals in our efforts to 
contain and reduce the prevalence of Karnal bunt.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/01/02                    67 FR 21561
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/01/02
NPRM                            10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Matthew H. Royer, Senior Program Advisor, Pest 
Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room 626, 4700 River Road, 
Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-7819

Related RIN: Related to 0579-AA83
RIN: 0579-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




54. IMPORTATION OF SWINE AND SWINE PRODUCTS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 
to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 94; 9 CFR 98

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for importing animals 
and animal products into the United States to (1) apply a uniform set 
of importation requirements related to classical swine fever (CSF) to a 
region consisting of all of the 15 Member States of the European Union 
(EU) that comprise the EU as of April 30, 2004 (the EU-15) and (2) 
prohibit for a specified period of time the importation of live swine 
and swine products from any area in the EU-15 that is identified by the 
veterinary authorities of the region as a restricted zone.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/08/05                    70 FR 17928
NPRM Comment Period End         06/07/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Chip Wells, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________




55. REVISION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPORT REGULATIONS (Q.56)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8311; 21 USC 136 
to 136a; 31 USC 9701

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 352

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise and reorganize the regulations 
pertaining to the importation of fruits and vegetables to consolidate 
requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant 
requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and 
references, update the regulations that apply to importations into 
territories under U.S. administration, and make various editorial and 
nonsubstantive changes to regulations to make them easier to use. The 
rule would also make substantive changes to the regulations, including: 
(1) Establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would 
allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for importation 
into the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in foreign 
countries without undertaking rulemaking; (2) doing away with the 
practice of listing specific commodities that may be imported subject 
to certain types of phytosanitary measures; and (3) providing for the 
issuance of special use permits for fruits and vegetables. These 
changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for 
approving certain new imports and pest-free areas while continuing to 
allow for public participation in the processes. If adopted, the rule 
would represent a significant structural revision of the fruits and 
vegetables import regulations and would establish a new process for 
approving certain new commodities for importation into the United 
States. It would not, however, allow the importation of any specific 
new fruits or vegetables, nor would it alter the conditions for 
importing currently approved fruits or vegetables except as 
specifically described in this document.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 26587]]

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Ms. Dorothy Roe, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4700 
River Road, Unit 118, Suite C 3C03, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
Phone: 301 734-8233
Fax: 301 734-8934
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0579-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




56. [bull] VIRUSES, SERUMS, TOXINS, AND ANALOGOUS PRODUCTS; RECORDS AND 
REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 151 to 159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 101; 9 CFR 116

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act 
regulations concerning records and reports to require veterinary 
biologics licensees and permittees to record and submit reports to the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) concerning adverse 
events associated with the use of biological products that they produce 
or distribute. We would specify the information that must be included 
in the adverse event report and would require veterinary biologics 
manufacturers to report to APHIS the number of doses of each licensed 
product that they distribute. These actions would assist APHIS in 
providing complete and accurate information to consumers regarding 
adverse reactions or other problems associated with the use of licensed 
biological products. This proposed rule replaces a previously published 
proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document, that 
contained fewer specifics concerning the information that would have to 
be recorded in adverse event reports associated with the use of 
veterinary biologics that are submitted to the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Albert P. Morgan, Chief Staff Veterinarian, VS, Center 
for Veterinary Biologics, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 148, 4700 River Road, Unit 148, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1237
Phone: 301 734-8245

RIN: 0579-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative 
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other 
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary 
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of 
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of 
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be 
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock 
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/02                    67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended    06/28/02                    67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End         07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/02
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Mark Teachman, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Emergency 
Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Unit 41, 4700 River Road, Unit 41, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 55; 9 CFR 81

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish requirements for the 
interstate movement of farmed elk and deer and provide indemnity for 
the depopulation of farmed elk and deer that have been infected with, 
or exposed to, chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/08/02                     67 FR 5925
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/09/02
NPRM                            12/24/03                    68 FR 74513
NPRM Comment Period End         02/23/04
Final Action                    09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

[[Page 26588]]

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dean Goeldner, Staff Veterinarian, National Center for 
Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 736-4916

RIN: 0579-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




59. GYPSY MOTH; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 
to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 7 USC 7760; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the gypsy moth regulations by removing 
restrictions on the interstate movement of wood chips, which do not 
pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses, and by adding 
restrictions on the movement and importation of bark and bark products, 
which pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses. In addition, the 
rule would extend by 2 months the period during which regulated 
articles originating outside of any generally infested area must be 
safeguarded from infestation in order to be eligible for interstate 
movement directly through any generally infested area without a 
certificate or permit. These changes are necessary to update the 
provisions in the regulations to ensure consistent actions by the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, our cooperators, and 
industry in order to limit the artificial spread of gypsy moth.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/23/03                    68 FR 28157
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/03
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Weyman Fussell, Program Manager, Invasive Species and 
Pest Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5705

RIN: 0579-AB55
_______________________________________________________________________




60. PINE SHOOT BEETLE HOST MATERIAL FROM CANADA

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish restrictions on the 
importation of pine shoot beetle host material into the United States 
from Canada. Pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist 
of pine bark or have pine bark attached, would have to meet certain 
requirements relating to documentation, treatment, handling, and 
utilization as a condition of importation into the United States from 
Canada. These restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction 
and spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested 
areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/20/04                    69 FR 61577
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/20/04
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Frederick A. Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8367

RIN: 0579-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




61. IMPORTATION OF SMALL LOTS OF SEED WITHOUT PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the nursery stock regulations to 
allow the importation of small lots of seed under an import permit with 
specific conditions as an alternative to the current phytosanitary 
certificate requirement. This proposed change is necessary because 
several entities that import small lots of seed--individual importers, 
horticultural societies, arboreta, and small businesses--have had 
difficulty obtaining the necessary certificates and have been adversely 
affected by the phytosanitary certificate requirement. The proposed 
change would make it feasible for those entities to import small lots 
of seed and would ensure prompt and consistent service for such 
importers while continuing to protect against the introduction of plant 
pests into the United States and providing the Animal and Plant 
Inspection Service with necessary information about the quality, 
quantity, and diversity of the imported material.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/29/04                    69 FR 23451
NPRM Comment Period End         06/28/04
Final Action                    07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Staff Officer, Regulatory 
Coordination Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health

[[Page 26589]]

Inspection Service, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Unit 141, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5306

RIN: 0579-AB78
_______________________________________________________________________




62. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are considering actions to further regulate the movement 
of certain articles to prevent the spread of Phythopthera ramorum to 
non-infested areas of the United States. These actions may include 
expanding the quarantined area, revising the approach to quarantine, 
and developing new strategies to address new risks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program 
Manager, Pest Detection and Management Program, PPQ, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________




63. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK 
FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that 
handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by us. This 
would include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, 
concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in 
interstate commerce are assembled. Our approval would be contingent on 
the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other 
conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and 
goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal 
identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other 
conditions would be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations 
relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to 
control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats. 
This rule would provide for the establishment of standards for the 
approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in 
interstate commerce.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/26/04                    69 FR 52451
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/04
Final Action                    09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National 
Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, 
Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________




64. USER FEES FOR AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE AND INSPECTION SERVICES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 
136a; 49 USC 80503

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 354

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the user fee regulations by adjusting 
the fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection 
(AQI) services that are provided in connection with certain commercial 
vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial 
aircraft, and international airline passengers arriving at ports in the 
customs territory of the United States. Due to the events of September 
11, 2001, and the resulting increased security concerns, a greater 
volume and variety of cargo entering the United States is being 
inspected. The fee adjustments are needed to recover the costs of this 
increased inspection activity and to account for routine inflationary 
increases in the cost of doing business. The adjusted AQI user fees 
will cover fiscal years 2005 through 2010.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/09/04                    69 FR 71660
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/01/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/07/05
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Jennifer Lemly, Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy, 
Analysis and Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901

Donna Ford, Branch Chief, Financial Services Branch, FMD, MRPBS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901

RIN: 0579-AB88

[[Page 26590]]

_______________________________________________________________________




65. [bull] INTRODUCTIONS OF PLANTS GENETICALLY ENGINEERED TO PRODUCE 
INDUSTRIAL COMPOUNDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622n; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 31 USC 9701

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 340

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will adopt as a final rule, without change, an 
interim rule that amended the regulations regarding genetically 
engineered organisms to require that introductions of plants 
genetically engineered to encode compounds for industrial use be 
conducted only under permit. Prior to the interim rule, such 
introductions could be accomplished under notification, an expedited 
permitting procedure. The interim rule was necessary to strengthen the 
regulations for introductions of this small subgroup of genetically 
engineered plants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/06/03                    68 FR 46434
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/06/03
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information are available on the Internet at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: John Turner, Director, Policy Division, BRS, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 146, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
Phone: 301 734-8365

RIN: 0579-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 330

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         02/06/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930

RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________




67. IMPORTATION OF FUJI VARIETY APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56-2cc

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/26/00                    65 FR 24423
NPRM Comment Period End         06/26/00
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/22/00                    65 FR 50937
NPRM Comment Period End         10/23/00


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian
Phone: 301 734-4382

RIN: 0579-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________




68. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian
Phone: 301 734-4382

RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




69. IMPORTATION PROHIBITIONS BECAUSE OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY

Priority: Other Significant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0579-AB26
_______________________________________________________________________




70. ANIMALS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/20/02                     67 FR 7583
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/22/02


Next Action Undetermined

[[Page 26591]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Terry Beals
Phone: 405 427-2998

RIN: 0579-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________




71. IMPORTATION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FROM FMD COUNTRIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/18/03                     68 FR 7722
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________




72. RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR POTENTIAL BSE PATHWAYS INVOLVING 
DOWNER CATTLE AND DEAD STOCK OF CATTLE AND OTHER SPECIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/21/03                     68 FR 2703
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/24/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lisa Ferguson
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________




73. COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 373; 9 CFR 60

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/08/03                    68 FR 40541
NPRM Comment Period End         11/07/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: William S. Wallace
Phone: 301 734-5136

RIN: 0579-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




74. METHYL BROMIDE; AUTHORIZATION AS OFFICIAL QUARANTINE USE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 304

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/12/04                    69 FR 49824
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/04
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/12/04                    69 FR 60567
NPRM Comment Period End         11/12/04


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Inder Paul Gadh
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________




75. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS, RATS, AND MICE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 2 to 3

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/04/04                    69 FR 31537
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/03/04
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   07/21/04                    69 FR 43538
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/01/04
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jerry DePoyster
Phone: 301 734-7586

Related RIN: Related to 0579-AB87
RIN: 0579-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________




76. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL RISK REGIONS AND 
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/04/03                    68 FR 62386
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/04
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/08/04                    69 FR 10633
NPRM Comment Period End         04/07/04
Final Action                    01/04/05                      70 FR 460
Final Action Effective          03/07/05
Notice of Availability of an EA 01/21/05                     70 FR 3183
Comment Period End              02/17/05
Final Action: Delaying 
Applicability of Certain 
Provisions                      03/11/05                    70 FR 12112
Affirmation of Final Rule       04/08/05                    70 FR 18252
Final Rule Effective            04/08/05


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




77. REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS TO AMEND 7 CFR PART 319 IMPORT REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/28/04                    69 FR 62823
NPRM Comment Period End         12/27/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ronald Sequeira

[[Page 26592]]

Phone: 919 513-2663

RIN: 0579-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________




78. REVISION OF THE NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS (Q.37)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/10/04                    69 FR 71736
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/10/05
Comment Period Extended         03/10/05                    70 FR 11886
Comment Period End              04/11/05


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz
Phone: 301 734-5306

RIN: 0579-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________




79. FEDERAL MEASURES TO MITIGATE BSE RISKS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR FURTHER 
ACTION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50 to 85

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/14/04                    69 FR 42288
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/13/04


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




80. AGRICULTURAL BIOTERRORISM PROTECTION ACT OF 2002; POSSESSION, USE, 
AND TRANSFER OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 331; 9 CFR 121

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Approval of an 
Information Collection          03/18/05                    70 FR 13159
Comment Period End              03/28/05
Final Action                    03/18/05                    70 FR 13242
The Amendments to the List of 
PPQ Select Agents and Toxins 
Effective                       03/10/05
Remaining Provisions of the 
Final Rule Effective            04/18/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Lee Ann Thomas
Phone: 301 734-5960

Charles L. Divan
Phone: 301 734-8758

RIN: 0579-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




81. KARNAL BUNT; REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR IMPORTING WHEAT

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/18/05                     70 FR 8229
Final Action Effective          03/21/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne Van Dersal
Phone: 301 734-6653

RIN: 0579-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________




82. IMPORTATION OF CLEMENTINES, MANDARINS, AND TANGERINES FROM CHILE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/10/04                    69 FR 71691
Final Action Effective          01/10/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne Van Dersal
Phone: 301 734-6653

RIN: 0579-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________




83. MEXICAN HASS AVOCADO IMPORT PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/30/04                    69 FR 69748
Final Action Effective          01/31/05
Correction                      02/10/05                     70 FR 6999

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian
Phone: 301 734-4382

RIN: 0579-AB81
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S

[[Page 26593]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


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



_______________________________________________________________________




84. GUIDELINES FOR HATCH MULTISTATE RESEARCH FUND

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 361c

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The guidelines will be the administrative provisions for the 
Hatch Multistate Research Funds allocated to the State Agricultural 
Experiment Stations. This rule also includes the allocation and 
distribution method for these funds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Janet Downey, Staff Accountant, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202 205-0453
Fax: 202 401-3481
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


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



_______________________________________________________________________




85. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMULA FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 
AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT THE 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS AND AT THE 
1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR AREAS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1449

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3419

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has changed the matching requirements for 
the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions 
in insular areas. Issues regarding the use of matching funds, sources 
of matching funds, and matching waivers for the Insular 1862 Land-Grant 
Institutions need to be clarified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/29/03                    68 FR 23014
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/03
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
2299
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA25
_______________________________________________________________________




86. [bull] REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION 
RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM

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

Legal Authority: 15 USC 638; PL 99-591, 100 Stat 3341; PL 106-554

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: CSREES proposes revising the existing administrative 
provisions for the Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program 
Administrative Regulations to implement changes compliant with the 
Small Business Innovation Research Policy Directive (67 FR 60072) of 
September 24, 2002.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Winston Sherman, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative 
State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299
Phone: 202 401-5061

RIN: 0524-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


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



_______________________________________________________________________




87. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________




88. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

[[Page 26594]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________




89. CSREES NON-FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3427; 7 CFR 3400; 7 CFR 3402; 7 CFR 3405; 7 CFR 
3406; . . .

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Erin Daly
Phone: 202 401-3319
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0524-AA28
BILLING CODE 3410--09--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




90. 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: The Agency intends to publish a proposed rule to 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 exists due to 
noncompliance with recently enacted Civil Rights legislation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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
_______________________________________________________________________




91. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 4012a; 42 USC 4104b; 
42 USC 4106; 42 USC 4128; PL 91-152; PL 93-234; PL 103-325; . . .

