March 3, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 119
Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe (over 4½ Inches) from Japan: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review
On July 26, 2007, the U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department) published a notice of initiation of an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on carbon and alloy seamless standard, line, and pressure pipe (over 4[frac1s2] inches) from Japan. The review covers four manufacturers/exporters: JFE Steel Corporation; Nippon Steel Corporation; NKK Tubes; and Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. The period of review (POR) is June 1, 2006, through May 31, 2007. Following the receipt of a certification of no shipments from all four respondents, we notified the domestic interested party of the Department's intent to rescind this review and provided an opportunity to comment on the rescission. We received no comments. Therefore, we are rescinding this administrative review.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Additives
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are sponsoring a public meeting on March 12, 2008. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 40th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Beijing, China, on April 21-25, 2008. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 40th Session of the CCFA and to address items on the agenda.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are sponsoring a public meeting on March 5, 2008. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 2nd Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in The Hague, The Netherlands, from March 31-April 4, 2008. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 2nd Session of the CCCF and to address items that will be on the agenda.
Initiation of Five-year (“Sunset”) Reviews
In accordance with section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (``the Act''), the Department of Commerce (``the Department'') is automatically initiating a five-year review (``Sunset Review'') of the antidumping duty order listed below. The International Trade Commission (``the Commission'') is publishing concurrently with this notice its notice of Institution of Five-year Review which covers the same order.
Determination of Pest-Free Areas Within the States of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Request for Comments
We are advising the public that we have received a request from the Government of Brazil to recognize 7 municipalities in the State of Cear[aacute] and 13 municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Norte as pest-free areas for the South American cucurbit fly. After reviewing the documentation submitted in support of that request, the Administrator has determined that those municipalities meet the criteria in our regulations for recognition as pest-free areas. We are making that determination, as well as an evaluation document we have prepared in connection with this action, available for review and comment.
Draft Toxicological Review of 2-Hexanone: In Support of the Summary Information in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
EPA is announcing the public review and comment period for the external review draft document titled, ``Toxicological Review of 2- Hexanone: In Support of Summary Information on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)'' (NCEA-S-2764). The EPA intends to consider comments and recommendations from the public and an expert panel meeting, which will be scheduled at a later date and announced in the Federal Register, when EPA finalizes the draft document. The public comment period will provide opportunities for all interested parties to comment on the document. EPA intends to forward public comments, submitted in accordance with this notice, to the external peer-review panel prior to the workshop for their consideration. EPA is releasing this draft document solely for the purpose of pre- dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. This document has not been formally disseminated by EPA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency policy or determination. The draft document is available via the Internet on NCEA's home page under the Recent Additions and the Data and Publications menus at https://www.epa.gov/ncea. When finalizing the draft document, EPA intends to consider any public comments that EPA receives in accordance with this notice.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Department of the Air Force is proposing to add a system of records to its inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended.
Notice; Correction
The National Park Service published a document in the Federal Register of January 28, 2008, concerning meetings for the NPS Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC) program within the Alaska Region. The notice was incomplete. This notice corrects omissions from the January 28, 2008 notice.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2008 Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Operations Plan and Agreement and Allocation of Georges Bank Cod Total Allowable Catch
The Georges Bank (GB) Cod Hook Sector (Hook Sector) has submitted an Operations Plan and Sector Contract entitled, ``Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Fishing Year 2008-2009 Operations Plan and Agreement'' (together referred to as the Sector Agreement), and an Environmental Assessment (EA), and has requested an allocation of GB cod, consistent with the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This rule proposes to modify the eligibility criteria for membership in both the Hook Sector and the GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector (Fixed Gear Sector). This proposed rule provides interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed Hook Gear Sector Agreement prior to final approval or disapproval of the Hook Sector Operations Plan and allocation of GB cod Total Allowable Catch (TAC) to the Hook Sector for the 2008 fishing year (FY).
Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations
The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held on March 14, 2008 for the proposed rule on ``Revision to the General Conformity Regulations.'' This rulemaking action was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2008 and proposes to revise EPA's regulations relating to the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements that Federal Actions conform to the appropriate State, Tribal or Federal implementation plan for attaining clean air (``general conformity''). The public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data, views, or arguments concerning these proposed changes. EPA is also correcting the docket number published in the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking. In the January 8, 2008 Revisions to the General Conformity Regulations: Proposed Rule, there was an error made in citing the docket number. The appropriate docket number for the January 8, 2008 proposed rulemaking is EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669. Please submit all comments to docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0669 when commenting on the January 8, 2008 proposed rule.
Recent Posting to the Applicability Determination Index (ADI) Database System of Agency Applicability Determinations, Alternative Monitoring Decisions, and Regulatory Interpretations Pertaining to Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program
This notice announces applicability determinations, alternative monitoring decisions, and regulatory interpretations that EPA has made under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS); the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP); and the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program.
Radio Broadcasting Services; Blanca, CO
At the request of Kevin J. Youngers, Channel 249C2 at Blanca, Colorado, is allotted as the community's first local aural transmission service. Channel 249C2 is allotted at Blanca, Colorado with a site restriction of 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) east of the community at coordinates 37-26-35 NL and 105-26-29 WL .
Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 2006 and 2007 Subaru Forester Passenger Cars Are Eligible for Importation
This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that 2006 and 2007 Subaru Forester passenger cars that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) are eligible for importation into the United States because (1) they are substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 2006 and 2007 Subaru Forester passenger car), and (2) they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Used Farm Equipment From Regions Affected With Foot-and-Mouth Disease
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 regulations for the importation of used farm equipment into the United States from regions affected with foot-and- mouth disease.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The NRC is preparing a submittal to OMB for review of continued approval of information collections under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Information pertaining to the requirement to be submitted: 1. The title of the information collection: NRC Form 445, ``Request For Approval of Official Foreign Travel.'' 2. Current OMB approval number: 3150-0193. 3. How often the collection is required: On occasion. 4. Who is required or asked to report: Non-Federal consultants, contractors and NRC invited travelers (i.e., non-NRC employees). 5. The number of annual respondents: 120. 6. The number of hours needed annually to complete the requirement or request: 120 hours (1 hour per response). 7. Abstract: Form 445, ``Request for Approval of Foreign Travel,'' is supplied by consultants, contractors, and NRC invited travelers who must travel to foreign countries in the course of conducting business for the NRC. In accordance with 48 CFR part 20, ``NRC Acquisition Regulation,'' contractors traveling to foreign countries are required to complete this form. The information requested includes the name of the Office Director/Regional Administrator or Chairman (as appropriate); the traveler's identifying information; the purpose of travel; a listing of the trip coordinators, other NRC travelers and contractors attending the same meeting; and a proposed itinerary. Submit, by May 2, 2008, comments that address the following questions: 1. Is the proposed collection of information necessary for the NRC to properly perform its functions? Does the information have practical utility? 2. Is the burden estimate accurate? 3. Is there a way to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected? 4. How can the burden of the information collection be minimized, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology? A copy of the draft supporting statement may be viewed free of charge at the NRC Public Document Room, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Room O-1 F21, Rockville, MD 20852. OMB clearance requests are available at the NRC worldwide Web site: https:// www.nrc.gov/public-involve/doc-comment/omb/. The document will be available on the NRC home page site for 60 days after the signature date of this notice. Comments and questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the NRC Clearance Officer, Margaret A. Janney (T-5 F52), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, by telephone at 301-415-7245, or by e-mail to INFOCOLLECTS@NRC.GOV.
Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision and National Interest Determination and the Programmatic Agreement for the Proposed TransCanada Keystone Pipeline Project
This notice announces the availability of the Record of Decision and National Interest Determination and the Programmatic Agreement for the Proposed TransCanada Keystone Pipeline Project. On April 19, 2006, TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP (``Keystone'') filed an application with the Department of State for a Presidential permit for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of facilities at the border of the United States and Canada for the transport of crude oil between the United States and Canada across the international boundary. Executive Order 13337 of April 30, 2004, as amended, delegates to the Secretary of State the President's authority to receive applications for permits for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of facilities, including pipelines, for the exportation or importation of petroleum, petroleum products, coal, or other fuels at the border of the United States and to issue or deny such Presidential Permits upon a national interest determination. The Executive Order directs the Secretary of State to refer the application and pertinent information to, and to request the views of, the heads of certain agencies before issuing a Permit and authorizes the Secretary to consult with other interested federal and state officials, as appropriate. The functions assigned to the Secretary have been further delegated within the Department of State to, inter alia, the Deputy Secretary of State and the Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (``NEPA''), 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f, the Council of Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, and the Department's regulations for the implementation of NEPA, 22 CFR part 161, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the issuance of a Presidential Permit for the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline was prepared by Entrix, Inc., a contractor selected by the Department of State. The Department of State published in the Federal Register a Notification of Receipt of the Keystone Application for a permit on August 8, 2006 (71 Fed. Reg. 47861). That notification solicited public comment on the application for a 30-day period. Thereafter, the Department published in the Federal Register a Notification of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on October 11, 2006 (71 FR 59849). The Department's Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS and request for public comment was published in the Federal Register on August 9, 2007 (72 FR 44908-02), seeking comments by September 24, 2007. The Department received public comments in response to its notice and has taken them into account in making its determination on the Keystone application. As required by Executive Order 13337, the Keystone pipeline application and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement were transmitted to federal agencies for their review and comment on August 6, 2007. The Department of State received no objections from federal agencies regarding the issuance of a permit. The Department published a notice of the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register on January 11, 2008 (73 FR 2027). Concurrently, the Department took steps to comply with its obligations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. On February 15, 2008, Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte signed a Programmatic Agreement with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the applicant, all seven state historic preservation officials, and consulting federal agencies. Native American tribes were also invited to sign as concurring parties under the ACHP's guidelines. The purpose of the Programmatic Agreement is to take into account the effect of the proposed Keystone Pipeline Project on historic properties and to satisfy all responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Consistent with its authority under Executive Order 13337, the Department reviewed all of the available information and documentation, including comments submitted by federal and state agencies and the public. On February 23, 2008, the Secretary's Delegate, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Reuben Jeffery III, signed the Record of Decision and National Interest Determination, which states that issuance of the Presidential Permit for the Keystone Pipeline Project would serve the national interest. Accordingly, the Department proposes to issue the Presidential Permit to Keystone subject to certain terms and conditions. Executive Order 13337 requires that Secretaries or Heads of certain agencies be notified of the Department's proposed determination concerning issuance of the Presidential Permit. Any agency required to be consulted under Section 1(g) of the Order that disagrees with the proposed determination may notify the Secretary of State within 15 days of this notice that it disagrees with the determination and request that the Secretary refer the application to the President. If no disagreement and request for referral is registered within the prescribed period, the Presidential Permit will be signed and issued to Keystone. On February 25, the Department notified all agencies of its intent to issue the Permit as required under Section 1(g) of the order. For Further Information Contact: The Record of Decision and National Interest Determination, the Programmatic Agreement, the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline application for a Presidential Permit, including associated maps and drawings, the Final EIS and other project information is available for viewing and download at the project Web site: https://www.keystonepipeline.state.gov. For information on the proposed project contact Elizabeth Orlando, OES/ENV Room 2657, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, or by telephone (202) 647- 4284, or by fax at (202) 647-5947. U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, or by telephone (202) 647-4284, or by fax at (202) 647-5947.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The NRC is preparing a submittal to OMB for review of continued approval of information collections under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Information pertaining to the requirement to be submitted: 1. The title of the information collection: 10 CFR part 100, ``Reactor Site Criteria.'' 2. Current OMB approval number: 3150-0093. 