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[May 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 87)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID: f:ua080503.wais]
[Page 24636-24649]
Department of Agriculture
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Part III
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
[[Page 24636]]
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 2008
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) 720-1272.
Dated: March 7, 2008.
Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97
Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08)............................................................
2 National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock) (TM-07-03)............ 0581-AC69
3 National Organic Program, 2011 Sunset (Expiration) Review (Crops and Processing) (TM- 0581-AC77
07-14)................................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (TM-05-14)................................ 0581-AC57
5 National Organic Program, Sunset (2008) (TM-07-12).................................... 0581-AC76
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26
Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04)......................................
7 Mandatory Reporting for Dairy Programs (DA-06-07)..................................... 0581-AC66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB44
9 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds................................... 0579-AC02
10 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)...................................................................
[[Page 24637]]
11 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14
12 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers......................... 0579-AC50
13 Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................ 0579-AC69
14 Bovine Tuberculosis................................................................... 0579-AC73
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18
16 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82
17 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84
and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................
18 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91
19 Trichinae Certification Program....................................................... 0579-AB92
20 Special Need Requests Under the Plant Protection Act.................................. 0579-AB98
21 Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610 0579-AC00
Review)...............................................................................
22 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 0579-AC04
Review)...............................................................................
23 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05
24 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06
25 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07
26 User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products......................... 0579-AC22
27 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36
Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
28 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain 0579-AC74
Live Fish.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80
30 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs 0579-AB24
(Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
31 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34
32 Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of 0579-AC41
Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33 Interstate Movement of Citrus Fruit................................................... 0579-AC34
34 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions; Identification of Ruminants 0579-AC45
and Processing and Importation of Commodities.........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 24638]]
Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36 Thermal Requirements.................................................................. 0575-AC65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37 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...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA35
39 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................ 0503-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising
regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as
organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic
animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to
establish production and handling standards for operations that capture
aquatic animals from the wild. Production standards for operations
producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock
origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping.
Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of
commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of
contact between organically produced and prohibited substances.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
2. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK) (TM-
07-03)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the
National Organic Program regulations to clarify the regulations. This
rule is seeking input on the following issues: (1) Are the current
origin of livestock requirements in the NOP regulations adequate for
dairy livestock under principles of organic livestock management and
production? (2) If the current origin of livestock requirements as
described in the NOP regulations are not adequate, how should they be
changed? (3) If the regulations should be changed, how much time should
be allowed for the industry to implement the regulation change? This
action is being taken to ensure that NOP regulations are clear and
consistent, stimulate growth of the organic sector, satisfy consumer
expectations, and allow organic producers and handlers flexibility in
making site-specific, real-time management decisions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC69
[[Page 24639]]
_______________________________________________________________________
3. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, 2011 SUNSET (EXPIRATION) REVIEW
(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, 2001.
The AMS is publishing 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 12/00/08
Final Action 10/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
4. 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 04/13/06 71 FR 19131
ANPRM Comment Period End 06/12/06
NPRM 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator,
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC57
_______________________________________________________________________
5. [bull] NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2008) (TM-07-12)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
Abstract: This rule pertains to The Agricultural Marketing Services'
National Organic Program. This amendment announces the sunset of 11
exempted substance and 1 prohibited substance added to the National
List. This rule also begins the public comment process on whether the
identified existing exemptions or prohibitions should be continued.
Finally, this rule discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review
and renewal process.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 12/28/07 72 FR 73667
ANPRM Comment Period End 01/28/08
NPRM 06/00/08
Final Action 10/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC76
[[Page 24640]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
6. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH,
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946
Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm
Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act
(2002 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 107-206) amended the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) to require
retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered
commodities beginning September 30, 2004. Covered commodities include
muscle cuts of beef (including veal), lamb, and pork; ground beef,
ground lamb, and ground pork; farm-raised fish and shellfish; wild fish
and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities; and peanuts. The FY
2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill (2004 Appropriations) (Pub. L.
