May 16, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has decided to consider the issues raised in a petition for rulemaking (PRM) submitted by Anthony R. Pietrangelo, on behalf of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the petitioner, in the planned ``Quality Control/Quality Verification'' (QC/QV) rulemaking (Docket ID: NRC-2009-0090). The petitioner requested that the NRC amend its regulations regarding its fitness-for-duty programs to refine existing requirements based on experience gained since the regulations were last amended in 2008.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has decided to consider the issues raised in a petition for rulemaking (PRM) submitted by Erik Erb, the petitioner, and 91 cosigners, in the planned ``Quality Control/Quality Verification'' (QC/QV) rulemaking (Docket ID: NRC-2009- 0090). The petitioner requested that the NRC amend its regulations to decrease the minimum days off requirement for security officers working 12 hour shifts from an average of 3 days per week to 2.5 or 2 days per week.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is revising Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations that cover the privacy protections for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households and applicants. The change is to comply with a new provision of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

This final rule revises BOEMRE regulations that pertain to noncompetitive acquisition of an Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) renewable energy lease. We are taking this action because under the current regulations the process for acquiring a lease noncompetitively that is initiated by an unsolicited request is inconsistent with the process for acquiring a lease noncompetitively that is initiated by BOEMRE. By revising regulations which govern the lease acquisition process starting with submission of an unsolicited request, and regulations which govern the lease acquisition process starting with BOEMRE issuance of a Request for Interest (RFI) or a Call for Information and Nomination (Call), this rulemaking will make the two processes consistent with each other.

This document is a request for comments on opportunities to more effectively align benefits and incentives to prevent cost-shifting and improve access to care under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid (``dual eligibles''). The document also reflects CMS' commitment to the general principles of the President's Executive Order released January 18, 2011, entitled ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.''

EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the New Mexico State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision consists of a maintenance plan for Sunland Park, New Mexico developed to ensure continued attainment of the 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) through the year 2014. The Maintenance Plan meets the requirements of Section 110(a)(1) of the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA's rules, and is consistent with EPA's guidance. EPA is approving the revisions pursuant to section 110 and part D of the CAA.

The FDIC is adopting as final the Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register (see 75 FR 73947) on November 30, 2010. The final rule adopts amendments to the FDIC's securities disclosure regulations applicable to state nonmember banks with securities required to be registered under section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) and cross references to regulations issued by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The FDIC received no comments in response to the Interim Final Rule concerning these revisions. Accordingly, the Final Rule makes no changes from the Interim Final Rule that preceded it. The Final Rule incorporates, through cross references, changes in regulations adopted by the SEC into the provisions of the FDIC's securities regulations. Cross referencing will ensure that the FDIC's regulations remain substantially similar to the SEC's regulations, as required by law.

The Department of State is amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to establish a policy to address those who are unable to implement the exemption for intra-company, intra- organization, and intra-government transfers of defense articles and defense services by approved end-users to dual national and third- country nationals who are employees of such approved end-users. Prior to making transfers to certain dual national and third-country national employees under this policy, approved end-users must screen employees, make an affirmative decision to allow access, and maintain records of screening procedures to prevent diversion of ITAR-controlled technology for purposes other than those authorized by the applicable export license or other authorization.

This establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.