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


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Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 21730]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)






_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

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

9 CFR Chs. I-IV

36 CFR Ch. II

41 CFR Ch. 4

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2010

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''

    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory 
reviews pending at the time of publication, except for minor and 
routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently 
missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item 
from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each 
action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the 
date shown.

    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:

    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities; and

    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3275.

Dated: March 9, 2010.

 Michael Poe,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1           National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock).......................    0581-AC69
2           National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14).............    0581-AC77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3           National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Dairy Import Assessments...............    0581-AC87
4           National Organic Program: Amendments to the National List (Crops, Livestock, and          0581-AC91
            Processing) TM-08-06..................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5           National Organic Program: Access to Pasture, TM-05-14.................................    0581-AC57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6           Emergency Forest Restoration Program..................................................    0560-AH89
7           Biomass Crop Assistance Program.......................................................    0560-AH92
8           Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities.............................................    0560-AI03
9           Conservation Loan Guarantee Program...................................................    0560-AI04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21731]]


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10          Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs....................................................    0560-AI05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs            0579-AB24
            (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
12          Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds...................................    0579-AC02
13          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products..........    0579-AC68
14          Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain      0579-AC74
            Live Fish.............................................................................
15          Importation of Lemons From Northwest Argentina........................................    0579-AC79
16          Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................    0579-AC92
17          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions..................................    0579-AC98
18          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their    0579-AD10
            Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19          Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting    0579-AC03
            Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a
            Section 610 Review)...................................................................
20          Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................    0579-AC05
21          Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida.....................................    0579-AC07
22          Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly             0579-AC36
            Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
23          Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement              0579-AC85
            Regulations...........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
25          Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
26          Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations...............................................    0579-AB91
27          Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals.................................    0579-AC14
28          Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering    0579-AC31
29          Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warm-         0579-AC41
            Blooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.............................................
30          Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................    0579-AC69
31          Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine.....................................................    0579-AC71
32          Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................    0579-AC86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity..........................................    0579-AB34
34          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Completion of a Section 610 Review)......    0579-AB44
35          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities;    0579-AB97
            Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................

[[Page 21732]]

 
36          National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Completion of a Section 610 Review)........    0579-AC04
37          Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................    0579-AC06
38          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers.........................    0579-AC50
39          Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona..............    0579-AC63
40          Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach.............................    0579-AC82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41          Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42          Mandatory Inspection of Catfish and Catfish Products..................................    0583-AD36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43          Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products;          0583-AC46
            Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products...........
44          Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program......................    0583-AD37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45          Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado..........    0596-AC74
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46          Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................    0503-AA36
47          Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 8........................    0503-AA39
48          Revised Program Guidelines............................................................    0503-AA40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49          Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products...........................    0503-AA35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 3410-90-S

[[Page 21733]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established 
national standards for the production and handling of organically 
produced products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the 
public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy 
replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory 
language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has 
established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic 
dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the 
development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They 
seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy 
operation has converted to organic production all future animals be 
organic from the last third of gestation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/10
Final Action                    03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division, 
NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________




2. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011) (CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM-
07-14)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending 
regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 
Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of 
1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances 
in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2011. 
The AMS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the 
public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is 
essential in the review process to determine whether these substances 
should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and 
handling of organic agricultural products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/14/08                    73 FR 13795
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/13/08
NPRM                            10/00/10
Final Action                    08/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division, 
NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




3. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM; DAIRY IMPORT 
ASSESSMENTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 to 4514; 7 USC 7401

Abstract: The Dairy Act authorizes the Order for dairy product 
promotion, research, and nutrition education as part of a comprehensive 
strategy to increase human consumption of milk and dairy products and 
to reduce milk surpluses. The program functions to strengthen the dairy 
industry's position in the marketplace by maintaining and expanding 
domestic and foreign consumption of fluid milk and dairy products. 
Amendments to the Order are pursuant to the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. 
The 2002 Farm Bill mandates that the Order be amended to implement an 
assessment on imported dairy products to fund promotion and research. 
The 2008 Farm Bill specifies a mandatory assessment rate of 7.5-cent 
per hundredweight of milk, or equivalent thereof, on dairy products 
imported into the United States. Additionally, in accordance with the 
2008 Farm Bill, the term ``United States'' is the Dairy Act is amended 
to mean all States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico. Producers in these areas will be assessed 15 cents per 
hundredweight for all milk produced and marketed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/19/09                    74 FR 23359
NPRM Comment Period End         06/18/09
Final Action                    10/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Promotion and Research Branch Chief, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________