108-199) delayed implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
(COOL) for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and
shellfish until September 30, 2006. The FY 2006 Agriculture
Appropriations Bill further delayed the implementation date for other
covered commodities until September 30, 2008.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/30/03 68 FR 61944
NPRM Comment Period End 12/29/03
Interim Final Rule 10/05/04 69 FR 59708
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 01/03/05
Interim Final Rule Effective 04/04/05
Comment Period Extended 11/27/06 71 FR 68431
Comment Period End 02/26/07
Comment Period Extended 06/20/07 72 FR 33851
Comment Period End 08/20/07
Final Action 09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Martin O'Connor, Chief, Department of Agriculture,
Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-6456
Phone: 202 720-4486
Fax: 202 690-4119
Email: cool@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________
7. MANDATORY REPORTING FOR DAIRY PROGRAMS (DA-06-07)
Legal Authority: PL 106-532
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to establish
a Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program. The program would: (1)
Require persons engaged in manufacturing dairy products to provide the
Department of Agriculture certain information including price,
quantity, and moisture content of dairy products sold by the
manufacturer and (2) require manufacturers and other persons storing
dairy products to report to USDA information on the quantity of dairy
products stored.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 07/03/07 72 FR 36341
Interim Final Rule Effective 08/02/07
Comment Period Extended 11/02/07 72 FR 62105
Final Action 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Mengel, Chief Economist, Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-4664
Email: john.mengel@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC66
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
8. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (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
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/08
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
_______________________________________________________________________
9. 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 09/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Darrel Styles, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
[[Page 24641]]
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-0658
RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
10. 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 08/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity
Import Analysis & Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 141,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5306
RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
11. 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 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/08
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-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________
12. 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 rulemaking would amend the animal importation
regulations to require that steers and spayed heifers with more than 3
inches of horn growth that are entering the United States from Mexico
meet more stringent tuberculosis testing requirements than those with 3
inches or less. In their current form, the regulations do not
distinguish between steers and spayed heifers imported strictly as
feeders and those with sufficient horn growth to enable them to be used
as rodeo cattle. Steers and spayed heifers used as rodeo cattle are
often maintained longer than feeder cattle and generally come into
contact with other cattle in more locations than do steers and spayed
heifers imported for feeding purposes. The longer the lifespan of an
animal, the greater the chances are that, if exposed to tuberculosis,
it will contract the disease, develop generalized disease, and spread
it to other animals. The risk of tuberculosis spread is also increased
by the number of animals that are exposed to a tuberculosis-infected
animal. We believe the risks of tuberculosis transmission associated
with rodeo cattle justify requiring more rigorous tuberculosis testing
for such animals than for those imported as feeders. This rulemaking is
intended to reduce the risk of imported cattle transmitting
tuberculosis to domestic livestock in the United States. This
rulemaking replaces a previously published proposed rule, which we are
withdrawing as part of this document, that would have required 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei, Assistant Director, Ruminant
Health Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________
13. [bull] HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training
of personnel by research facilities and by
[[Page 24642]]
dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and carriers. We are
proposing these requirements 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 would 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 09/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________
14. [bull] BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine tuberculosis
regulations by removing from incorporation by reference the Bovine
Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 1999, and including
in 9 CFR part 77 all Federal requirements. We are also proposing a
number of substantive changes to the requirements in order to enhance
our bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts. The proposed changes
include, but are not limited to, tightening certain tuberculosis
surveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening the quarantine
and quarantine-release requirements; setting minimum testing ages,
depending upon the status of the State or zone of origin and/or the
purpose of movement, when testing is required for interstate movement
of cattle and bison; adding new requirements to prevent the spread of
tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle and bison; adding new requirements
for interstate movement of dairy cattle; strengthening the requirements
for individual cattle and bison that are to be added to accredited
herds; and providing for the interstate movement of commuter herds.
Finally, we would reorganize 9 CFR part 77 to make the regulations
clearer and easier to use.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National
Tuberculosis Eradication Program, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B,
MSC 3E20, Ft. Collins, CO 80526
Phone: 970 494-7378
RIN: 0579-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
15. 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 would require a phytosanitary certificate to
accompany all noncommercial shipments of 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
Final Action 10/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy
Analysis and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8295
RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________
16. 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
[[Page 24643]]
Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 04/30/07
Final Rule 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program
Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8247
RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________
17. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK
FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the
interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that
handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by APHIS.
These will include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations,
concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in
interstate commerce are assembled. APHIS' approval will be contingent
on the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other
conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and
goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal
identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other
conditions will be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations
relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to
control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats.
