Planet Biotechnology, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Field Release of Nicotiana Hybrids Genetically Engineered To Produce Antibodies, 32607-32608 [E7-11481]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 113 / Wednesday, June 13, 2007 / Notices Plan, the regulations in 9 CFR part 56, ‘‘Control of H5/H7 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza,’’ provide for the payment of indemnity for costs associated with the eradication of H5/ H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza. Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information to certify the disease status of poultry through cooperative work performed by the States and industry and for the administration of other regulations intended to protect the health of the U.S. poultry population. The collected information will include sentinel bird identification, the creation and submission of flock testing reports, sales reports, breeding flock participation summaries, salmonella investigation reports, salmonella serotyping requests, and small chick order printouts. If the information is not collected, APHIS would be unable to effectively monitor the health of the nation’s poultry population. Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, local and tribal government. Number of Respondents: 2,317. Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On Occasion. Total Burden Hours: 54,946. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7–11329 Filed 6–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2007–0029] Planet Biotechnology, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Field Release of Nicotiana Hybrids Genetically Engineered To Produce Antibodies Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have prepared an environmental assessment for a proposed field release involving a Nicotiana hybrid line that has been genetically engineered to produce an antimicrobial antibody that binds to a bacterium (Streptococcus mutans) associated with tooth decay in humans. The purpose of this field release is to generate plant biomass from which the antibody will be extracted after harvest. We are making the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:30 Jun 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments received on or before July 13, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov, select ‘‘Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’’ from the agency drop-down menu, then click ‘‘Submit.’’ In the Docket ID column, select APHIS–2007– 0029 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instruction for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS–2007–0029, 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– 2007–0029. Reading Room: You may read the environmental assessment (EA) and any comments 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. The EA is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ brs/aphisdocs/05_35403r_ea.pdf. Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Margaret Jones, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1236; (301) 734–4880. To obtain copies of the environmental assessment, contact Ms. Cynthia Eck at (301) 734– 0667; e-mail: cynthia.a.eck@aphis.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32607 (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 in the environment of a regulated article. On December 21, 2005, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) received a permit application (APHIS No. 05–354–03r) from Planet Biotechnology, Inc., of Hayward, CA, for a field trial using a transgenic Nicotiana hybrid. Permit application 05–354–03r describes a Nicotiana hybrid line (Nicotiana tabacum X Nicotiana glauca), designated as 06PBCarHG1, that produces a chimeric antimicrobial antibody (trade name CaroRx)TM that binds to the bacterium (Streptococcus mutans) associated with tooth decay in humans. Expression of the gene sequence is controlled by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) promoter and terminated by NOS from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and utilizes the selectable marker NPTII from Escherichia coli. Constructs were inserted into the recipient organisms via a disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector system. The antibodies generated from this planting will be extracted after harvest. The subject Nicotiana hybrid is considered a regulated article under the regulations in 7 CFR part 340 because it has been genetically engineered using genetic sequences from plant pathogens. To provide the public with documentation of APHIS’ review and analysis of any potential environmental impacts and plant pest risks associated with the proposed release of these Nicotiana hybrids, we have prepared an environmental assessment (EA). The EA was prepared in accordance with (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our reading room. (Instructions for accessing E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1 32608 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 113 / Wednesday, June 13, 2007 / Notices Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room are provided under the heading ADDRESSES at the beginning of this notice.) In addition, copies may be obtained by calling or writing to the individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 7th day of June, 2007. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. E7–11481 Filed 6–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Housing Service Farm Service Agency Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection Rural Housing Service (RHS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA. ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested. AGENCIES: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agencies intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the programs for Form RD 1940–59, ‘‘Settlement Statement.’’ Comments on this notice must be received by August 13, 2007 to be assured of consideration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teresa Sumpter, Loan Specialist, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Rural Housing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mail STOP 0783, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–0783, Telephone 202–720– 1485. (This is not a toll free number.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Form RD 1940–59, ‘‘Settlement Statement.’’ OMB Number: 0575–0088. Expiration Date of Approval: October 30, 2007. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The Agencies are requesting an extension of the OMB clearance for Form RD 1940–59, ‘‘Settlement Statement.’’ The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), as amended, sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:30 Jun 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 required the disclosure of real estate settlement costs to home buyers and sellers. The Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was instructed by the RESPA to develop a standard form for the statement of settlement costs to be used for all federally related transactions. Form RD 1940–59 is similar to the HUD–1 Settlement Statement used by HUD, the Veterans Administration, and the private mortgage industry, with some minor adaptations acceptable under RESPA. Form RD 1940–59 is completed by Settlement Agents, Closing Attorneys, and Title Insurance Companies performing the closing of RHS loans and credit sales used to purchase or refinance Section 502 Housing, Rural Rental Housing, and Farm Labor Housing. The same parties performing the closing of FSA Farm Ownership loans and credit sales also complete the form. The information is collected to provide the buyer and seller with a statement detailing the actual costs of the settlement services involved in the Agencies financed real estate transactions. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average .36 hours per response. Respondents: Settlement Agents, Closing Attorneys, and Title Insurance Companies performing the closing of the Agencies loans and credit sales. Estimated Number of Respondents: 11,928. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.8. Estimated Number of Responses: 21,135. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 7,530 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Renita Bolden, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692–0035. Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agencies, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agencies’ estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Renita Bolden, Regulation and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Stop 0742, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–0742. 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. Dated: June 6, 2007. Russell T. Davis, Administrator, Rural Housing Service. Dated: June 6, 2007. Glen L. Keppy, Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency. [FR Doc. 07–2925 Filed 6–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Williows, California. Agenda items covered include: (1) Introductions, (2) Public Comment, (3) Status of Current Members, (4) Status of Funding, (5) Status of Legislation, (6) Set up Schedule for Accepting and Voting on Projects, (7) General Discussion, (8) Next Agenda. DATES: The meeting will be held on June 25, 2007, from 1:30 p.m. and end at approximately 4:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Medocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988. Individuals who wish to speak or propose agenda items send their names and proposals to Eduardo Olmedo, DFO, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bobbin Gaddini, Committee Coordinator, USDA, Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District, P.O. Box 164, Elk Creek, CA 95939. (530) 968–1815; e-mail ggaddini@fs.fed.us. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting will be open to the public. Committee discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Committee members. However, persons who wish to bring matters to the attention of the Committee will file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. Public input sessions are E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 113 (Wednesday, June 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32607-32608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11481]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2007-0029]