4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL LIST (CROPS, 
LIVESTOCK, AND PROCESSING) TM-08-06

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6517 and 6518

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the National 
List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances contained in the National 
Organic Program regulations. This rule would add six new substances and 
remove one from the list.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/03/09                    74 FR 26591
NPRM Comment Period End         08/03/09
Final Action                    06/00/10

[[Page 21734]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division, 
NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________




5. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE, TM-05-14

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq

Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established 
national standards for the production and handling of organically 
produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some 
members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory 
standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy 
animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory 
language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement 
based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not 
provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals 
that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for 
livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments 
received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining 
the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action: Comments Requested02/17/10                     75 FR 7154
Comments Due                    04/19/10                     75 FR 7154

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC57
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




6. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part 
701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which 
was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share 
funding to owners of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the 
land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land 
must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The 
2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be 
appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to 
remain available until expended.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0560-AH89
_______________________________________________________________________




7. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop 
Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will 
collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry and 
agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and 
selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a 
commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if 
the facility is not operational at the time of proposal); anticipated 
economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation 
rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the 
impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in 
biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has 
capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing 
funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP 
project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area 
selection, FSA, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a 
term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops, and up to 15 
years for woody biomass.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          10/01/08                    73 FR 57047
Notice-EIS                      05/13/09
Notice Comment Period End       06/12/09
Notice-NOFA                     06/11/09                    74 FR 27767
Notice Comment Period End       08/10/09
Notice-EIS                      08/10/09                    74 FR 39915
Notice Comment Period End       09/24/09
NPRM                            02/08/10                     75 FR 6264
NPRM Comment Period End         04/09/10
Final Rule                      09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm

[[Page 21735]]

Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH92
_______________________________________________________________________




8. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill 
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there 
is discretion involved in the implementation. The sections being 
implemented are: 5001, Direct Loans; 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher 
and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales 
Program Down Payment Loan Program; 5101, Farming Experience as an 
Eligibility Requirement; 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and 
Ranchers for Emergency Loans; 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program; and 5501, Loans to 
Purchase Highly Fractionated Land.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts five-
year pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The 
program entails FSA making grants to qualified nonprofit organizations 
who then deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must 
match 50 percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified, 
low-income beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would 
establish saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by 
the grantees. The program funds must match the participants' deposits 
at a minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants 
must use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland, 
livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program 
must be operated by and in conjunction with FSA farm loan programs. The 
initial applications for the program must be approved no more than one 
year after the law is enacted. The program is not mandatory; an 
appropriation of up to $5 million annually is authorized to fund the 
program.
Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land 
Acquisition loans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10
Final Rule                      09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0560-AI03
_______________________________________________________________________




9. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill 
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there 
is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The 
section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan 
Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will create a new direct 
and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting farmers in 
implementing conservation practices.
The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance 
qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent 
of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation 
plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given 
to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion 
to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with 
highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the 
program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The 
program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10
Final Rule                      09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0560-AI04
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________




10. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm 
Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing 
regulations. An overall plan will be established to insure that 
borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest 
timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all 
borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill 
emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools 
available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they 
can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7 
percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. FSA believes 
graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant 
on the overall farm economy.
The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under 
Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the 
immediate family. Currently, FSA only has 38 properties in Homestead 
Protection.

