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


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Part XIII





Department of Labor





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 73540]]



DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)                                              


  



_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX

29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV

30 CFR Ch. I

41 CFR Ch. 60

48 CFR Ch. 29

Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This document sets forth the Department's semiannual agenda of 
regulations that have been selected for review or development during 
the coming year. The Department's agencies have carefully assessed 
their available resources and what they can accomplish in the next 12 
months and have adjusted their agendas accordingly.

     The agenda complies with the requirements of both Executive 
Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agenda lists 
all regulations that are expected to be under review or development 
between October 2006 and October 2007, as well as those completed 
during the past 6 months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director, Office of 
Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2312, 
Washington, DC 20210; (202) 693-5959.

Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained 
from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act require the semiannual publication in the Federal 
Register of an agenda of regulations. As permitted by law, the 
Department of Labor is combining the publication of its agendas under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866.

     Executive Order 12866 became effective September 30, 1993, 
and, in substance, requires the Department of Labor to publish an 
agenda listing all the regulations it expects to have under active 
consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the 
coming 1-year period. The focus of all departmental regulatory 
activity will be on the development of effective rules that advance 
the Department's goals and that are understandable and usable to 
the employers and employees in all affected workplaces.

     The Regulatory Flexibility Act, which became effective on 
January 1, 1981, requires the Department of Labor to publish an 
agenda, listing all the regulations it expects to propose or 
promulgate that are likely to have a ``significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities'' (5 U.S.C. 602).

     The Regulatory Flexibility Act (under section 610) also 
requires agencies to periodically review rules ``which have or will 
have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of 
small entities'' and to annually publish a list of the rules that 
will be reviewed during the succeeding 12 months. The purpose of 
the review is to determine whether the rule should be continued 
without change, amended, or rescinded.

     The next 12-month review list for the Department of Labor is 
provided below and public comment is invited on the listing. A 
brief description of each rule, the legal basis for the rule, and 
the agency contact are provided with each agenda item.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

  Excavations (RIN 1218-AC02)

  Lead in Construction (RIN 1218-AC18)

   Methylene Chloride (RIN 1218-AC23)

Employee Benefits Security Administration

     Plan Assets-Participant Contributions Regulations (RIN 1210-
AB11)

     All interested members of the public are invited and 
encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory 
efforts can be improved, and, of course, to participate in and 
comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on 
the agenda.

Dated: August 16, 2006.

 Elaine L. Chao,

Secretary of Labor.

                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2058        Production or Disclosure of Information or Materials..................................    1290-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Employment Standards Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2059        Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; Conform to the Supreme Court's Ragsdale Decision    1215-AB35
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 66).................................................................
2060        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation.....................    1215-AB44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73541]]


                            Employment Standards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2061        Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act............................................    1215-AB13
2062        Service Contract Act Health and Welfare Benefits......................................    1215-AB56
2063        Child Labor Regulations, Orders, and Statements of Interpretation.....................    1215-AB57
2064        Amendment to the Interpretive Guidelines Governing the Employee Protective Provisions     1215-AB58
            of the Federal Transit Act............................................................
2065        Government Contractors, Affirmative Action Requirements, Revision of the Employer         1215-AB59
            Information Report (EEO-1)............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Employment Standards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2066        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors    1215-AB46
            Regarding Disabled Veterans, Recently Separated Veterans, Other Protected Veterans,
            and Armed Forces Service Meda.........................................................
2067        Labor Organization Officer and Employee Reports.......................................    1215-AB49
2068        Claims for Compensation Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation      1215-AB51
            Program Act of 2000, as Amended.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Employment Standards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2069        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-     1215-AB09
            1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models...............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Employment Standards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2070        Standards of Conduct for Federal Sector Labor Organizations...........................    1215-AB48
2071        Union Organization and Voting Rights: Criteria for Characterizing a Labor Organization    1215-AB50
            as a Local, Intermediate, or National or International Labor Organization.............
2072        Union Officials: Guidelines for Fiduciary Responsibilities Under Section 501(a) of the    1215-AB52
            Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.........................................
2073        Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and                   1215-AB53
            Subcontractors; Equal Opportunity Survey..............................................
2074        Labor Organization Annual Financial Trust Reports: Form T-1...........................    1215-AB54
2075        Airline Employee Protection Program...................................................    1215-AB55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2076        Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance Benefits; Amendment of Regulations (Reg Plan      1205-AB40
            Seq No. 67)...........................................................................
2077        Revision of the Department of Labor Regulations for Petitions and Determinations of       1205-AB44
            Eligibility to Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers (Reg Plan Seq No. 68)
2078        Disclosure of State Unemployment Compensation Wage Record Information.................    1205-AB45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73542]]


                            Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2079        Revision to the Department of Labor Benefit Regulations for Trade Adjustment              1205-AB32
            Assistance for Workers Under the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended (Reg Plan Seq No. 69)..
2080        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program; Eligibility..........................    1205-AB41
2081        Labor Certification for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States;          1205-AB42
            Reducing the Incentives and Opportunities for Fraud and Abuse and Enhancing Program
            Integrity (Reg Plan Seq No. 70).......................................................
2082        Labor Conditions Applications for E-3 Visas in Specialty Occupations for Australian       1205-AB43
            Non-immigrants........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                            Employment and Training Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2083        Post-Adjudication Audits of H-2B Petitions Other Than Logging in the United States....    1205-AB36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2084        Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Confidentiality and Disclosure      1205-AB18
            of Information in State UC Records....................................................
2085        Labor Certification for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States;          1205-AB37
            Backlog Reduction.....................................................................
2086        Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers Using Nonimmigrants on H-     1205-AB38
            1B Visas in Specialty Occupations and as Fashion Models; Labor Attestations Re H-1B1
            Visas for Chile and Singapore (Completion of a Section 610 Review)....................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Employee Benefits Security Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2087        Independence of Accountant............................................................    1210-AB09
2088        Plan Assets-Participant Contributions Regulation (610 Review) (Section 610 Review)....    1210-AB11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Employee Benefits Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2089        Amendment of Regulation Relating to Definition of Plan Assets--Participant                1210-AB02
            Contributions (Reg Plan Seq No. 71)...................................................
2090        Amendment of Section 404(c) Regulation--Disclosure....................................    1210-AB07
2091        Amendment of Standards Applicable to General Statutory Exemption for Services.........    1210-AB08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                           Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2092        Regulations Implementing the Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability            1210-AA54
            Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 72)......................................................................
2093        Health Care Standards for Mothers and Newborns........................................    1210-AA63
2094        Prohibiting Discrimination Against Participants and Beneficiaries Based on Health         1210-AA77
            Status (Reg Plan Seq No. 73)..........................................................

[[Page 73543]]

 
2095        Revision of the Form 5500 Series and Implementing Regulations.........................    1210-AB06
2096        Section 404 Regulation--Default Investment Alternatives Under Participant Directed        1210-AB10
            Individual Account Plans (Reg Plan Seq No. 74)........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2097        Adequate Consideration................................................................    1210-AA15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2098        Rulemaking Relating to Termination of Abandoned Individual Account Plans..............    1210-AA97
2099        Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program................................................    1210-AB03
2100        Electronic Filing of Annual Reports...................................................    1210-AB04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Mine Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2101        Personal Continuous Dust Monitors (Reg Plan Seq No. 75)...............................    1219-AB48
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                           Mine Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2102        Field Modifications of Permissible Mobile Diesel-Powered Equipment....................    1219-AB39
2103        Fire Extinguishers in Underground Coal Mines..........................................    1219-AB40
2104        Use of or Impairment From Alcohol and Other Drugs on Mine Property....................    1219-AB41
2105        Sealing of Abandoned Areas (Reg Plan Seq No. 76)......................................    1219-AB52
2106        Mine Rescue Teams (Reg Plan Seq No. 77)...............................................    1219-AB53
2107        Diesel Particulate Matter: Conversion Factor from Total Carbon to Elemental Carbon        1219-AB55
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 78).................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                             Mine Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2108        Asbestos Exposure Limit (Reg Plan Seq No. 79).........................................    1219-AB24
2109        High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standard for Underground Coal Mines............    1219-AB34
2110        Equivalency Evaluation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Nonroad Diesel       1219-AB43
            Engine Standards......................................................................
2111        Emergency Mine Evacuation (Reg Plan Seq No. 80).......................................    1219-AB46
2112        Criteria and Procedures for Proposed Assessment of Civil Penalties (Reg Plan Seq No.      1219-AB51
            81)...................................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73544]]


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2113        Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans and Compliance        1219-AB14
            Sampling for Respirable Dust..........................................................
2114        Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust...........................    1219-AB18
2115        Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard................................................    1219-AB36
2116        Revising Electrical Product Approval Regulations......................................    1219-AB37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Mine Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2117        Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners...........    1219-AB29
2118        Evaluation of International Electrotechnical Commission's Standards for Explosion-        1219-AB42
            Proof Enclosures......................................................................
2119        Underground Mine Rescue Equipment and Technology......................................    1219-AB44
2120        Proximity Detection System for Continuous Mining Machines.............................    1219-AB49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2121        Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements of the         1291-AA29
            Workforce Investment Act of 1998......................................................
2122        Grants and Agreements.................................................................    1291-AA30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2123        Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica (Reg Plan Seq No. 82).....................    1218-AB70
2124        Occupational Exposure to Beryllium....................................................    1218-AB76
2125        Excavations (Section 610 Review)......................................................    1218-AC02
2126        Ionizing Radiation....................................................................    1218-AC11
2127        Emergency Response and Preparedness...................................................    1218-AC17
2128        Lead in Construction (Section 610 Review).............................................    1218-AC18
2129        Standards Improvement.................................................................    1218-AC19
2130        Hazard Communication (Reg Plan Seq No. 83)............................................    1218-AC20
2131        Notice on Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).................................    1218-AC21
2132        Revision and Update of Standards for Power Presses....................................    1218-AC22
2133        Methylene Chloride (Section 610 Review)...............................................    1218-AC23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                       Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2134        Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/ Explosions in        1218-AB47
            Confined Spaces.......................................................................
2135        General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment....................................    1218-AB50
2136        Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips,       1218-AB80
            and Fall Prevention)..................................................................
2137        Cranes and Derricks (Reg Plan Seq No. 84).............................................    1218-AC01
2138        Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards.........................    1218-AC08
2139        Explosives............................................................................    1218-AC09
2140        NFPA Standards in Shipyard Fire Protection............................................    1218-AC16

[[Page 73545]]

 
2141        Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories Fee Schedule - Revised Approach............    1218-AC27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                         Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2142        Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918)--Reopening of the Record           1218-AA56
            (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))........................................................
2143        Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment.........    1218-AB67
2144        Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment....................................    1218-AB77
2145        Revision and Update of Subpart S--Electrical Standards................................    1218-AB95
2146        Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Federal Employee Protection       1218-AC25
            Statutes..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2147        Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers.................................    1218-AB89
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2148        Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection...    1218-AA05
2149        New York State Plan--Certification....................................................    1218-AC24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2150        Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002: Contract Threshold and Eligibility Groups for Federal      1293-AA12
            Contractor Program....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Office of the Secretary (OS)



_______________________________________________________________________




2058. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 as amended; 5 USC Reorganization 
Plan No. 6 of 1950; EO 12600, 52 FR 23781 (June 25, 1987)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 70