This rule will provide for the establishment of standards for the
approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in
interstate commerce.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/26/04 69 FR 52451
NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04
Final Rule 05/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National
Center for Animal Health Programs, 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-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________
18. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action establishes domestic boll weevil regulations that
will 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 will 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
Final Rule 09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil
Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-8676
RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________
19. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622; 15 USC 1828; 21 USC
136a
Abstract: This action establishes a voluntary Trichinae Certification
Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention
conditions. Under the program, we will certify pork production sites
that follow prescribed good production practices that reduce,
eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of animals to zoonotic
parasites of the species Trichinella, a disease of swine. Such a
program should enhance the ability of producers to export pork and pork
products to overseas markets. This program has been developed as a
cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National
Pork Board, and the pork processing industry. If adopted, this program
will include those producers who choose to participate in the program,
as well as slaughter facilities and other persons that handle or
process swine from pork production sites that have been certified under
the program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/16/07 72 FR 27656
NPRM Comment Period End 07/16/07
Final Action 05/00/08
Final Rule Effective 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, VS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Room 891, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515 284-4122
RIN: 0579-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________
20. SPECIAL NEED REQUESTS UNDER THE PLANT PROTECTION ACT
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action amends our domestic quarantine regulations to
establish a process by which a State or political subdivision of a
State could request approval to impose prohibitions or restrictions on
the movement in interstate commerce of specific articles that are in
addition to the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service. The Plant Protection Act provides that
States or political subdivisions of States may make such special need
requests,
[[Page 24644]]
but there are currently no procedures in place for their submission or
consideration. This action establishes a process by which States may
make a special need request.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/04/06 71 FR 16711
NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/06
Final Rule 10/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Osama El-Lissy, Director, Emergency and Domestic
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237
Phone: 301 734-5459
RIN: 0579-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________
21. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE FACILITIES
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking establishes standards for the approval of
permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are
taking this action because demand for quarantine services for horses
exceeds the space available at existing facilities. We believe that
allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, privately
owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed criteria
facilitates the importation of horses while continuing to protect
against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/13/06 71 FR 74827
NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/07
Final Rule 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Freeda Isaac, Assistant Director for Animal Import,
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: 301 734-6479
Ellen Buck, Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, Equine Import, 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-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________
22. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM
A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828
Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the National
Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation
categories in place of the current single category, to add requirements
for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer
accreditation specializations. These changes are intended to support
the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve
accredited veterinarians in integrated surveillance activities, and to
make the provisions governing our National Veterinary Accreditation
Program more uniform and consistent.
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 Action 05/00/08
Final Rule Effective 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Agency Contact: Todd Behre, Program Manager, National Veterinary
Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-6188
RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________
23. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking establishes 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.
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
Affirmation of Interim Final
Rule 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Senior Operations Officer, EDP, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
24. 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 amends 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 will be subject to inspection, and
commercial conveyances, as well
[[Page 24645]]
as airline passengers arriving on flights from Canada, will be subject
to inspection and user fees. We are taking this action in part because
we are not recovering the costs of our current inspection activities at
the U.S./Canada border. In addition, our data show 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 indicate that we need 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
commercial conveyances and international air passengers entering the
United States from Canada.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 08/25/06 71 FR 50320
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/24/06
Interim Final Rule Effective 11/24/06
Delay of Effective Date 11/22/06 71 FR 67436
Delay of Effective Date 02/26/07 72 FR 8261
Affirmation of Interim Final
Rule 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Alan S. Green, Executive Director, Plant Health
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 36, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8261
RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________
25. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to list
the entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and
to amend 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 will also amend 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 are 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 Rule 09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Senior Operations Officer, EDP, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
26. USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 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 rulemaking would amend the user fee regulations by
adjusting the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant
products. The rule would increase these user fees to reflect the
anticipated costs associated with providing these services. It would
also add a new user fee for Federal export certificates for plants and
plant products that an exporter obtains from a State or county
cooperator in order to recover administrative costs associated with
that service. Finally, it would make several nonsubstantive changes to
the regulations for clarity. These changes would enable us to properly
recover the costs of providing export certification services for plants
and plant products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/12/07 72 FR 32223
NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/07