Planet Biotechnology, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental 
Assessment for a Field Release of Nicotiana Hybrids Genetically 
Engineered To Produce Antibodies

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have prepared an 
environmental assessment for a proposed field release involving a 
Nicotiana hybrid line that has been genetically engineered to produce 
an antimicrobial antibody that binds to a bacterium (Streptococcus 
mutans) associated with tooth decay in humans. The purpose of this 
field release is to generate plant biomass from which the antibody will 
be extracted after harvest. We are making the environmental assessment 
available to the public for review and comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments received on or before July 13, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov, select ``Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service'' from the agency drop-down menu, then click ``Submit.'' In the 
Docket ID column, select APHIS-2007-0029 to submit or view public 
comments and to view supporting and related materials available 
electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including 
instruction for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing 
the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through 
the site's ``User Tips'' link.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies 
of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS-
2007-0029, 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-2007-0029.
    Reading Room: You may read the environmental assessment (EA) and 
any comments 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. The EA is available on the Internet at https://
www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/05_35403r_ea.pdf.
    Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its 
programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Margaret Jones, Biotechnology 
Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236; (301) 734-4880. To obtain copies of the environmental 
assessment, contact Ms. Cynthia Eck at (301) 734-0667; e-mail: 
cynthia.a.eck@aphis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 in the environment of a regulated 
article.
    On December 21, 2005, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) received a permit application (APHIS No. 05-354-03r) 
from Planet Biotechnology, Inc., of Hayward, CA, for a field trial 
using a transgenic Nicotiana hybrid. Permit application 05-354-03r 
describes a Nicotiana hybrid line (Nicotiana tabacum X Nicotiana 
glauca), designated as 06PBCarHG1, that produces a chimeric 
antimicrobial antibody (trade name CaroRx)TM that binds to 
the bacterium (Streptococcus mutans) associated with tooth decay in 
humans. Expression of the gene sequence is controlled by the 
cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) promoter and terminated by NOS from 
Agrobacterium tumefaciens and utilizes the selectable marker NPTII from 
Escherichia coli. Constructs were inserted into the recipient organisms 
via a disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector system. The antibodies 
generated from this planting will be extracted after harvest.
    The subject Nicotiana hybrid is considered a regulated article 
under the regulations in 7 CFR part 340 because it has been genetically 
engineered using genetic sequences from plant pathogens.
    To provide the public with documentation of APHIS' review and 
analysis of any potential environmental impacts and plant pest risks 
associated with the proposed release of these Nicotiana hybrids, we 
have prepared an environmental assessment (EA). The EA was prepared in 
accordance with (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the 
Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural 
provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), (3) USDA regulations 
implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS' NEPA Implementing 
Procedures (7 CFR part 372).
    The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our 
reading room. (Instructions for accessing

[[Page 32608]]

Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the 
reading room are provided under the heading ADDRESSES at the beginning 
of this notice.) In addition, copies may be obtained by calling or 
writing to the individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701-7772 and 7781-7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 
CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 7th day of June, 2007.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-11481 Filed 6-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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