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation will incorporate the provisions of the 1996 
FOIA amendments. These include extending DOL processing time from 10 to 
20 days for most FOIA requests and requiring that all reading room 
materials created since November 1, 1996, be made available by 
electronic means such as the Internet.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/30/04                    69 FR 16740
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/04
Final Action                    05/30/06                    71 FR 30762
Final Action Effective          06/29/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 73546]]

Agency Contact: Joseph Plick, FOIA Counsel, Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., Room N2428 - FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-5527
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1290-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2059. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993; CONFORM TO THE SUPREME 
COURT'S RAGSDALE DECISION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 66 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1215-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




2060. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 203(1)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 570

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor is considering possible revisions to 
the hazardous occupations orders that may be undertaken to address 
recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and 
Health (NIOSH) in its May 2002 report to the Department on the Fair 
Labor Standards Act child labor regulations (available at http://
www.youthrules.dol.gov/resources.htm). This Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking seeks additional data and public input to supplement the 
conclusions and recommendations on certain of the Hazardous Orders 
contained in the NIOSH report for consideration in subsequent 
rulemaking actions that may be undertaken. This Advance Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking is related to a separate Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (see Related RIN: 1215-AB57).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

URL For Public Comments:
www.regulations.gov

Agency Contact: Paul DeCamp, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, 
Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

Related RIN: Related to 1215-AB57
RIN: 1215-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2061. AMENDMENTS TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 201 et seq; PL 104-188, sec 2101 to 2105

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4; 29 CFR 531; 29 CFR 541; 29 CFR 778; 29 CFR 785; 
29 CFR 790; 29 CFR 870; 41 CFR 50-202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (H.R. 3448) enacted 
on August 20, 1996 (Pub. L. 104-188, title II) amended the Portal-to-
Portal Act (PA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The PA 
amendment excludes (under certain circumstances) from compensable 
``hours worked'' the time spent by an employee in home-to-work travel 
in an employer-provided vehicle. The FLSA amendments: (1) Increased the 
$4.25 Federal minimum hourly wage in two steps to $5.15 on September 1, 
1997; (2) provided a $4.25 subminimum wage for youth under age 20 in 
their first 90 calendar days of employment with an employer; (3) set 
the employer's direct wage payment obligation for tipped employees at 
$2.13 per hour (provided such employees receive the balance of the full 
minimum wage in tips); and (4) set the hourly compensation requirements 
at no less than $27.63 per hour for certain exempt professional 
employees in computer-related occupations. Changes will be required in 
the regulations to reflect these amendments. Other updates will address 
needed clarifications to additional sections of the regulations, 
including sections affected by Public Law 106-151, section 1 (Dec. 9, 
1999), 113 Stat. 1731, and Public Law 106-202 (May 18, 2000), 114 Stat. 
308.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

URL For Public Comments:
http://www.regulations.gov

Agency Contact: Paul DeCamp, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, 
Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________




2062. [bull] SERVICE CONTRACT ACT HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 41 USC 351; 41 USC 38; 41 USC 39; 5 USC 301

[[Page 73547]]

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor will seek public input on methods for 
federal service contractors to meet the health and welfare fringe 
benefit component required under prevailing wage determinations issued 
pursuant to the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Paul DeCamp, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, 
Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________




2063. CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS, ORDERS, AND STATEMENTS OF INTERPRETATION

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 203(l); 29 USC 212; 29 USC 213(c)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 570

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor continues to review the Fair Labor 
Standards Act child labor provisions to ensure that the implementing 
regulations provide job opportunities for working youth that are 
healthy and safe and not detrimental to their education, as required by 
the statute (29 U.S.C. Sections 203(l), 212(c), 213(c), and 216(e)). 
This proposed rule will update the regulations to reflect statutory 
amendments enacted in 2004, and will propose, among other updates, 
revisions to address several recommendations of the National Institute 
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in its 2002 report to the 
Department of Labor on the child labor Hazardous Occupations Orders 
(HOs) (available at http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/resources.htm). This 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is related to a separate Advance Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking (see Related RIN: 1215-AB44) that requests 
additional data and public input to supplement the conclusions and 
recommendations on certain of the HOs contained in the NIOSH report for 
consideration in additional possible revisions that may be undertaken 
in subsequent rulemaking actions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Paul DeCamp, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, 
Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




2064. [bull] AMENDMENT TO THE INTERPRETIVE GUIDELINES GOVERNING THE 
EMPLOYEE PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 109-59; 119 Stat 1144; 49 USC 5333(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pursuant to Section 5333(b) of the Federal Transit law, the 
Department of Labor (Department) must certify, as a condition of 
certain grants of Federal financial assistance, fair and equitable 
labor protective provisions to protect the interests of employees 
affected by such Federal assistance. The Department administers this 
program through guidelines set forth at 29 CFR part 215. The 
Department's proposed changes conform the guidelines to recently 
enacted Federal legislation, in particular, sections 3013(h) and 3031 
of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act -- A Legacy for Users (Pub. L. No. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144 (2005)) 
(SAFETEA-LU). In addition to changes mandated by statute, the 
Department also proposes revisions to the guidelines that will enhance 
the speed and efficiency of the Department's processing of grant 
certifications. The proposed revisions to existing procedures for 
processing grant application under Federal transit law will ensure 
timely certification in a predictable manner, and will remain 
consistent with the transit laws statutory objectives.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ann Comer, Acting Chief, Division of Statutory 
Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 
Room N5112, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1193
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB58
_______________________________________________________________________




2065. [bull] GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS, 
REVISION OF THE EMPLOYER INFORMATION REPORT (EEO-1)

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

Legal Authority: EO 11246, as amended

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-2; 41 CFR 60-4; 41 CFR 60-50

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend certain sections of the OFCCP 
regulations to correspond to the new Employer Information Report (EEO-
1), as published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2005 (70 FR 
71294) (EEO-1 Notice). The new EEO-1 report revised its racial and 
ethnic definitions as well as its EEO-1 job categories.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/07
NPRM Comment Period End         05/00/07

[[Page 73548]]

Final Action                    07/00/07
Final Action Effective          09/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn Clements, Acting Director, Division of Policy, 
Planning and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW.,, Rm. 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2066. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS REGARDING DISABLED VETERANS, RECENTLY 
SEPARATED VETERANS, OTHER PROTECTED VETERANS, AND ARMED FORCES SERVICE 
MEDA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4211 to 4212; 29 USC 793; EO 11758

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) 
proposes to create a new regulation implementing the Vietnam Era 
Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 38 USC 4212, to conform 
to the Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA). JVA amended VEVRAA in four ways. 
First, JVA raised contract coverage from $25,000 to $100,000. Second, 
JVA granted VEVRAA protection to a new group of veterans: those who, 
while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a 
United States military operation for which an Armed Forces Service 
Medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Third, JVA changed 
the definition of ``recently separated veteran'' to include ``any 
veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such 
veteran's discharge or release from active duty.'' Fourth, JVA changed 
``Special Disabled Veterans'' to ``Disabled Veterans,'' expanding the 
coverage to conform to 38 USC section 4211(3). This proposal will also 
increase the AAP threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 and will make other 
changes to the regulations. The VEVRAA Final Rule implementing the 
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 and Veterans Benefits 
Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 at 41 CFR 60-250 is RIN 1215-AB24.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/20/06                     71 FR 3351
NPRM Comment Period End         03/28/06
Final Action                    04/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn Clements, Acting Director, Division of Policy, 
Planning and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW.,, Rm. 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 1215-AB24
RIN: 1215-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________




2067. LABOR ORGANIZATION OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 432 ; 29 USC 438

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 404.3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking action will revise Form LM-30, the report 
filed by labor organization officers and employees who have engaged in 
certain transactions or received certain payments from employers and 
businesses. The proposed revision would clarify a number of ambiguities 
in the current instructions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/05                    70 FR 51166
NPRM Comment Period End         10/28/05
NPRM Comment Period Extended to 
01/26/2006                      10/24/05                    70 FR 61400
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
www.olms.dol.gov

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB49
_______________________________________________________________________




2068. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL 
ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM ACT OF 2000, AS AMENDED

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 7384d(a); 42 USC 7385s-10(e); EO 13179

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 1; 20 CFR 30

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations govern how the Office of Workers' 
Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000, as amended 
(EEOICPA), 42 U.S.C. 7384 et seq. Since July 31, 2001, OWCP has 
administered the provisions of part B of the EEOICPA that were not 
assigned to the Secretary of Health and Human

[[Page 73549]]

Services, to the Secretary of Energy, or to the Attorney General by 
E.O. 13179. Part B of the EEOICPA provides for the payment of lump-sum 
compensation and medical benefits to Department of Energy employees and 
certain of its contractors and subcontractors (or their survivors) who 
sustained an occupational illness due to exposure to radiation, 
beryllium or silica. Part B also provides for medical benefits and a 
supplemental lump-sum payment to awardees under section 5 of the 
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), 42 U.S.C. 2210 (note).
On October 28, 2004, the President signed legislation repealing former 
part D of the EEOICPA that had been administered by the Secretary of 
Energy and creating a new Part E, which provides for the payment of 
additional monetary compensation (based on permanent impairment and/or 
wage loss) and medical benefits for DOE contractor employees (or their 
survivors) and uranium miners, millers and ore transporters covered by 
section 5 of the RECA (or their survivors) who sustained a covered 
illness due to exposure to a toxic substance while working at a DOE 
facility, or a uranium mine or mill covered under section 5 of RECA. 
Responsibility for administration of part E of the EEOICPA was assigned 
to the Secretary of Labor.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/05                    70 FR 33590
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/08/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/08/05
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter Turcic, Director, Division of Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation, OWCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room C-3321, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0081
Fax: 202 693-1465
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2069. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING 
NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION 
MODELS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 49 et seq; 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); 8 USC 
1182(n); 8 USC 1184; PL 102-232; PL 105-277

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655, subparts H and I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The H-1B visa program of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
allows employers to temporarily employ nonimmigrants admitted into the 
United States under the H-1B visa category in specialty occupations and 
as fashion models, under specified labor conditions. An employer must 
file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor before 
the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may approve a petition 
to employ a foreign worker on an H-1B visa. The Department's Employment 
and Training Administration administers the labor condition application 
process; the Wage and Hour Division of the Department's Employment 
Standards Administration handles complaints and investigations 
regarding labor condition applications. The Department published a 
proposed rule on January 5, 1999, in response to statutory changes in 
the H-1B program made by the American Competitiveness and Workforce 
Improvement Act of 1998 (title IV, Pub. L. 105-277; Oct. 21, 1998). 
Those changes placed additional obligations on ``H-1B-dependent'' 
employers (generally, those with work forces comprised of more than 15 
percent H-1B workers) and on willful violators. These employers must 
recruit for U.S. workers, hire U.S. workers who are at least as 
qualified as H-1B workers, and not displace U.S. workers by hiring H-1B 
workers or placing them at another employer's job site. The 1998 
amendments also imposed additional obligations on all H-1B employers, 
such as offering benefits to H-1B workers on the same basis and 
according to the same criteria as offered to U.S. workers, and payment 
to H-1B workers during periods they are not working for an employment-
related reason. The 1999 proposed rule also requested further public 
comment on earlier proposed provisions published in October 1995, and 
on particular interpretations of the statute and of the existing 
regulations which the Department proposed to incorporate into the 
regulations. Since publishing the proposed rule, Congress enacted 
further amendments to the H-1B provisions under the American 
Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-
313; Oct. 17, 2000), the Immigration and Nationality Act--Amendments 
(Pub. L. 106-311; Oct. 17, 2000), and section 401 of the Visa Waiver 
Permanent Program Act (Pub. L. 106-396; Oct. 30, 2000).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/95                    60 FR 55339
NPRM Comment Period End         11/30/95
NPRM                            01/05/99                      64 FR 628
NPRM Comment Period End         02/04/99
Interim Final Rule              12/20/00                    65 FR 80110
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/19/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/23/01                    66 FR 10865
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: On December 20, 2000, the Department published 
an interim final rule to implement the recent amendments and clarify 
the existing rules, and requested further public comment on those 
provisions.
On December 8, 2004, Congress enacted the H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004 
as

[[Page 73550]]

part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447, 
188 Stat. 2809, Division J, Title IV, Subtitle B (Dec. 8, 2004)), which 
reinstated (effective March 8, 2005) certain attestation requirements 
for H-1B dependent employers and employers found to have committed 
willful violations or misrepresentations of material facts during the 
five-year period prior to filing the H-1B Labor Condition Application.