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is rewriting its regulations to conform to the 
requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 
(NFIRA).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Room 6900, Washington, DC 
20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________




92. 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 will consolidate seven regulations containing 
Community Facility (CF) servicing information into one, streamlined 
regulation. The Agency will also make changes to improve the servicing 
options available to CF borrowers. The goal is to work with borrowers 
to enable them to continue operating and providing essential community 
services to rural residents. This consolidation and the proposed 
changes will improve service to borrowers and will ensure

[[Page 26595]]

that the Government's investment is protected and maximized. The 
proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or the 
Agency. The consolidation and revisions of these regulations will be in 
the best interest of the Government and the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




93. 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                            06/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carolyn Bell, Single Family Housing 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
_______________________________________________________________________




94. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM--CONSOLIDATE, SIMPLIFY, AND 
UPDATE REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942, subpart A; 7 CFR 1942, subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is seeking to consolidate, 
simplify, and update its regulations used to administer the Community 
Facilities Direct Loan Program. This effort will produce a user-
friendly tool to help constituents and rural communities seeking to 
develop their essential community facilities for public use. The 
proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Angela Lausman, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/STOP 0787, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1497
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________




95. 3550 REGULATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1472

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Rural Housing Service intends to revise the definitions of 
new and existing dwellings to remove the reference to a 10-year 
warranty plan; remove requirement that all CLT imposed restrictions 
terminate upon foreclosure by the Agency; remove dollar limits and use 
1 percent of insurance coverage on loss deductible clauses with the 
objective of recognizing the increasing cost of home ownership 
insurance due to higher cost of home purchase; and require homeowner 
education for new home buyers.
This package has been separated into two rules. All revisions, except 
the homeowner education requirement and the CLT, were published as a 
direct final rule. The agency is in the process of developing a 
proposed rule to implement the homeowner education requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               02/08/05                     70 FR 6551
NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Janet Carter, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 
0783, Washington, DC 20250-0783
Phone: 202 720-1489
Fax: 202-690-0702
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC54
_______________________________________________________________________




96. PLANNING AND PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926; 42 USC 1472; 42 USC 1476; 42 USC 1479; 42 
USC 1490

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924, subpart A; 7 CFR 1924, subpart C; 7 CFR 1942, 
subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is consolidating, 
simplifying, and updating the Agency standards for planning and 
developing sites and buildings to bring them in line with contemporary 
industry standards. This

[[Page 26596]]

Agency regulation will contain the policies and procedures for planning 
and developing sites and buildings proposed for RHS financial 
assistance. This effort will produce a user-friendly tool to help 
program constituents, rural communities, and Agency personnel. The 
consolidation effort will also bring the requirements of these two 
regulations in line with the Agency's Single Family Housing, Multi-
Family Housing, Community Programs, and Business and Industry 
regulations and handbooks. This action will have no financial impact on 
the public or Agency. These consolidations and technical revisions are 
in the best interest of the Government and public. This is a positive 
and needed action in RHS program delivery and will add value to the 
access and delivery of the Agency's programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Keith A. Suerdieck, Deputy Director, Program Support 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th Floor, 
Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0761
Phone: 202 720-9651
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC55
_______________________________________________________________________




97. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1901, subpart F; 7 CFR 1940, subpart G; 
7 CFR 1940, subpart J

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Development Agencies (Rural Housing Service, Rural 
Utilities Service, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service) are seeking 
to consolidate, simplify, and update the different Agency environmental 
requirements into a common environmental regulation. This Rural 
Development regulation will replace 7 CFR 1794, the current RUS 
environmental regulation and 7 CFR 1940-G, the current RHS/RBS 
environmental regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a 
single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural 
communities, and personnel of the Rural Development Agencies and bring 
the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the 
environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar 
actions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Room 6900, Washington, DC 
20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________




98. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3575, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service proposes to amend its regulations 
utilized to service the Community Facilities guaranteed loan program by 
adding terms and definitions applicable to this subpart, amend or add 
existing regulation to establish reporting responsibilities for lenders 
participating in the program, and amend or add regulation to clarify 
program parameters in making, guaranteeing, holding, servicing, or 
liquidating guaranteed loans. The intended effect of this action is to 
provide a precise understanding of terms as they apply to eligibility 
and program implementation and maintenance, and to establish 
accountability for adequate servicing on guaranteed loans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kendra L. Doedderlein, Senior Loan Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787
Phone: 202 720-1503
Fax: 202-690-0471
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________




99. AMEND 3550 REGULATION TO MODIFY EXISTING PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FORMULA

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1996, a new payment assistance formula was implemented to 
provide assistance to Rural Housing Service customers to make 
homeownership affordable through the section 502 Direct Loan Program. 
No analysis has been conducted on the formula and its actual impacts 
since the change was implemented. Anecdotal information reveals that 
the formula may result in disparate treatment for some customers, 
especially those in the more rural counties. In addition, the formula 
is complex and difficult to explain to customers and partners. USDA has 
contracted for a study of the formula to determine the extent of 
disparate or unintended borrower treatments/consequences of the 
existing formula and develop more equitable and simplified alternatives 
to provide payment assistance to our customers without increasing the 
cost of the program to the Government. The Agency intends to solicit 
public comments on potential alternatives to the current formula and to 
publish

[[Page 26597]]

proposed and final rule changes to the formula.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Michael S. Feinberg, Acting Director, Single Family 
Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing 
Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1474

RIN: 0575-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________




100. [bull] ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1970; 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1940

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Development Agencies (Rural Housing Service, Rural 
Utilities Service, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service) are 
consolidating, simplifying, and updating the different Agency 
environmental requirements into a common environmental regulation. This 
rule identifies other environmental requirements that will makeup 
subparts H through N. Subpart H is an update of 7 CFR part 1901-F 
required by amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act; 
subpart I is an update of 7 CFR part 1940-J due to elimination of A-95 
clearinghouses by State governments; subpart J consolidates existing 
Rural Development policies on due diligence and clean ups; subpart K is 
an update of 1940-G, Exhibit C; subpart L is a restatement of existing 
policies in 7 CFR part 1924-A, which will be eliminated by that 
regulation revision; subpart M is a staff instruction; and subpart N is 
primarily staff instruction, with public instruction to refer to the 
laws.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Davis, Director, Program Support Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9619

RIN: 0575-AC61
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




101. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING (MFH) REINVENTION

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 (RHS) has consolidated and 
streamlined the 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 have been 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 also provides 
flexibility for program modifications to reflect current and 
foreseeable changes. It reduces regulations that address solely 
internal Agency program administration. Finally, the regulation is more 
customer-friendly and responsive to the needs of the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/02/03                    68 FR 32872
NPRM Comment Period End         08/01/03
Interim Final Rule              11/26/04                    69 FR 69032
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/27/04
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/24/05
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sue Harris-Green, Deputy Director, Multi-Family Housing 
Direct Loans, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th 
Floor, Stop 0782, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1660
Fax: 202-690-3444
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Merged with 0575-AC24
RIN: 0575-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________




102. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING

Priority: Other Significant

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

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

[[Page 26598]]

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
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0575-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




103. GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM--SECONDARY MORTGAGE MARKET 
PARTICIPATION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/19/05                     70 FR 2927

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell
Phone: 202 720-1627
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________




104. SERVICING OF COMMUNITY AND DIRECT BUSINESS PROGRAMS LOANS AND 
GRANTS--WORKOUT AGREEMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1956

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/08/04                    69 FR 70883
Final Action Effective          01/07/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel Spieldenner
Phone: 202 720-9700
Fax: 202-690-0471
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC57
_______________________________________________________________________




105. [bull] SURETY REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation requires that surety be provided when the 
construction contract exceeds $100,000. The direct final rule changes 
the surety requirements from a $100,000 contract amount to the Rural 
Development Single Family Housing area lending limits, which will vary 
with the locality. This will liberalize the requirement for surety and 
take into account the increase in construction cost of single family 
homes in the Rural Development's Single Family Housing Program. This 
should ease the burden on small contractors for whom obtaining surety 
is difficult and expensive, additionally reducing costs to our single 
family housing borrowers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               01/07/05                     70 FR 1325

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michel Mitias, Architect-Program Support Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9653
Fax: 202-690-4335
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC60
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




106. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); PL 106-224

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RMA plans to supplement the existing sanction authority found 
at 7 CFR 400.451 in order to include the revised sanctions available 
for offenses which occur after June 20, 2001, the date of passage of 
the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. This action will 
supplement the existing regulations which remain effective for all 
offenses occurring before June 20, 2000. This rule will contain 
guidelines for the level of sanctions that may be imposed, waiver 
authority on the part of the Administrator or designee, examples of 
sanctionable offenses, and the evidentiary standards to be followed.

[[Page 26599]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Crockett, Sanction Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 430 G Street, Suite 
4167, Davis, CA 95616-4167
Phone: 530 792-5864

RIN: 0563-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




107. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY (APH)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to update the rules governing 
establishment and maintenance of APH databases by incorporating changes 
in the Common Crop Insurance Provisions--Basic Provisions as mandated 
by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA) and to 
incorporate existing Risk Management Agency procedures and language 
used in procedural handbooks and crop insurance provisions and making 
other changes and clarifications to better meet the needs of insureds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




108. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS AND VARIOUS CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

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

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Basic Provisions and crop provisions for the Common Crop 
Insurance Policy are published in 7 CFR part 457. The Income Protection 
(IP) plan of insurance is a pilot program. The Crop Revenue Coverage 
(CRC) and the Revenue Assurance (RA) plans of insurance programs 
approved by the FCIC Board of Directors under 508(h) of the Federal 
Crop Insurance Act. IP, CRC, and RA are revenue products, and have many 
duplicate features between them and the Common Crop Insurance Policy 
Basic Provisions and applicable crop provisions. Therefore, IP, CRC, 
and RA will be combined into the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic 
Provisions and small grains, cotton, coarse grains, malting barley, 
rice, canola, and rapeseed crop provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

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-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)



_______________________________________________________________________




109. 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

[[Page 26600]]

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                    06/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




110. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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 for the 2006 crop year to: Specify that container grown and 
field grown plants are separate crops, provide optional units by 
location for field grown nursery plants, incorporate the ``lower of'' 
rule into section 6 of the provisions, permit insureds to purchase 
insurance coverage on a year-round basis, and incorporate provisions to 
provide a rehabilitation payment for plants damaged by an insured cause 
of loss.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/09/04                    69 FR 48166
NPRM Comment Period End         10/08/04
NPRM Comment Period Extended    11/22/04                    69 FR 60320
Final Action                    06/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




111. 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              09/17/01                    66 FR 47949
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/16/01
Final Action                    05/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________




112. [bull] GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART V--PREMIUM 
REDUCTION PLANS

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

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR Part 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to begin the process of 
promulgating regulations for the implementation of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Corporation's obligations to review, evaluate, approve, and 
regulate premium reduction plans in accordance with section 508(e)(3) 
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/24/05                     70 FR 9001
NPRM Comment Period End         04/25/05
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Craig Witt, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop 
Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 690-2539

RIN: 0563-AB95
BILLING CODE 3410--08--S

[[Page 26601]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




113. [bull] EXPORT INSPECTION AND WEIGHTING WAIVER FOR HIGH QUALITY 
SPECIALTY GRAINS TRANSPORTED IN CONTAINERS

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA is amending regulations under the USGSA to waive the 
mandatory inspection and weighing requirements of the Act for high 
quality specialty grains exported in containers. GIPSA is establishing 
this waiver to facilitate the marketing of high quality specialty 
grains exported in containers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA87
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




114. PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA85
_______________________________________________________________________




115. [bull] FEES ASSESSED BY THE SERVICE

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to increase fees assessed to delegated 
States and designated official agencies, authorized by GIPSA to provide 
official inspection and weighing services to the U.S. grain industry. 
the increase in fees is necessary to collect sufficient revenue to 
cover the current and future cost of supervising the performance of the 
official agencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/21/05                    70 FR 13411
NPRM Comment Period End         05/20/05


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA88
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




116. [bull] UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR WHEAT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR Parts 810

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA is revising the United States Standards for Wheat. 
GIPSA is amending the grain standards to change the definition of 
contrasting classes in Hard Red Winter Wheat and Hard Red Spring wheat 
such that Hard White wheat is not a contrasting class but is considered 
as wheat of other classes. GIPSA also is amending the grain standards 
by adding the sample size used to determine sample grade factors, 
because the standards should transmit this information.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/18/05                     70 FR 8233

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0580-AA86
BILLING CODE 3410--EN--S

[[Page 26602]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




117. DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT REPORTING AND COMPUTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS 
THAT AFFECT THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant. 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 codifies prisoner 
verification and death master file matching mandated by legislation and 
previously implemented through agency directive. (89-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/06
Final Action                    12/00/06
Final Action Effective          03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

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 by: 1) 
Bringing the maximum level of allowable resources in line with the Food 
Stamp Program by: a) Establishing a new resource limit of $3,000 for 
households with a disabled member, and b) increasing the resource limit 
from $1,750 to $2,000 for households without elderly or disabled 
members; 2) allowing a resource exclusion for the first $1,500 of the 
value of one prepaid funeral arrangement per household member; 3) 
allowing households in which all members are elderly or disabled to be 
certified for up to 24 months; and 4) allowing State agencies the 
option to provide transitional benefits to households that leave the 
Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families. The above provisions 
are modeled after Food Stamp Program provisions. (01-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period Ends        10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD12
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

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 seven States. Six States were 
initially authorized by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act (Pub. L. 
106-224); the seventh State was authorized by fiscal year 2002 
appropriation legislation. At-risk suppers in these States (Delaware, 
Illinois, 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 seven 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                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD15
_______________________________________________________________________




120. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO RECIPIENT 
CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 13 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, 
requires State agencies to pursue collection of recipient overissuances 
in the Food Stamp Program. On July 6, 2000, FNS published a major rule 
that revised many of the processes and procedures in this area. This 
proposed rule provides clarifications and corrections to the July 6, 
2000, rulemaking. (02-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

[[Page 26603]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD25
_______________________________________________________________________




121. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 4306

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 249

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will implement the provision of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that gives 
the Department the authority to promulgate regulations for the 
operation and administration of the SFMNP. The purposes of the SFMNP 
are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, 
vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and 
community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors and to 
increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, 
developing, and/or aiding in the development of domestic farmers' 
markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. 
(02-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/05
Final Action                    12/00/05
Final Action Effective          01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov

URL For Public Comments:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD35
_______________________________________________________________________




122. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR-RELATED PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule amends the WIC regulations to clarify 
issues that have arisen subsequent to the publication of the WIC Food 
Delivery Systems final rule. It includes the following provisions: 
Allows the release of vendor information such as telephone numbers, e-
mail/website addresses, store type, and whether the vendor has been 
disqualified; protects State agencies against loss of revenue due to 
vendor nonselection; provides for an abbreviated administrative review 
when a State agency issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a 
reciprocal WIC disqualification; and prohibits State agencies from 
requiring infant formula manufacturers to provide free formula or other 
items as part of their infant formula rebate solicitations and 
contracts. (02-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/05
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD36
_______________________________________________________________________




123. FSP: DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC 
LAW 107-171

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275; 7 CFR 277

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will implement several quality control 
changes to the Food Stamp Act required by sections 4118 and 4119 of 
title IV of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 
107-171). The provisions in this rule affect the following areas: 1) 
The elimination of enhanced funding; 2) revisions to the time frames 
for completing individual case reviews; 3) extending the time frames in 
the procedures for households that refuse to cooperate with QC reviews; 
4) procedures for adjusting liability determinations following appeal 
decisions; and 5) conforming and technical changes. (02-015)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period Ends        10/00/05
Final Action                    10/00/06
Final Action Effective          11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Split from 0584-AD31
RIN: 0584-AD37

[[Page 26604]]

_______________________________________________________________________




124. CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS: NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM; SERVING 
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AS AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1751 et seq, Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would require that a fresh vegetable or a 
fresh/dried fruit be one of the components served in the afterschool 
snack service under the National School Lunch Program and that it be 
served at least three times per 5-day week. The U.S. Department of 
Agriculture is establishing this requirement to promote the health of 
the Nation's school children by encouraging them to consume more fruits 
and vegetables. (03-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD40
_______________________________________________________________________




125. DATA COLLECTION RELATED TO INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, SITES, AND 
FACILITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 13279

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 246; 7 
CFR 247; 7 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Executive Order 13279, which was signed on December 12, 2002, 
instructs Federal agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to collect 
data regarding the participation of faith-based and community-based 
organizations in social service programs that receive Federal financial 
assistance. This rulemaking would authorize the Secretary of 
Agriculture to require State agencies to collect and submit data to the 
Food and Nutrition Service that identifies the numbers, by categories 
to be determined by the Secretary, of institutions, organizations, 
sites, and facilities that apply to and participate in the Federal 
nutrition assistance programs. This rulemaking would add requirements 
to the following programs: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 
Women, Infants and Children, National School Lunch Program, School 
Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food 
Service Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency 
Food Assistance Program. The data collection effort will end five years 
after the effective data of the interim final rule. (04-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD43
_______________________________________________________________________




126. FSP: REVISIONS TO BONDING REQUIREMENTS FOR VIOLATING RETAIL AND 
WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2021

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.1(b)(4); 7 CFR 278.2(f)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule will revise the current bonding 
requirements set forth in section 278.1(b)(4) of Food Stamp Program 
(FSP) regulations that are imposed against retailers who have violated 
FSP rules and regulations. Section 12(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 
(the Act), as amended, gives the Secretary of Agriculture the 
discretionary authority to require that retailers who have been 
sanctioned for program violations present a collateral bond as a 
condition of future authorization. The Act also gives the Secretary the 
authority to prescribe the amount, terms, and conditions of such bonds 
by regulation. Currently, all violating retailers that are sanctioned 
for a specified period of time or imposed a civil money penalty are 
required to submit a bond if they wish to continue to participate in 
the FSP. The bond must be valid as long as the firm is authorized to 
participate in the FSP regardless of the period of disqualification 
imposed or the amount of the civil money penalty assessed. Retailers 
are required to renew their bond through a financial institution on a 
periodic basis. The proposed rule will: 1) Eliminate the current 
bonding requirement for retailers who are disqualified for a period of 
6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 6-month 
disqualification period; and 2) Limit the requirement to no more than 1 
year for retailers who are disqualified for a specified period of time 
greater than 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 
specified period of time greater than 6 months. Section 278.2(f) of the 
FSP regulations stipulates that retail food stores may not accept food 
stamp benefits in payment for any eligible food sold to food stamp 
households on credit. Thus, the proposed rule will also assign a 
specified period of time for retailers to be removed from the program 
for accepting food stamp benefits in payment for eligible food on 
credit. (04-002)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

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

[[Page 26605]]

Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD44
_______________________________________________________________________




127. DONATED FOODS IN CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE NUTRITION SERVICES 
INCENTIVE PROGRAM, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING CONTRACTS WITH 
FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.12, 250.19, 250.24, 250.40, 250.41; 7 CFR 
250.42, 250.48, 250.49, 250.50

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise or clarify requirements with 
respect to the distribution, management, and use of donated foods in 
child nutrition programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, and 
by charitable institutions. Most significantly, it would establish 
specific requirements to ensure that school food authorities and other 
recipient agencies in child nutrition programs receive the benefit of 
all donated foods provided under contract with food service management 
companies to conduct the food service. It would require the food 
service management company to credit the recipient agency for donated 
foods received, through invoice reductions, refunds, or other means of 
crediting. The rule would provide some flexibility in crediting for and 
use of donated foods by allowing the recipient agency to use donated 
food values other than the USDA purchase price and by allowing the food 
service management company to substitute donated foods with 
commercially purchased foods, with the exception of (1) donated ground 
beef and ground pork, and (2) end products received from processors. 
(04-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD45
_______________________________________________________________________