[[Page 21736]]

Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a 
claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim 
pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the 
time of the moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim, 
the interest, which would have accrued during the moratorium, will be 
due and offset on the account will be reestablished.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/07/09                    74 FR 39565
NPRM Comment Period End         10/06/09
Final Rule                      09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0560-AI05
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




11. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND 
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane 
handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals 
under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals 
have been in effect since 1979 and amended in 1984. During this time, 
advances have been made and new information has been developed with 
regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking 
addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached 
during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 
1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, 
outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as 
swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to 
ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, 
treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based 
on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/30/02                    67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/29/02
NPRM                            06/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________




12. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling, 
care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for 
use in research.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-0954

RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________




13. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE 
PRODUCTS

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

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of bovines and bovine products. Under this rulemaking, 
countries would be classified as either negligible risk, controlled 
risk, or undetermined risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). 
Some commodities would be allowed importation into the United States 
regardless of the BSE classification of the country of export. Other 
commodities would be subject to importation restrictions or 
prohibitions based on the type of commodity and the BSE classification 
of the country. The criteria for country classification and commodity 
import would be closely aligned with those of the World Organization 
for Animal Health.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Christopher Robinson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Technical Trade Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7837

RIN: 0579-AC68

[[Page 21737]]

_______________________________________________________________________




14. VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT 
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: We are establishing regulations to restrict the interstate 
movement and importation into the United States of live fish that are 
susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly contagious 
disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. Viral hemorrhagic 
septicemia has been detected in freshwater fish in several of the Great 
Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has been responsible for 
several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the Great Lakes region. 
This action is necessary to prevent further introductions into, and 
dissemination within, the United States of viral hemorrhagic 
septicemia. This proposed rule replaces a previously published but not 
effective interim rule that contained substantially different 
restrictions on the interstate movement and importation of VHS-
susceptible live fish.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/09/08                    73 FR 52173
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/10/08
Interim Final Rule: Delay of 
Effective Date                  10/28/08                    73 FR 63867
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/09/09
Interim Final Rule: Delay of 
Effective Date                  01/02/09                        74 FR 1
NPRM                            07/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, 
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6188

Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import 
and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________




15. IMPORTATION OF LEMONS FROM NORTHWEST ARGENTINA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the fruits and vegetables 
regulations to allow the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina 
into the continental United States. Lemons from northwest Argentina 
would be required to be imported in commercial consignments, produced 
and packed under specified conditions, treated with a surface 
disinfectant and inspected for quarantine pests before shipping, and 
accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. This action would allow for 
the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina into the United 
States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction 
of quarantine pests.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Meredith Jones, Regulatory Coordination Specialist, 
Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7467

RIN: 0579-AC79
_______________________________________________________________________




16. SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AND GOATS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by 
changing the risk groups and categories established for individual 
animals and for flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a 
means of assigning risk levels to animals, reducing movement 
restrictions for animals found to be genetically less susceptible or 
resistant to scrapie, and simplifying, reducing, or removing certain 
recordkeeping requirements. This action would provide designated 
scrapie epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when 
testing animals in order to determine flock designations under the 
regulations. It would change the definition of high-risk animal, which 
will change the types of animals eligible for indemnity, and to pay 
higher indemnity for certain pregnant ewes and early maturing ewes. It 
would also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for 
goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes would 
affect sheep and goat producers and State governments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator, 
Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________




17. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF GENERAL PROVISIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2260; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8817; 19 USC 136; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114a; 21 
USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332

Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the 
movement of plant pests. We are proposing to regulate the movement of 
not only plant pests, but also biological control organisms and 
associated articles. We are proposing risk-based criteria regarding the 
movement of biological control organisms, and are proposing to exempt 
certain types of plant pests from permitting requirements for their 
interstate movement and movement for environmental release. We are also 
proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of soil, and 
to establish regulations governing the biocontainment facilities in 
which plant pests, biological control organisms, and associated 
articles are held. This proposed rule replaces a

[[Page 21738]]

previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of 
this document. This proposal would clarify the factors that would be 
considered when assessing the risks associated with the movement of 
certain organisms, facilitate the movement of regulated organisms and 
articles in a manner that also protects U.S. agriculture, and address 
gaps in the current regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement  10/20/09                    74 FR 53673
Notice Comment Period End       11/19/09
NPRM                            04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Chief, Pest Permitting Branch, 
Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8453