Agency Contact: Paul DeCamp, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, 
Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, S3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0051
Fax: 202 693-1302

RIN: 1215-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment Standards Administration (ESA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2070. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR FEDERAL SECTOR LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 7120

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 458.4 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking action will revise the regulations 
implementing the standards of conduct for Federal sector unions under 
the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). Under the CSRA standards 
of conduct provisions, the implementing regulations are to conform to 
the principles applied to private sector unions. Accordingly, the 
implementing regulations generally follow the provisions of the Labor-
Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA). 
However, the standards of conduct regulations do not include one 
important provision of the LMRDA which requires unions to inform their 
members of the provisions of the statute. The proposed rule would amend 
the standards of conduct regulations to include this important 
provision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/03/04                    69 FR 64221
NPRM Comment Period End         01/03/05
Final Action                    06/02/06                    71 FR 31929
Final Action Effective          07/03/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________




2071. UNION ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS: CRITERIA FOR CHARACTERIZING 
A LABOR ORGANIZATION AS A LOCAL, INTERMEDIATE, OR NATIONAL OR 
INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 481 to 482

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 452.11

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Request for Information sought comments from the public 
as to whether and how to revise the current tests for determining 
whether a labor organization is a local union, intermediate union, or 
national or international union.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/03/04                    69 FR 64234
Comment Period Extended         12/03/04                    69 FR 70288
Comment Period End              01/03/05
Withdrawn                       07/19/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
www.olms.dol.gov

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




2072. UNION OFFICIALS: GUIDELINES FOR FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER 
SECTION 501(A) OF THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 501(a); 29 USC 521

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This request provided information from the public to assist 
the Department of Labor in determining whether to issue guidelines 
concerning the fiduciary obligations of union officers and other 
representative under section 501(a) of the LMRDA, 29 U.S.C. section 
501. Section 501 states in general terms that officers and other 
representatives of a labor organization occupy ``positions of trust'' 
within their labor organizations and must act in the best interest of 
their union. The LMRDA does not, however, describe in any detail the 
nature and scope of these fiduciary duties. After reviewing all of the 
information that was received and carefully considering all of the 
issues, OLMS has decided not to take further action, and withdraws this 
entry from the agenda.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         08/29/05                    70 FR 51227
Comment Period End              10/28/05

[[Page 73551]]

Request for Information Comment 
Period Extended to 01/26/2006   10/24/05                    70 FR 61472
Withdrawn                       07/12/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________




2073. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF 
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS; EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SURVEY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 11246, as amended

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 60-2.18

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On November 13, 2000, the Office of Federal Contract 
Compliance Programs (OFCCP) published a Final Rule which established an 
Equal Opportunity (EO) Survey. The EO Survey requires that 
nonconstruction contractor establishments designated by OFCCP prepare 
and file an Equal Opportunity (EO) Survey. The EO Survey contains 
information about personnel activities, compensation and tenure data 
and specific information about the contractor's affirmative action 
programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/20/06                     71 FR 3373
NPRM Comment Period End         03/28/06
Final Action                    09/08/06                    71 FR 53032

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn Clements, Acting Director, Division of Policy, 
Planning and Program Development, OFCCP, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW.,, Rm. 
N3422, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0102
TDD Phone: 202 693-1337
Fax: 202 693-1304
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB53
_______________________________________________________________________




2074. LABOR ORGANIZATION ANNUAL FINANCIAL TRUST REPORTS: FORM T-1

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 431; 29 USC 438

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 403.2; 29 CFR 403.5; 29 CFR 403.8; 29 CFR 408.5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement revisions to reporting requirements 
under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as 
Amended (LMRDA), for trusts in which labor organizations are 
interested. Such trusts include a ``trust of other fund or organization 
(1) which was created or established by a labor organization, or one or 
more of the trustees or one or more members of the governing body or 
which is selected or appointed by a labor organization and (2) a 
primary purpose of which is to provide benefits for the members of such 
labor organization or their beneficiaries.`` 29 U.S.C. 402 (i). This 
rule will revise existing reporting requirements for such trusts 
imposed by final rule in 2003 (RIN 1215-AB34). These requirements were 
found invalid by the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia 
circuit. In a 2005 decision, the appeals court upheld the Department of 
Labor's authority to require labor organizations to report on the 
activities of trusts in which they hold an interest, but found that the 
Department had exceeded its authority by imposing a rule that failed to 
differentiate between trusts over which a union or unions exercised 
dominant control and those in which the apparent authority was 
significantly diluted.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/29/06                    71 FR 57716
Final Action Effective          01/01/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kay H. Oshel, Director, Office of Policy, Reports and 
Disclosure, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor, 
Employment Standards Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1233
TDD Phone: 800 877-8399
Fax: 202 693-1340
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________




2075. AIRLINE EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PROGRAM

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: PL 105-220-199(a)(6); 112 Stat 936, 1058 to 1059 
(1998)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule will rescind the Airline Employee Protection 
Program regulations at 29 CFR 220 that were issued to implement the 
Rehire Program established by section 43 of the Airline Deregulation 
Act of 1978. The program was intended to assist airline workers who 
were laid off as a result of airline deregulation by providing a first 
right of hire for designated employees covered by air carriers. Because 
of administrative and judicial delays, the Department's final rule 
implementing the program was not issued until 1985, 7 years after 
enactment of the Act. The regulation became effective January 27, 1986. 
In 1998, Congress repealed section 43 of the Airline Deregulation Act 
in section 199(a)(6) of the Workforce Investment Act (Pub. L. 105-220). 
Consequently, the regulations implementing the Airline Employee 
Protection Program are now without force or effect.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Regulation Rescinded            05/22/06                    71 FR 29250
Effective Date                  05/22/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 73552]]

Agency Contact: Patrick Alan Hyde, Division Chief, Division of 
Statutory Programs, Department of Labor, Employment Standards 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Rm N5112, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1226
Fax: 202 693-1342
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1215-AB55
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2076. ALTERNATIVE TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE BENEFITS; AMENDMENT OF 
REGULATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 67 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




2077. [bull] REVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATIONS FOR 
PETITIONS AND DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR TRADE 
ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 68 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




2078. [bull] DISCLOSURE OF STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION WAGE RECORD 
INFORMATION

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302(a) ; Secretary Order No. 4.-75(40 FR 1885)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 603 subpart D

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department 
of Labor (Department) proposes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 
to amend 20 CFR part 603 to implement section 303 (a)(6) of the Social 
Security Act (SSA). That section of the SSA requires that a state's UC 
law provide for the ``making of such reports, in such form and 
containing such information, as the Secretary of Labor may from time to 
time require.'' The NPRM would interpret this language to require that 
in addition to information already reported for its purposes the state 
UC agencies must provide confidential information instate wage reports 
for purposes of measuring the performance of programs and initiatives 
administered by the Department, its grantees, or subgrantees.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of 
Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C-4518, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2079. REVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BENEFIT REGULATIONS FOR TRADE 
ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS UNDER THE TRADE ACT OF 1974, AS 
AMENDED

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 69 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________




2080. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM; ELIGIBILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 503(a)(5); 26 USC 3304(a)(4); 26 USC 3306(h); 
26 USC 3304(a)(1); 42 USC 503(a)(2); 42 USC 1302(a)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 604 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Federal Unemployment Compensation (UC) law is inherently 
based on wage insurance principles. The regulation would interpret and 
apply these principles, thereby establishing minimum standards that 
states will be required to meet if their employers are to continue to 
receive credit against the Federal unemployment tax and if the state is 
to continue to receive UC administrative grants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/22/05                    70 FR 42474
NPRM Comment Period End         09/20/05
Final Action                    02/00/07

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: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of 
Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C-4518, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB41

[[Page 73553]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2081. LABOR CERTIFICATION FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE 
UNITED STATES; REDUCING THE INCENTIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRAUD AND 
ABUSE AND ENHANCING PROGRAM INTEGRITY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 70 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1205-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________




2082. LABOR CONDITIONS APPLICATIONS FOR E-3 VISAS IN SPECIALTY 
OCCUPATIONS FOR AUSTRALIAN NON-IMMIGRANTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, 
the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005, Public Law 109-13, 
119 Stat. 231 was signed into law May 11, 2005. The Act adds a new 
treaty visa classification for Australian nonimmigrants coming to the 
U.S. solely to perform services in a specialty occupation. The 
Department amends the current H-1B regulation to incorporate references 
and provisions for the new E-3 program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Carlson, Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C- 4312, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2083. POST-ADJUDICATION AUDITS OF H-2B PETITIONS OTHER THAN LOGGING IN 
THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b); 8 USC 1184; 29 USC 49 et 
seq

CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5); 20 CFR 655.1 to 655.4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under the redesigned H-2B temporary nonagricultural program 
employers seeking to use H-2B workers, except for applications filed 
for employment in Guam or in logging, will file directly with the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) instead of first filing an 
application for labor certification with the Department of Labor (DOL), 
as required under the current regulation. Under the regulations 
simultaneously proposed by DOL and DHS, the employer will be required 
to conduct recruitment before filing its petition. The petition will 
include a number of attestations concerning labor market and related 
issues identified in the DOL regulation. DHS will administer the 
petition adjudication process. After adjudication, DOL will audit 
selected approved petitions. In such audits, DOL will exclusively 
examine whether the employer has complied with those aspects of the 
approved petition related to the labor market and other related 
attestations. Employers will be expected to have documentation 
available supporting their attestations as specified in the regulation 
and will be required to provide this supporting documentation to DOL 
within 30 days from notice of audit. If, after completion of the audit, 
DOL determines that the employer has failed to comply with the terms of 
the attestations contained in the DHS petition or made material 
misrepresentations in its attestation, DOL will, after notice to the 
employer and opportunity for a hearing, recommend to DHS that the 
employer be debarred, for a period up to 3 years.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/27/05                     70 FR 3993
NPRM Comment Period End         02/28/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/09/05                    70 FR 11592
NPRM Comment Period Extended to 
April 8, 2005                   03/09/05
Final Action                    12/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: William Carlson, Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C- 4312, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB36

[[Page 73554]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employment and Training Administration (ETA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2084. FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (UC) PROGRAM; 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN STATE UC RECORDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 26 USC ch 23; 42 USC 1302(a); 42 USC 1320b-7; 42 USC 
503; Secretary's Orders 4-75 and 14-75

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 603

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department 
of Labor prepared a final rule on confidentiality and disclosure of 
State UC information. The final rule modifies and expands the 
regulations implementing the Income and Eligibility Verification System 
(IEVS) to include statutory requirements in title III of the Social 
Security Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act concerning 
confidentiality and disclosure of State UC information. The use of UC 
wage records and other information under these and other statutes has 
increased in recent years while privacy and confidentiality issues have 
not yet been fully addressed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/12/04                    69 FR 50022
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/04
Final Action                    09/27/06                    71 FR 56830
Final Action Effective          10/27/06

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.