128. FSP: REGULATION RESTRUCTURING TO REFLECT THE END OF COUPON ISSUANCE 
SYSTEMS

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.8 and 274.12; 7 CFR 278

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed changes to the Food Stamp Program's regulations 
are being put forth to account for the replacement of the paper coupon 
issuance system with the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system as 
the nationwide method of distributing benefits to program recipients. 
These changes will remove coupon issuance regulations that are no 
longer applicable, revise regulatory language to more appropriately 
connote the new EBT issuance system (such as eliminating the use of the 
term ``coupon,'' and replacing it with either ``benefits'' or ``EBT 
card''), and reorganize sections to develop a more cohesive set of 
issuance and retailer regulations. None of the changes will have any 
policy impacts. The regulatory revisions, however, are necessary to 
avoid confusion by ensuring that the issuance and redemption 
requirements are clear and comprehensible. The sections that will be 
updated and reorganized by the proposed rule are 7 CFR parts 274 and 
278. (04-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05
Final Action                    10/00/06

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 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD48
_______________________________________________________________________




129. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK SUBSTITUTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 102

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, by regulation, schools must make substitutions for 
fluid milk for students with a disability when the request is 
authorized by a licensed physician and may make substitutions for 
students with medical or other dietary needs if requested by recognized 
medical authority. These regulatory provisions were included in Public 
Law 108-265 which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 
Act. Public Law 108-265 also amended the current law to allow schools 
to substitute non-dairy beverages nutritionally equivalent (as 
established by the Secretary) to fluid milk for medical or other 
special dietary needs at the request of a parent/guardian. In response 
to Public Law 108-265, the National School Lunch Program and School 
Breakfast Program regulations will be revised to add these 
requirements.
(04-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD58

[[Page 26606]]

_______________________________________________________________________




130. [bull] FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS--DISTRIBUTING AGENCY EVALUATIONS 
OF NON-COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, COST 
COMPARISONS, SYSTEM APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Food Distribution Program regulations at 7 CFR part 250.14(a) 
currently require all distributing agencies to, at minimum, evaluate 
non-commercial systems, perform cost comparisons of existing systems 
with commercial systems, and seek FNS approval to use non-commercial 
facilities once every 3 years by March 31. This rule would amend 
current regulations at section 250.14(a) by removing the regulatory 
requirements above. By this time, per legislative mandate and the more 
stringent regulatory requirements, most States required to do so have 
conducted warehousing and distribution system evaluations and cost 
comparisons on multiple occasions. Through cycles of cost comparisons, 
we believe that conversions to commercial systems have already taken 
place where appropriate. The limited number of States that operate 
their own systems do so because no commercial system is available, or 
because the State-run system is more cost-effective.
The removal of the above regulatory requirements, in addition to other 
minor changes to the provisions of section 250.14(a), will decrease the 
burden on State distributing agencies in terms of both paperwork and 
man hours, while providing those State agencies greater flexibility in 
program operations. The proposed rule would also rewrite the provisions 
of section 250.14(a) in a ``plain language'' format in order to make 
them easier to read and understand.
The proposed rule will provide a public comment period, which would 
allow State agencies and other interested parties the forum to provide 
feedback and voice any concerns. All comments received during the 
specified comment period would be taken into consideration by FNS prior 
to publication of the rule in its final form.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD72
_______________________________________________________________________




131. [bull] WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): IMPLEMENTATION 
OF THE FMNP PROVISIONS IN THE CN AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004 
(PUB. L. 108-265) AND FMNP FUNDING FORMULA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule amends the FMNP regulations to implement 
the nondiscretionary FMNP provisions in Public Law 108-265, the Child 
Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The legislative 
provisions include: (1) An option for State agencies to authorize 
roadside stands without prior FNS approval; (2) revising the match 
requirement to apply the 30 percent to the administrative cost of the 
program instead of 30 percent of the total cost of the program 
(administrative and food costs); and (3) increasing the maximum Federal 
benefit level from $20 to $30.
Also included in this rulemaking will be a funding formula methodology 
for the FMNP when funds requested exceed available funds to allocate. 
The FMNP is a fixed grant program with limited funds. Funding increases 
are not guaranteed from year to year. Section 17(m) of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, sets forth broad funding 
requirements for the FMNP. By law, after base grants are provided to 
current State agencies (i.e., total Federal funds received in the prior 
fiscal year), the remaining funds are divided so that 75 percent is 
provided for expansion funds for current State agencies and 25 percent 
is provided for new State agencies. Currently, beyond the division of 
funds noted above, there are no requirements for how to allocate funds 
for expansion and new State agencies when funds requested exceed the 
amount of available funds. This proposed regulation would amend 7 CFR 
part 248 to set forth a funding formula in cases where FMNP funds 
requested exceed available funds to allocate. The proposed methodology 
would provide a base funding level for each State agency. Funding above 
the base level would be based on the individual State's need relative 
to all other State agencies' needs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05
Final Action                    06/00/06
Final Action Effective          07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Additional Information: This action consolidates two previous actions: 
the FMNP Funding Formula Rule, RIN  0584-AD41 (withdrawn in 
the spring 2005 agenda), and the Implementation of the FMNP Provisions 
Included in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, 
RIN 0584-AD46 (withdrawn from the fall 2004 agenda).

URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD41
RIN: 0584-AD74

[[Page 26607]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule amends certain provisions of the WIC program 
regulations in response to issues raised by WIC State agencies and 
incorporates longstanding program policies into regulations, with the 
intention to strengthen services to WIC participants, improve Program 
administration, and increase State agency flexibility in managing the 
Program. The final rule takes into consideration comments received on 
the proposed rule, which was published on December 12, 2002 (67 FR 
71774). It also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from 
$10,000 to $25,000, in accordance with a nondiscretionary provision of 
Public Law 105-336. (89-515)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/02                    67 FR 71774
NPRM Comment Period End         04/01/03
Final Action                    07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1766; PL 103-448; PL 104-193; PL 105-336

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Child and Adult Care Food Program 
(CACFP) regulations. The changes in this rule result from the findings 
of State and Federal program reviews and from audits and investigations 
conducted by the Office of Inspector General. This rule revises: State 
agency criteria for approving and renewing institution applications; 
program training and other operating requirements for child care 
institutions and facilities; and State- and institution-level 
monitoring requirements. This rule also includes changes that are 
required by the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994 (Pub. 
L. 103-448), the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities 
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193), and the William F. 
Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-336).
The changes are designed to improve program operations and monitoring 
at the State and institution levels and, where possible, to streamline 
and simplify program requirements for State agencies and institutions. 
(95-024)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/12/00                    65 FR 55103
NPRM Comment Period End         12/11/00
Interim Final Rule              09/01/04                    69 FR 53502
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/01/05
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________




134. 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 makes 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 revises those regulations to provide the State agency more 
flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. Clarifications 
and FNS settlement improvements are also incorporated into the rule. 
The rule contains a provision to provide State agencies with a new 
option to allow retailers with commercial equipment to use a Store and 
Forward process instead of the manual voucher process when the system 
is down. This provision will go forward as an interim provision so that 
the Department can solicit additional comments. All the other 
provisions will go forward as final. (96-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/12/01                    66 FR 36495
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Interim Final Rule              04/11/05                    70 FR 18263
Final Rule                      04/11/05                    70 FR 18263
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/11/05
Final Rule Effective            05/11/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/10/05
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC37

[[Page 26608]]

_______________________________________________________________________




135. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: REIMBURSEMENT FOR SNACKS IN 
AFTERSCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105-336

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act 
of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell 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. (98-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/11/00                    65 FR 60502
NPRM Comment Period End         01/09/01
Final Action                    10/00/05
Final Action Effective          11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________




136. 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 final rule changes 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                            11/27/02                    67 FR 70861
NPRM Comment Period End         01/27/03
Final Action                    06/00/05
Final Action Effective          01/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC75
_______________________________________________________________________




137. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP): 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, impose more rigorous performance 
measures on State and local agencies, increase flexibility for program 
operators, and incorporate legislative provisions that have been 
implemented through program policy. (99-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/03                    68 FR 62164
NPRM Comment Period End         12/30/03
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________




138. 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 make 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, 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 Program'' (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 was withdrawn, and the 
final provisions are issued under RIN 0584-AC95. The final rule adopts 
or modifies as necessary

[[Page 26609]]

many of the provisions mandated by the statute and required by the 
interim rule. The objective is to provide consistency in procedures 
when determining agencies' option 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                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AC95
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, 226, 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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD16
_______________________________________________________________________




140. AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS UNDER THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105-336

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act 
of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to 
authorize reimbursement for snacks served under CACFP in afterschool 
care programs operated by at-risk centers. The afterschool program must 
be organized primarily to provide care for children and have an 
educational or enrichment purpose. All snacks are served free to 
participants because at-risk centers are located in eligible areas 
(that is, areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the 
enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals). (02-
004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/11/00                    65 FR 60502
NPRM Comment Period End         01/09/01
Final Action                    08/00/05
Final Action Effective          09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD27
_______________________________________________________________________




141. FSP: EBT AND RETAIL FOOD STORES PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND 
RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4108, 4110, 4113, and 4117

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12; 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 13, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4108, 
4113, and 4117.
Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4110.

Abstract: Section 4108--This rule allows alternate methods for issuing 
food stamp benefits during disasters when reliance on electronic 
benefit transfer systems (EBT) is impracticable.
Section 4110--This rule eliminates the requirement that Federal costs 
for electronic benefit transfer systems cannot exceed the costs of the 
paper systems they replace.
Section 4113--This rule allows group homes and institutions to redeem 
EBT benefits directly through banks in areas where EBT has been 
implemented rather than going through authorized wholesalers or other 
retailers.
Section 4117--This rule allows the Secretary of Agriculture to use 
mailing methods other than certified mail when notifying retailers of 
the above mentioned adverse actions so long as the method provides 
evidence of delivery. (02-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/06/03                    68 FR 23927
NPRM Comment Period End         07/07/03
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 26610]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD28
_______________________________________________________________________




142. FSP: ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY 
AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4101 to 4109, 4114, 4115, and 4401

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend Food Stamp Program regulations to 
implement 11 provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 that establish new eligibility and certification requirements 
for the receipt of food stamps. (02-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/16/04                    69 FR 20724
NPRM Comment Period End         06/15/04
Final Action                    12/00/05
Final Action Effective          02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD30
_______________________________________________________________________




143. FSP: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE FARM 
SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273.7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule implements revisions to the Food Stamp 
Employment and Training (E&T) Program funding requirements. (02-009)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/19/04                    69 FR 12981
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/04
Final Action                    12/00/05
Final Action Effective          02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD32
_______________________________________________________________________




144. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH, SCHOOL 
BREAKFAST, AND SPECIAL MILK PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule updates the regulations for the National School 
Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program, and the School Breakfast 
Program regarding the use of federal funds for the provision of meals 
for school children. This rule prohibits school food authorities (SFA) 
from using funds in the non-profit school food service account for 
expenditures made under improperly procured contracts. The expected 
result is that regulatory language will ensure optimum utilization of 
funds in the non-profit school food service account. (03-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/04                    69 FR 78340
NPRM Comment Period End         02/28/05
Final Action                    03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD38
_______________________________________________________________________




145. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): DISCRETIONARY WIC VENDOR PROVISIONS IN THE CHILD 
NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004, PUBLIC LAW 108-265

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 2004.

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to implement the following 
discretionary provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization 
Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265, concerning WIC vendor management: 1) 
Requires State agencies to notify vendors of an initial violation when 
a pattern of violations is required before documenting a subsequent 
violation, unless it would compromise an investigation; 2) requires a 
State agency to maintain a list of infant formula wholesalers, 
distributors, and retailers licensed in the State, and formula 
manufacturers registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
and requires authorized vendors to only purchase infant formula from 
those entities on the State agency's list; and, 3) establishes 
restrictions on the provision of incentive items to participants by 
vendors for which most food proceeds result from WIC purchases. (04-
007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/00/06

[[Page 26611]]

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/00/06
Final Action                    12/00/06
Final Action Effective          01/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD47
_______________________________________________________________________




146. SEVERE NEED ASSISTANCE IN THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, in order to receive the higher severe need School 
Breakfast Program reimbursements, schools must have served 40 percent + 
of their lunches free or at a reduced price in the second preceding 
year and must document their costs. They receive the lesser of their 
documented costs or the severe need rate.
In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Child Nutrition 
Act of 1966, 7 CFR 220, the School Breakfast Program's regulations will 
be revised to remove the requirement to document costs. This law was 
also revised to require that the Secretary determine how schools 
without a 2nd preceding year history may qualify for severe need 
reimbursements. (04-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD50
_______________________________________________________________________




147. DISTRICT-WIDE USE OF PROVISIONS 2 AND 3

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, schools may choose to use ``Provision 2'' or 
``Provision 3,'' to reduce application burdens and simplify meal 
counting and claiming procedures. Provision 2 allows schools to 
establish claiming percentages and to serve all meals at no charge for 
a 4-year period. Provision 3 allows schools to simply receive the same 
level of Federal cash and commodity assistance each year, with some 
adjustments, for a 4-year period. Both provisions are used by schools 
with significant percentages of children eligible for free and reduced-
price school meals. Schools serve all meals at no cost to the child but 
continue to be reimbursed at the rate determined in the year that the 
actual number of free and reduced price eligible children was 
determined.
In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free 
and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to 
allow school districts to use ``Provision 2`` or ''Provision 3`` on a 
district-wide basis as well as on a school basis. (04-009)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD51
_______________________________________________________________________




148. ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR REDUCTION IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition and WIC 
Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Act), amended the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act and Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 
1966 in the following ways. The new law:
-- Establishes the additional category of schools at high risk for 
administrative errors, as defined by the Secretary, that are subject to 
an additional administrative review;
-- Details a corrective action plan for States that fail to meet 
Secretary's performance criteria;
-- Allocates funds to States based on number of local education 
agencies with high level or high risk for administrative error. (04-
010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD52
_______________________________________________________________________




149. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 235

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 26612]]

Abstract: State Administrative Expense Fund regulations will be revised 
to increase the minimum State grant for administrative expenses to 
$200,000 a year (indexed after fiscal year 2008) and requires that: For 
fiscal years 2005 through 2007, no State will receive less than its 
fiscal year 2004 allocation. This rule will also require States to 
submit, for the Secretary's approval, an amendment to their State plan 
indicating how it will allocate their State administrative expense 
funds for information management systems that improve program integrity 
by (1) monitoring the nutrient content of meals; (2) training schools 
and school food authorities in how to use technology and information 
management systems for menu planning, collecting ``point-of-sale'' 
data, processing applications for free and reduced-price meals, and 
verifying eligibility; and (3) using electronic data to establish 
benchmarks to monitor program integrity, program participation, and 
financial data across schools and school food authorities. (04-011)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD53
_______________________________________________________________________




150. APPLYING FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IN SCHOOLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations for determining eligibility for free and 
reduced price meals and free milk in schools, will be revised to 
require that:
(1) Descriptive materials distributed to parents and guardians contain 
a notification that:
-- Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for 
women, infants, and children (the WIC program), the Food Stamp Program, 
the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, and State 
Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF) programs may be eligible 
for free or reduced-price school meals; and
-- Documentation may be requested for verification of eligibility for 
free or reduced-price meals;
(2) Eligibility determinations for free or reduced-price school meals 
(other than cases where ``direct certification'' is used) are to be 
made on the basis of a complete application executed by an adult member 
of the household or in accordance with guidance issued by the 
Secretary. It will also stipulate that the household application must 
identify the names of each child in the household for whom free or 
reduced-price meal benefits are being requested and bars State agencies 
and local educational authorities from requesting separate applications 
for each child in cases where the children attend schools in the same 
local educational authority;
(3) Explicitly permits applications with electronic signatures if the 
application is submitted electronically and the application filing 
system meets confidentiality standards set by the Secretary; and
(4) Eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals remains valid 
for 1 year for most students. Eligibility would remain in effect 
beginning with approval for the current school year and ending on a 
date during the subsequent school year determined by the Secretary. An 
exception is included for cases where verification activities indicate 
ineligibility. (04-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________




151. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: INCREASING THE MAXIMUM AGE FOR CHILDREN IN 
HOMELESS SHELTERS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE CACFP

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the Child Nutrition 
and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that authorizes the reimbursement 
of CACFP meals served to children through age 18 who are residing in 
emergency shelters. Previously, CACFP reimbursements to emergency 
shelters were limited to meals served to children through age 12. (04-
014)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               09/00/05
Comment Period End              10/00/05
Direct Final Rule Effective     11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




152. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: MARKETING AND SALES OF FLUID MILK 
PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 26613]]

Abstract: Public Law 108-265 amended the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act to prohibit schools from entering into contracts that 
directly or indirectly restrict the sale or marketing of fluid milk 
products on school premises or at school sponsored events at any time 
or any place. This amendment was in response to procurement contracts 
that limited the types of products that schools could sell outside of 
the reimbursable meal programs. This rule would incorporate that 
requirement into the regulations governing the National School Lunch 
Program. (04-015)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD57
_______________________________________________________________________




153. NUTRITION STANDARDS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL 
BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 103

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 108-265 requires the Secretary to issue 
regulations that reflect specific recommendations for increased 
consumption of foods and food ingredients in school nutrition programs 
based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The current regulations specify that reimbursable meals offered by 
schools meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that are specified in 
the regulations. This final rule would revise the current regulations 
on nutrition standards to require that participating schools meet the 
applicable recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for 
Americans as specified in program guidance. This revision would permit 
USDA and schools to more promptly conform to any new recommendations in 
the nutrition standards. (04-017)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD59
_______________________________________________________________________