RIN: 0579-AC98
_______________________________________________________________________




18.  BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY AND SCRAPIE; 
IMPORTATION OF SMALL RUMINANTS AND THEIR GERMPLASM, PRODUCTS, AND 
BYPRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine spongiform 
encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation 
of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen, 
products, and byproducts. Some countries from which such imports would 
be allowed under this rule are currently those from which the 
importation of live sheep, goats, wild ruminants, their embryos, and 
ruminant products and byproducts are prohibited under existing BSE 
regulations. Some products would be allowed importation without 
restriction due to the inherent lack of BSE risk regarding the product. 
Certain other products and live animals would be allowed importation if 
it can be certified that the live animals or the animals from which the 
products were derived were born after implementation of an effective 
feed ban. The proposed scrapie revisions regarding the importation of 
sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other than immediate 
slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World Organization 
for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such animals to 
those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free flocks.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Staff Veterinarian, Technical Trade 
Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5677

RIN: 0579-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




19. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF 
PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK 
ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations 
governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for 
planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose 
importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. We would allow 
foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted 
for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk 
evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would 
conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if 
determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to 
expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting 
regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would allow 
us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for 
planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based 
on scientific evidence.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/23/09                    74 FR 36403
NPRM Comment Period End         10/21/09
Final Rule                      07/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Risk Manager, Commodity 
Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5306

RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________




20. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action follows a rulemaking that established provisions 
under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the 
availability of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified 
citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. 
The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic 
effects on affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified 
citrus nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.

[[Page 21739]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/06                    71 FR 33168
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/08/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/07/06
Final Action                    04/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________




21. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action follows an interim rule that amended the citrus 
canker regulations to list the entire State of Florida as a quarantined 
area for citrus canker and amended the requirements for the movement of 
regulated articles from Florida now that the eradication of citrus 
canker in Florida is no longer being carried out as an objective. It 
also amended the regulations to allow regulated articles that would not 
otherwise be eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for 
immediate export. These changes were necessary in light of the 
Department's determination that the established eradication program was 
no longer a scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/01/06                    71 FR 43345
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/01/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/02/06
Technical Amendment             01/12/07                     72 FR 1415
Final Action                    09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________




22. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED 
WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the 
importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the 
importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from 
regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry 
of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This 
action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on 
articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic 
Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. 
The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on 
articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/10
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE, 
Animal Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, 
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________




23. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE 
MOVEMENT REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the 
States of Florida and Georgia, Puerto Rico, two parishes in Louisiana, 
and two counties in South Carolina as quarantined areas for citrus 
greening and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Texas, three counties in South Carolina, portions of one 
county in Arizona, and all of three and portions of an additional three 
counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian citrus psyllid, a 
vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It also establishes 
restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from the 
quarantined areas, as well as treatments under which Asian Citrus 
psyllid host material may be moved interstate from a quarantined area. 
These actions follow the discovery of citrus greening and/or Asian 
citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are necessary in order to 
prevent the spread of the disease and its vector to noninfested areas 
of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Availability of an Environmental 
Assessment                      09/09/09                    74 FR 46409
Environmental Assessment Comment 
Period End                      11/09/09
Interim Final Rule              04/00/10
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patrick J. Gomes, National Project Coordinator, Citrus 
Health Response Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200, 
Raleigh, NC 27606-5213
Phone: 919 855-7313

RIN: 0579-AC85

[[Page 21740]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




24. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate 
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States 
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign 
regions. This rule will require that a phytosanitary certificate 
accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables 
imported into the United States by air passengers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01
NPRM; Availability of Risk 
Assessment                      05/24/06                    71 FR 29846
NPRM; Availability of Risk 
Assessment Comment Period End   07/24/06


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa
Phone: 301 734-8295

RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________




25. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations 
to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS 
in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate 
movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in 
California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update 
conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from 
quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all 
other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also 
updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the 
list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other 
miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary 
to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United 
States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional 
rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes 
available.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/27/07                     72 FR 8585
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/30/07
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Prakash Hebbar
Phone: 301 734-5717

RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________




26. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action would establish domestic boll weevil regulations 
that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles 
within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through 
nonregulated areas in commercial cotton-producing States. The 
regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil 
into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of 
areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/06                    71 FR 63707
NPRM Comment Period End         01/02/07
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/20/06                    71 FR 76224
NPRM Comment Period End         02/01/07