Additional Information: Formerly RIN 1205-AA74; was taken off 
regulatory agenda in 1994 due to inactivity. An earlier NPRM was 
published on 3/23/92 at 57 FR 10063 with comment period ending 5/22/92.

Agency Contact: Gerard Hildebrand, Chief, Division of Legislation, 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of 
Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C-4518, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3038
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




2085. LABOR CERTIFICATION FOR THE PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS IN THE 
UNITED STATES; BACKLOG REDUCTION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(a)(5)(A)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 656

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule provided the Division of Foreign 
Labor Certification the discretion to transfer permanent labor 
certification applications pending in state workforce agencies and ETA 
regional offices to centralized processing centers for completion of 
processing, as a proactive backlog-reduction measure, under regulations 
in effect prior to March 28, 2005. The interim final rule took effect 
30 days after publication or on August 20, 2004. ETA opened the backlog 
elimination centers in October 2004. As a result, ETA anticipates the 
backlog will ideally be eliminated by September 2007. However, ETA's 
Spring 2006 Agenda submission provided an August 2006 date to finalize 
the interim final rule. That date would have been extended in this 
Agenda submission to February 2007. Therefore, ETA reviewed the interim 
final rule and the progress of the backlog centers to determine that a 
final rule is not necessary given the close proximity of the 
elimination date and the completion date of the final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/21/04                    69 FR 43716
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/20/04
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/20/04
Withdrawn                       07/24/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Carlson, Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C- 4312, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________




2086. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS USING 
NONIMMIGRANTS ON H-1B VISAS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS AND AS FASHION 
MODELS; LABOR ATTESTATIONS RE H-1B1 VISAS FOR CHILE AND SINGAPORE 
(COMPLETION OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(H)(1)(b1) and 1184 (g)(8)(A); PL 
108-77 sec 402; PL 108-78 sec 402

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 655

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Labor has amended its regulations relating 
to the temporary employment of foreign professionals to implement 
procedural requirements applicable to a new visa category - the H-1B1 
visa. Congress created the new visa category as part of its approval of 
the Chile-United States Free Trade Agreement and the Singapore-United 
States Free Trade Agreement. Under the implementing legislation, DOL's 
responsibilities regarding H-1B1 visas are to be implemented in a 
manner similar to the existing H-1B program for temporary employment in 
specialty occupations and as fashion models. Under the regulatory 
procedures established by the Interim Final Rule, employers in the 
United States seeking to temporarily employ foreign professionals in 
specialty occupations through H-1B1 visas must file a labor condition 
application with the Department of Labor making the same attestations 
regarding payment of prevailing wages, working conditions, absence of 
strikes or lockouts, and notice to other employees that employers 
currently make when seeking entry of a foreign worker under the H-1B 
program. This Final Rule addresses the comments submitted through the 
Interim Final Rule process and makes one technical amendment to be 
consistent with the Final Rule amending H-1B and H-1B1 at 70 FR 72556.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/23/04                    69 FR 68222
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/23/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/24/05

[[Page 73555]]

Final Rule                      06/30/06                    71 FR 37802
Final Action Effective          07/31/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William Carlson, Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C- 4312, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-3010
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1205-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2087. INDEPENDENCE OF ACCOUNTANT

Priority: Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1023(a)(3)(A); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2509

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the guidelines applicable to 
determining when a qualified public accountant is independent for 
purposes of auditing and rendering an opinion on the financial 
information required to be included in the annual report of an employee 
benefit plan for purposes of section 103(a)(3)(A) of ERISA. The current 
guidelines, set forth as an Interpretive Bulletin at 29 CFR section 
2509.75-9, were adopted in 1975. Given the changes that have taken 
place with respect to employee benefit plans and auditing practices and 
standards, as well as changes in the industry, since the issuance of 
those guidelines, EBSA is preparing a Request for Information that will 
invite interested persons to submit written comments and suggestions 
concerning whether and to what extent the current guidelines should be 
modified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request For Information         09/11/06                    71 FR 53348
Request For Information- Comment 
Period End                      12/11/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John J. Canary, Deputy Director, Office of Regulations 
and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, 
DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AB09
_______________________________________________________________________




2088. PLAN ASSETS-PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS REGULATION (610 REVIEW) 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-102

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: EBSA is conducting a review of the plan assets - participant 
contributions regulation in accordance with the requirements of section 
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The review will cover the 
continued need for the rule; the nature of complaints or comments 
received from the public concerning the rule; the complexity of the 
rule; the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts 
with other Federal rules and, to the extent feasible, with State and 
local rules; and the extent to which technology, economic conditions, 
or other factors have changed in industries affected by the rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    03/01/06
End Review                      06/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Rudolph F. Nuissl, Senior Pension Law Specialist, 
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AB11
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2089. AMENDMENT OF REGULATION RELATING TO DEFINITION OF PLAN ASSETS--
PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 71 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________




2090. AMENDMENT OF SECTION 404(C) REGULATION--DISCLOSURE

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1104(c); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations governing ERISA 
section 404(c) plans (29 CFR section 2550.404c-1) to ensure that the 
participants and beneficiaries in such plans are provided the 
information they need, including information about fees and expenses, 
to make informed investment decisions. The section 404(c) regulation 
sets forth the

[[Page 73556]]

conditions under which participants and beneficiaries are considered to 
be exercising control over the assets in their account, thereby 
relieving plan fiduciaries from liability for the results of the 
investment decisions of the participant or beneficiary. The regulation 
conditions relief on participants and beneficiaries being furnished or 
having access to certain information about their plan and the 
investment options offered thereunder. This amendment is needed to 
clarify and improve the information currently required to be furnished 
to participants and beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Katherine D. Lewis, Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-5669, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AB07
_______________________________________________________________________




2091. AMENDMENT OF STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERAL STATUTORY EXEMPTION 
FOR SERVICES

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1108(b)(2); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulation setting forth the 
standards applicable to the exemption under ERISA section 408(b)(2) for 
contracting or making a reasonable arrangements with a party in 
interest for office spaces for services (29 CFR section 2550.408b-2). 
This amendment will ensure that plan fiduciaries are provided or have 
access to that information necessary to a determination of whether an 
arrangement for services is ``reasonable'' within the meaning of the 
statutory exemption, as well as the prudence requirements of ERISA 
section 404(a)(1)(B). This regulation is needed to eliminate the 
current uncertainty as to what information relating to services and 
fees plan fiduciaries must obtain and service providers must furnish 
for purposes of determining whether a contract for services to be 
rendered to a plan is reasonable.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kristen Zarenko, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-5669, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AB08
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2092. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH CARE ACCESS, PORTABILITY, AND 
RENEWABILITY PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND 
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 72 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________




2093. HEALTH CARE STANDARDS FOR MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1027; 29 USC 1059; 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1185; 29 
USC 1191 to 1191c

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2590.711

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 
(NMHPA) amended title I of ERISA and the Public Health Service Act with 
parallel provisions that protect mothers and their newborn children 
with regard to the length of hospital stays following the birth of a 
child. The Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services are 
mutually dependent due to shared interpretive jurisdiction and are 
proceeding concurrently to provide final regulatory guidance with 
regard to the provisions of the NMHPA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/27/98                    63 FR 57546
Final Action                    06/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Turner, Senior Pension Law Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335

RIN: 1210-AA63
_______________________________________________________________________




2094. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES 
BASED ON HEALTH STATUS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 73 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________




2095. REVISION OF THE FORM 5500 SERIES AND IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1021; 29 USC 1023 to 1024

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend and update the regulatory and 
related requirements for annual reporting by employer benefit plans in 
conjunction with EBSA's proposal to amend the regulations under section 
104 to require that such reports be filed electronically.

[[Page 73557]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/21/06                    71 FR 41392
NPRM Comment Period End         09/19/06
Final Action                    02/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: June Solonsky, Pension Law Specialist, Department of 
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-5669, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB06
_______________________________________________________________________




2096. SECTION 404 REGULATION--DEFAULT INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVES UNDER 
PARTICIPANT DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT PLANS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 74 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1210-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2097. ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002(18); 29 USC 1135

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulation would set forth standards for determining 
``adequate consideration'' under section 3(18) of ERISA for assets 
other than securities for which there is a generally recognized market.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/17/88                    53 FR 17632
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/88


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Morton Klevan, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits 
Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA15
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2098. RULEMAKING RELATING TO TERMINATION OF ABANDONED INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT 
PLANS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1002(16)(A)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2591

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking establishes a procedure and standards for 
distributing the benefits of individual account plans that have been 
abandoned by their sponsoring employers or plan administrators.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/10/05                    70 FR 12046
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
Final Action                    04/21/06                    71 FR 20820
Technical Amendment             05/19/06                    71 FR 29073
Correction                      05/19/06                    71 FR 29219
Final Action Effective          05/22/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeffrey Turner, Chief, Division of Regulations, Office 
of Regulations and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee 
Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500

RIN: 1210-AA97
_______________________________________________________________________




2099. VOLUNTARY FIDUCIARY CORRECTION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1132; 29 USC 1134

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2560

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To encourage and facilitate voluntary correction of certain 
breaches by employee benefit plan fiduciaries of their obligations 
under title I of ERISA, EBSA previously implemented a Voluntary 
Fiduciary Correction Program (the Program). The Program relieves 
certain plan officials of the possibility of investigation and civil 
action by the Department and the imposition of civil penalties to the 
extent that plan officials satisfy the conditions for correcting 
breaches described in the Program. EBSA has amended the Program by 
covering additional transactions and by clarifying certain other 
operational requirements. EBSA believes that the restated Program will 
benefit workers by further encouraging the voluntary and timely 
correction of possible fiduciary breaches of part 4 of title I of 
ERISA. EBSA also anticipates that the restated Program will better 
assist plan officials in understanding the requirements of part 4 of 
title I of ERISA and their legal responsibilities in correcting 
fiduciary breaches.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/19/06                    71 FR 20262
Final Action Effective          05/19/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 73558]]

Public Compliance Cost: Yearly Recurring Cost: $210,000; Base Year for 
Dollar Estimates: 2006

Agency Contact: Louis J. Campagna, Chief, Division of Fiduciary 
Interpretations, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Department 
of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., Room N5669, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8512
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB03
_______________________________________________________________________




