Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Horse Protection Regulations, 19476-19477 [06-3575]

Download as PDF 19476 Notices Federal Register Vol. 71, No. 72 Friday, April 14, 2006 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2006–0049] Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Horse Protection Regulations Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request. wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the Horse Protection Program. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before June 13, 2006. AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ‘‘Search Regulations and Federal Actions’’ box, select ‘‘Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’’ from the agency drop-down menu, then click on ‘‘Submit.’’ In the Docket ID column, select APHIS–2006–0049 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. After the close of the comment period, the docket can be viewed using the ‘‘Advanced Search’’ function in Regulations.gov. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS–2006–0049, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:37 Apr 13, 2006 Jkt 208001 20737–1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS– 2006–0049. Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on this docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690–2817 before coming. Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding the Horse Protection Act regulations, contact Dr. Todd Behre, Horse Protection Coordinator, Animal Care, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737–1234; (301) 734–7833. For copies of more detailed information on the information collection, contact Mrs. Celeste Sickles, APHIS’ Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 734– 7477. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Horse Protection Regulations. OMB Number: 0579–0056. Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information collection. Abstract: In 1970, Congress passed the Horse Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1821 et seq.), referred to below as the Act, that prohibits the showing, sale, auction, exhibition, or transport of horses subjected to a cruel and inhumane practice referred to as ‘‘soring.’’ This practice causes a horse to suffer pain in any of its limbs for the purpose of affecting the horse’s performance in competition. All horses are covered by the Act and the regulations in title 9, part 11, of the Code of Federal Regulations, although enforcement emphasis has historically been placed on Tennessee Walking horses and other gaited breeds due to the prevalence of soring documented in that industry. The regulations are administered and enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1979, APHIS issued regulations in response to an amendment to the Act under which horse show managers may hire private individuals to conduct PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 inspections, in order to limit their liability under the Act if sored horses are entered in their event. These individuals are referred to as designated qualified persons (DQPs). DQPs must be trained and licensed by USDA-certified and monitored programs that are run by horse industry organizations or associations (HIOs). Enforcement of the Act and its regulations relies on horse inspections conducted by APHIS veterinarians and by DQPs. To ensure that enforcement by DQPs and USDA-certified DQP programs is effective, APHIS requires DQPs, HIOs, and horse show management to maintain or submit records related to these inspections, their DQP programs, and the horse events to APHIS. No official government form is necessary for the reporting and recordkeeping required. We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of these information collection activities for an additional 3 years. The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us: (1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.8454 hours per response. Respondents: Designated qualified persons, horse industry organizations, and horse show management. Estimated annual number of respondents: 1,573. Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 1.77240. E:\FR\FM\14APN1.SGM 14APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2006 / Notices Estimated annual number of responses: 2,788. Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 2,357 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.) All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Done in Washington, DC, this 6th day of April 2006. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 06–3575 Filed 4–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2006–0016] Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a Field Release of Genetically Engineered Tall Fescue and Genetically Engineered Italian Ryegrass Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are advising the public that an environmental assessment has been prepared for a proposed field trial using three transgenic grass lines. The trial consists of tall fescue plants that are genetically engineered for hygromycin resistance and that express the marker beta-glucuronidase; Italian ryegrass plants that are genetically engineered for hygromycin resistance; and Italian ryegrass plants that are genetically engineered to lower the expression of the pollen allergen gene, Lol p1, that are also hygromycin resistant, and express the marker betaglucuronidase. The purpose of the field trial is to study pollen viability, outcrossing, and hybridization between the two types of grasses. The study will also examine the effect of downregulating the Lol p1 gene. Data gained from this field experiment will also be used to evaluate current confinement practices for these species of transgenic grasses. After assessment of the application, review of the relevant scientific information, and consideration of comments provided by the public, we have concluded that these field tests will not present a risk of introducing or disseminating a plant VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:37 Apr 13, 2006 Jkt 208001 pest. We have completed an environmental assessment and have concluded that these field tests will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for these field tests. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may read the environmental assessment (EA), the finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and any comments that we received on Docket No. APHIS–2006– 0016 in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690–2817 before coming. The EA, FONSI and decision notice, and responses to comments are available on the Internet at https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/ 05_27801r_ea.pdf. Dr. Andrea Huberty, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1236; (301) 734–0659. To obtain copies of the EA, FONSI, and response to comments, contact Ms. Ingrid Berlanger at (301) 734–4885; e-mail: ingrid.e.berlanger@aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The regulations in 7 CFR part 340, ‘‘Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering Which Are Plant Pests or Which There Is Reason to Believe Are Plant Pests,’’ regulate, among other things, the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment) of organisms and products altered or produced through genetic engineering that are plant pests or that there is reason to believe are plant pests. Such genetically engineered organisms and products are considered ‘‘regulated articles.’’ A permit must be obtained or a notification acknowledged before a regulated article may be introduced. The regulations set forth the permit application requirements and the notification procedures for the importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment of a regulated article. On October 5, 2005, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) received permit applications (APHIS SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19477 Nos. 05–278–01r and 05–278–02r) from the Samuel Robert Noble Foundation in Ardmore, OK, for a field trial using three strains of transgenic grasses. The two permit applications are for three lines of transgenic grasses to be used in a single field trial. Permit application 05–278–01r describes a line of tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea, that has been genetically engineered to express betaglucuronidase (gusA) derived from Escherichia coli. Expression of this gene is controlled by cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S gene promoter and terminator sequences and a rice tungro virus (RTBV) intron. This regulated article also contains a separate insertion of a hygromycin phosphotransferase (hph) gene that is regulated by the rice actin promoter and intron sequences and the terminator from the CaMV 35S gene. Permit application 05–278–02r describes two transgenic lines of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorium). Both lines have the same hph gene construct as the regulated article described in permit application 05–278–01r. One line of Italian ryegrass also contains an insertion of a second construct that codes for an antisense Lol p1 gene derived from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and a gusA gene derived from E. coli. The antisense Lol p1 gene is under the control of the Zea mays pollen specific Zm 13 promoter and a nos polyadenylation terminator sequence from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The subject transgenic grasses are considered regulated articles under the regulations in 7 CFR part 340 because they were created using donor sequences from plant pests. The purpose of this proposed introduction is for research on transgenic tall fescue and Italian ryegrass plants, particularly to investigate: • The distance transgenic pollen can travel and still remain viable; • The frequency of pollination at different distances from the pollen source; • The probability/frequency of crosshybridization between transgenic tall fescue, transgenic Italian ryegrass, and related species under field conditions; and • The effects of down-regulation of a major pollen allergen on pollen dispersal in transgenic Italian ryegrass. Additionally, the data gathered during this study will be used to assess the confined status of this field release and refine the confinement conditions necessary for future releases of these grass species. E:\FR\FM\14APN1.SGM 14APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19476-19477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3575]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2006 / 
Notices