3. How often the collection is required: As necessary in order for the NRC to assess the adequacy of proposed seismic design bases and the design bases for other site hazards for nuclear power and test reactors constructed and licensed in accordance with 10 CFR parts 50 and 52 and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. 4. Who is required or asked to report: Applicants and licensees for nuclear power and test reactors. 5. The number of annual respondents: Approximately 9. 6. The number of hours needed annually to complete the requirement or request per applicant: 657,000 (73,000 hours per applicant). 7. Abstract: 10 CFR part 100, ``Reactor Site Criteria,'' establishes approval requirements for proposed sites for the purpose of constructing and operating stationary power and testing reactors pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR parts 50 or 52. These reactors are required to be sited, designed, constructed and maintained to withstand geologic hazards, such as faulting, seismic hazards, and the maximum credible earthquake, to protect the health and safety of the public and the environment. Non-seismic siting criteria must also be evaluated. Non-seismic siting criteria include such factors as population density, the proximity of man-related hazards, and site atmospheric dispersion characteristics. NRC uses the information required by 10 CFR part 100 to evaluate whether natural phenomena and potential man-made hazards will be appropriately accounted for in the design of nuclear power and test reactors. Submit, by May 2, 2008, comments that address the following questions: 1. Is the proposed collection of information necessary for the NRC to properly perform its functions? Does the information have practical utility? 2. Is the burden estimate accurate? 3. Is there a way to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected? 4. How can the burden of the information collection be minimized, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology? A copy of the draft supporting statement may be viewed free of charge at the NRC Public Document Room, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Room O-1 F21, Rockville, MD 20852. OMB clearance requests are available at the NRC worldwide Web site: https:// www.nrc.gov/public-involve/doc-comment/omb/. The document will be available on the NRC home page site for 60 days after the signature date of this notice. Comments and questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the NRC Clearance Officer, Margaret A. Janney (T-5 F52), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, by telephone at 301-415-7245, or by e-mail to INFOCOLLECTS@NRC.GOV.
Almonds Grown in California; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 981
This decision proposes amendments to Marketing Order No. 981 (order), which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California, and provides growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Almond Board of California (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments would authorize the establishment of different outgoing quality requirements for different markets and would authorize the establishment of bulk container marking and labeling requirements. The proposals are intended to provide additional flexibility in administering the quality control provisions of the order and provide the industry with additional tools for the marketing of almonds.
Walnuts Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order and Agreement No. 984
This rule amends the marketing order for walnuts grown in California. The amendments were proposed by the Walnut Marketing Board (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments will: Change the marketing year; include ``pack'' as a handler function; restructure the Board and revise nomination procedures; rename the Board and add authority to change Board composition; modify Board meeting and voting procedures; add authority for marketing promotion and paid advertising; add authority to accept voluntary financial contributions and to carry over excess assessment funds; broaden the scope of the quality control provisions and add the authority to recommend different regulations for different market destinations; add authority for the Board to appoint more than one inspection service; replace outdated order language with current industry terminology; and other related amendments. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed three additional amendments: To establish tenure limitations for Board members, to require that continuance referenda be conducted on a periodic basis to ascertain producer support for the order, and to make any necessary conforming changes. With the exception of the amendment to establish tenure limitations, all of the amendments were favored by walnut growers in a mail referendum, held August 1 through 17, 2007. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program.
Information Collection: Report of Acreage, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on an extension with revision of a currently approved information collection associated with the report of acreage for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). This information collection is needed to administer the program.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2007-2008 Crop Year for Tart Cherries
This rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for 2007-2008 crop year tart cherries covered under the Federal marketing order regulating tart cherries grown in seven states (order). The percentages are 57 percent free and 43 percent restricted and will establish the proportion of cherries from the 2007 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages are intended to stabilize supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions. The percentages were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board), the body that locally administers the order. The order regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Records Schedules; Availability and Request for Comments
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) publishes notice at least once monthly of certain Federal agency requests for records disposition authority (records schedules). Once approved by NARA, records schedules provide mandatory instructions on what happens to records when no longer needed for current Government business. They authorize the preservation of records of continuing value in the National Archives of the United States and the destruction, after a specified period, of records lacking administrative, legal, research, or other value. Notice is published for records schedules in which agencies propose to destroy records not previously authorized for disposal or reduce the retention period of records already authorized for disposal. NARA invites public comments on such records schedules, as required by 44 U.S.C. 3303a(a).