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: William Grefenstette
Phone: 301 734-8676

RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________




27. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the 
transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain 
such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for 
other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early 
transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to 
allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical 
treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age 
and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met. 
Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and 
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum 
age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of 
these animals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/09/08                    73 FR 26344
NPRM Comment Period End         07/08/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    07/31/08                    73 FR 44671
NPRM Comment Period Extended    09/02/08


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________




28. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH 
GENETIC ENGINEERING

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the regulations regarding the 
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain 
genetically engineered organisms in order to bring the regulations into 
alignment with provisions of the Plant Protection Act. The revisions 
would also update the regulations in response to advances in genetic 
science and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing 
the current regulations. This is the first comprehensive review and 
revision of the regulations since they were established in 1987. This 
rule would

[[Page 21741]]

affect persons involved in the importation, interstate movement, or 
release into the environment of genetically engineered plants and 
certain other genetically engineered organisms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement  01/23/04                     69 FR 3271
Comment Period End              03/23/04
Notice of Availability of Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement  07/17/07                    72 FR 39021
Comment Period End              09/11/07
NPRM                            10/09/08                    73 FR 60007
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/08
Correction                      11/10/08                    73 FR 66563
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    01/16/09                     74 FR 2907
NPRM Comment Period End         03/17/09
NPRM; Notice of Public Scoping 
Session                         03/11/09                    74 FR 10517
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    04/13/09                    74 FR 16797
NPRM Comment Period End         06/29/09


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: John Turner
Phone: 301 734-5720

RIN: 0579-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________




29. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR 
TRANSPORTATION OF WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine 
mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for 
various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would 
replace those requirements with a single performance standard under 
which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental 
conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations 
currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within 
certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at 
ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor 
provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the 
animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum 
temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live 
animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace 
a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part 
of this document, that would have required that the acclimation 
certificate for a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat 
being transported rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does 
not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care 
and handling. We believe that establishing a single performance 
standard would ensure that warm-blooded animals other than marine 
mammals are transported in climatic and environmental conditions that 
are not detrimental to their welfare while allowing for variations in 
climatic and environmental conditions that are suitable for individual 
animals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/03/08                      73 FR 413
NPRM Comment Period End         03/03/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/18/08                    73 FR 14403
NPRM Comment Period End         04/17/08


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin
Phone: 301 734-0954

RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________




30. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations 
to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel 
by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, intermediate 
handlers, and carriers. These requirements are necessary because we 
believe all licensees and registrants should develop a contingency plan 
for all animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act in an effort to 
better prepare for potential disasters. This action will heighten the 
awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities 
and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency 
or disaster occur.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/08                    73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End         12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/19/08                    73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period End         02/20/09
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________




31. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: We are quarantining 16 counties in California and the entire 
State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting 
the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined 
areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the 
spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Andrea Simao
Phone: 301 734-0930

RIN: 0579-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________




32. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New 
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex 
woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of 
regulated articles from these quarantined areas.

[[Page 21742]]

This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the 
artificial spread of this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United 
States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner
Phone: 301 734-7228

RIN: 0579-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated 
Within the Next 12 Months       02/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________




34. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 
610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of animals into the United States to establish several 
levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with 
regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the 
importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk 
classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle 
and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn: APHIS Will Address 
This Issue as Part of a Broader 
Approach                        02/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Regionalization and Evaluation Services, ISTIT, NCIE, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________




35. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND 
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND 
TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 
4331 and 4332

Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January 
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of 
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that 
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and 
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established 
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant 
products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the 
regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of 
conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin. 
Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting 
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to 
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of 
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision. 
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants 
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to 
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease 
agent entering the United States.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn: Superseded by the BSE 
Comprehensive Rule and Will Be 
Addressed Under RIN 0579-AC68   02/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-8172

RIN: 0579-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________




36. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 
610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828; 21 USC 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the National 
Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation 
categories in place of the former single category, to add requirements 
for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer 
program certifications. We are making these changes in order to support 
the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve 
accredited veterinarians in integrated

