May 18, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final Annual Determination (AD) for 2010, pursuant to its authority under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Through this AD, NMFS identifies commercial fisheries operating in state and Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that will be required to take observers upon NMFS' request. The purpose of observing identified fisheries is to learn more about sea turtle interactions in a given fishery, evaluate existing measures to reduce or prevent prohibited sea turtle takes, and to determine whether additional measures to implement the prohibition against sea turtle takes may be necessary. Fisheries identified through this process will remain on the AD, and therefore required to carry observers upon NMFS' request, for 5 years.

This action proposes to revoke the Columbus, GA, Class C airspace area; establish Class D airspace area to replace the Class C airspace area; and amend the existing Class E surface area and 700-foot Class E airspace at Columbus, GA. The FAA is proposing this action because Columbus Metropolitan Airport no longer meets the criteria required to qualify for a Class C airspace designation. Reconfiguring the area would enhance safety and facilitate more efficient use of airspace within the National Airspace System.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending for 60 days the comment period for the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) that appeared in the Federal Register of March 19, 2010. In the ANPRM, FDA requested comments, data, research, or other information on the regulation of outdoor advertising of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The agency is taking this action in response to a request for an extension to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.

The Farm Credit Administration is proposing to amend its rules on loan policies and operations. The amended rule would permit Farm Credit System (System) institutions with direct lending authority to purchase from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) loans to farmers, ranchers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products and cooperatives that meet eligibility and scope of financing requirements. This action would allow the System to provide liquidity and a stable source of funding and credit for borrowers in rural areas affected by the failure of their lending institution.

This action amends Class E airspace for Claremore, OK, adding additional controlled airspace to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Claremore Regional Airport, Claremore, OK. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.

EPA is approving severable portions of two revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Texas on October 24, 2006, and August 16, 2007. These revisions amend existing sections and create a new section in Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 101General Air Quality Rules, Subchapter HEmissions Banking and Trading, Division 4Discrete Emission Credit Banking and Trading, referred to elsewhere in this notice as the Discrete Emission Reduction Credit (DERC) Program. The October 24, 2006, submittal creates a new section for international emission reduction provisions and amends existing sections to prohibit the generation and use of DERCs from shutdown activities and further clarify procedures for using emission protocols. The August 16, 2007, submittal amends two sections of the DERC program to update cross- references to recently recodified 30 TAC Chapter 117 provisions. Additionally, EPA finds that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has satisfied all elements of our September 6, 2006, final conditional approval of the DERC program with the submittal of the October 24, 2006, SIP submittal; and as such, the DERC program conditional approval is converted to a full approval. EPA has determined that these SIP revisions comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA regulations, are consistent with EPA policies, and will improve air quality. This action is being taken under section 110 and parts C and D of the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act or CAA).

FRA is proposing to amend its railroad communications regulations by restricting use of mobile telephones and other distracting electronic devices by railroad operating employees. This proposed rulemaking would codify most of the requirements of FRA Emergency Order No. 26, which would be supplanted by the final rule. FRA proposes that some of the substantive requirements of that order as well as its scope be changed by this rulemaking to accommodate changes previously recommended by a petition for review of that order and a number of additional amendments that FRA believes are appropriate. In addition, FRA is requesting comment regarding whether violations of this proposed subpart should be a basis for revoking a locomotive engineer's certification.

The Coast Guard is establishing a regulated navigation area (RNA) covering a portion of the Hood Canal in the State of Washington that will be in effect whenever any U.S. Navy submarine is operating in that area and is being escorted by the Coast Guard. The RNA is necessary to help ensure the safety and security of the submarines, their Coast Guard security escorts, and the maritime public in general. The RNA will do so by requiring all persons and vessels located within the RNA to follow all lawful orders and/or directions given to them by Coast Guard security escort personnel.