Final Rule 09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-4382
Kris Caraher, User Fee Section Head, Financial Management Division,
MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901
RIN: 0579-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________
27. 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 05/00/08
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE,
Animal
[[Page 24646]]
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
_______________________________________________________________________
28. [bull] 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: This rulemaking will establish 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. In 2005 and
2006, viral hemorrhagic septicemia was 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 05/00/08
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 07/00/08
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
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
29. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610
REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: APHIS is undertaking rulemaking to amend its plant pest
regulations by: (1) Setting out the criteria that will be used by APHIS
when considering whether an organism is a plant pest; (2) adding a
permit category for organisms that would be released into the
environment for purposes such as the biological control of weeds; (3)
establishing a notification system that could be used in place of
permits for the importation and interstate movement of regulated
organisms; and (4) revising or amending existing portions of the
regulations to clarify or update requirements, eliminate redundancy,
and make the regulations easier for the public to use. This action will
serve as a follow-up to the advance notice of proposed rulemaking that
APHIS published in the Federal Register on September 27, 1996, to
solicit input on the need for regulatory changes and alternative
methods of addressing plant pest risk.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 09/27/96 61 FR 50767
ANPRM Comment Period End 12/26/96
NPRM 10/09/01 66 FR 51340
NPRM Comment Period End 02/06/02
Withdrawal and Reproposal To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930
RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________
30. 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 To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________
31. 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
[[Page 24647]]
programs and extraordinary emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to
remove possible sources of delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease,
should an occurrence of that disease occur in this country, so that
eligible claimants will be fully compensated while at the same time
protecting the U.S. livestock population from the further spread of
this highly contagious disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/01/02 67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended 06/28/02 67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End 07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/02
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
Phone: 301 734-8073
RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________
32. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR
TRANSPORTATION OF WARMBLOODED 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 warmblooded 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: Jerry D. DePoyster
Phone: 301 734-7586
RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
33. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF CITRUS FRUIT
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations to relieve
restrictions that currently require citrus producers to ensure that
citrus groves in the State of Florida are certified to be free of
citrus canker prior to interstate movement of citrus fruit. This action
also requires that all inspection of fruit for symptoms of citrus
canker as well as treatments and packaging of citrus fruit to be moved
interstate occur in packinghouses that operate under a compliance
agreement with APHIS. This action allows the interstate movement of
fresh citrus fruit from Florida, provided the fruit does not exhibit
symptoms of citrus canker and is handled in accordance with the
regulations.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 11/19/07 72 FR 65172
Final Action Effective 11/19/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________
34. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS;
IDENTIFICATION OF RUMINANTS AND PROCESSING AND IMPORTATION OF
COMMODITIES
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 will amend the regulations regarding the
importation of animals and animal products to remove several
restrictions regarding the identification of animals and the processing
of ruminant materials from regions that present a minimal risk of
introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States.
This action will remove these restrictions because they are not
necessary to prevent the introduction of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy into the United States.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 01/18/08 73 FR 3379
Final Action Effective 02/19/08
[[Page 24648]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-4356
Freeda Isaac
Phone: 301 734-6479
RIN: 0579-AC45
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
35. 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 01/00/09
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, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1465
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: joaquin.tremols@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
36. THERMAL REQUIREMENTS
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
Abstract: The current Agency procedure, section 1924.6 (a)(3)(i)(A),
requires that surety be provided when the construction contract exceeds
$100,000. This Procedure Notice changes the surety requirements in
1924-A [section 1924.6 (a)(3)(i)(A)] from a $100,000 contract amount to
the Rural Development Single-Family Housing area lending limits, which
will vary with the locality. This will liberalize the requirement for
surety and take into account the increase in construction cost of
single-family homes in the Rural Development's Single-Family Housing
Program since the last revision (1980) to this section of the
regulation. This should ease the burden on small contractors for whom
obtaining surety is difficult and expensive, additionally reducing
costs to our single-family housing borrowers.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 12/11/07 72 FR 70220
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Michel Mitias
Phone: 202 720-9653
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: michel.mitias@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC65
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
37. 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
[[Page 24649]]
NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05
Affirmation of Interim Final
Rule 12/00/08
Final Action 04/00/09
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: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC46
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
38. [bull] VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: PL 107-171
Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``U.S.D.A.
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 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Senior Agricultural Economist,
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy
Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South
Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 401-0461
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________
39. [bull] DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND
7
Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002
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 11/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Senior Agricultural Economist,
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy
Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South
Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 401-0461
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA36
[FR Doc. E8-7340 Filed 05-02-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
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