154. DIRECT AND DISCRETIONARY CERTIFICATION IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 104

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently a school food authority may ``directly certify'' 
any child as eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, without 
further application, by directly communicating with the appropriate 
State or local agency to obtain documentation of the child's status as 
a member of a food stamp household or a family receiving TANF.
In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free 
and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to 
require that school food authorities ``directly certify'' as eligible 
for free school meals, without further application, any child who is a 
member of a food stamp household. In order to carry out this 
requirement, the law also requires that each State agency enter into an 
agreement with the State food stamp agency to establish procedures 
under which children who are members of food stamp households will be 
directly certified and amends the Food Stamp Act to require State food 
stamp agencies to enter into the required agreements and cooperate in 
carrying out direct certification. The direct certification 
requirements are phased-in. For School Year 2006-2007, school districts 
with an enrollment of 25,000 students or more in the preceding year 
must comply. For School Year 2007-2008, school districts with an 
enrollment of 10,000 students or more in the preceding year must 
comply. For subsequent school years, all districts must comply. Until 
mandatory ``direct certification'' for children in food stamp 
households is fully implemented, the existing permissive authority is 
retained. In addition, this rule adds (to existing authority with 
regard to children in TANF families) permissive authority for school 
food authorities to directly certify homeless children, children served 
by programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, and migrant 
children. (04-018)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD60
_______________________________________________________________________




155. REVISED VERIFICATION PROCEDURES IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard 
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the verification procedures in 7 
CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and 
Free Milk

[[Page 26614]]

in Schools, will be revised to require that, starting July 2005:
1. Local Educational Authorities (LEAs) verify the eligibility of 
children in a sample of approved free and reduced-price school meal 
applications. The basic sample size would be the lesser of 3 percent of 
all approved applications (as of October 1 of the school year) selected 
from error-prone applications or 3,000 approved error-prone 
applications. Error-prone applications would be those defined as within 
$100 a month or $1200 annually of the applicable income limit or, 
alternately, under criteria set by USDA. However, local educational 
agencies could choose 1 of 2 alternate sample sizes (effectively the 
options established in current regulations) if:
-- Their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is less than 20 
percent, or
-- For a local educational agency with more than 20,000 children 
approved by application as eligible for free or reduced-price school 
meals as of October 1, their nonresponse rate for the preceding school 
year is improved by 10 percent from the nonresponse rate for the second 
preceding school year.
A nonresponse rate is the percentage of approved household applications 
for which verification information has not been obtained by a LEA. 
However, second-preceding-school-year nonresponse rates may not be 
available for all schools for the 2005-2006 school year. As a result, 
this rule would also provide that, for the 2005-2006 school year, large 
local educational agencies (20,000+ approved students) also could 
qualify to use 1 of the 2 alternate sample sizes (the options in 
current regulations) if they attempt to verify all approved household 
applications through the use of direct verification. When verifying 
eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, local educational 
agencies can first use direct verification and obtain and use income 
and program participation information from public agencies 
administering certain programs. The programs are: The Food Stamp 
Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, State 
TANF programs, State Medicaid programs, or similar income-tested 
programs (or other sources of information). In cases in which there are 
not enough error-prone applications to comply with the options, local 
educational agencies would be required to randomly select additional 
applications to fulfill the percentage or number requirement.
2. Requires local educational agencies to complete all verification 
activities (including required ``follow-up'' activities) by November 15 
of each school year; States may extend this deadline to December 15 
under criteria set by the Secretary. It will also require local 
educational agencies to make appropriate modifications to eligibility 
determinations based on their verification activities.
3. It also allows local educational agencies to ``decline'' to verify 
up to 5 percent of their verification sample and replace the declined 
applications with other approved applications.
4. Requires that the local educational agency provide written notice to 
households selected for verification. The notice must include a toll-
free phone number that the household can call for assistance with the 
verification process. (04-019)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD61
_______________________________________________________________________




156. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN MIGRATORY, HOMELESS, AND RUNAWAY 
YOUTH

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 107

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard 
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining 
Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, 
will be amended to establish categorical (automatic) eligibility for 
free meals for the following children:
1. Homeless children or youth as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act;
2. Youth served by grant programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth 
Act; and
3. Migratory children as defined in section 1309(2) of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act.
Public Law 108-265 also provides for documentation of a child's 
eligibility under these laws which will also be included in the 
regulations. (04-020)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD62
_______________________________________________________________________




157. FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS, AUDITS, AND REPORTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 111

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current regulations governing the National School Lunch and 
School Breakfast Programs require one food safety inspection in schools 
during the school year unless such inspection is required by the State 
or local agency responsible for food safety inspections. Public Law 
101-265 revised the requirement in the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act on food safety inspections to: (1) Increase the number 
of required inspections to at least two during the school year; (2) 
remove the exemption if there are State or local requirements for 
schools; and (3) require that reports on the most recent inspection be 
posted in a

[[Page 26615]]

publicly visible location and be provided, on request, to the public. 
In addition, the regulations will be revised to include the requirement 
in Public Law 101-265 that, for fiscal years 2006 through 2009, States 
annually audit food safety inspections in schools and submit a report 
to USDA on the results of that audit. (04-022)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD64
_______________________________________________________________________




158. SCHOOL FOOD SAFETY: HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT 
SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard 
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the National School Lunch Program 
and School Breakfast Program Regulations will be revised to require 
that school food authorities implement a school food safety program for 
the preparation and service of meals that complies with any ``hazard 
analysis and critical control point'' system established by USDA 
through guidance, training, and technical assistance. (04-023)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD65
_______________________________________________________________________




159. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: FOR-PROFIT CENTER PARTICIPATION IN THE 
CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the Child Nutrition 
and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that permanently establishes the 
eligibility of private for-profit child care centers to participate in 
the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) if at least 25 percent of 
participating children are eligible for free or reduced price meals. 
This provision was first added as a temporary 1-year measure to the 
National School Lunch Act in FY 2001 appropriations. Since that time, 
the provision had been extended with each subsequent appropriation. 
Prior to FY 2001, for-profit centers could only participate in the 
Program if they receive title XX funds for 25 percent of the enrolled 
children or 25 percent of licensed capacity, whichever is less. Thus, 
since December 2000, private for-profit centers have been able to 
participate in the CACFP in two ways--based either on receipt of title 
XX funds on behalf of enrolled children or on the children's 
eligibility for free or reduced price meals. (04-024)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD66
_______________________________________________________________________




160. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: DISREGARD OF OVERPAYMENTS IN THE CHILD 
NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim rule implements a provision of the Child 
Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265). It 
creates uniform regulations related to the disregard of overpayments 
made to a school or institution in the National School Lunch Program 
(NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), or Child and Adult Care Food 
Program (CACFP). It allows the Department and State agencies, when 
conducting management evaluations, reviews, or audits in the NSLP, SBP, 
or CACFP, to disregard overpayments to a school or institution under 
certain conditions. However, no overpayment would be disregarded where 
there is substantial evidence of violations of criminal law or civil 
fraud statutes. (04-026)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302

[[Page 26616]]

Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD68
_______________________________________________________________________




161. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: PERMANENT AGREEMENTS FOR DAY CARE HOME 
PROVIDERS IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the CACFP regulations to implement a 
provision from the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 
that authorized the use of permanent agreements between sponsoring 
organizations and family or group day care homes participating in the 
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). These agreements record 
specific rights and responsibilities of both sponsoring organizations 
and the family or group day care homes. The rule will stipulate that 
while the agreement is permanent, it does not remove the right of the 
sponsoring organization to terminate a family or group day care home 
for cause or convenience, nor does it remove the right of a day care 
home provider to change sponsors in accordance with current 
regulations. This rule will also permit sponsoring organizations to 
amend the permanent agreement when there is a change in program policy 
or meal services. (04-027)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/05
Final Action Effective          07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD69
_______________________________________________________________________




162. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: SEAMLESS SUMMER OPTION FOR SCHOOLS 
PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 116 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization 
Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) amended section 13(a) of the Richard B. 
Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to authorize a Seamless Summer 
Option for public or private nonprofit school food authorities to 
participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School 
Breakfast Program (SBP). The law stipulates that schools that 
participate under the Seamless Summer Option must be reimbursed for 
breakfasts served at the School Breakfast Program free rates and for 
lunches and snacks served at the National School Lunch Program free 
rates.
The Committee Report (108-279) accompanying the Child Nutrition and WIC 
Reauthorization Act of 2004 notes that the provision closely tracks the 
current Seamless Summer Feeding Waiver, which has been available to 
school sponsors nationwide since fiscal year 2002. This interim final 
rule will amend 7 CFR parts 210 and 220 to incorporate the Seamless 
Summer Option that will be available to public and private nonprofit 
school food authorities that participate in the NSLP and SBP. The 
Department also intends to incorporate into the NSLP and SBP 
regulations much of the policy that has been developed for schools that 
were approved by State agencies or FNS to operate the waiver.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD70
_______________________________________________________________________




163. [bull] SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, 
AND CHILDREN (WIC): WIC VENDOR COST CONTAINMENT

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

Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule amends the WIC regulations to 
implement the vendor cost containment provisions of the Child Nutrition 
and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265). The rule seeks 
to assure that the WIC Program pays competitive prices to authorized 
retail food vendors by requiring State agencies to: (1) Establish a 
vendor peer group system or demonstrate to the Department that the 
State agency's alternative cost containment system is as effective as a 
peer group system; (2) establish competitive price selection criteria 
for use in authorizing vendors and allowable reimbursement levels for 
each vendor peer group that ensure that a vendor's prices remain 
competitive subsequent to authorization; (3) limit payments to vendors 
that derive more than 50 percent of their annual food sales revenue 
from WIC transactions, so that the program does not pay higher food 
costs if participants use their food instruments at these stores, 
rather than at other authorized vendors; (4) describe their vendor peer 
group system, competitive price selection criteria, and allowable 
reimbursement levels in the State Plan; and (5) comply with the vendor 
cost containment requirements of Public Law 108-265 by December 30, 
2005.

[[Page 26617]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/00/06
Final Action                    02/00/07
Final Action Effective          03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD71
_______________________________________________________________________




164. [bull] WIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRETIONARY WIC 
CERTIFICATION AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS IN THE CN AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004 (PUB. L. 108-265)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule implements the nondiscretionary WIC 
provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 
(Pub. L. 108-265). It contains provisions that address the following 
aspects of WIC Program administration and operation:
1.Expansion of definitions of ``nutrition education'' and 
``supplemental foods''
2.Infant formula rebate contracts
 -- Adds new definitions (``State alliance'' and ``primary contract 
infant formula'')
 -- Limits the size of State alliances -- Requires State agencies to 
use primary contract infant formula as the first choice of issuance
 -- Allows State agencies to round up to the next whole can of infant 
formula as part of the prescribed food package
 -- Requires uncoupling of bids for milk- and soy-based infant formula 
in certain rebate solicitations
 -- Requires that bid solicitations require manufacturers to make a 
cent-for-cent increase or decrease in rebate amounts to match changes 
in national wholesale prices occurring subsequent to the bid opening
 -- Requires a State agency to have a system to ensure that rebate 
invoices provide a reasonable estimate or actual count of the number of 
units sold in the program
3.Program eligibility
 -- Provides additional exceptions to the physical presence requirement
4.Food delivery systems
 -- Requires State agencies to allow participants to receive 
supplemental foods from any of the authorized stores under retail food 
delivery systems
 -- Requires the State plan to include a description of the State 
agency's procedures for accepting and processing vendor applications 
outside the established timeframes
 -- Prohibits a State agency from imposing the cost of electronic 
benefit transfer equipment, systems, or processing on retail vendors
5.Funding and financial management
 -- Increases State agency carry-forward authority for nutrition 
services and administration funds from 1 percent to 3 percent
 -- Allows State agencies to use funds recovered through local agency 
claims in the same way that it uses funds recovered from vendors and 
participants

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/05
Final Action Effective          10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Additional Information: This rule was initially assigned RIN 
0584-AD49, and was withdrawn from the fall 2004 Unified Agenda 
and Plan on September 14, 2004.

URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD73
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/27/02                    67 FR 43448
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/29/02
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/24/02
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

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

RIN: 0584-AC94

[[Page 26618]]

_______________________________________________________________________




166. FSP: NON-DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF 
PUBLIC LAW 107-171

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/16/03                    68 FR 59519
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/15/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/14/04
Final Action                    10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD31
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)



_______________________________________________________________________




167. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE COST REIMBURSEMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn for further research 
and development                 12/21/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________




168. FSP: HIGH PERFORMANCE BONUSES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 275

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/07/05                     70 FR 6313

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AD29
_______________________________________________________________________




169. WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): FUNDING FORMULA RULE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn--Consolidated with 
another rule.                   02/18/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

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

Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD74
RIN: 0584-AD41
_______________________________________________________________________




170. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK 
REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/08/04                    69 FR 70871

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD55
_______________________________________________________________________




171. WAIVER OF THE REQUIREMENT TO USE WEIGHTED AVERAGES IN THE NATIONAL 
SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/08/04                    69 FR 70872
Final Action Effective          01/07/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD63
_______________________________________________________________________




172. IMPLEMENTING PROVISION FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: INCREASING THE DURATION OF TIERING STATUS 
OF DAY CARE HOMES IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/22/05                     70 FR 8501

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

[[Page 26619]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0584-AD67
BILLING CODE 3410--30--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




173. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PUMPED OR MASSAGED BACON

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 424.22(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions 
concerning the production and testing of pumped or massaged bacon (9 
CFR 424.22(b)). FSIS is proposing to remove provisions that prescribe 
the substances and amounts of such substances that must be used to 
produce pumped or massaged bacon. FSIS is proposing to replace these 
provisions with an upper limit for nitrite and a performance standard 
that establishments producing pumped or massaged bacon must meet. To 
meet the proposed performance standard, the process used to produce 
pumped or massaged bacon would be required to limit the presence of 
nitrosamines when the product is cooked.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________




174. EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 21 USC 1031 to 1056

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 590.570; 9 CFR 590.575; 9 CFR 590.146; 9 CFR 
590.10; 9 CFR 590.411; 9 CFR 590.502; 9 CFR 590.504; 9 CFR 590.580; 9 
CFR 591; . . .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
require egg products plants and plants pasteurizing shell eggs to 
develop and implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points 
(HACCP) systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
FSIS also is proposing pathogen reduction performance standards that 
would be applicable to egg products and pasteurized shell eggs. Plants 
would be expected to develop HACCP systems that ensure products meet 
the pathogen reduction performance standards. Finally, FSIS is 
proposing to amend the Federal egg products inspection regulations by 
removing current requirements for prior approval by FSIS of egg 
products plant drawings, specifications, and equipment prior to their 
use in official plants. The Agency also plans to eliminate the prior 
label approval system for egg products. This proposal will not 
encompass shell egg packers. In the near future, FSIS will initiate 
non-regulatory outreach efforts for shell egg packers that will provide 
information intended to help them to safely process shell eggs intended 
for human consumption or further processing.
The actions being proposed are part of FSIS' regulatory reform effort 
to improve FSIS' egg products food safety regulations, better define 
the roles of Government and the regulated industry, encourage 
innovations that will improve food safety, remove unnecessary 
regulatory burdens on inspected egg products plants, and make the egg 
products regulations as consistent as possible with the Agency's meat 
and poultry products regulations. FSIS is also taking these actions in 
light of changing inspection priorities and recent findings of 
Salmonella in pasteurized egg products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Viki Levine, Program Analyst, Regulations and Petitions 
Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________




175. PRIOR LABELING APPROVAL SYSTEM: GENERIC LABEL APPROVAL

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 the 
nutrition labeling

[[Page 26620]]

rules that currently are stated separately for meat and poultry 
products (in part 317, subpart B, and part 381, subpart Y, 
respectively) and by amending their provisions to set out clearly 
various circumstances under which these products are misbranded.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________




176. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 321 et 
seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 410; 21 CFR 130

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) are proposing to modernize their food 
standards. The agencies are proposing a set of general principles for 
food standards. The adherence to these principles will result in 
standards that will better promote honesty and fair dealing in the 
interest of consumers, protect the public, allow for technological 
advances in food production, are consistent with international food 
standards, and are clear, simple, and easy to use for both 
manufacturers and the agencies that enforce compliance with the 
standards. The proposed general principles will establish the criteria 
that the agencies will use in considering whether a petition to 
establish, revise, or eliminate a food standard will be the basis for a 
proposed rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________




177. 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 should 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                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC81
_______________________________________________________________________




178. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR CHILLING OF READY-TO-COOK POULTRY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.66

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing a performance standard for the chilling of 
ready-to-cook poultry products that is intended to ensure the control 
of microorganisms on the products from a point after evisceration until 
the products are frozen, further processed, or packaged for shipment 
from the processing plant. The current specific time and temperature 
requirements for chilling poultry carcasses of various weights would be 
retained as alternative requirements that poultry processors could 
choose to meet. FSIS is taking this action to provide poultry 
processors with greater flexibility in achieving the purposes of the 
poultry chilling requirements whilst complying with the Agency's Hazard 
Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and other regulations. This 
proposal responds to petitions from industry trade associations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________




179. ADDITION OF MEXICO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE 
IMPORTATION OF SLAUGHTERED (FRESH) POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS INTO THE 
UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

[[Page 26621]]

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add Mexico to the list of countries from 
which fresh slaughtered poultry and egg products may be imported into 
the United States

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC92
RIN: 0583-AD01
_______________________________________________________________________




180. FOOD SECURITY PLANS

Priority: Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 
USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 1031 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 420

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
require that official establishments develop, implement, and maintain 
food security plans to prevent intentional product contamination. FSIS 
is also proposing to require establishments to review these plans at 
least once a year and modify them as appropriate. FSIS is taking this 
action to enhance protection of the nation's food supply against 
possible terrorist acts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Bobby Palesano, Acting Deputy Executive Associate for 
Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Room 2932, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2490
Fax: 202 205-0080
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD06
_______________________________________________________________________




