April 7, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This proposed rule proposes additional changes related to a proposed rule published by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) on December 16, 2005, entitled ``Procurement of Commodities for Foreign Donation,'' to specifically recognize CCC's obligations under the cargo preference legislation of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 and to clarify the ``extenuating circumstances'' that may preclude awards on the basis of lowest-landed cost. CCC is also re-opening and extending the comment period on the proposed rule to accord interested persons an opportunity to comment thereon.

The Department is proposing to revise its training program regulations. These revisions will, among other things, eliminate the distinction between ``non-specialty occupations'' and ``specialty occupations''. Also, a new 12-month ``intern'' program is proposed to permit recent foreign graduates of degree-granting post-secondary accredited educational institutions to come to the United States to pursue work-based learning experiences in the fields in which they received their degrees. A requirement that sponsors complete an individualized Form DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan for each trainee and intern prior to issuing a Form DS-2019 to the trainee or intern is also proposed. The Department will publish a Notice regarding the design of the proposed Form DS-7002, soliciting public comment regarding all recordkeeping, reporting, and data collection units. Sponsors should note that Forms DS-7002 contain a provision prohibiting the making of materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or misrepresentations in connection with Training/Internship Placement Plans (18 U.S.C. 1001).

The proposed rulemaking establishes special regulations for Dry Tortugas National Park. The proposed rule implements the act which established Dry Tortugas National Park and abolished Fort Jefferson National Monument. This proposed rule also implements provisions for visitor use and resource protection identified in the 2000 Final General Management Plan Amendment/Environmental Impact Statement for Dry Tortugas National Park, and the July 27, 2001 Record of Decision. This rulemaking complies with legislative mandates for protection of park resources in a unique and predominantly pristine ecosystem, and provides consistency with State fishing rules. This proposed rule would: (1) Remove obsolete regulations established for Fort Jefferson National Monument; (2) protect, monitor, and study the region's recognized importance to fisheries habitats by limiting the area, extent, and methods of recreational fishing within portions of the park's boundaries by implementing a Research Natural Area (RNA); (3) clarify the authority of the superintendent to regulate fishing, boating, and permitted activities, specifically in established management zones including the RNA; and establish a permit system for research and recreational users; (4) strengthen protection of nationally significant coral reef and other marine resources by regulating vessel operation, anchoring and human activity; (5) provide enhanced protection for shipwrecks consistent with state and federal law; and (6) provide for greater protection of water quality by restricting discharges into the water of the park. Definitions have also been added to clarify terminology.