2100. ELECTRONIC FILING OF ANNUAL REPORTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135; 29 USC 1024(a)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2520.104a-2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations under section 
104(a) of ERISA setting forth the annual reporting requirements for 
employee benefit plans to require that such reports be filed 
electronically.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/30/05                    70 FR 51542
NPRM Comment Period End         10/03/05
Final Action                    07/21/06                    71 FR 41359
Final Action Effective          09/19/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Public Compliance Cost: Initial Cost: $22,000,000; Yearly Recurring 
Cost: $10,000,000; Base Year for Dollar Estimates: 2007

Agency Contact: John J Canary, Deputy Director, Office of Regulations 
and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, 
DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8500
Fax: 202 219-7291

RIN: 1210-AB04
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2101. [bull] PERSONAL CONTINUOUS DUST MONITORS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 75 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2102. FIELD MODIFICATIONS OF PERMISSIBLE MOBILE DIESEL-POWERED EQUIPMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Mine Safety and Health Administration is proposing to add 
field modification provisions to 30 CFR part 36 - Approval requirements 
for permissible mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment. Field 
modifications allow permissible equipment to be modified for mine-
specific use or to comply with new diesel standards. The implementation 
of diesel regulations in 30 CFR parts 7, 36, 57, 72, and 75 has 
resulted ``in an increase in requests from owners of approved 
equipment, typically underground mine operators, to field modify 
permissible diesel-powered equipment. This proposed rule would codify 
the field modification process for part 36 field modification 
acceptances``, expand the field modification process to allow mine 
operators as defined in the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 1977 to 
apply for field modifications, and continue to ensure that field-
modified equipment operates safely in gassy underground mines.
The proposed rule would implement existing policy which dates from 1985 
to reflect current procedures for processing field modifications 
related to mobile diesel-powered transportation equipment. Also, the 
proposed rule would require that labeling provisions be applied to all 
new field modifications accepted under part 36. These new provisions 
would enhance miner safety.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB39

[[Page 73559]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2103. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN UNDERGROUND COAL MINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75.1100-2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The fire protection requirement in 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) 
requires rock dust and water at the underground workings at anthracite 
coal mines, and (e)(2) requires a fire extinguisher and rock dust at 
temporary electrical installations. MSHA has granted 101(c) petitions 
for modification allowing operators to use only fire extinguishers in 
lieu of rock dust and other requirements at these two locations. This 
direct final rule would eliminate the need to file petitions to use 
this alternative method of compliance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06
Direct Final Rule               12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




2104. USE OF OR IMPAIRMENT FROM ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ON MINE PROPERTY

Priority: Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: MSHA is considering rulemaking to address the risks and 
hazards to miner safety from the use of or impairment from alcohol and 
drugs on mine property.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/04/05                    70 FR 57808
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/27/05
NPRM                            06/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________




2105. [bull] SEALING OF ABANDONED AREAS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 76 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________




2106. [bull] MINE RESCUE TEAMS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 77 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB53
_______________________________________________________________________




2107. [bull] DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER: CONVERSION FACTOR FROM TOTAL 
CARBON TO ELEMENTAL CARBON

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 78 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB55
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2108. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE LIMIT

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 79 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




2109. HIGH-VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARD FOR UNDERGROUND 
COAL MINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957; 30 USC 961

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Our July 16, 2004, NPRM (69 FR 42812) proposed to establish 
design requirements for approval of high-voltage continuous mining 
machines operating where miners work in underground coal mines. The 
rule also proposed to establish new mandatory electrical safety 
standards for the installation, use, and maintenance of the high-
voltage continuous mining machines. MSHA published a supplemental NPRM 
on March 28, 2006 (71 FR 15359).
This supplemental NPRM proposed and requested the comments on two 
issues that arose from oral and written comments that MSHA received 
during the hearing and post-hearing comment period on the NPRM.
These issues involved: (1) Types of trailing cables that can be used 
with high-voltage continuous mining machines; and (2) a requirement to 
use high-voltage insulating gloves or other personal protective 
equipment when handling energized high-voltage trailing cables.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/04                    69 FR 42812
NPRM Comment Period End         08/23/04                    69 FR 51784
Second NPRM                     03/28/06                    71 FR 15359
Second NPRM Comment Period End  05/30/06
Final Action                    06/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department

[[Page 73560]]

of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, 
Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




2110. EQUIVALENCY EVALUATION OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 
AGENCY'S NONROAD DIESEL ENGINE STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: MSHA is reviewing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 
(EPA) standards for nonroad diesel engines. The review will determine 
if certain EPA requirements in 40 CFR part 89, Control of Emissions 
From New and In-Use Nonroad Compression-Ignition Engines, provide, or 
can be modified to provide, at least the same degree of protection as 
existing requirements in 30 CFR part 7, subpart E-Diesel Engines 
Intended for Use in Underground Coal Mines. This review is limited to 
the testing of Category B diesel engines as defined in 30 CFR 7.82, 
Definitions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to review the 
U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency Title                    03/28/06                    71 FR 15358
End of Comment Period           05/30/06
Final Action                    10/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________




2111. EMERGENCY MINE EVACUATION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 80 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________




2112. CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR PROPOSED ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 81 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1219-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2113. VERIFICATION OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OPERATORS' DUST CONTROL 
PLANS AND COMPLIANCE SAMPLING FOR RESPIRABLE DUST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813; 30 USC 961; 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70; 30 CFR 75; 30 CFR 90

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Our current standards require that all underground coal mine 
operators develop and follow a mine ventilation plan for each 
mechanized mining unit that we approve. However, we do not have a 
requirement that provides for verification of each plan's effectiveness 
under typical mining conditions. Consequently, plans may be implemented 
by mine operators that could be inadequate to control respirable dust.
In response to comments received on the July 2000 proposed rule for 
MSHA to withdraw the rule, MSHA published a new proposed rule on March 
6, 2003. The proposed rule would have required mine operators to 
verify, through sampling, the effectiveness of the dust control 
parameters for each mechanized mining unit specified in the approved 
mine ventilation plan.
The use of approved powered air-purifying respirators and/or verifiable 
administrative controls would have been allowed as a supplemental means 
of compliance when MSHA had determined that all feasible engineering or 
environmental controls were exhausted.
Public hearings were held in May 2003, and the comment period, 
originally scheduled to close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 
3, 2003. On June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final 
rule would cease and the rulemaking record would remain open in order 
to obtain information concerning Personal Dust Monitors being tested by 
NIOSH. A Federal Register notice was published on July 3, 2003, 
extending the comment period indefinitely.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/07/00                    65 FR 42122
Notice of Hearings; Close of 
Record                          07/07/00                    65 FR 42186
Close of Record                 08/11/00
Extension of Comment Period; 
Close of Record                 08/11/00                    65 FR 49215
NPRM                            03/06/03                    68 FR 10784
Notice of Public Hearing; Close 
of Record                       03/17/03                    68 FR 12641
Extension of Comment Period     05/29/03                    68 FR 32005
NPRM Comment Period End         06/04/03
Extension of Comment Period     07/03/03                    68 FR 39881
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219-AB18 
(Determination of Concentration of Respirable Coal Mine Dust).

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441

[[Page 73561]]

Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 1219-AB18
RIN: 1219-AB14
_______________________________________________________________________




2114. DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATION OF RESPIRABLE COAL MINE DUST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 72

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and 
the Mine Safety and Health Administration jointly proposed that a 
single, full-shift measurement (single sample) will accurately 
represent the atmospheric condition to which a miner is exposed. The 
proposed rule addresses the U.S. Court of Appeals' concerns raised in 
National Mining Association v. Secretary of Labor, 153 F.3d 1264 (11th 
Cir. 1998). MSHA and NIOSH reopened the rulemaking record on March 6, 
2003, to obtain comments on documents added to the rulemaking record 
since the proposed rule was published July 7, 2000. Public hearings 
were held in May 2003 and the comment period, originally scheduled to 
close on June 4, 2003, was extended until July 3, 2003. However, on 
June 24, 2003, MSHA announced that all work on the final rule would 
cease. On August 12, 2003, the Agencies reopened the rulemaking record 
and extended the comment period indefinitely. MSHA will be 
collaborating with NIOSH, miners' representatives, industry and the 
manufacturer in the in-mine testing of production prototype Personal 
Dust Monitors (PDMs) units. The results of the collaborative effort 
will guide the Agency in determining the functionality of these real-
time dust monitoring devices and need for revisions to the coal 
respirable dust monitoring requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/07/00                    65 FR 42068
Notice of Hearings; Close of 
Record                          07/07/00                    65 FR 42185
Extension of Comment Period     08/11/00                    65 FR 49215
Reopen Record for Comments      03/06/03                    68 FR 10940
Notice of Public Hearings; Close 
of Record                       03/17/03                    68 FR 12641
Extension of Comment Period     05/29/03                    68 FR 32005
Reopen Record Comment Period End06/04/03
Extension of Comment Period; 
Reopening of Record             08/12/03                    68 FR 47886
Reopening of Record; Correction 04/01/03                    68 FR 15691
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: This rulemaking is related to RIN 1219-AB14 
(Verification of Underground Coal Mine Operators' Dust Control Plans 
and Compliance Sampling for Respirable Dust).

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

Related RIN: Related to 1219-AB14
RIN: 1219-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




2115. RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA STANDARD

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56 to 58; 30 CFR 70 to 72; 30 CFR 90

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline 
silica) in respirable dust. The coal mining industry standard is based 
on the formula 10mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz where the 
quartz percent is greater than 5.0 percent calculated as an MRE 
equivalent concentration. The metal and nonmetal mining industry 
standard is based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental 
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 
divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. Overexposure to crystalline 
silica can result in some miners developing silicosis which may 
ultimately be fatal. Both formulas are designed to maintain exposures 
to 0.1 mg/m3 (100 ug) of silica. The Secretary of Labor's Advisory 
Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers 
made several recommendations related to reducing exposure to silica. 
NIOSH and ACGIH recommend a 50ug/ m3 exposure limit for respirable 
crystalline silica. MSHA is considering several options to reduce 
miners' exposure to crystalline silica.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information          To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________




2116. REVISING ELECTRICAL PRODUCT APPROVAL REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 7; 30 CFR 17 to 18; 30 CFR 22 ; 30 CFR 23; 30 CFR 
27

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: 30 CFR part 18, entitled ``Electric Motor-Driven Mine 
Equipment and Accessories,'' describes the requirements to obtain MSHA 
approval of electrically operated machines and accessories intended for 
use in underground gassy mines, as well as other related matters, such 
as approval procedures, certification of components, and acceptance of 
flame-resistant hoses and conveyor belts. Aside from minor 
modifications, part 18 has been largely unchanged since it was 
promulgated in 1968. This update of part 18 was intended to improve the 
efficiency of the approval process, recognize new technology, add 
quality assurance provisions, address existing policies through the 
rulemaking process, and reorganize

[[Page 73562]]

portions of the approval regulations. We will be addressing the 
requirements in this NPRM in phases. The first phase will be Flame-
Resistance Testing of Mining Materials.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2117. DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURE OF UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 813