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. AT-200, AT-300, AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, AT-800 Series Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-25- 09, which applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) AT-250, AT-300, AT-400, and AT-500 series airplanes. AD 2002-25-09 currently requires you to install an overturn skid plate in the cockpit area. Since we issued AD 2002-25-09, we received a report of the bolts attaching the forward end of the original design overturn skid plate to the airframe breaking in an overturn accident. This allowed the skid plate to rotate around the rear attach point and the forward end of the plate to enter the cockpit area. Consequently, this proposed AD would require the installation of a modified skid plate kit or modification to skid plate kits that are already installed, including those already installed on AT-402B, AT-502B, AT-602, and AT-802A series airplanes during production. We are proposing this AD to prevent the front and rear connections of the overturn skid plate to the airplane from breaking, which could allow foreign debris to enter the cockpit during an airplane overturn. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to pilot injury.
Notice and Request for Information and Comment on Development and Application of Crash Warning Interface Metrics
During the NHTSA-led Human Factors Forum on Advanced Vehicle Safety Technologies in early 2007, participants from the automobile industry, government, and academia gathered to discuss the research necessary to ensure that future design and operation of these technologies are developed with an understanding of the driver's ability to use them. Underlying this objective is a requirement to have techniques and metrics to quantify how well drivers can use and benefit from the technologies. Without common, reliable, and safety-related metrics, it is difficult to develop, evaluate, and compare different systems as well as to determine the impact of non-standardized warning interfaces. To address this issue, NHTSA is initiating a program to develop a set of standard metrics and test procedures to assess the Driver- Vehicle Interface (DVI) of Advanced Crash Warning Systems (ACWS). ACWS are technologies to assist drivers who may be unaware of impending collisions by alerting them of potential threats. Examples include forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and road departure warnings. The DVI is the means by which ACWS communicate with drivers to help them avoid a threat. In order for ACWS to achieve their intended safety benefits, drivers need to be able to quickly understand the ACWS threat information and respond appropriately without confusion. The warning timing, reliability, warning modes, device controls, and displays are examples of the DVI characteristics that can affect the ability of drivers to achieve the intended safety benefits without possible adverse consequences. Crash Warning Interface Metrics (CWIM) are derived from tests of drivers' performance using ACWS, indicating the compatibility of the DVI with drivers' capabilities and needs. This notice invites comments, suggestions, and recommendations from all individuals and organizations that have an interest in the development and use of Crash Warning Interface Metrics. NHTSA requests comments to assist the agency in identifying, evaluating, and selecting CWIM and associated test methods for assessing the role of the DVI in influencing driver performance with ACWS.
Charter Amendment of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees
Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C. Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine 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 Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Operations Board of Visitors (hereafter referred to as the Board). The Board is a non-discretionary federal advisory committee established by 10 U.S.C. 2166(e) to provide the Secretary of Defense through the Secretary of the Army, independent advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to the operations and management of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Operations (hereafter referred to as the Institute). Section 956 of Public Law 110-181 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008) amended the Board's membership provisions of 10 U.S.C. 2166(e)(1) to include the commanders of the combatant commands having geographic responsibility for the Western Hemisphere. All other provisions of 10 U.S.C. 2166(e) remained unchanged. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2166(e), the Board shall: 1. Inquire into the curriculum instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, and academic methods of the Institute, other matters relating to the Institute that the Board decides to consider, and any other matter that the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate; 2. Review the curriculum to determine whether it adheres to U.S. doctrine, complies with applicable U.S. laws and regulations, and is consistent with U.S. policy goals towards the Western Hemisphere; and 3. Determine whether the Institute emphasizes human rights to include the rule of law, due process, civilian control of the military, and the role of the military in a democratic society. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2166(e)(1), the Board shall be composed of thirteen members: 1. Two members of the Senate (the Chair and Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee or their designees); 2. Two Members of the House of Representatives (the Chair and Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee or their designees); 3. One person designated by the Secretary of State; the senior military officer responsible for training and education in the U.S. Army (or designee); the commanders of the combatant commands having geographic responsibility for the Western Hemisphere (or designee); and 4. Six persons designated by the Secretary of Defense including, to the extent practicable, persons from academia, religious institutions, and human rights communities. Board Members appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who are not federal officers or employees, shall serve as Special Government Employees under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109. Board Members shall be appointed for a two-year term, and may be extended for an additional term of two years. With the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, they shall serve without compensation. The Board shall be authorized to establish subcommittees, as necessary and consistent with its mission, and 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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
