March 8, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

EPA is providing notice that it has responded to a petition for reconsideration and a request for an administrative stay of certain provisions of the final rule titled, ``Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Wisconsin; NSR Reform Regulations, Rule AM-06-04'' published December 17, 2008. The final rule approved certain revisions to Wisconsin's Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) construction permit programs, which Wisconsin submitted on May 25, 2006. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sought approval of rule AM-06-04 to implement the NSR Reform provisions that were not vacated by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (DC Circuit) in New York v. EPA. On February 17, 2009, EPA received a petition for reconsideration pursuant to section 307(d)(7)(B) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Sierra Club. The petition also requested that EPA stay implementation of certain provisions of the final rule pending its reconsideration. The EPA considered the petition for reconsideration and request for an administrative stay, along with information contained in the rulemaking docket, in reaching a decision on both the petition and request for a stay. The EPA Administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, denied both the petition for reconsideration and request for stay in letters to the petitioners dated January 19, 2010.

The AP Loblolly Pine Removal and Restoration Project is a district-wide project that includes 40 compartments located across the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, South Carolina. Loblolly pine is a southern pine species that is not native to mountain regions in the upstate. This species was planted extensively in plantations across the district in the past, primarily in an effort to increase pine productivity for timber products. Most of the plantations have suffered from insect and disease related mortality such as southern pine beetle and need to be restored to native hardwoods and pines and understory plants more typical of the Chattooga River and Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills (Management Area 2 and 3, respectively). Also, habitat diversity would be improved by developing and maintaining early successional habitat capable of supporting existing native and other desired non-native plants (including the federally endangered smooth coneflower, Echinacea laevigata) and wildlife species. This habitat would be maintained with herbicide, prescribed fire and also manual and mechanical treatment. Woodlands are forests with relatively low tree densities of 25-60% forest cover with understories that are dominated by native grasses and forbs. Five stands within the project area would be developed and maintained as woodland habitat (202 acres).

The Department of the Navy published a document in the Federal Register of February 12, 2010, concerning certifications and exemptions under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS). The document contained an incorrect hull number.

The Wrangell-Petersburg Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Petersburg, Alaska. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110- 343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the meeting is to update Committee members on changes in the legislation, elect officers, and develop operating guidelines and project evaluation criteria. The committee may also make funding recommendations at this meeting.