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 57

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 19, 2001 MSHA published a final rule addressing 
diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure of underground metal and 
nonmetal miners (66 FR 5706). The final rule established new health 
standards for underground metal and nonmetal mines that use equipment 
powered by diesel engines. The rule established an interim 
concentration limit of 400 micrograms of total carbon per cubic meter 
of air that became applicable July 20, 2002, and a final concentration 
limit of 160 micrograms to become applicable after January 19, 2006. 
Industry challenged the rule and organized labor intervened in the 
litigation. Settlement negotiations with the litigants have resulted in 
further regulatory actions on several requirements of the rule. One 
final rule was published on February 27, 2002, (67 FR 9180). MSHA 
issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on September 
25, 2002, (67 FR 60199) to obtain additional information and published 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in August 2003 (68 FR 48668). 
MSHA issued a final rule on June 6, 2005 (70 FR 32868) that revised 
MSHA's existing standards addressing diesel particulate matter (DPM) 
exposure in underground metal and nonmetal (M/NM) mines. The rule, 
among other things, changed the interim concentration limit measured by 
total carbon (TC) to a comparable permissible exposure limit (PEL) 
measured by elemental carbon (EC). MSHA proposed a rule (70 FR 53280) 
on September 7, 2005, to phase in the final DPM limit because the 
agency was concerned that there may be feasibility issues for some 
mines to meet the final limit of 160 micrograms by January 20, 2006. 
Accordingly, MSHA proposed a five-year phase-in period and noted our 
intent to initiate a separate rulemaking to convert the final DPM limit 
from a total carbon limit to an elemental carbon limit. We also 
proposed to delete the existing provision that restricts newer mines 
from applying for an extension of time for meeting the final 
concentration limit. In addition, we requested comments and data on an 
appropriate conversion factor for the final DPM limit, technological 
implementation issues, and the costs and benefits of the proposed rule. 
We also requested comments on the appropriateness of including in a 
final rule a provision for medical evaluation of miners required to 
wear respiratory protection and transfer of miners who have been 
determined by a medical professional to be unable to wear a respirator. 
Public hearings were held in January 2006.
On May 18, 2006 (71 FR 28924), MSHA published a final rule that phases 
in the DPM final limit of 160TC ug/m3 over a two-year period, based on 
feasibility. On May 20, 2006, the first phase of the final limit of 308 
EC ug/m3 became effective. On January 20, 2007, the DPM final limit 
will be reduced to 350TC ug/m3. The final limit of 160TC ug/m3 will 
become effective on May 20, 2008. Mine operators must continue to use 
engineering and administrative controls, supplemented by respiratory 
protection when needed, to reduce miners' exposures to the prescribed 
limits. As with the interim DPM limit, MSHA will enforce the final 
limits as permissible exposure limits (PEL).
The final rule also establishes new requirements for medical evaluation 
of miners required to wear respiratory protection, and transfer of 
miners who are medically unable to wear a respirator. It deletes the 
existing provision that restricts newer mines from applying for an 
extension of time in which to meet the final limit.
MSHA is committed to initiating a separate rulemaking to determine the 
correct TC to EC conversion factor for the phased-in final limits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/27/02                     67 FR 9180
ANPRM                           09/25/02                    67 FR 60199
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/25/02
NPRM                            08/14/03                    68 FR 48668
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/03
Limited Reopening of the Comment 
Period                          02/20/04                     69 FR 7881
Limited Reopening of the Comment 
Period End                      04/05/04                     69 FR 7881
Final Action                    06/06/05                    70 FR 32868
Final Action Effective          07/06/05
Second NPRM                     09/07/05                    70 FR 53280
Notice of Public Hearing        09/07/05                    70 FR 53280
Close of Comment Period         09/07/05                    70 FR 53280
Request for Data                09/07/05                    70 FR 53280
Comment Period Extended         09/19/05                    70 FR 55018
Change of Public Hearings Dates 09/19/05                    70 FR 55018
Extension Of Comment Period     01/26/06                     71 FR 4331
NPRM Comment Period End         02/17/06
Final Action                    05/18/06                    71 FR 28924
Final Action Effective          05/18/06
Final rule; corrections         06/27/06                    71 FR 36483

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 73563]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________




2118. EVALUATION OF INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION'S 
STANDARDS FOR EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 957

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 6 to 7; 30 CFR 18

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: MSHA reviewed the requirements of the International 
Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) standards for Electrical Apparatus 
for Explosive Gas Atmospheres to determine if they are equivalent to 
MSHA's applicable product approval requirements or can be modified to 
provide at least the same degree of protection as MSHA's requirements. 
This final rule promulgates MSHA's equivalency determination for two of 
the IEC's Standards for Electrical Apparatus. These two standards, with 
modifications, provide the same degree of protection as MSHA's 
applicable approval requirements for explosion-proof enclosures in 30 
CFR parts 7 and 18.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/17/06                    71 FR 28581
Final Action Effective          05/17/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________




2119. UNDERGROUND MINE RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 952(b)

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Mine Safety and Health Administration requested data, 
comments, and other information on issues relevant to underground mine 
rescue equipment and technology. Over the last several years, 
improvements have been made to communication devices, sensors, and 
other forms of technology in general industry. As such, continuous 
development and deployment of mine rescue equipment and technology are 
crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of mine rescue operations and 
improving miners' survivability in the event of a mine emergency. 
Responses to this request for information assisting the Agency in 
determining an appropriate course of action to improve mine rescue 
capabilities.
The contents of this rule are merged into the new MINER Act 
requirements. Many of the issues in the Request for Information will be 
addressed either in rulemakings required by the MINER Act or in actions 
in response to studies and reports required by the MINER Act. This 
regulatory agenda item is therefore no longer necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

RFI                             01/25/06                     71 FR 4224
RFI Comment Period End          03/27/06
Public Meeting on 3/13/06       02/23/06                     71 FR 9299
Merged Into MINER Act           07/24/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




2120. PROXIMITY DETECTION SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Mine Safety and Health Administration listed as a 
Regulatory Agenda item a request for information relative to the use of 
a proximity detection system to address crushing and pinning hazards 
associated with the operation of remote control continuous mining 
machines. Currently, there are no existing 30 CFR regulations that 
mandate the use of a proximity detection system on these machines. The 
Agency is withdrawing this Regulatory Agenda item at this time to work 
on issues raised by the MINER Act but will continue to work on and seek 
information on issues related to proximity detection systems.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       07/24/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-
3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1219-AB49

[[Page 73564]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management 
(OASAM)



_______________________________________________________________________




2121. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 
REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 2938 Workforce Investment Act

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 37

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 7, 1999.

Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was signed into 
law by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. Section 188 of the Act 
prohibits discrimination by recipients of financial assistance under 
title I on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, 
disability, religion, political affiliation or belief, and for 
beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in a WIA title I-
financial assisted program or activity. Section 188(e) requires that 
the Secretary of Labor issue regulations necessary to implement section 
188 not later than one year after the date of the enactment of WIA. 
Such regulations are to include standards for determining compliance 
and procedures for enforcement that are consistent with the acts 
referenced in section 188(a)(1), as well as procedures to ensure that 
complaints filed under section 188 and such acts are processed in a 
manner that avoids duplication of effort. The reauthorization of WIA is 
currently under consideration by the Congress. It may include 
amendments to the nondiscrimination provisions contained in section 188 
that would directly impact these regulations. This final rule will be 
issued after congressional action on the reauthorization of WIA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/12/99                    64 FR 61692
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period                          12/13/99
NPRM                            09/30/03                    68 FR 56386
NPRM Comment Period End         12/01/03
Withdrawn                       07/21/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Annabelle T. Lockhart, Director, Civil Rights Center, 
Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration and Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-6500
TDD Phone: 202 693-6515
Fax: 202 693-6505
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA29
_______________________________________________________________________




2122. GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105-277

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation amends 29 CFR 95.36, to ensure that all data 
produced under an award will be available to the public through the 
procedures established in the Freedom of Information Act. Public Law 
105-277, mandated this change. The regulation was published as 
``interim final'' on May 16, 2000, and is in effect. This is a 
regulation developed and published as a common rule (Governmentwide). 
Since its publication, the lead agency (HHS) has not approached other 
Federal agencies to finalize the regulation. In light of the 
uncertainty of when steps will be taken to finalize the rule, the 
Department is removing this item from the Agenda until such time as the 
lead agency signals its intention to proceed with the common rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/16/00                    65 FR 14405
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/17/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/15/00
Withdrawn                       07/11/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel P. Murphy, Management Services, Department of 
Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and 
Management, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-1513(B) FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-7283
Fax: 202 693-7290
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1291-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                                 Prerule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2123. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 82 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




2124. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency 
temporary standard by the Paper Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy 
Workers Union, Public Citizen Health Research Group and others. The 
Agency denied the petitions but stated its intent to begin data 
gathering to collect needed information on beryllium's toxicity, risks, 
and patterns of usage.
On November 26, 2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) 
(67 FR 70707) to solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure 
to beryllium including: current exposures to beryllium; the 
relationship between exposure to beryllium and the development of 
adverse health effects; exposure assessment and monitoring methods; 
exposure control methods; and medical surveillance. In addition, the 
Agency conducted field surveys of selected

[[Page 73565]]

work sites to assess current exposures and control methods being used 
to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA is using this 
information to develop a proposed rule addressing occupational exposure 
to beryllium.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/26/02                    67 FR 70707
Complete SBREFA Report          03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________




2125. EXCAVATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's Excavations 
Standard (29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652) in accordance with the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of 
Executive Order 12866. The review is considering the continued need for 
the rule, the impacts of the rule, public comments on the rule, the 
complexity of the rule, and whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or 
conflicts with other regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/01/01
Request for Comments            08/21/02                    67 FR 54103
Comment Period End              11/19/02
End Review                      12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




2126. IONIZING RADIATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.1096 that addresses 
exposure to ionizing radiation. The OSHA regulations were published in 
1974, with only minor revisions since that time. The Department of 
Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission both have more extensive 
radiation standards that reflect new technological and safety advances. 
In addition, radiation is now used for a broader variety of purposes, 
including health care, food safety, mail processing, and baggage 
screening. OSHA is in the process of reviewing information about the 
issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding 
this standard when the review is completed. A request for information 
was published on May 3, 2005. Subsequently, the National Academy of 
Science released the latest version of a significant report on the 
biological effects of ionizing radiation. OSHA extended the comment 
period on the request for information to ensure commenters had the 
opportunity to consider this new report. The next step for the ionizing 
radiation project is to hold discussions with key stakeholders. OSHA 
plans to hold a series of meetings targeted to specific stakeholder 
groups including state organizations with responsibility for worker 
exposure to ionizing radiation, professional associations and specific 
industry groups such as dental, medical and veterinary professionals. 
OSHA believes that these targeted meetings will be detailed technical 
discussions that will inform the Agency on current practices, the use 
radiation devices and approaches to protecting employees from exposure 
to ionizing radiation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information (RFI)   05/03/05                    70 FR 22828
Request for Information Comment 
Period End                      08/01/05                    70 FR 22828
Request for Information Comment 
Period Extended                 11/28/05                    70 FR 44074
Stakeholder Meetings            04/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________




