Request for Public Comment on Short Supply Petition under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), 71123-71124 [E7-24281]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2007 / Notices where researchers are shielded from the view of hauled out pinnipeds. Beach landings on Ano Nuevo Island would only occur after any pinnipeds that might be present on the landing beach have entered the water. Researchers accessing seabird nest boxes would crawl slowly if pinnipeds are within view. Visits to intertidal areas of Southeast Farallon Island during research activities would be coordinated to reduce potential take. All research goals on Ano Nuevo Island would be coordinated to minimize the necessary number of trips to the island. Once on Ano Nuevo Island, researchers would coordinate monitoring schedules so areas near any pinnipeds would be accessed only once per visit. Researchers would take notes of sea lions and seals observed within the proposed research area during studies. The notes would provide dates, time, tidal height, species, numbers of sea lions and seals present, and any behavior changes. PRBO will submit a final report, including these notes, to NMFS within 90 days after the expiration of the IHA, if it is issued. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) In July 2007, NMFS prepared a draft EA on the issuance of an IHA to PRBO to take marine mammals by Level B harassment incidental to conducting seabird research in central California. The draft EA was released for public review and comment along with the application and the proposed IHA. All comments are addressed in full in the Comments and Responses section. Subsequently, NMFS finalized the draft EA and on December 4, 2007, issued a Finding of No Significant Impact on the proposed project. No environmental impact statement was prepared. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES ESA A section 7 consultation under the ESA was conducted with NMFS Headquarters Office of Protected Resources’ Endangered Species Division. On October 19, 2007, NMFS issued a Biological Opinion and concluded that the issuance of an IHA to PRBO is likely to affect, but not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Steller sea lions. An incidental take statement is included in the Biological Opinion. Determinations For the reasons discussed in this document and in the identified supporting documents, NMFS has determined that the impact of seabird research on Southeast Farallon Island, VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Dec 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 Ano Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes NS would result, at worst, in the Level B harassment of small numbers of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, northern elephant seals, and Steller sea lions hauled out in the vicinity of the proposed research area. While behavioral modifications, including temporarily vacating the area during the survey period, may be made by these species, this action will have a negligible impact on California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, northern elephant seals, and Steller sea lions. In addition, no take by Level A harassment (injury) or death is anticipated and harassment takes should be at the lowest level practicable due to incorporation of the mitigation measures described in this document. Authorization NMFS has issued an IHA to PRBO for the potential harassment of small numbers of California sea lions, harbor seals, northern elephant seals, and Steller sea lions incidental to conducting of seabird research on Southeast Farallon Island, Ano Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes NS, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. Dated: December 10, 2007. Helen Golde, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–24255 Filed 12–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Request for Public Comment on Short Supply Petition under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) December 11, 2007. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Request for Public Comments concerning a request for modification of the NAFTA rules of origin for textile filaments, staple yarns, and woven fabrics and nonwoven and other textile articles from rayon fiber. AGENCY: SUMMARY: On October 16, 2007, the Chairman of CITA received a request from the National Textile Association (NTA), alleging that certain rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’) cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and requesting that CITA PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71123 consider whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rule of origin for textile filaments, staple yarns, and woven fabrics, classified under chapters 52, 54 and 55 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and nonwoven and other textile articles of chapter 56, should be modified to allow the use of non-North American rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’). CITA is also considering a broad change in the rule of origin for all other textile products to allow the use of non-North American rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’). The President may proclaim a modification to the NAFTA rules of origin under these circumstances to implement an agreement with the other NAFTA countries on the modification. CITA hereby solicits public comments on this request, in particular with regard to whether rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’) can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Comments must be submitted by (January 14, 2008 to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001, United States Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Carrigg, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-3400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended (7 USC 1854); Section 202(q) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 USC 3332(q)); Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended. BACKGROUND Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), NAFTA countries are required to eliminate customs duties on textile and apparel goods that qualify as originating goods under the NAFTA rules of origin, which are set out in Annex 401 to the NAFTA. The NAFTA provides for the Parties to consult to consider issues of availability of supply of fibers, yarns or fabrics in the free trade area. See NAFTA Annex 300-B, Section 7.2(a). The NAFTA implementing legislation authorizes the President to modify the rules of origin pursuant to any agreement reached by the NAFTA Parties, as provided in Section 7.2(a) of Annex 300-B. See Section 202(q)(3)(A) of the NAFTA Implementation Act. The Statement of Administrative Action (SAA) that accompanies the NAFTA Implementation Act stated that any interested person may submit to CITA a E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM 14DEN1 rmajette on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES 71124 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2007 / Notices request for a modification to a particular rule of origin based on a change in the availability in North America of a particular fiber, yarn or fabric and that the requesting party would bear the burden of demonstrating that a change is warranted. NAFTA Implementation Act, SAA, H. Doc. 103-159, Vol. 1, at 491 (1993). The SAA provides that CITA may make a recommendation to the President regarding a change to a rule of origin for a textile or apparel good. SAA at 491. The NAFTA Implementation Act provides the President with the authority to proclaim modifications to the NAFTA rules of origin as are necessary to implement an agreement with one or more NAFTA country on such a modification. See section 202(q) of the NAFTA Implementation Act. On October 16, 2007, the Chairman of CITA received a request from the National Textile Association (NTA), alleging that certain rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’) cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and requesting that CITA consider whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rule of origin for textile filaments, staple yarns, and woven fabrics, classified under chapters 52, 54 and 55 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and nonwoven and other textile articles of chapter 56, should be modified to allow the use of non-North American rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’). CITA is also considering a broad change in the rule of origin for all other textile products to allow the use of non-North American rayon fibers (other than ‘‘lyocell’’). CITA is soliciting public comments regarding this request, particularly with respect to whether the rayon fiber described above can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Comments must be received no later than January 14, 2008. Interested persons are invited to submit six copies of such comments or information to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3100, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230. If a comment alleges that these rayon fibers can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA will closely review any supporting documentation, such as a signed statement by a manufacturer stating that it produces fiber that is the subject of the request, including the quantities that can be supplied and the time necessary to fill VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:23 Dec 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 an order, as well as any relevant information regarding past production. CITA will protect any business confidential information that is marked business confidential from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law. CITA will make available to the public nonconfidential versions of the request and non-confidential versions of any public comments received with respect to a request in room 3001 in the Herbert Hoover Building, 14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230. Persons submitting comments on a request are encouraged to include a nonconfidential version and a nonconfidential summary. R. Matthew Priest, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E7–24281 Filed 12–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Amendment to Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees DoD. Amendment to Federal Advisory Committee. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, (5 U.S.C. Appendix, as amended), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102–3.85, the Department of Defense gives notice that it is amending the charter for the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (hereafter referred to as the Board). The Department of Defense hereby authorizes the Board to establish and use subcommittees as necessary and consistent with its mission. These subcommittees or working groups shall operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976, and other appropriate Federal regulations. Such subcommittees or workgroups shall not work independently of the chartered Board, and shall report all their recommendations and advice to the Board for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered Board nor can they report directly to the Department of Defense or any federal officers or employees who are not Board Members. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Board is a discretionary federal advisory committee established by the Secretary of Defense to provide the Department of Defense independent advice concerning matters arising from the military service obligations of members of the National Guard and Reserve members and the impact on their civilian employment. Pursuant to DoD policy, the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs) may act upon the advice of the Board. The Board shall be composed of no more than fifteen members appointed by the Secretary of Defense for three-year terms, and their appointments will be renewed on an annual basis. Those members, who are not full-time federal officers or employees, shall serve as Special Government Employees under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109. Board members, with the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, shall serve without compensation. The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs) shall select the Board’s Chairperson from the Board membership at large. The Board shall meet at the call of the Board’s Designated Federal Officer, in consultation with the Chairperson. The Designated Federal Officer, pursuant to DoD policy, shall be a full-time or permanent part-time DoD employee, and shall be appointed in accordance with established DoD policies and procedures. The Designated Federal Officer or duly appointed Alternate Designated Federal Officer shall attend all committee meetings and subcommittee meetings. Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140, the public or interested organizations may submit written statements to the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve membership about the Board’s mission and functions. Written statements may be submitted at any time or in response to the stated agenda of planned meeting of the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. All written statements shall be submitted to the Designated Federal Officer for the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and this individual will ensure that the written statements are provided to the membership for their consideration. Contact information for the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Designated Federal Officer can be obtained from the GSA’s FACA Database—https://www.fido.gov/ facadatabase/public.asp. The Designated Federal Officer, pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.150, will SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM 14DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 240 (Friday, December 14, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71123-71124]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24281]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS


Request for Public Comment on Short Supply Petition under the 
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

December 11, 2007.
AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA).

ACTION: Request for Public Comments concerning a request for 
modification of the NAFTA rules of origin for textile filaments, staple 
yarns, and woven fabrics and nonwoven and other textile articles from 
rayon fiber.

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

SUMMARY: On October 16, 2007, the Chairman of CITA received a request 
from the National Textile Association (NTA), alleging that certain 
rayon fibers (other than ``lyocell'') cannot be supplied by the 
domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and 
requesting that CITA consider whether the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) rule of origin for textile filaments, staple yarns, 
and woven fabrics, classified under chapters 52, 54 and 55 of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and nonwoven 
and other textile articles of chapter 56, should be modified to allow 
the use of non-North American rayon fibers (other than ``lyocell''). 
CITA is also considering a broad change in the rule of origin for all 
other textile products to allow the use of non-North American rayon 
fibers (other than ``lyocell''). The President may proclaim a 
modification to the NAFTA rules of origin under these circumstances to 
implement an agreement with the other NAFTA countries on the 
modification. CITA hereby solicits public comments on this request, in 
particular with regard to whether rayon fibers (other than ``lyocell'') 
can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner. Comments must be submitted by (January 14, 2008 to the 
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 
3001, United States Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Carrigg, International Trade 
Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, (202) 482-3400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Authority: Section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, as 
amended (7 USC 1854); Section 202(q) of the North American Free 
Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 USC 3332(q)); Executive Order 
11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended.

BACKGROUND

    Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), NAFTA 
countries are required to eliminate customs duties on textile and 
apparel goods that qualify as originating goods under the NAFTA rules 
of origin, which are set out in Annex 401 to the NAFTA. The NAFTA 
provides for the Parties to consult to consider issues of availability 
of supply of fibers, yarns or fabrics in the free trade area. See NAFTA 
Annex 300-B, Section 7.2(a). The NAFTA implementing legislation 
authorizes the President to modify the rules of origin pursuant to any 
agreement reached by the NAFTA Parties, as provided in Section 7.2(a) 
of Annex 300-B. See Section 202(q)(3)(A) of the NAFTA Implementation 
Act. The Statement of Administrative Action (SAA) that accompanies the 
NAFTA Implementation Act stated that any interested person may submit 
to CITA a

[[Page 71124]]

request for a modification to a particular rule of origin based on a 
change in the availability in North America of a particular fiber, yarn 
or fabric and that the requesting party would bear the burden of 
demonstrating that a change is warranted. NAFTA Implementation Act, 
SAA, H. Doc. 103-159, Vol. 1, at 491 (1993). The SAA provides that CITA 
may make a recommendation to the President regarding a change to a rule 
of origin for a textile or apparel good. SAA at 491. The NAFTA 
Implementation Act provides the President with the authority to 
proclaim modifications to the NAFTA rules of origin as are necessary to 
implement an agreement with one or more NAFTA country on such a 
modification. See section 202(q) of the NAFTA Implementation Act.
    On October 16, 2007, the Chairman of CITA received a request from 
the National Textile Association (NTA), alleging that certain rayon 
fibers (other than ``lyocell'') cannot be supplied by the domestic 
industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and requesting 
that CITA consider whether the North American Free Trade Agreement 
(NAFTA) rule of origin for textile filaments, staple yarns, and woven 
fabrics, classified under chapters 52, 54 and 55 of the Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and nonwoven and other 
textile articles of chapter 56, should be modified to allow the use of 
non-North American rayon fibers (other than ``lyocell''). CITA is also 
considering a broad change in the rule of origin for all other textile 
products to allow the use of non-North American rayon fibers (other 
than ``lyocell'').
    CITA is soliciting public comments regarding this request, 
particularly with respect to whether the rayon fiber described above 
can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner. Comments must be received no later than January 14, 
2008. Interested persons are invited to submit six copies of such 
comments or information to the Chairman, Committee for the 
Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3100, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230.
    If a comment alleges that these rayon fibers can be supplied by the 
domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA 
will closely review any supporting documentation, such as a signed 
statement by a manufacturer stating that it produces fiber that is the 
subject of the request, including the quantities that can be supplied 
and the time necessary to fill an order, as well as any relevant 
information regarding past production.
    CITA will protect any business confidential information that is 
marked business confidential from disclosure to the full extent 
permitted by law. CITA will make available to the public non-
confidential versions of the request and non-confidential versions of 
any public comments received with respect to a request in room 3001 in 
the Herbert Hoover Building, 14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20230. Persons submitting comments on a request are 
encouraged to include a non-confidential version and a non-confidential 
summary.

R. Matthew Priest,
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.
[FR Doc. E7-24281 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.