[[Page 19476]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2006-0049]


Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information 
Collection; Horse Protection Regulations

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment 
request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's 
intention to request an extension of approval of an information 
collection associated with the Horse Protection Program.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before June 
13, 2006.
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ``Search Regulations and Federal 
Actions'' box, select ``Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service'' 
from the agency drop-down menu, then click on ``Submit.'' In the Docket 
ID column, select APHIS-2006-0049 to submit or view public comments and 
to view supporting and related materials available electronically. 
After the close of the comment period, the docket can be viewed using 
the ``Advanced Search'' function in Regulations.gov.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies 
of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS-
2006-0049, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-
03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state 
that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2006-0049.
    Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on this 
docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of 
the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to 
help you, please call (202) 690-2817 before coming.
    Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its 
programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding the Horse 
Protection Act regulations, contact Dr. Todd Behre, Horse Protection 
Coordinator, Animal Care, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1234; (301) 734-7833. For copies of more detailed information on 
the information collection, contact Mrs. Celeste Sickles, APHIS' 
Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 734-7477.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Horse Protection Regulations.
    OMB Number: 0579-0056.
    Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information 
collection.
    Abstract: In 1970, Congress passed the Horse Protection Act (15 
U.S.C. 1821 et seq.), referred to below as the Act, that prohibits the 
showing, sale, auction, exhibition, or transport of horses subjected to 
a cruel and inhumane practice referred to as ``soring.'' This practice 
causes a horse to suffer pain in any of its limbs for the purpose of 
affecting the horse's performance in competition. All horses are 
covered by the Act and the regulations in title 9, part 11, of the Code 
of Federal Regulations, although enforcement emphasis has historically 
been placed on Tennessee Walking horses and other gaited breeds due to 
the prevalence of soring documented in that industry. The regulations 
are administered and enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    In 1979, APHIS issued regulations in response to an amendment to 
the Act under which horse show managers may hire private individuals to 
conduct inspections, in order to limit their liability under the Act if 
sored horses are entered in their event. These individuals are referred 
to as designated qualified persons (DQPs). DQPs must be trained and 
licensed by USDA-certified and monitored programs that are run by horse 
industry organizations or associations (HIOs).
    Enforcement of the Act and its regulations relies on horse 
inspections conducted by APHIS veterinarians and by DQPs. To ensure 
that enforcement by DQPs and USDA-certified DQP programs is effective, 
APHIS requires DQPs, HIOs, and horse show management to maintain or 
submit records related to these inspections, their DQP programs, and 
the horse events to APHIS. No official government form is necessary for 
the reporting and recordkeeping required.
    We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve 
our use of these information collection activities for an additional 3 
years.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. 
These comments will help us:
    (1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
information collection, including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who 
are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, 
mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., permitting 
electronic submission of responses.
    Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection 
of information is estimated to average 0.8454 hours per response.
    Respondents: Designated qualified persons, horse industry 
organizations, and horse show management.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 1,573.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 1.77240.

[[Page 19477]]

    Estimated annual number of responses: 2,788.
    Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 2,357 hours. (Due to 
averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of 
the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per 
response.)
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 6th day of April 2006.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 06-3575 Filed 4-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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