181. ACCREDITED LABORATORY PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318, 381, and 439

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposal revises, edits, and consolidates provisions to 
establish standards and procedures for the accreditation of non-Federal 
analytical chemistry laboratories. FSIS is proposing to amend the 
regulations to accommodate more readily the adoption of newer methods 
for analyzing an expanded number of chemical residues and to correct 
some factual data. In addition, FSIS is proposing to make other 
editorial changes to reflect Agency reorganizations and program changes 
since a rule was published in 1993. This rule also proposes to 
consolidate the regulations, now in two parts, into a single part, 9 
CFR part 439.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Ph.D, Director, Regulations and 
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD09
_______________________________________________________________________




182. SHARING OF FIRMS' DISTRIBUTION LISTS OF RETAIL CONSIGNEES DURING 
MEAT OR POULTRY PRODUCT RECALLS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301, 552

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 390

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to 
provide that the Agency will make available to the public, in response 
to a FOIA request, lists of the retail consignees of meat and poultry 
products that have been voluntarily recalled by a federally inspected 
meat or poultry products establishment. FSIS is proposing this action 
because it believes that making this information available will be of 
significant value to consumers and the industry. It will clarify what 
products should be removed from commerce and from consumers' possession 
because there is reason to believe they are adulterated or misbranded, 
and it will help to clarify that other, similar types of products are 
safe to consume and are not misbranded.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Mr. Philip Derfler, Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 350, Jamie L. Whitten 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-2709
Fax: 202 720-2025
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________




183. REQUIRING INDUSTRY E. COLI O157:H7 TEST RESULTS FOR RAW BEEF 
PRODUCTS BE MAINTAINED IN ONE SPECIFIC LOCATION IN THE ESTABLISHMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 677

[[Page 26622]]

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 320

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to require that an establishment's 
Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 test result records for raw beef 
products be kept in one specific location in the establishment, for as 
long as such records are required to be maintained in the establishment 
under applicable HACCP regulations. E. coli O157:H7 test result records 
required to be kept would include records of the establishment's 
testing (including screening and confirmation testing) of raw beef 
products produced at or received by the establishment and records of 
results of testing of such products (including screening and 
confirmation testing) conducted by a laboratory with which the 
establishment has contracted. FSIS is proposing that the establishment 
designate the specific location where it keeps these E. coli O157:H7 
test result records in the establishment. In addition, FSIS is 
proposing that the establishment must inform an FSIS employee of the 
specific location where it keeps these E. coli O157:H7 test result 
records, verbally or in writing, and that, if the establishment changes 
the location where it keeps these test result records, the 
establishment must notify an FSIS employee of the new location, 
verbally or in writing. Finally, FSIS is proposing that the Agency 
would have access to these test result records for review and copying.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Program Analyst, Regulations and 
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD11
_______________________________________________________________________




184. [bull] INCREASES IN FEES FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS 
INSPECTION SERVICES--FISCAL YEARS 2004 TO 2008

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 USC 601, et seq); 
Poultry Product Inspection Act (21 USC 451, et seq); Egg Product 
Inspection Act (21 USC 1031, et seq)

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 391.2; 9 CFR 391.3; 9 CFR 391.4; 9 CFR 590.126; 9 
CFR 590.126(a); 9 CFR 592.2; 9 CFR 592.3; 9 CFR 592.4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will adjust the fees which FSIS 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. The Agency is proposing to raise these fees to 
reflect, among other factors, the national and locality pay raises for 
Federal employees and inflation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wanda Haxton, Program Analyst, Regulations and 
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0299
Fax: (202)6900486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD12
_______________________________________________________________________




185. [bull] ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 USC 601 et 
seq); Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 USC 451 et seq); Egg 
Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 USC 1031 et seq); Government 
Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998 (PL 105-277, title XVII)

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
accept electronic signatures as equal to handwritten signatures so long 
as the electronic report-generating and recordkeeping system uses 
procedures and controls designed to ensure authenticity, integrity and, 
where necessary, confidentiality. Such systems must also ensure that 
signatures are linked to records; that signatures cannot be excised, 
copied, transferred, or otherwise falsified; and that the signer cannot 
repudiate signed records as not genuine.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wanda Haxton, Program Analyst, Regulations and 
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0299
Fax: (202)6900486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD14

[[Page 26623]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




186. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 303; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 319; 9 
CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 331; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 417; 9 CFR 430; 9 CFR 
431

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance 
standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat 
and poultry products. The performance standards spell out the objective 
level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet during their 
operations in order to produce safe products but allow the use of 
customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than those 
prescribed in the earlier regulations. Along with HACCP, food safety 
performance standards will give establishments the incentive and 
flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing 
procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable 
standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This 
set of performance standards will include and be consistent with 
standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/27/01                    66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/01
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/03/01                    66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Interim Final Rule              06/06/03                    68 FR 34208
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/31/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/24/05                    70 FR 15017
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Economically Significant

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS has proposed to amend the Federal meat and poultry 
products inspection regulations to require nutrition labeling for the 
major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products, either 
on their label or at their point-of-purchase, unless an exemption 
applies. FSIS also proposed to require nutrition information on the 
label of ground or chopped meat and poultry products, unless an 
exemption applies. The requirements for ground or chopped products will 
be consistent with those for multi-ingredient products.
FSIS also proposed to amend the nutrition labeling regulations to 
provide that when a ground or chopped product does not meet the 
regulatory criteria to be labeled ``low fat,'' a lean percentage claim 
may be included on the label or in labeling, as long as a statement of 
the fat percentage also is displayed on the label or in labeling.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/18/01                     66 FR 4970
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/01
Extension of Comment Period     04/20/01                    66 FR 20213
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/01
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC60
_______________________________________________________________________




188. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR ON-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL REPROCESSING OF PRE-
CHILL POULTRY CARCASSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 424

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will allow, on a voluntary basis, the on-line 
antimicrobial reprocessing of pre-chill poultry that are accidently 
contaminated with digestive tract contents during slaughter. Generic E. 
coli will be the indicator organism. This pre-chill criterion will be 
in addition to the post-chill standards for generic E. coli and 
Salmonella already required by the HACCP regulations. The Salmonella 
standard for those classes of poultry is a published performance 
standard.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/01/00                    65 FR 75187
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/01
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760

[[Page 26624]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________




189. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTITUTE 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                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________




190. 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. The rule 
will update existing regulations to reflect current poultry 
characteristics and production practices. Therefore, the impact on the 
poultry industry is expected to be minimal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/29/03                    68 FR 55902
NPRM Comment Period End         02/09/04
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC83
_______________________________________________________________________




191. PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF SPECIFIED RISK MATERIALS FOR HUMAN FOOD 
AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF NON-AMBULATORY DISABLED CATTLE

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat 
inspection regulations to designate the brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal 
ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the 
tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, 
and the wings of the sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of cattle 
30 months of age and older, and the tonsils and distal ileum of the 
small intestine of all cattle, as ``specified risk materials'' (SRMs). 
The Agency declared that SRMs are inedible and prohibited their use for 
human food. In addition, as a result of the interim final rule, FSIS 
now requires that all non-ambulatory disabled cattle presented for 
slaughter be condemned. The Agency also requires that federally 
inspected establishments that slaughter cattle and federally inspected 
establishments that process the carcasses or parts of cattle develop, 
implement, and maintain written procedures for the removal, 
segregation, and disposition of SRMs. Establishments must incorporate 
these procedures into their HACCP plans or in their Sanitation SOPs or 
other prerequisite program. FSIS took this action in response to the 
diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
of a positive case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an 
adult Holstein cow in the State of Washington. This action is intended 
to minimize human exposure to materials that scientific studies have 
demonstrated as containing the BSE agent in cattle infected with the 
disease. Infectivity has never been demonstrated in the muscle tissue 
of cattle experimentally or naturally infected with BSE at any stage of 
the disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1862
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/12/04
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 26625]]

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC88
_______________________________________________________________________




192. ADDITION OF SAN MARINO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT 
MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add San Marino to the list of countries 
from which meat or meat food products may be imported into the United 
States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/13/04                    69 FR 50086
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/04
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301.2; 9 CFR 318.24 (Revision); 9 CFR 320.1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat 
inspection regulations. The rule is designed, in part, to prevent human 
exposure to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent by 
ensuring that Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery 
(AMR) systems are not a means of introducing central nervous system 
(CNS)-type tissue into product labeled as ``meat.'' Meat may be derived 
by mechanically separating skeletal muscle tissue from the bones of 
livestock, other than skulls or vertebral column bones of cattle 30 
months of age and older, using advances in mechanical meat/bone 
separation machinery; i.e., AMR systems. The recovered meat product may 
not incorporate any brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal 
root ganglia tissues. In addition, there must be no more than a non-
significant incorporation of bone solids or bone marrow as measured by 
the presence of calcium and iron in excess of the requirements in the 
interim final rule. This rule also requires that federally inspected 
establishments that process cattle develop, implement, and maintain 
written procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of 
specified risk materials (SRMs), including non-complying products from 
beef AMR systems. These procedures are required to be incorporated into 
an establishment's HACCP plan, Sanitation Standard Operation 
Procedures, or other prerequisite program. FSIS took this action in 
response to the diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the Department of 
Agriculture of a positive case of BSE in an adult Holstein cow in the 
State of Washington.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1874
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/12/04
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC51
RIN: 0583-AD00
_______________________________________________________________________




194. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF AIR-INJECTION STUNNERS FOR THE SLAUGHTER 
OF CATTLE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act; . . .

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 313

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the 
Federal meat inspection regulations to prohibit the use of penetrative 
captive bolt stunning devices that deliberately inject air into the 
cranial cavity of cattle. This rulemaking responds to the findings of a 
risk assessment on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) conducted by 
the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (referred to as the Harvard study) 
and is part of a series of actions that the USDA is taking to 
strengthen its BSE prevention programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1885
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/07/04
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD03

[[Page 26626]]

_______________________________________________________________________




195. FREQUENCY OF FOREIGN INSPECTION SYSTEM SUPERVISORY VISITS TO 
CERTIFIED FOREIGN ESTABLISHMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 7 USC 138f, 450; 
21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327.2; 9 CFR 381.96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to change the 
required frequency of foreign inspection system supervisory visits to 
certified foreign establishments so as to bring FSIS import 
requirements into agreement with its requirements for domestic 
establishments. FSIS is proposing to delete the current requirement 
that supervisory visits take place ``not less frequent[ly] than one 
such visit per month.'' In its place, FSIS is proposing to require 
foreign inspection systems to make ``periodic supervisory visits`` to 
certified establishments in order to ensure that such establishments 
continue to meet FSIS requirements for certification to export meat and 
poultry to the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/18/04                    69 FR 51194
NPRM Comment Period End         10/18/04
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD08
_______________________________________________________________________




196. [bull] TERMINATION OF DESIGNATION OF THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA WITH 
RESPECT TO THE INSPECTION OF POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 454(c) (1); 21 USC 454(3)

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.221; 9 CFR 381.224

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the poultry products inspection regulations by terminating the 
designation of the State of North Dakota. The Agriculture Commissioner 
of the State of North Dakota said the State is in a position to 
administer a poultry inspection program equal to the Federal program 
and requested that North Dakota be removed from Federal designation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/14/05                    70 FR 12420
NPRM Comment Period End         04/13/05
Final Action                    07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Ph.D, Director, Regulations and 
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD13
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Other Significant

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/22/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC43
RIN: 0583-AD02
_______________________________________________________________________




198. RETAIL EXEMPTION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 303.1; 9 CFR 381.10

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/07/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John A. O'Connell
Phone: 202 720-0345
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: john.o'[email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD04
_______________________________________________________________________




199. UNIFORM COMPLIANCE DATE FOR FOOD LABELING REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      12/14/04                    69 FR 74405

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD05

[[Page 26627]]

_______________________________________________________________________




200. [bull] ADDITION OF SLOVAKIA TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO 
EXPORT MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 USC 601 et seq)

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327.2(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is adding 
Slovakia to the list of countries eligible to export meat products to 
the United States. Reviews of Slovakia's laws, regulations, and other 
written materials show that its meat processing system meets 
requirements that are equivalent to the relevant provisions of the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and its implementing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/13/01                    66 FR 42472
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/01
Final Rule                      02/08/05                     70 FR 6554

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD15
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




201. QUALITY SAMPLES PROGRAM

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the 
Quality Samples Program (QSP), currently authorized by section 5(f) of 
the CCC Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f). This proposed rule would codify 
existing guidelines. The rule would provide specific regulations 
concerning program administration. Significant provisions include 
program objectives and priorities, eligible organizations, 
qualification requirements, application and review processes, 
reimbursement rules and procedures, financial reporting and program 
evaluation requirements, and program controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
www.fas.usda.gov

Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos, Regulatory Coordinator, 
Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-4055
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

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-AA68
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




202. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS UNDER 7 CFR 
1530

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 19 USC 1202; 19 USC 3314

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1530

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation governs the importation of world price sugar 
and its subsequent use as a refined reexport, product ingredient, or 
input into the production of polyhydric alcohols. The proposed 
amendments and/or modifications are principally aimed at reorganizing 
and simplifying the complexity of the current regulation; clarifying 
certain definitions, including the coverage of beet and cane sugar; 
extending the scope of the regulation to specially include toll 
operations, which was inadvertently omitted; and implementing Mexico-
NAFTA legal commitments. The proposed action will provide for increased 
operational efficiencies and promote the Government's objectives 
regarding regulatory simplification.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/01/03                    68 FR 23230
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/02/03
NPRM                            01/21/05                     70 FR 3150
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 26628]]

Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos, Regulatory Coordinator, 
Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 
Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-4055
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

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-AA65
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)



_______________________________________________________________________




203. CCC SUPPLIER CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1493

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/28/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos
Phone: 202 690-4055
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________




204. FACILITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 17; 7 CFR 1493

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/28/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos
Phone: 202 690-4055
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________




205. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE U.S. 
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS (EMERGING MARKETS PROGRAM)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/04/05                      70 FR 253

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Liliana Silva-Castellanos
Phone: 202 690-4055
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0551-AA62
BILLING CODE 3410--10--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




206. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Other Significant

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 proposed rule sets forth the Forest Service role and 
procedures in the conveyance of Indian allotments on National Forest 
System (NFS) lands. The Indian Allotment Act of 1910, as amended, 
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make allotments of NFS 
lands to American Indians for homesteading and agricultural and grazing 
purposes, but only after a determination by the Secretary of 
Agriculture that the lands are more valuable for agriculture or grazing 
than for timber. The Forest Service has relied upon U.S. Department of 
the Interior rules and procedures at 43 CFR part 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. This proposed rule clarifies the role of the 
Forest Service in the allotment process. It preserves the rights of 
affected individual American Indians who wish to apply for allotments 
on NFS lands. An earlier version of this proposed rule was published in 
the Federal Register on June 22, 1987 (52 FR 23473). Very few comments 
were received on the 1987 proposed rule, and this revision of the 
proposed rule makes only limited changes needed to update the rule due 
to the passage of 17 years since publication of the first version of 
the proposed rule. Because of the amount of time that has elapsed since 
the earlier version of the proposed rule

[[Page 26629]]

was published, the agency believes that it is in the public interest to 
publish a revised proposed rule and request comment prior to adopting a 
final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/87                    52 FR 23473
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/87
Second NPRM                     12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________




207. 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 subsection (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                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________




208. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212; 36 CFR 214; 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 228; 26 CFR 
241; 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 254; 36 CFR 292

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to revise 
the process by which certain parties can appeal decisions relating to 
authorizations for use and occupancy of National Forest System lands 
and resources. This proposed rule would create a new part 214 to 
replace regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C. The Forest Service 
has a continuing commitment to review its regulations periodically, to 
identify specific problems in administering them, and to determine 
whether they meet agency and public needs. Experience with the 
procedures at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, has shown that certain 
provisions in the rule consistently raise questions. Thus, the agency 
has identified a need to amend the procedures at 36 CFR part 251, 
subpart C, to correct and clarify aspects of the part 251 appeals 
process and its relationship to the amended appeal rule at 36 CFR part 
215. Among specific changes being proposed are acknowledgement that 
this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to 
locatable mining operations; making terminology consistent with part 
215; establishing timeframes for intervening, scheduling oral 
presentations or requesting stays; clarifying that decisions to deny 
permits for noncommercial group use are not subject to appeal, but 
rather are immediately subject to judicial review; and making 
conforming technical revisions to 36 CFR parts 212, 215, 228, 241, 251, 
254, and 292.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________




209. 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: On February 16, 1994 (59 FR 7880), the Forest Service 
published a proposed rule for 36 CFR part 261, Prohibitions, and part 
262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. Due to the high level of 
interest in and comment on part 261, the decision was made to publish 
second proposed rules separately for each part.
The Forest Service is proceeding with publication of a second proposed 
rule for part 262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. The proposed 
revisions to part 262 are narrow in scope and are meant to clarify 
specific administrative provisions. In particular, they address the 
limitations and conditions for paying rewards in connection to fire or 
property prosecution; clarify the rules regarding the purchase of 
information or evidence in furtherance of investigations; and clarify 
certain actions and regulations regarding the impoundment, removal, and 
disposition of animals and personal property from National Forest 
System lands. The proposed rule also responds

[[Page 26630]]

to comments concerning part 262 that were received in response to the 
proposed rule published in 1994. The majority of those comments 
referred to how the rule defines certain terms. To address those 
comments in this second proposed rule, the agency proposes to add a new 
section for definitions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/16/94                     59 FR 7880
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/94
Second NPRM                     07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________




210. NONCOMPETITIVE SALE OF TIMBER; TIMBER SUBSTITUTION

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 changing the 
reference to 16 U.S.C. 472(d) to 16 U.S.C. 472a(d). This proposed rule 
would revise the existing regulations regarding noncompetitive sale of 
timber based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that 
``extraordinary conditions'' exist to apply to sales agency wide. This 
proposed rule would add paragraph (c), which further defines 
extraordinary conditions to allow forest officers, without 
advertisement, to make modifications to awarded timber and forest 
product sales, which result in the substitution of timber or forest 
products from outside the sale area specified in the contract. This 
would be applied to situations where replacement timber from outside 
the sale area could be substituted for timber lost as a result of 
litigation or catastrophic events. Substitute timber or forest products 
must be from the same National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis 
area, and meet agency requirements for compliance with the NEPA, the 
National Forest Management Act, and notice, comment, and appeal 
procedures at 36 CFR part 215. This proposed rule would authorize the 
Forest Service to propose timber sale modifications and to enter into 
discussions with purchasers on such modifications. But, timber 
purchasers would not be obligated to accept any proposed modifications.
To the extent that timber sale cancellations and partial cancellations 
are avoided, the effect of this proposed rule would be to reduce future 
damage claims on timber sales.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




211. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER EXPORT 
AND SUBSTITUTION RESTRICTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 620

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223; 36 CFR 261

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule for timber export and substitution 
restrictions would implement the provisions of the Forest Resources 
Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended in 1997. 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 National Forest System (NFS) and private timber 
requiring domestic processing, including transfers; prescribes 
procedures for identifying unprocessed NFS 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                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________




212. LOCATABLE MINERALS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This revision follows recommended changes developed by GAO 
and OIG audits and recommendations in the National Research Council's 
1999 report titled ``Hardrock Mining on Federal Lands.'' The proposed 
rule would improve the administration of the locatable minerals 
program. The proposed rule's objectives are to improve the process for 
modifying, suspending, and terminating plans of operation; improve the 
process of reviewing and adjusting reclamation bonds to cover the full 
cost of reclamation; improve the process of managing temporary 
closures; define proper occupancy and use; and improve noncompliance 
and enforcement actions. This proposed rule revision will increase the 
efficiency of locatable minerals administration and protect the public 
from funding mine reclamation.