[[Page 21743]]

surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our 
National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent. 
These changes will increase the level of training and skill of 
accredited veterinarians in the areas of disease prevention and 
preparedness for animal health emergencies in the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/01/06                    71 FR 31109
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/06
Supplemental NPRM               02/27/07                     72 FR 8634
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period 
End                             04/30/07
Final Rule                      12/09/09                    74 FR 64998
Final Rule Effective            02/01/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Agency Contact: Todd Behre, National Veterinary Accreditation Program, 
VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 200, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-0853

RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________




37. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA 
BORDER

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503

Abstract: This action adopts as a final rule, with changes, an interim 
rule that amended the foreign quarantine and user fee regulations by 
removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and vegetables grown 
in Canada and the exemptions from user fees for commercial vessels, 
commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and 
international air passengers entering the United States from Canada. As 
a result of this action, all agricultural products imported from Canada 
are subject to inspection and commercial conveyances as well as airline 
passengers arriving on flights from Canada are subject to inspection 
and user fees. We took this action in part because we were not 
recovering the costs of our inspection activities at the U.S./Canada 
border. In addition, our data showed an increasing number of 
interceptions on the U.S./Canada border of prohibited material that 
originated in regions other than Canada that presents a high risk of 
introducing plant pests or animal diseases into the United States. 
These findings, combined with additional Canadian airport preclearance 
data on interceptions of ineligible agricultural products approaching 
the U.S. border from Canada, strongly indicated that we needed to 
expand and strengthen our pest exclusion and smuggling interdiction 
efforts at that border. In order to do this and to recover the costs of 
our existing inspection activity, we need to collect user fees from all 
commercial conveyances, with certain exceptions, and international air 
passengers entering the United States from Canada.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/09/10                    75 FR 10634

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Cynthia Stahl
Phone: 301 734-8415

RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________




38. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This document will withdraw a proposed rule that we published 
on August 24, 2004 (69 FR 51960 to 51962, APHIS Docket No. 03-081-3). 
In our August 2004 proposed rule, we proposed to require that steers 
and spayed heifers with any evidence of horn growth that are entering 
the United States meet the same tuberculosis testing requirements as 
sexually intact animals entering the United States. Instead of 
proposing provisions specific to cattle imported for use at rodeos, as 
our August 2004 proposal did, APHIS is considering broader changes to 
the tuberculosis regulations.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn: APHIS Will Address 
This Issue as Part of a Broader 
Approach                        02/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________




39. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS, 
ARIZONA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port 
through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or 
exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the 
United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be 
constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis, 
AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper 
chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such 
cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations 
to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been 
infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne 
diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited 
the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed. 
These changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve 
restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the 
United States.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated 
Within the Next 12 Months       02/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
Phone: 301 734-5677

RIN: 0579-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________




40. IMPORTATION OF GRAPES FROM CHILE UNDER A SYSTEMS APPROACH

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: We are proposing two changes related to our proposed rule

[[Page 21744]]

published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2008, that would amend 
the fruit and vegetable regulations to allow fresh table grapes from 
Chile to be imported into the continental United States under a systems 
approach. Currently as a condition of entry, all table grapes from 
Chile have to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation 
measure for Brevipalpus chilensis. On August 27, 2008, we proposed to 
allow a combination of risk-mitigation measures, or systems approach, 
to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide fumigation for B. chilensis. 
However, there is a new quarantine pest of table grapes, Lobesia 
botrana, in Chile, and the proposed systems approach does not address 
and was not intended to mitigate the risk for this pest. Therefore, 
this supplemental proposed rule modifies the proposed systems approach 
so that it is effective for L. botrana. Alternatively, it would require 
Chilean grapes that do not meet the conditions of the systems approach 
for L. botrana to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a condition of 
their importation into the continental United States.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn: Program Will 
Repropose With New Supporting 
Documents and a Different 
Approach                        02/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Charisse Cleare
Phone: 301 734-0773

RIN: 0579-AC82
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________




41. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING

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

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    11/00/10
Final Action Effective          12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing 
Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0784, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1465
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC18
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




42. MANDATORY INSPECTION OF CATFISH AND CATFISH PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; PL 110-249, sec 11016

Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-
246, sec. 11016), known as the 2008 Farm Bill, amended the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act (FMIA) to make catfish an amenable species under the 
FMIA. Amenable species must be inspected, so this rule will define 
inspection requirements for catfish. The regulations will define 
``catfish'' and the scope of coverage of the regulations to apply to 
establishments that process farm-raised species of catfish and to 
catfish and catfish products. The regulations will take into account 
the conditions under which the catfish are raised and transported to a 
processing establishment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Quita Bowman Blackwell, Acting Assistant Administrator, 
Office of Catfish Inspection Program, Department of Agriculture, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5735
Fax: 202 690-1742

RIN: 0583-AD36

[[Page 21745]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________




43. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT 
AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

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

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/27/01                    66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/01
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/03/01                    66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Interim Final Rule              06/06/03                    68 FR 34208
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/31/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/24/05                    70 FR 15017
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
Affirmation of Interim Final 
Rule                            03/00/11
Final Action                    03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

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

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________




44. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246, sec 11015

Abstract: FSIS is proposing regulations to implement a new voluntary 
Federal-State cooperative inspection program under which State-
inspected establishments with 25 or fewer employees would be eligible 
to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. State-
inspected establishments selected to participate in this program would 
be required to comply with all Federal standards under the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). 
These establishments would receive inspection services from State 
inspection personnel that have been trained and certified to assist 
with enforcement of the FMIA and PPIA. Meat and poultry products 
produced under the program that have been inspected and passed by 
selected State-inspection personnel would bear a Federal mark of 
inspection. FSIS is proposing these regulations in response to the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, enacted on June 18, 2008 (the 2008 
Farm Bill). Section 11015 of 2008 Farm Bill provides for the interstate 
shipment of State-inspected meat and poultry product from selected 
establishments and requires that FSIS promulgate implementing 
regulations no later than 18 months from the date of its enactment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/16/09                    74 FR 47648
NPRM Comment Period End         11/16/09
Final Action                    09/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Director, Policy Issuances Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0399
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD37
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________




45. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: 
COLORADO

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

Abstract: On April 11, 2007, Governor of Colorado Ritter submitted a 
petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to 
promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for the 
management of inventoried roadless areas within the State of Colorado. 
After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation 
National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's 
petition and initiated a proposed rulemaking for inventoried roadless 
areas in Colorado. The proposed rulemaking would manage Colorado's 
inventoried roadless areas by prohibiting road building and tree 
cutting, with some exceptions, on 4.1 million acres of inventoried 
roadless areas in Colorado. The 4.1 million acres reflect the most 
updated IRA boundaries for Colorado, which incorporate planning rule 
revisions since 2001 on several Colorado national forests. Inventoried 
roadless areas that are allocated to ski area special uses 
(approximately 10,000 acres) would also be removed from roadless 
designation. Road construction and

[[Page 21746]]

reconstruction plus timber harvesting would be prohibited in 
inventoried roadless areas, with some exceptions, on the Arapaho-
Roosevelt, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre, Gunnison, Manti-La Sal, Pike-San 
Isabel, Rio Grande, Routt, San Juan, and White River National Forests 
in Colorado. Exceptions to the prohibitions would be allowed for 
certain health, safety, valid existing rights, resource protection, and 
ecological management needs.
Web site: http://roadless.fs.fed.us

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/25/08                    73 FR 43544
NPRM Comment Period End         10/23/08
Second NPRM                     06/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-6560
Fax: 202 205-6539
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC74
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




46. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners, 
including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as 
subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor 
cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and 
conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill 
cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers, 
including durable and non-durable thermal shipping containers as 
subcategories.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________




47.  DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL 
PROCUREMENT, ROUND 8

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: Designates an additional 15 groups of biobased products for 
preferred procurement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA39
_______________________________________________________________________




48.  REVISED PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires USDA to address how the 
BioPreferred Program will designate complex products and intermediate 
materials and feed stocks and make other changes to update program 
guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA40
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________




49. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA Certified 
Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain 
criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those 
criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the 
label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and 
to establish the labeling program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/31/09                    74 FR 38296
NPRM Comment Period End         09/29/09
Final Action                    09/00/10

[[Page 21747]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of 
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361 
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA35
[FR Doc. 2010-8928 Filed 04-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S