2127. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Emergency responder health and safety is currently regulated 
primarily under the following standards: the fire brigade standard (29 
CFR 1910.156); hazardous waste operations and emergency response (29 
CFR 1910.120); the respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134); 
the permit-required confined space standard (29 CFR 1910.146); and the 
bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Some of these 
standards were promulgated decades ago and none were designed as 
comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not 
address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing 
emergency responders. Many do not reflect major changes in performance 
specifications for

[[Page 73566]]

protective clothing and equipment. Current OSHA standards also do not 
reflect all the major developments in safety and health practices that 
have already been accepted by the emergency response community and 
incorporated into National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and 
American National Standards Institute consensus standards. OSHA will be 
collecting information to evaluate what action the agency should take.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         05/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________




2128. LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.62

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Lead in Construction 
Standard (29 CFR 1926.62) in accordance with the requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The 
review will consider the continued need for the rule, impacts of the 
rule comments on the rule received from the public, the complexity of 
the rule, whether the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other 
Federal, State or local regulations, and the degree to which 
technology, economic conditions or other factors may have changed since 
the rule was last evaluated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    06/06/05                    70 FR 32739
End Review Comment Period 
Extended 11/00/2005             09/06/05                    70 FR 32739
End Review                      03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________




2129. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is continuing its efforts to remove or revise 
duplicative, unnecessary, and inconsistent safety and health standards. 
This effort builds upon the success of the Standards Improvement 
Project (SIPS) Phase I published on June 18, 1998 (63 FR 33450) and 
Phase II published on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 1111). The Agency believes 
that such changes can reduce compliance costs and reduce the paperwork 
burden associated with a number of its standards. The Agency will only 
consider such changes if they do not diminish employee protections. To 
initiate the project, OSHA will be publishing an advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit input from the public on rules 
that may be addressed in Phase III of SIPS. The Agency plans to include 
both safety and health topics in Phase III.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC19
_______________________________________________________________________




2130. HAZARD COMMUNICATION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 83 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________




2131. NOTICE ON SUPPLIER'S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (SDOC)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA requests information and comments on a specific proposal 
submitted to OSHA to permit the use of a Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity (SDoC) as part of, or as an alternative to, the Nationally 
Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) product approval process. NTRLs 
are third-party (i.e., independent) organizations, and many of OSHA's 
workplace standards require that certain types of equipment be approved 
(i.e., tested and certified) by an NRTL. Under SDoC, manufacturers 
self-approve their products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Request for Information         11/15/05                    70 FR 69355
RFI Comment Period End          02/13/06
Review Comments                 12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ruth McCully, Director, Directorate of Science, 
Technology, and Medicine, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room

[[Page 73567]]

N3653, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2300
Fax: 202 693-1644
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________




2132. REVISION AND UPDATE OF STANDARDS FOR POWER PRESSES

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR Part 1910.217

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) 
mechanical power press standard (29 CFR 1910.217), protects employees 
from injuries that result from working with or around mechanical power 
presses through the use of machine guards (prevents hands in danger 
zone) and through limitations on initiation of a press cycle (either 
two-hand or foot operated). A presence-sensing device (PSD), typically 
a light curtain, initiates a press cycle only when the system indicates 
that no objects, such as a hand, are within the hazard zone. OSHA 
adopted the use of presence-sensing device initiation (PSDI) on 
mechanical power presses believing that the provision would 
substantially protect workers and improve productivity. However, OSHA 
requires PSDI systems to be validated by an OSHA-certified third party, 
and no organization has agreed to validate PSDI installations. OSHA 
performed a look back review of PSDI and determined that the current 
ANSI standard permits PSDI without independent validation but includes 
other provisions to maintain PSDI safety.
Based on its completion of the lookback review of PSDI (69 FR 31927), 
OSHA is planning to revise and update the standard on power presses, 
which currently covers only mechanical power presses. OSHA will base 
the revision of the 2001 or later edition of the American National 
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard on Mechanical Power Presses, ANSI 
B11.1. Further, OSHA is considering expanding the standard to cover 
other presses such as hydraulic and pneumatic power presses and to 
include the latest guarding techniques. This revision will provide the 
first major update of the Mechanical Power Presses Standard since it 
was originally published in 1971.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________




2133. [bull] METHYLENE CHLORIDE (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1052

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Methylene Chloride 
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) in accordance with the requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The 
review will consider the continued need for the rule, whether the rule 
overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other Federal, State, or local 
regulations, and the degree to which technology, economic conditions or 
other factors may have changed since the rule was evaluated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    12/00/06
End Review                      06/00/08

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC23
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                           Proposed Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2134. CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION (PART 1926): PREVENTING 
SUFFOCATION/ EXPLOSIONS IN CONFINED SPACES

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In January 1993, OSHA issued a general industry rule to 
protect employees who enter confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). This 
standard does not apply to the construction industry because of 
differences in the nature of the worksite in the construction industry. 
In discussions with the United Steel Workers of America on a settlement 
agreement for the general industry standard, OSHA agreed to issue a 
proposed rule to extend confined-space protection to construction 
workers appropriate to their work environment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Panel Report             11/24/03
NPRM                            02/00/07

[[Page 73568]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Noah Connell, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, 
DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2020
Fax: 202 693-1689

RIN: 1218-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




2135. GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915 subpart F

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: During the 1980s, OSHA initiated a project to update and 
consolidate the various OSHA shipyard standards that were applied in 
the shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipbreaking industries. Publication 
of a proposal addressing general working conditions in shipyards is 
part of this project. The operations addressed in this rulemaking 
relate to general working conditions such as housekeeping, 
illumination, sanitation, first aid, and lockout/tagout. About 100,000 
workers are potentially exposed to these hazards annually.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________




2136. WALKING WORKING SURFACES AND PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS 
(1910) (SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALL PREVENTION)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subparts D and I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1990, OSHA proposed a rule (55 FR 13360) addressing slip, 
trip, and fall hazards and establishing requirements for personal fall 
protection systems. Since that time, new technologies and procedures 
have become available to protect employees from these hazards. The 
Agency has been working to update these rules to reflect current 
technology. OSHA published a notice to re-open the rulemaking for 
comment on a number of issues raised in the record for the NPRM. As a 
result of the comments received on that notice, OSHA has determined 
that the rule proposed in 1990 is out-of-date and does not reflect 
current industry practice or technology. The Agency will develop a new 
proposal, modified to reflect current information, as well as re-assess 
the impact.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/10/90                    55 FR 13360
NPRM Comment Period End         08/22/90
Hearing                         09/11/90                    55 FR 29224
Reopen Record                   05/02/03                    68 FR 23527
Comment Period End              07/31/03
NPRM                            10/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________




2137. CRANES AND DERRICKS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 84 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 1218-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________




2138. UPDATING OSHA STANDARDS BASED ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS STANDARDS

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910; 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1917 to 1918; 29 CFR 
1926

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under section 6(a) of the OSH Act, during the first 2 years 
of the Act, the Agency was directed to adopt national consensus 
standards as OSHA standards. Some of these standards were adopted as 
regulatory text, while others were incorporated by reference. In the 
more than 30 years since these standards were adopted by OSHA, the 
organizations responsible for these consensus standards have issued 
updated versions of these standards. However, in most cases, OSHA has 
not revised its regulations to reflect later editions of the consensus 
standards. OSHA standards also continue to incorporate by reference 
various consensus standards that are now outdated and, in some cases, 
out of print.
The Agency is undertaking a multi-year project to update these 
standards. A notice describing the project was published in the Federal 
Register on November 24, 2004 (69 FR 68283). The first final rule was 
published on September 13, 2005. Several additional sets of standards 
are in preparation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/24/04                    69 FR 68706
Direct Final Rule               11/24/04                    69 FR 68712
NPRM Comment Period End         12/27/04                    69 FR 68706
Withdraw Direct Final Rule      02/18/05                     70 FR 8290
Direct Final Rule Effective Date02/22/05
Final Rule                      09/13/05                    70 FR 53925
Final Rule Effective            11/14/05
NPRM                            12/00/06
Direct Final Rule               12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 73569]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC08
_______________________________________________________________________




2139. EXPLOSIVES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is amending 29 CFR 1910.109 that addresses explosives 
and blasting agents. These OSHA regulations were published in 1974, and 
many of the provisions do not reflect technological and safety advances 
made by the industry since that time. Additionally, the standard 
contains outdated references and classifications. Two trade 
associations representing many of the employers subject to this rule 
have petitioned the Agency to consider revising it, and have 
recommended changes they believe address the concerns they are raising. 
Initially, OSHA planned to revise the pyrotechnics requirements in this 
NPRM. However, based on our work to date, it appears appropriate to 
reserve action on these requirements for a second phase of rulemaking. 
The agency therefore plans to propose revisions to 29 CFR 1910.109 
without any changes to the existing pyrotechnics requirements, and at a 
future date will develop a proposed rule for pyrotechnics revision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________




2140. NFPA STANDARDS IN SHIPYARD FIRE PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915.4; 29 CFR 1915.505; 29 CFR 1915.507

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In this rulemaking, OSHA is updating National Fire Protection 
Association (NFPA) standards incorporated by reference in the OSHA 29 
CFR part 1915 subpart P fire protection standards. OSHA published a 
final rule for subpart P in 2004 that included nine NFPA standards that 
have been updated since the rule was proposed. OSHA plans to issue a 
direct final rulemaking, along with a notice of proposed rulemaking, to 
update the NFPA standards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               10/17/06                    71 FR 60843
Direct Final Rule Effective     01/16/07
NPRM                            10/17/06                    71 FR 60932
NPRM Comment Period End         11/16/06
Review Comments                 12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Direct final rule will become effective 01/16/
2007 unless significant adverse comment is received by ll/16/2006. If 
significant adverse comment is received, OSHA will publish a timely 
withdrawal of this rule.