[[Page 26631]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________




213. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVES 
(PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) 1330, 1900, AND FOREST 
SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 1909.12)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives 
issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1330, New Management 
Strategies, 1900, Planning, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, 
Land and Resource Management Planning Handbook. These directives would 
provide the detailed direction to agency employees necessary to 
implement the provisions in the final rule adopted at 36 CFR part 219 
governing land and resource management planning. The final rule was 
published on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 1023).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB86
RIN: 0596-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




214. GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE 
HANDBOOK 2209.13, CHAPTERS 10 AND 20)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5801

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Updated national direction is needed to ensure the agency is 
both current and consistent in working with grazing permittees in all 
Forest Service Regions. The Forest Service is proposing to issue 
amendments to certain chapters and sections of Forest Service Manual 
(FSM) title 2200, Rangeland Management, and to all chapters of Forest 
Service Handbook (FSH) 2209.13, Grazing Permit Administration. The last 
substantive amendments to both FSM 2200 and FSH 2209.13 were made in 
1985. Clarifications and adjustments in policy are necessary to respond 
to changing needs of both the Forest Service and the livestock industry 
and to make the agency's policy current with legislation, court 
decisions, and agency management. The Forest Service has determined 
that two chapters in FSH 2209.13 require public notice and comment 
before the amendments can be finalized: Chapter 10, Permits With Term 
Status, and chapter 20, Grazing Agreements. Both chapters contain 
substantive changes to agency operating procedures that affect how the 
Forest Service does business with permittees, grazing associations, and 
applicants for livestock grazing authorizations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________




215. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-148

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 302 of title III of the Healthy Forests Restoration 
Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-148), through an amendment to the Cooperative 
Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a), directs the 
Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Watershed Forestry Assistance 
Program (WFAP), which would be administered by the Forest Service and 
implemented by the State Foresters or equivalent State officials. The 
Forest Service is working with State Foresters to develop guidelines 
for implementing WFAP. The purpose of WFAP is to address watershed 
issues on non-Federal forested and potentially forested land. The 
program's goals are to improve watershed health through forestry 
practices; to build partnerships; to promote collaborative watershed 
approaches; and to provide technical, financial, and educational 
assistance to qualified landowners and entities. Section 302 of the act 
requires the development of (1) a watershed forestry technical 
assistance program and (2) a watershed forestry cost-share program. The 
WFAP is very similar to other State and Private Forestry cooperative 
grant and agreement programs that the Forest Service has managed over 
the past 50 years.
The WFAP guidelines will establish the criteria that State Foresters 
and landowners and other entities must meet in implementing WFAP. These 
criteria include landowner/entity eligibility and responsibilities, 
acceptable watershed forestry projects, and selection of priority 
watersheds. The guidelines also will establish budget allocation 
procedures and monitoring and accomplishment reporting requirements. 
The guidelines will, to the extent consistent with

[[Page 26632]]

Federal accountability and oversight responsibility, allow flexibility 
to the States to implement the program in a manner consistent with 
local needs and opportunities.
The Forest Service plans to publish a proposed guideline with request 
for comment in the Federal Register. Comments received will be 
considered in the development of the final guideline and additional 
agency directives issued to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 3500, 
Cooperative Watershed Management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Advance Notice of Proposed 
Guideline                       05/25/04                    69 FR 29688
Comment Period End              07/26/04
Proposed Guideline              08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

URL For More Information:
http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/wfa/

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC19
RIN: 0596-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________




216. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-148

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service, in cooperation with Indian Tribes, is 
preparing a proposed guideline for implementing the Tribal Watershed 
Forestry Assistance Program (TWFAP) authorized in title III, section 
303, of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-148). 
The purpose of TWFAP is to address watershed issues on lands under 
tribal jurisdiction. The program's goals are to improve watershed 
health through forestry practices; to build partnerships; to promote 
collaborative watershed approaches; and to provide technical, 
financial, and educational assistance to participating Tribes. Section 
303 of the act requires development of (1) a tribal watershed forestry 
technical assistance program and (2) a tribal watershed forestry award 
program.
The Forest Service plans to publish a proposed guideline with request 
for comment in the Federal Register. Comments received will be 
considered in the development of the final guideline and additional 
agency directives issued to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 3500, 
Cooperative Watershed Management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Advance Notice of Proposed 
Guideline                       05/25/04                    69 FR 29687
Comment Period End              07/26/04
Proposed Guideline              08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal

URL For More Information:
http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/wfa/

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC18
RIN: 0596-AC19
_______________________________________________________________________




217. ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS; FEDERAL AND INDIAN OIL AND GAS 
LEASES; ONSHORE OIL AND GAS ORDER NUMBER 1, APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 223 et seq

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Through a joint Federal Register publication, the Bureau of 
Land Management (BLM), acting as lead agency, and the Forest Service 
are proposing to revise the current 1983 Onshore Oil and Gas Order 
Number 1 (Order). The new proposed Order is being jointly published by 
the Forest Service and the BLM to facilitate common conservation 
practices and procedures across agency boundaries.
The Order provides the requirements necessary for the approval of all 
proposed oil and gas exploratory, development, or service wells on all 
Federal and Indian (except Osage Tribe) onshore oil and gas leases. The 
revision is necessary due to provisions of the 1987 Federal Onshore Oil 
and Gas Leasing Reform Act, legal opinions, court cases since the Order 
was issued in 1983, and other policy and procedural changes. The 
revised Order would address the submittal of a complete Application for 
Permit to Drill or Deepen package (APD), including a Drilling Plan, 
Surface Use Plan or Operations, evidence of bond coverage, operator 
certification, and clarification as to when a BLM right-of-way grant or 
Forest Service special use permit are needed to authorize secondary 
uses supporting the oil and gas operation.
The proposed rule changes to 36 CFR part 228 would include: (1) Removal 
of a specific reference to the 1983 Order to a reference that plans of 
operations or master development plans be submitted ``in accordance 
with the current applicable Onshore Oil and Gas Order,'' (2) removal of 
the appendix (text of 1983 Order), and (3) removal of a non-existent 
cross-reference to appeal procedures at 36 CFR part 217 and replacing 
that reference with ``the current applicable agency appeal 
procedures.''
The proposed rule provides for a 60-day notice and comment period. 
Comments received on the proposed rule will be considered in the 
development of a final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003

[[Page 26633]]

Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________




218. PREDATOR DAMAGE MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE 
MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 426

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a notice of proposed 
directive to FSM 2320 to clarify the role of the Forest Service in 
predator damage management in wilderness. In 1993, the Forest Service 
entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) to clarify 
the Forest Service's role in working with APHIS-WS regarding predator 
damage management activities conducted by APHIS-WS on National Forest 
System lands. In 1995, direction was issued to FSM 2650 to bring Forest 
Service policy on predator damage management into conformance with the 
MOU. Additionally in 1995, an interim directive to FSM 2323.33c was 
issued regarding predator damage management in wilderness to conform 
with both the MOU and FSM 2650. The interim directive clarified the 
role of APHIS-WS as the lead agency in preparing environmental 
documentation for predator control activities initiated by APHIS. The 
interim directive to FSM 2323.33c was reissued in 1997, and expired in 
1998. Therefore, the current direction in effect in FSM chapter 2320 
does not reflect the MOU, or policy changes made in FSM 2650. A 
Washington Office team is working with Regional staff, APHIS-WS, and 
the Office of General Counsel to amend FSM 2320 to conform with the 
MOU, FSM 2650, and clarify and strengthen the Forest Service's role and 
responsibility regarding predator damage management action in 
wilderness. Comments received on this proposed directive will be 
considered in the development of the final directive.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________




219. RECREATION EVENT FEES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, 
CHAPTER 2720)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497, 551

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to 
amend Forest Service Manual 2721.49 regarding the basis of determining 
fees for recreation events. Currently, fees are based on a percentage 
of gross revenues. The proposed fee system would establish a fee based 
on the number of people involved in the event. This modification in the 
fee system would result in fees similar to the Bureau of Land 
Management for this type of use. Additionally, the modification would 
reduce the administrative workload, for both holders and the 
Government, associated with the auditing of records for permits that 
generate less than $100,000 in revenue.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________




220. OUTFITTER AND GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (PROPOSED 
DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTERS 30 AND 40)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to 
amend certain portions of agency direction for outfitter/guide special 
use authorizations. This action is being taken to ensure quality long 
term public service and reduce administrative burden to small business 
and the agency. The proposed directive would revise a number of 
existing provisions and provide new direction. For example, the current 
fee system would change from one based on a percentage of gross revenue 
to a flat rate concession fee for minor uses; guidance for considering 
capacity analysis would be developed, and the transfer and renewal of 
existing authorizations and the accommodation of short term use would 
be clarified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________




221. SECRETARY DETERMINATION THAT DOMESTIC SPECIES OF UNPROCESSED TIMBER 
ARE SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC NEEDS WITHIN ZONE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 620

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200(d)

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 26634]]

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend 36 CFR 223.200 to 
add a new paragraph (d) to address the Secretary of Agriculture's 
proposed determination that domestic species of unprocessed timber 
within the zone of southern California are being considered surplus to 
domestic needs. Section 439 of Public Law 101-382, the Forest Resources 
Conservation and Shortage Relief Act (16 U.S.C. 620 note, 620, 620a-j) 
established special authorities for determining if specific quantities 
of grades and species of unprocessed timber originating from Federal 
lands is surplus to domestic manufacturing needs.
Extended drought conditions, overstocking, and increased bark beetle 
activities have created a forest health and fuels management crisis on 
national forests in southern California. The San Bernardino National 
Forest, the most heavily impacted national forest, has identified over 
100,000 acres of dead and dying timber for priority treatment, with an 
estimated 140 million board feet of salvage volume. As of September 
2003, over 474,000 acres of the gross acreage within the forest 
boundary is showing significant vegetative mortality. Processing 
infrastructure such as loggers, log truckers, or mills do not exist in 
the area. Most of this timber volume is economically inaccessible to 
the domestic timber market.
The Secretary's proposed determination that domestic species of 
unprocessed timber is surplus to domestic needs would allow the lifting 
of export restrictions so unprocessed timber could be offered on the 
foreign market. This action would increase utilization of dead and 
dying timber, increase capability to reduce hazardous fuels, and 
decrease government costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________




222. NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM 
PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472, 551, 1612 note

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service recently promulgated a final rule on June 
4, 2003 (68 FR 33595), at 36 CFR part 215, to establish a process by 
which the public can receive notice and be provided an opportunity to 
comment on proposed actions for projects and activities implementing a 
land and resource management plan prior to a decision by the 
Responsible Official. The rule also established an appeal process and 
identified the decisions that may be appealed, who may appeal those 
decisions, the responsibilities of the participants in an appeal, and 
the procedures that apply for the prompt disposition of the appeal.
Since publishing the current rule at 36 CFR part 215, the Forest 
Service has identified inconsistencies between sections of this 
regulation, sections that are inconsistent with other regulations, and 
some inadvertent omissions. Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing 
a technical amendment to the rule to resolve inconsistencies and 
clarify intent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________




223. [bull] MARKET-RELATED CONTRACT TERM ADDITIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to amend the current regulation 
at 36 CFR 223.52 to require the use of three alternative Producer Price 
Indices (PPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in lieu of the four 
PPI that the Forest Service has monitored for timber sale contract 
market-related contract term additions. As of January, 2004, the Bureau 
of Labor Statistics discontinued providing three of the four PPI that 
the Forest Service has monitored and changed the reference number for 
the fourth PPI. By using the three alternative PPI, the Forest Service 
will be able to continue providing market-related contract term 
additions during drastic reductions in wood products market prices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC29
_______________________________________________________________________




224. [bull] CLARIFYING PROHIBITIONS AGAINST DAMAGE TO THE NATIONAL 
FOREST BY ESCAPED FIRES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.1; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 261.5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service intends to amend 36 CFR 261.1, 261.2, and 
261.5 to clarify that strict liability will be applied to a person who 
commits a prohibited action under section 261

[[Page 26635]]

that results in a fire escaping and damaging or threatening National 
Forest System lands. This section has not been interpreted consistently 
in the courts. We intend to achieve consistency in application and 
interpretation by amending the CFR to align with the Model Penal Code 
definitions of criminal intent.
In addition, we intend to clarify that a person conducting a legitimate 
prescribed fire on private or public lands adjacent to National Forest 
System Lands will be subject to the Model Penal Code standard of 
negligence. This will bring the law enforcement action in line with the 
objectives and goals of the National Fire Plan and the Healthy Forest 
Initiative by assuring those who conduct those activities with due 
diligence that they will not be subject to a strict liability 
interpretation in 36 CFR 261.5.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC30
_______________________________________________________________________




225. [bull] REVISIONS TO GENERAL PROHIBITIONS REGARDING LIVESTOCK AND 
WILD FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.7 ; 36 CFR 261.21

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise title 36 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations, subpart A, section 261.7 and section 
261.21 to clarify ambiguity regarding whether strict liability must be 
proven for the general prohibitions in each section.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________




226. [bull] NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) DOCUMENTATION FOR 
SPORICIDE USE ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, 
FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 1909.15, CHAPTER 30)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321-4346

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is considering development of a new 
Categorical Exclusion (CE) to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, 
Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook, chapter 30, which address 
categories of action that normally do not require either an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA). 
The new category would be applicable to the use of fungicide on 
recently cut trees through thinning or other tree cutting activity in 
conjunction with the Healthy Forest Initiative categorical exclusions 
(and possibly other situations). Coordination with other governmental 
agencies will be conducted during development of the aforementioned CE.
The Healthy Forest Initiatives (HFI) Categorical Exclusion 31.2(10) 
states `Hazardous fuels reduction activities . . .(d) shall not include 
the use of herbicide or pesticides. . ..' It has come to our attention 
that a frequently connected action of thinning for fuels reduction is 
the use of sporax or borax fungicide to maintain stand health. Such 
fungicides, although commonly used in forestry and elsewhere, are 
technically classified as a pesticide and as such are not allowed under 
31.2(10). This incongruity has had the following effect: (a) Some units 
are alternatively using timber sale improvement category 31.2(6) or 
other categories, because they do not preclude the use of fungicides. 
(1) This results in an underreporting of HFI accomplishments. (2) Given 
the scope of the other categories, it is likely that fewer acres are 
being treated. (b) Although not confirmed, some units may not be 
treating the harvested stands to protect against fungal agents which 
could put stands at risk. (c) Some units may be alternatively using 
environmental assessments. This results in increased costs and time and 
underreporting of HFI accomplishments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC32
_______________________________________________________________________




227. [bull] PISCICIDE APPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 241; 36 CFR 251.50(a); 36 CFR 261.9(f)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: State Fish and Game agencies typically use piscicides as a 
tool for managing fish populations in water bodies of the U.S. At 
times, these State agencies apply piscicides when they conduct 
fisheries management on water within the National Forest Systems lands. 
Current regulations at 36 CFR 251.5 and 261.9(f), require permits for 
all land uses and prohibit the use of

[[Page 26636]]

any pesticide on National Forest System lands ``. . . except for 
personal use as an insect repellent or as provided by special-use 
authorization for other minor uses.`` The wording in these regulations 
has led to confusion and inconsistent application of Forest Service 
piscicide policy that has delayed restoration projects and strained 
working relationships with State cooperators.
Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing that the regulations at 36 
CFR part 241 (Fish and Wildlife), 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, (Special 
Uses, 251.50(a)), and 36 CFR part 261, subpart A (General Prohibitions, 
36 CFR 261.9(f)) be modified to allow State Game and Fish agencies to 
apply piscicides without first having to obtain a special use 
authorization, under certain conditions. A special use authorization 
would still be required for piscicide application within wilderness 
areas. The regulation could help eliminate redundancy with other State 
and Federal laws and regulations and improve the implementation of 
restoration and management projects.
Eliminating the Forest Service special use authorization requirement 
for this use is not expected to change the frequency of piscicide 
applications on National Forest System lands, or change how piscicides 
are used. States are required to comply with other Federal laws when 
applying piscicides, such as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
and the Endangered Species Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________




228. [bull] NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE 
DOCUMENTATION FOR SURFACE USE PLANS OF OPERATION FOR EXPLORATION OR 
DEVELOPMENT OF AN OIL AND GAS LEASE (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FSH 1909.15, 
CHAPTER 3)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321-4346

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to add a new categorical 
exclusion to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, Environmental 
Policy and Procedures Handbook, chapter 30, which addresses categories 
of actions that normally do not require either an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA). The new category will 
be applicable to the issuance of Surface Use Plans of Operation for 
exploration or development of an oil and gas lease.
Executive Order 13212 states that ``For energy-related projects, 
agencies shall expedite their review of permits or take other actions 
as necessary to accelerate the completion of such projects, while 
maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. The 
agencies shall take such actions to the extent permitted by law and 
regulation, and where appropriate.``
The National Energy Policy and the Forest Service Energy Implementation 
plan call for streamlining of processing Applications for Permit to 
Drill (APDs) and other energy related permits in an environmentally 
sound manner.
Comments received on the proposed categorical exclusion will be used in 
development of the final direction in FSH 1909.15, chapter 30. In 
accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations, the 
Forest Service must give prior notice and opportunity for comment by 
publishing the proposed categorical exclusion in the Federal Register 
before the agency adopts final direction.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________




229. [bull] FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-447

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 291.2; 36 CFR 261.15

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Appropriations Act for the Department of the Interior and 
related agencies for fiscal year 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447) contains the 
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act that allows the Secretaries of 
the Interior and Agriculture to establish, modify, change, and collect 
recreation fees at Federal recreation lands and waters administered by 
the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the 
Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest 
Service. In addition, the act (1) specifies criteria for how different 
types of fees may be established and charged in a consistent manner 
across all the Federal land management agencies; (2) establishes an 
interagency national recreation pass; (3) requires the establishment of 
Recreation Resource Advisory Committees to make recommendations 
relating to public concerns with certain fees in the area covered by 
the Committee(s); and (4) identifies requirements for providing the 
public with opportunities to participate in the development of or 
changing of a recreation fee established under this act. The Forest 
Service proposes to amend Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, by 
removing section 291.2, and revising section 261.15. Revisions to 
section 261.15 would more accurately describe the types of fees 
punishable for nonpayment and remove the maximum $100 fine with 
language from the act specifying that the failure to pay a required 
recreation fee under the act is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor.

[[Page 26637]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________




230. [bull] WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE 
MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives 
issued in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2320, Wilderness Management. 
Updated manual direction is needed to provide clarifications and 
adjustments to agency policy to ensure that the agency is current in 
policy direction regarding management of wilderness units located on 
National Forest System lands. The last substantive amendments to FSM 
2320 were made in 1990.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________




231. [bull] CLARIFICATION FOR THE APPROPRIATE USE OF A CRIMINAL OR A 
CIVIL CITATION TO ENFORCE MINERAL REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.10 (b); 36 CFR 261.10 (k)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend the regulations at 
36 CFR 261.10 to clarify when a criminal citation should be used for 
unauthorized mining operations. This revision is necessary to address 
recent adverse District Court decisions which have found that sections 
261.10(b) and (k) do not apply to the enforcement of unauthorized 
mining operations. These sections deal with taking possession of, 
occupying, or using National Forest System lands for residential 
purposes, and the use or occupancy of the lands or facilities, 
respectively. Adding appropriate language would make it clear that 
these sections do apply to mineral operations.
In addition, in the definitions section where operating plan is 
defined, references to other mineral-related regulations need to be 
added to indicate that 36 CFR 261.10 applies to them as well.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




232. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER 
SALE CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to revise current 
regulations regarding cancellation of timber sale contracts, permits, 
and other such instruments authorizing the sale or harvest of timber or 
other forest products. This rule is needed to clarify when, why, and by 
whom contracts may be cancelled to remove redundant provisions and to 
provide a new formula for compensation when the Government must cancel 
timber sale contracts. The Forest Service takes every precaution before 
authorizing a particular activity on National Forest System lands to 
ensure that its authorization conforms with existing laws and with 
existing conditions on the ground at the time of the authorization. The 
current regulations place an inappropriate amount of financial 
liability on the Forest Service when the agency must, for reasons of 
public policy, judicial decision, or statutory direction, cancel a 
timber sale contract or permit. The regulatory changes are necessary 
because the Forest Service is unable to continue bearing the majority 
of the financial risk and burden of contract cancellations. This rule 
would more reasonably allocate the risk between the Government and 
private parties. Establishing these reasonable limits to the 
Government's exposure to financial liability and burden of risk in the 
event of contractual changes or contract cancellations is critical to 
protecting the public's financial interests.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/96                    61 FR 68690

[[Page 26638]]

NPRM Comment Period End         02/13/97
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________




233. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL 
USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 43 USC 1764; 30 USC 181

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule, as authorized by the Mineral Leasing Act, 
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and other statutes, would 
provide for recovering costs associated with processing applications 
for special use authorizations to use and occupy National Forest System 
(NFS) lands and with monitoring compliance with these special use 
authorizations. The action is needed to provide timely reviews and 
evaluations of special use applications; to ensure that forest 
resources are adequately protected; and to ensure that holders comply 
with the terms and conditions of their authorization. Promulgation of 
this rule would comply with requirements of OMB Circular A-25, section 
7, which directs that user charges be instituted through promulgation 
of agency regulations implementing the authority for Federal agencies 
to recover costs under the Independent Officers Appropriations Act 
(IOAA). The rule would also respond to recommendations in GAO reports 
RCED-96-84 (April 1996) and RCED 97-16 (December 1996) that the Forest 
Service (1) operate its special uses program in a more cost-efficient 
and businesslike manner and (2) promulgate regulations allowing the 
Agency to exercise existing authority to recover from applicants and 
holders the Agency's costs to process special-use applications and 
monitor compliance with those authorizations. This rule would also make 
Forest Service procedures and fees related to cost recovery consistent 
with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) rules at 43 CFR parts 2800, 
2880, and 2930.

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
NPRM Comment Period Extended    02/25/00                    65 FR 10042
NPRM Comment Period End         03/09/00
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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 were merged into 
the final rule published November 30, 1998 (63 FR 65950, RIN 0596-
AB35). Thus, this rulemaking addresses only the cost-reimbursement 
provisions.

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________




234. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS AND FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-113

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is promulgating 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 interim final rule also 
implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of 
charges and fees for harvest of 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 including forest botanical products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________




235. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

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. The Forest Service is adopting final regulations at 36 CFR part 
251, subpart B, and final policy in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 
2347 and FSM 2721, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH)

[[Page 26639]]

2709.11, section 33, and FSH 5409.12, chapter 6, that would provide the 
regulatory framework and Agency management direction necessary to 
implement the provisions of the act. The proposed policies and proposed 
rule were published on May 13, 2003 (68 FR 25748), with a 60-day 
comment period ending August 11, 2003. The proposed rule and proposed 
policy included provisions for establishing a base annual fee and a new 
appraisal cycle, conducting inventories of recreation residence lots, 
and setting out appeal and judicial review processes and appraisal 
guidelines for appraising the fee simple value of recreation residence 
lots. Approximately 950 comments were received, the majority of which 
were submitted by permit holders or organized associations of permit 
holders. The comments are being analyzed and will be considered in 
development of the final rule and policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/13/03                    68 FR 25748
NPRM Comment Period End         08/11/03
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________




236. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND 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 requesting comment on a proposed 
revision to its procedures for implementing the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) 
regulations. This proposed revision is being made to Forest Service 
Handbook 1909.15, chapter 30, which describes categorical exclusions, 
that is, categories of actions that will not result in significant 
impacts on the human environment and which are therefore exempt from 
requirements to prepare further NEPA documentation absent extraordinary 
circumstances. The proposal would add one such category of actions to 
the agency's NEPA procedures for final decisions on proposals to 
develop, amend, or revise land management plans that are comprised of 
five components which are desired conditions, objectives, guidelines, 
suitability of areas, and special areas for a forest. This proposal was 
published in conjunction with the final Forest Service planning 
regulations published January 5, 2005.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/02                    67 FR 72770
NPRM Comment Period End         03/24/03
Final Rule                      01/05/05                     70 FR 1023
Proposed Directive              01/05/05                     70 FR 1062
Comment Period End              03/07/05
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________




237. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 49 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR part 15e require that new or 
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Trails 
Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest 
Service Manual (FSM) 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation 
Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the 
highest level of accessibility to pedestrian/hiker trails for the 
greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while 
not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. 
The proposed policy also would incorporate the definition of a 
wheelchair and clarify direction that a mobility device that meets that 
definition of a wheelchair may be used anywhere foot travel is 
permitted. Comments will be considered in development of the final 
guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Interim Directive      02/17/05                     70 FR 8066
Comment Period End              04/18/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________




238. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR part 15e require that new or 
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Outdoor 
Recreation Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending 
Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation 
Opportunities, would establish clear

[[Page 26640]]

agency guidelines to provide the highest level of accessibility for the 
greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while 
not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. 
Outdoor recreation facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, beach 
access and other access routes, and so on. The proposed policy also 
would clarify direction regarding existing requirements for the Golden 
Access Passport eligibility and documentation utilized by all Federal 
agencies under the 1980 amendment to the Land and Water Conservation 
Fund Act. Comments will be considered in development of the final 
guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Interim Directive      02/17/05                     70 FR 8060
Comment Period End              04/18/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________




239. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230 subpart D (new)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 directs 
the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Community and Private Land 
Fire Assistance Program to be administered by the Forest Service and 
implemented through the State Foresters. The Forest Service is issuing 
an interim rule to provide for the implementation and administration of 
the program, which would allow the following activities on both Federal 
and non-Federal lands: Fuel hazard mitigation and prevention, invasive 
species management, multi-resource wildfire planning, community 
protection planning, community and landowner education, market 
development and expansion, improved wood utilization, and special 
restoration projects.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________




240. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FREE USE BY INDIVIDUALS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.8

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is developing an interim final rule to 
revise the current regulations at 36 CFR 223.8 to increase the value of 
timber and special forest products on National Forest System lands made 
available for free use. The current regulation, which has not been 
updated for over 30 years, provides for free use of timber up to $20 in 
value in any one fiscal year. Forest Supervisors may grant permits of 
material not exceeding $100 in value. Regional Foresters may approve 
permits for larger amounts and, in times of emergency, may delegate 
authority to Forest Supervisors for up to $500 in value. Prior approval 
is required by the Chief if the amount exceeds $5,000 in value. The 
market value of timber and special forest products has increased, 
however, and therefore, the regulation needs to be updated to reflect 
current values. This increase will authorize Forest Supervisors and 
Regional Foresters to provide free use of timber and special forest 
products up to $5,000 and $10,000 in value respectively.
The interim final rule will be published in the Federal Register with 
request for public comment. Comments received will be considered in the 
development of the final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________




241. STATE PETITIONS FOR INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 529; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1608; 16 
USC 1613; 23 USC 201; 23 USC 205

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2001, the Forest Service published the 
Roadless Area Conservation final rule (the ``roadless rule'') in the 
Federal Register establishing prohibitions on road construction, road 
reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas at 
36 CFR part 294, subpart B (66 FR 3244). Since publication, the 
roadless rule has been challenged by nine lawsuits filed in six 
judicial districts and in four Federal circuits. On July 14, 2003, the 
U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming issued a permanent 
injunction order enjoining the Department from implementing the 
roadless rule. That ruling has been appealed.
Due to the continued legal uncertainty of providing protection for 
roadless areas through the application of the roadless rule, the Agency 
is proposing to amend the roadless rule by replacing the prohibitions 
of the January 2001 rule with a procedural rule that would

[[Page 26641]]

set out an administrative process for State Governors to petition the 
Secretary of Agriculture to establish or adjust management direction 
for roadless areas within their State. Such petitions would be 
evaluated and, if agreed to, addressed by the Secretary in subsequent 
rulemaking on a State-by-State basis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/04                    69 FR 42636
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/04
NPRM Comment Period Extended    09/09/04                    69 FR 54600
NPRM Comment Period End         11/15/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

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

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________




242. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT, DESIGNATED ROUTES, AND AREAS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE 
USE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 23 USC 205

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, and 295

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service will be publishing a final rule amending 
36 CFR part 212 by establishing three subparts. Subpart A will be 
established for Administration of the Forest Transportation System; 
subpart B will be established for Designation of Roads, Trails, and 
Areas for Motor Vehicle Use; subpart C will be for snowmobile use; 36 
CFR part 295 will be incorporated into 36 CFR part 212, subpart B. The 
final rule will also clarify definitions and direction, and improve 
consistency in management of off-highway vehicles on National Forest 
System lands in an effort to blend broad agency policy with local 
decisionmaking. These changes ensure that collaborative efforts at the 
local level are integrated into decisionmaking.
Additionally, the final rule amends 36 CFR part 261 and 36 CFR part 251 
to update language in current usage consistent with the changes to 36 
CFR part 295 and 36 CFR part 212, and to add prohibitions not currently 
covered in existing regulations that would clarify the management and 
use of off-highway vehicles on National Forest System lands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/15/04                    69 FR 42381
NPRM Comment Period End         09/13/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________




243. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM APPEALS AND LITIGATION (FINAL DIRECTIVES, 
FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1570)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472, 551, 1612 note

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is revising its directives issued to the 
Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1570, Appeals and Litigation, to 
reestablish the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1509.12 for appeals filed 
pursuant to notice, comment, and appeal procedures for National Forest 
System projects and activities at 36 CFR part 215. These directives 
would provide additional direction to agency employees necessary to 
implement the provisions in 36 CFR part 215, adopted on June 4, 2003 
(68 FR 33582).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Directives                09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________




244. PREDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND OBJECTION PROCESS FOR 
PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-148

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 218, subpart A

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2004, PL 108-148, sec 105.
The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required the 
Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate interim final regulations within 
30 days after the enactment of the act.

Abstract: The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required 
that the Secretary of Agriculture promulgate interim final regulations 
to establish a predecisional administrative process whereby persons can 
seek administrative review and file objections for hazardous fuel 
reduction projects authorized under the act on National Forest System 
lands. The predecisional administrative review and objection process, 
which is limited to environmental assessments or environmental impact 
statements prepared pursuant to the HFRA, provides eligibility for 
participation in this review and objection process to individuals and 
organizations who submit comments specific to the authorized project 
during scoping or the public comment period. Objectors

[[Page 26642]]

may file a written objection with the Reviewing Officer, who conducts 
the objection resolution process. Decisions by the Responsible Official 
on authorized projects occur after the Reviewing Officer has responded 
to all objections, and the Responsible Officer's decisions must be 
consistent with the Reviewing Officer's responses to the objections.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/09/04                     69 FR 1529
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/08/04
Final Action                    09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________




245. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER SALE 
CONTRACTS; MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620 to 620j

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.112

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule at part 223, 
subpart B, of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 223.112. 
This final rule authorizes timber sale contracting officers to modify 
contracts to provide a redetermination of stumpage rates and deposits 
to reflect significant timber market declines. This rule applies to 
existing timber sale contracts awarded after October 1, 1995, that have 
been suspended for more than 90 days, during the normal operating 
season because of administrative appeals or litigation, through no 
fault of the timber purchaser.
This final rule provides relief for purchasers in this situation by 
enabling them to obtain stumpage rate redeterminations to continue 
existing contracts after the suspension has been lifted to ensure the 
economic viability of the sale.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/09/04                    69 FR 18813
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/08/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________




246. CLARIFICATION AS TO WHEN A NOTICE OF INTENT AND/OR A PLAN OF 
OPERATIONS IS NEEDED FOR LOCATABLE MINERAL OPERATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST 
SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228.4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule at 36 CFR 228.4 
clarifying when a notice of intent and/or a plan of operations is 
needed for locatable mineral operations on National Forest System (NFS) 
lands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/09/04                    69 FR 41428
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/07/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB98
RIN: 0596-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




247. MAXIMUM TERM FOR OUTFITTER/GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS 
(PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 2709.11, CHAPTER 40)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a final agency directive to 
extend the term length for outfitter/guide special use authorizations 
from 5 to 10 years. This action is being taken to ensure quality long 
term public service by supporting a reasonable expectation of 
continuity for small businesses operating as outfitters and guides, and 
to maintain consistent policy between the Bureau of Land Management and 
the Forest Service. The Bureau of Land Management extended their 
special recreation permit term for outfitters from 5 to 10 years on 
February 6, 2004 (69 FR 5702). The Forest Service published a proposed 
directive in the Federal Register on August 13, 2004 (69 FR 50160).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              08/13/04                    69 FR 50160
Comment Period End              10/12/04
Final Directive                 05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC23

[[Page 26643]]

_______________________________________________________________________




248. INTEGRATED RESOURCE CONTRACTS, FS-2400-13 AND FS-2400-13T (NOTICE 
OF FINAL CONTRACTS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-7

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 323 of Public Law 108-7, the Consolidated 
Appropriations Resolution (16 U.S.C. 2104 note) established special 
authorities for stewardship contracting not addressed in existing 
Forest Service timber sale contracts. In general, the new authorities 
provide for including service work in timber sale contracts and 
applying the value of timber or other forest products removed as an 
offset against the cost of services received. Integrated Resource 
Contracts FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T are being developed for use with 
stewardship end result contracting when the value of timber exceeds the 
cost of service work.
Except where they deviate to address the new authorities, the FS-2400-
13 and FS-2400-13T contracts parallel recently revised timber sale 
contracts FS-2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, which became effective upon notice 
in the Federal Register on May 6, 2004 (69 FR 25367).
In order to fully implement the authorities under section 323 of Public 
Law 108-7, and because they are so similar to timber sale contracts FS-
2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, the agency implemented interim use of the 
integrated resource contracts while public comments are being sought. 
Comments received will be considered in the development of the final 
contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Interim Contracts     10/05/04                    69 FR 59577
Comment Period End              11/04/04
Notice of Final Contracts       08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




249. SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO 
NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN ALASKA

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/15/03                    68 FR 41864
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/14/03
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   08/18/03                    68 FR 49395
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/02/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC04, Previously reported as 0596-AB85
RIN: 0596-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




250. CLIMBING BOLTS IN WILDERNESS (PROPOSED INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST 
SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: None

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC21
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




251. [bull] VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 12, 2003.