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________




2141. [bull] NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING LABORATORIES FEE SCHEDULE - 
REVISED APPROACH

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 31 USC 9701; 29 USC 653; 29 USC 655; 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is 
proposing to adjust the fees that the Agency charges for the services 
it provides to Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). A 
number of OSHA standards require that certain products and equipment 
used in the workplace be tested and certified by an
organization that has been recognized by OSHA. OSHA requires NRTL 
applicants to provide detailed and comprehensive information about 
their programs, processes, and procedures in writing when they apply. 
OSHA reviews the written information and conducts an on-site assessment 
to determine whether the organization meets the requirements of 29 CFR 
1910.7. OSHA uses a similar process when an NRTL applies for expansion 
or renewal of its recognition. In addition, the Agency conducts annual 
audits to ensure that the recognized laboratories maintain their 
programs and continue to meet the recognition requirements.
In 2000, OSHA began charging NRTLs for the services it provides them. 
The services are processing of NRTL applications and audits of NRTL 
operations, and they define the fundamental functions of the NRTL 
Program. OSHA has determined that its current NRTL fee schedule does 
not recoup the full costs of the services performed because it does not 
recover certain indirect costs of those services. These indirect costs 
stem from attendant activities and accrue to the benefit of those 
services. OSHA's proposed fee schedule would account for these indirect 
costs. In determining the revised fee structure, OSHA will follow the 
guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget in 
Circular Number A-25.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/07

[[Page 73570]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ruth McCully, Director, Directorate of Science, 
Technology, and Medicine, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3653, FP 
Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2300
Fax: 202 693-1644
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2142. LONGSHORING AND MARINE TERMINALS (PARTS 1917 AND 1918)--REOPENING 
OF THE RECORD (VERTICAL TANDEM LIFTS (VTLS))

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

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1918.11; 29 CFR 1918.85

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA issued a final rule on Longshoring on July 25, 1997 (62 
FR 40142). However, in that rule, the Agency reserved provisions 
related to vertical tandem lifts. Vertical tandem lifts (VTLs) involve 
the lifting of two or more empty intermodal containers, secured 
together with twist locks, at the same time. OSHA has continued to work 
with national and international organizations to gather additional 
information on the safety of VTLs. The Agency has published an NPRM to 
address safety issues related to VTLs. The extended comment period 
concluded February 13, 2004, and an informal public hearing was held on 
July 29-30, 2004. The rulemaking record was open through November 30, 
2004. Subsequently, new information was submitted to the docket. The 
Administrative Law Judge gave hearing participants 45 days to review 
this information and comment on it. Comments were due June 27, 2005. 
The Agency is analyzing the information and comments received to 
prepare the final action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/06/94                    59 FR 28594
NPRM Comment Period End         09/23/94
Final Rule on Longshoring/Marine07/25/97                    62 FR 40142
Public Meeting on VTLs - 1/27/
1998                            10/09/97                    62 FR 52671
Second NPRM                     09/16/03                    68 FR 54298
NPRM Comment Period End 2/13/04 12/10/03                    68 FR 68804
Public Hearing                  07/29/04                    69 FR 19361
Final Action                    06/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AA56
_______________________________________________________________________




2143. ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRICAL 
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.136; 29 CFR 1910.137; 29 CFR 1910.269; 29 CFR 
1926 subpart V; 29 CFR 1926.97

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Electrical hazards are a major cause of occupational death in 
the United States. The annual fatality rate for power line workers is 
about 50 deaths per 100,000 employees. The construction industry 
standard addressing the safety of these workers during the construction 
of electric power transmission and distribution lines is over 30 years 
old. OSHA has developed a revision of this standard that will prevent 
many of these fatalities, add flexibility to the standard, and update 
and streamline the standard. OSHA also intends to amend the 
corresponding standard for general industry so that requirements for 
work performed during the maintenance of electric power transmission 
and distribution installations are the same as those for similar work 
in construction. In addition, OSHA will be revising a few miscellaneous 
general industry requirements primarily affecting electric transmission 
and distribution work, including provisions on electrical protective 
equipment and foot protection. This rulemaking also addresses fall 
protection in aerial lifts for power generation, transmission and 
distribution work. OSHA published an NPRM on June 15, 2005. A public 
hearing was held March 6-14, 2006.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

SBREFA Report                   06/30/03
NPRM                            06/15/05                    70 FR 34821
NPRM Comment Period End         10/13/05
Comment Period Extended to 01/
11/2006                         10/12/05                    70 FR 59290
Public Hearing to be held 03/06/
2006                            10/12/05                    70 FR 59290
Post-Hearing Comment Period End 07/14/06
Final Action                    07/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB67

[[Page 73571]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2144. EMPLOYER PAYMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657; 33 USC 941; 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.132; 29 CFR 1915.152; 29 CFR 1917.96; 29 CFR 
1918.106; 29 CFR 1926.95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Generally, OSHA standards require that protective equipment 
(including personal protective equipment (PPE)) be provided and used 
when necessary to protect employees from hazards that can cause them 
injury, illness, or physical harm. In this discussion, OSHA uses the 
abbreviation PPE to cover both personal protective equipment and other 
protective equipment. In 1999, OSHA proposed to require employers to 
pay for PPE, with a few exceptions. The Agency continues to consider 
how to address this issue, and re-opened the record on July 8, 2004 to 
get input on issues related to PPE considered to be a ``tool of the 
trade''. The comment period ended August 23, 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/30/99                    64 FR 15401
NPRM Comment Period End         06/14/99
Informal Public Hearing End     08/13/99
Limited Reopening of Record     07/08/04                    69 FR 41221
Comment Period End              08/23/04
Final Action                    05/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________




2145. REVISION AND UPDATE OF SUBPART S--ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subpart S

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
proposed to revise and update its 29 CFR 1910 subpart S-Electrical 
Standards. OSHA relied heavily on the National Fire Protection 
Association's (NFPA's) 70 E standard for Electrical Safety Requirements 
for Employee Workplaces. This revision will provide the first update of 
the General Industry-Electrical Standard since it was originally 
published in 1981. OSHA intends to complete this project in several 
stages. An NPRM was published on April 5, 2004. The first stage covers 
design safety standards for electrical systems, while the second stage 
will cover safety-related maintenance and work practice requirements 
and safety requirements for special equipment. It will thus allow the 
latest technological developments to be considered. Several of these 
state-of-the-art safety developments will be addressed by OSHA for the 
first time. OSHA has evaluated public comment received in response to 
the NPRM, and a final action is being prepared.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/05/04                    69 FR 17773
NPRM Comment Period End         06/04/04
Final Action                    01/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________




2146. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION STATUTES

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 300j-9(i); 33 USC 1367; 15 USC 2622; 42 USC 
6971; 42 USC 7622; 42 USC 9610; 42 USC 5851; . . .

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 24

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 629, the employee protection provision of the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005 amended the Energy Reorganization Act of 1978, 42 
U.S.C. section 5851. The amendments add Department of Energy and 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission employees to the employees covered under 
the Act, as are contractors and subcontractors of the Commission. In 
addition, Congress added a ``kick-out'' provision allowing the 
complainant to remove the complaint to District Court if the Secretary 
of Labor has not issued a final decision within a year of the filing of 
the complaint. These are significant changes to the ERA, necessitating 
immediate revision of the regulations, 29 CFR part 24, Procedures for 
the Handling of Discrimination Complaints under Federal Employee 
Protection Statutes, which governs whistleblower investigations under 
the Energy Reorganization Act of 1978 as well as under the six EPA 
statutes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/00/07
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nilgun Tolek, Director, Office of Investigative 
Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, N3610, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FPB, Washington, DC 
20210
Phone: 202 693-2531
Fax: 202 693-2369

RIN: 1218-AC25

[[Page 73572]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Long-Term Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2147. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA issued a section 6(b)(5) health standard mandating a 
comprehensive hearing conservation program for noise-exposed workers in 
general industry in 1983. However, no rule was promulgated to cover 
workers in the construction industry. A number of recent studies have 
shown that many construction workers experience work-related hearing 
loss. In addition, the use of engineering, administrative and personal 
protective equipment to reduce exposures to noise is not extensive in 
this industry. OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
to gather information on the extent of noise-induced hearing loss among 
workers in different trades in this industry, current practices to 
reduce this loss, and additional approaches and protections that could 
be used to prevent such loss in the future. Work continues on 
collecting and analyzing information to determine technological and 
economic feasibility of possible approaches.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/05/02                    67 FR 50610
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/04/02
Stakeholder Meetings            03/24/04
Additional Stakeholder Meeting  07/21/04
Next Action Undetermined         To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                             Completed Actions


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



_______________________________________________________________________




2148. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON 
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.134

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In January 1998, OSHA published the final Respiratory 
Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), except for reserved provisions 
on assigned protection factors (APFs) and maximum use concentrations 
(MUCs). APFs are numbers that describe the effectiveness of the various 
classes of respirators in reducing employee exposure to airborne 
contaminants (including particulates, gases, vapors, biological agents, 
etc.). Employers, employees, and safety and health professionals use 
APFs to determine the type of respirator to protect the health of 
employees in various hazardous environments. Maximum use concentrations 
establish the maximum airborne concentration of a contaminant in which 
a respirator with a given APF may be used.
Currently, OSHA relies on the APFs developed by NIOSH in the 1980s 
unless OSHA has assigned a different APF in a substance-specific health 
standard. However, many employers follow the more recent APFs published 
in an industry consensus standard, ANSI Z88.2-1992. For some classes of 
respirators, the NIOSH and ANSI APFs vary greatly.
This rulemaking action will complete the 1998 standard, reduce 
compliance confusion among employers, and provide employees with 
consistent and appropriate respiratory protection. On June 6, 2003, 
OSHA published an NPRM on Assigned Protection Factors in the Federal 
Register at 68 FR 34036 containing a proposed APF table, and requesting 
public comment. The extended comment period ended October 2, 2003, and 
an informal public hearing was held January 28-30, 2004.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/14/82                    47 FR 20803
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/13/82
NPRM                            11/15/94                    59 FR 58884
Final Rule                      01/08/98                     63 FR 1152
Final Rule Effective            04/08/98
NPRM                            06/06/03                    68 FR 34036
NPRM Comment Period End         09/04/03
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/02/03                    68 FR 53311
Public Hearing on 01/28/2004    11/12/03                    68 FR 64036
Final Rule: Revocation of 
Respiratory Protection M. TB    12/31/03                    68 FR 75767
Public Hearing                  01/28/04
Post-Hearing Comment and Brief 
Period Extended                 03/30/04                    69 FR 16510
Post-Hearing Comment Period End 04/29/04
Post-Hearing Briefs End         05/29/04
Final Action                    08/24/06                    71 FR 50122
Final Action Effective          11/22/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AA05

[[Page 73573]]

_______________________________________________________________________




2149. NEW YORK STATE PLAN--CERTIFICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 667

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA has certified under section 18(c) of the OSH Act that 
the New York State occupational safety and health plan for public 
employees only, which is administered by the New York Department of 
Labor, Public Employee Safety and Health Program (PESH), has completed 
and submitted all the documentation (statutes, regulations, procedures, 
et al.) necessary for a structurally complete State Plan and that the 
components of its plan have been determined to be ``at least as 
effective'' as the Federal program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/16/06                    71 FR 47081
Final Action Effective          08/16/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Paula O. White, Director, Cooperative and State 
Programs, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, 
DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2200
Fax: 202 693-1671
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1218-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Labor (DOL)                              Final Rule Stage


Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training 
(ASVET)



_______________________________________________________________________




2150. JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2002: CONTRACT THRESHOLD AND ELIGIBILITY 
GROUPS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 4212(d) as amended by PL 107-288

CFR Citation: 41 CFR 61-300

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is 
proposing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to implement 
changes required by the Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA) of 2002. This Act 
amended the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as 
amended (VEVRAA), by revising the reporting threshold from $25,000 to 
$100,000. JVA also eliminated the collection categories of special 
disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era and added the new 
collection categories of disabled veterans and armed forces 
expeditionary medal veterans. JVA continues the collection for the 
recently separated veterans category, but changed the definition for 
that category to include any veteran who served on active duty in the 
U.S. military ground, naval, or air service during the 3-year period 
beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from 
active duty. Additionally, Federal contractors and subcontractors will 
be required to report the total number of all current employees in 9 
job categories for each hiring location. This proposal will assist VETS 
in meeting the statutory requirement of annually collecting the VETS-
100 Report.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/08/06                    71 FR 44945
NPRM Comment Period End         10/10/06
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Wilson, Chief, Investigations and Compliance 
Division, Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Veterans' Employment and Training, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-
1312, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-4719
Fax: 202 693-4755
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 1293-AA12
[FR Doc. 06-7777 Filed 12-08-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-23-S