Abstract: This rulemaking would define, establish, and implement a 
voluntary labeling program for a preferred procurement program for 
biobased products within the Federal government.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

[[Page 26644]]

URL For More Information:
www.biobased.oce.usda.gov

Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 361, Reporters Building, 
Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________




252. [bull] DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 12, 2002.

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish guidelines for procuring 
agencies to purchase biobased products, and the procedure by which 
items (generic groupings of biobased products) are to be designated for 
preferred under this rulemaking.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

URL For More Information:
www.biobased.oce.usda.gov

Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 361, Reporters Building, 
Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




253. 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 led 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 cross-cutting requirements not 
included in other USDA departmentwide administrative regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/03                    68 FR 41947
NPRM Comment Period End         08/15/03
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley, Acting Director Planning and 
Accountability, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, 
Room 4632 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-9983
Fax: 202 690-3561
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




254. GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATING BIOBASED PRODUCTS FOR FEDERAL REFERENCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/11/05                     70 FR 1792

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA26
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S

[[Page 26645]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




255. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will incorporate the requirement for housing-
related projects (such as apartment buildings, nursing homes, group 
homes, and assisted living type facilities) to develop an Affirmative 
Fair Housing Marketing Plan (plan) when receiving funding from the 
Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business Enterprise Grant 
Program, Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program, Rural Economic 
Development Loan and Grant Programs, and the Business and Industry 
Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs. The plan will describe strategies 
to attract applications from all groups in a housing market area and 
efforts to reach those persons in the market area who traditionally 
would not be expected to apply for housing. The Rural Housing Service 
Multifamily Housing Program regulations currently include this borrower 
requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________




256. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--FINANCING 
COOPERATIVE STOCK

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise the Business and Industry 
Program regulations to incorporate additional guidance and eliminate or 
reduce certain requirements when financing cooperative stock.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Debi Raygor, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 
6849/STOP 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0894
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________




257. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM--REWRITE OF PROGRAM REGULATIONS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, 
subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations are being completely rewritten to make 
changes that will ultimately reduce delinquencies, enhance program 
effectiveness, correct minor inconsistencies, and make the regulations 
more clear and easier to understand.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA41
_______________________________________________________________________




258. NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1963

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to 
streamline procedures for loans and grants for existing business and 
industry direct and guarantee loan programs. This rulemaking will also 
establish emergency regulations for the community facilities program 
currently administered within the Rural Housing Service (RHS).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA48

[[Page 26646]]

_______________________________________________________________________




259. SECONDARY MARKET POOLING BY FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988, sec 388

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation provides for the development of pool 
certificates that are fully backed by the USDA guarantee to enhance the 
RBS business and industry secondary market fiscal transfer initiative 
and conform it more to the longstanding Small Business Administration 
secondary market program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA53
_______________________________________________________________________




260. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--IMPLEMENT THE DEBT 
COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT (DCIA) OF 1996

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to revise RD 
Instruction 4279-B to require personal and corporate guarantees for the 
term of the guaranteed loan; and to develop Agency approved personal 
and corporate guaranteed forms to identify that the financial 
assistance received is a Federal debt and subject to the Debit 
Collection Improvement Act of 1996.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/05                    70 FR 17616
NPRM Comment Period End         06/06/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: David W. Lewis, Branch Chief, B&I Servicing Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-0797
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




261. [bull] EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4274; 7 CFR 4279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to amend RD Instructions 1980-E, 4274-D, 
and 4279-B to remove the prohibition on making financial assistance 
available to faith-based organizations. These regulations are to be 
further amended to provide guidance regarding the separation of 
inherently religious activities and those for which assistance is 
provided.
This guidance is the same in both justification and purpose to that 
provided in the final rule amendments to 7 CFR part 16, published in 
the Federal Register on July 9, 2004, Volume 69, pages 41375-41383.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard Bonnet, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, STOP 3221, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Fax: 202-690-3808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA61
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




262. 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 improves the ease of use by the public and 
program beneficiaries. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 69937
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenya Nicholas, Loan Specialist, B&I Specialty Lenders 
Division, Department of Agriculture,

[[Page 26647]]

Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 
3225, Washington, DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 720-1970
Fax: 202-720-2213
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________




263. ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its 
regulation for Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans to provide for an 
annual renewal fee. The intended effect of this rule is to reduce the 
subsidy rate and its associated budget authority dollar level, which 
will result in a higher supportable loan level.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/28/05                     70 FR 9546
NPRM Comment Period End         04/29/05
Final Action                    02/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Pulkkinen, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/
Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3221, 
Washington, DC 20250-3221
Phone: 202 720-0661
Fax: 202-690-3808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA34
_______________________________________________________________________




264. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4290

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which authorizes the Rural 
Business Investment Program. The purpose of the program is the 
establishment of equity capital investment in Rural Business Investment 
Companies and other entities through a combination of grants and 
guarantees of debentures with the objective of fostering economic 
development in rural areas. By law, the program is required to be 
administered by another Federal agency that has considerable expertise 
in operating a similar program. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
has contracted with the Small Business Administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/04                    69 FR 32200
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/08/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Program Advisor, Office of the 
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3201, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0056
Fax: 202 690-4737
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________




265. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY 
CRITERIA

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 6013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose. 
Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and 
loan guarantees in nonrural areas under certain conditions and expands 
eligibility and relaxes financial reporting requirements for the B&I 
Cooperative Stock Purchase Program. It also allows the Agency to 
require specialized appraisals for the B&I program. Section 6019 
requires the Agency to provide a short, simplified application form for 
guarantees of $400,000 or less initially. 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B, 
must be changed to incorporate these provisions of the statute.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/09/04                    69 FR 64829
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/09/04
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/09/04
Final Action                    03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA39
_______________________________________________________________________




266. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 9812(a)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory action is to effectively clarify, simplify, 
and strengthen the existing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Lori Washington, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9815
Fax: 202 720-2213
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA42

[[Page 26648]]

_______________________________________________________________________




267. FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT--SECONDARY MARKET SALES OF GUARANTEED LOANS

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988; 7 USC 1989

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279-A; 7 CFR 4279-C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 338(b)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (CONACT) authorizes the Secretary, either directly or 
through a market maker, to issue pool certificates representing 
ownership of part or all of the guaranteed portion of any loan 
guaranteed by the Secretary for certain guaranteed programs.
The sale of Government guaranteed loan portions to investors in the 
secondary market increases earnings, liquidity, and the capital 
available to lenders. Lenders in the Small Business Administration 
(SBA) 7(a) loan program are selling loans by using an SBA-approved 
Fiscal Transfer Agent (FTA) that pools and markets loans on the 
secondary market. Rural Development seeks to use section 338(b)(2)(A) 
of the CONACT to provide the same service to lenders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/06/03                    68 FR 46509
NPRM Comment Period End         10/06/03
Final Action                    03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________




268. TANGIBLE NET EQUITY

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932(a)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking amends 7 CFR parts 4279 and 1980 by modifying 
the equity requirement considered in the underwriting of business and 
industry loans by guaranteed lenders and/or the Rural Business-
Cooperative Service as follows:
-- In the case of direct or guaranteed refinancing loans only, apply an 
adjusted equity requirement, where tangible net equity is modified by 
(i) including asset value to the extent of the difference between the 
depreciated book value of real property assets and current market value 
supported by an independent appraisal, or the original loan amount, 
whichever is less and (ii) family capital subordinated debt, where the 
subordinated debt is held by and represents a cash infusion to the 
business by the owner or close family member, and the repayment terms 
are such that repayment is not ahead of Agency direct and/or guaranteed 
loan exposure.
-- Increase the equity requirement for energy loans to 40 percent for 
existing businesses (in existence for 3 years) and 50 percent for new 
businesses. Construction financing is not an eligible energy loan 
purpose; energy projects that produce biomass fuel, biogas, fuel cells, 
or batteries as an output must have completed two operating cycles at 
design performance levels acceptable to the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/16/04                     69 FR 2521
NPRM Comment Period End         03/16/04
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA49
_______________________________________________________________________




269. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8106

CFR Citation: 4280

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2004 directs the implementation of a direct and guaranteed loan and 
grant program for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency 
improvements for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses. For 
fiscal year (FY) 2003, a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) was 
published on April 8 for the grant program. For FY 2004 a NOFA was 
published on May 5, 2004, for the grant program.
The final rule will establish regulations to implement the direct and 
guaranteed loan and grant program. These regulations will allow for the 
integration of all program authorities and permit full attention to all 
of the potential contingencies and issues.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/05/04                    69 FR 59650
NPRM Comment Period End         11/04/04
Second NPRM                     11/15/04                    69 FR 65554
Second NPRM Comment Period End  12/15/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Georg Shultz, Special Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3220, 
Washington, DC 20250-3220
Phone: 202 720-2976
Fax: 202-690-0097
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA50

[[Page 26649]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________




270. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       03/15/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cindy Mason
Phone: 202 690-1433
Fax: 202-720-2213
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________




271. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM--FARM BILL CHANGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       03/15/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cindy Mason
Phone: 202 690-1433
Fax: 202-720-2213
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA36
BILLING CODE 3410--XY--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




272. 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 of 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                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




273. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION), RUS FORM 
398

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 CFR 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations on Telecommunications 
Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and Construction 
to revise RUS Form 398, Special Equipment Contract (Not Including 
Installation).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




274. [bull] TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND 
PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 501 et seq; 7 USC 901 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1753

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The revision includes empowering the telecommunications 
borrowers by reducing oversight by RUS with respect to subcontracts and 
bid approvals, increasing the defined limit for small scale 
construction projects, elimination of the yearly calendar limit of RUS 
Form 773 contacts, increasing the allowable time for reimbursement of 
small scale construction projects via the RUS Form 771, and increasing 
the upper limit on building construction where no post-loan 
architectural or engineering services are required.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120

[[Page 26650]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________




275. [bull] LIEN ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUBORDINATIONS FOR 100 PERCENT 
PRIVATE FINANCING

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-R

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes to amend its regulations on lien accommodations 
and subordinations. The rule proposes to remove the procedures where 
case-by-case RUS approval of the issuance of additional secured debt is 
required and establish those procedures; eligible financing purposes, 
decision factors for granting lien accommodations, application content 
and timeframe, in an agency guide bulletin. This proposed rule will 
focus on lien accommodation policies and establish a more user-friendly 
regulation for lien accommodation and subordination for 100 percent 
private financing. RUS proposes this clarification of the rule and 
update to the existing lien accommodation and subordination regulations 
in its ongoing effort to maintain current program rules.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




276. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service consolidates and amends the 
regulations utilized to service water and waste loan and grant 
programs. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements for water and waste 
loan and grant servicing under the program will be eliminated. The 
streamlining will allow RUS to provide better service to entities 
needing assistance in resolving financial and economic problems in 
their communities and in general improve the quality of life in rural 
areas.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/15/04                    69 FR 65546
NPRM Comment Period End         01/14/05
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________




277. ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS 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 1770

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS will revise subpart B, Uniform System of Accounts, to 
reflect changes to 47 CFR part 32, Uniform System of Accounts, by the 
Federal Communications Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/10/04                    69 FR 25848
NPRM Comment Period End         07/09/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________




278. ELIMINATION OF SUBPART M: OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq, 1921 et seq, 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS will eliminate subpart M as it has achieved the goal of 
providing a bridge during the transition from old to new loan 
documents. Most borrowers eligible for new loan documents have already 
made the change and many of the remaining ``legacy'' borrowers do not 
plan to be active borrowers in the future.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/08/04                    69 FR 64689
NPRM Comment Period End         01/07/05
Final Action                    07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 26651]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________




279. [bull] HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926e

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1776

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is issuing regulations in 
order to establish the Household Water System Program as authorized by 
section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(CONTACT). This rule will establish a lending program for the 
construction, refurbishing, and servicing of individually owned 
household water well systems in rural areas that are or will be owned 
by the eligible individuals. In addition, the rule outlines the process 
by which applicants can apply and how RUS will administer the grant 
program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/06/04                    69 FR 59836
Direct Final Rule               10/06/04                    69 FR 59764
NPRM Comment Period End         11/05/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0572-AB93
RIN: 0572-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________




280. [bull] SEISMIC SAFETY

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et 
seq; 42 USC 7701 et seq; EO 12699; . . .

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1792

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations to update the seismic safety 
requirements for the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




281. EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN BORROWERS FROM CONTROLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Rural Utilities Service (RUS)



_______________________________________________________________________




282. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/08/04                    69 FR 70877

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________




283. HIGH ENERGY COST RURAL COMMUNITY GRANTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1709

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               02/02/05                     70 FR 5349
Comment Period End              03/04/05
Confirmation                    04/05/05                    70 FR 17199

[[Page 26652]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________




284. DEFINITION CLARIFICATION OF STATE NONMETROPOLITAN MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD 
INCOME (SNMHI)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775; 7 CFR 1777; 7 CFR 1778; 7 CFR 1780; 7 CFR 
1942; 7 CFR 3570; 7 CFR 4274; . . .

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/15/04                    69 FR 65517

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0572-AB96
BILLING CODE 3410--15--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




285. CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3838

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1470

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under the Conservation Security Program (CSP) NRCS is 
authorized to provide financial and technical assistance to owners and 
operators of agricultural operations to promote conservation and 
improvement of the quality of soil, water, air, energy, plant and 
animal life, and other conservation purposes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/02/04                      69 FR 193
NPRM Comment Period End         03/02/04
Interim Final Rule              06/21/04                    69 FR 34502
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/20/04
Interim Final Rule              03/25/05                    70 FR 15201
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/25/05
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Martha Joseph, Resource Conservationist, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 6027-S, P.O. 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-7157
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________




286. GRASSLAND RESERVE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171; 16 USC 3838

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) the Department enters 
into easement or rental agreements with owners of grazing land to 
protect and restore such lands. The Department will designate payment 
for cost share to restore the functions and values of grasslands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/21/04                    69 FR 29173
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/20/04
Final Action                    05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Leslie Deavers, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 
Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-1067
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




287. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 609

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dwight Holman
Phone: 202 720-2588
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA40

[[Page 26653]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)



_______________________________________________________________________




288. WETLAND CATEGORICAL MINIMAL EFFECTS EXEMPTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       03/16/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bruce Julian
Phone: 202 720-3042
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________




289. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 624

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/04/05                    70 FR 16921
Final Action Effective          05/04/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Victor Cole
Phone: 202 690-4575
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________




290. TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDER ASSISTANCE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 652

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/29/04                    69 FR 69450

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sylvia Gillen
Phone: 202 720-6775
Fax: 202 720-3052
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0578-AA35
BILLING CODE 3410--16--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS)



_______________________________________________________________________




291. [bull] DAIRY PRODUCT MANDATORY REPORTING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1637

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Would establish a program of mandatory dairy product 
information by requiring each manufacturer to report to USDA 
information concerning the price, quantity, and moisture content of 
dairy products sold by the manufacturer. This rulemaking would comply 
with laws enacted in 2000 and 2002 that amended the Agricultural 
Marketing Act of 1946.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch, Department of 
Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistical Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3570
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0535-AA00
BILLING CODE 3410--20--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)



_______________________________________________________________________




292. [bull] AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): USE OF BIOBASED 
MATERIALS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 8102; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Agriculture proposes to update AGAR subpart 
423.7, Contracting for Environmentally Preferable Products and 
Services, to add policy and procedures implementing section 9002 of the 
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102). The 
proposed amendment will supplement Governmentwide policy on the 
procurement preference for biobased products by adding USDA specific 
procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan, Procurement Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of Procurement and Property Management, Mail Stop 
9303, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5729
Fax: 202-720-5729
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA12

[[Page 26654]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)



_______________________________________________________________________




293. AGRICULTURAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): UPDATES AND TECHNICAL 
CHANGES (AGAR CASE 2004-01)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 401 through 452

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               01/03/05                       70 FR 41
Direct Final Rule Effective     04/04/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0599-AA11
[FR Doc. 05-6961 Filed 05-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-S
