2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1,051 - 1,100 of 6,606
Port Access Route Study: In the Approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel
The Coast Guard announces the availability of a Port Access Route Study (PARS) which evaluated the continued applicability of and the potential need for modifications to the traffic separation schemes in the approaches to Los Angeles-Long Beach and in the Santa Barbara Channel. The study was completed in June 2011. This notice summarizes the study and final recommendation.
Importation of Dracaena Plants From Costa Rica
We are proposing to amend the plants for planting regulations to provide conditions for the importation into the continental United States of Dracaena spp. plants from Costa Rica. These conditions would apply to plants less than 460 mm in length, which are currently allowed to be imported, and would also allow for the importation of plants over 460 mm and up to 1,371.6 mm in length, which are currently prohibited. As a condition of entry, Dracaena spp. plants from Costa Rica would have to be produced in accordance with integrated pest risk management measures that would include requirements for registration of places of production and packinghouses, a pest management plan, inspection for quarantine pests, sanitation, and traceability from place of production through the packing and export facility and to the port of entry into the United States. All Dracaena spp. plants from Costa Rica would also be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that all conditions for the importation of the plants have been met and that the consignment of plants has been inspected and found free of quarantine pests. This action would allow for the importation of oversized Dracaena spp. plants from Costa Rica into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District and Imperial County Air Pollution Control District
EPA is finalizing approval of revisions to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD) and Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions were proposed in the Federal Register on June 3, 2011 and concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from Motor Vehicle Assembly, Metal Parts and Products, Plastic Parts and Products and Pleasure Crafts, Aerospace Operations and Automotive Refinishing Operations. We are approving local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act).
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Placer County Air Pollution Control District
EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions from industrial, institutional and commercial boilers, stationary internal combustion engines and water heaters. We are proposing to approve local rules to regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act).
Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, Placer County Air Pollution Control District and Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District
EPA is taking direct final action to approve revisions to the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) portions of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions concern oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions from industrial, institutional and commercial boilers, stationary internal combustion engines and water heaters. We are approving local rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act).
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Quality Control Error Tolerance Threshold
This direct final rule is amending the Quality Control (QC) review error threshold in our regulations from $25.00 to $50.00. The purpose for raising the QC error threshold is to make permanent the temporary threshold change that was required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2008. This change does not have an impact on the public. The QC system measures the accuracy of the eligibility system for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Suspension of Community Eligibility
This rule identifies communities, where the sale of flood insurance has been authorized under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), that are scheduled for suspension on the effective dates listed within this rule because of noncompliance with the floodplain management requirements of the program. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) receives documentation that the community has adopted the required floodplain management measures prior to the effective suspension date given in this rule, the suspension will not occur and a notice of this will be provided by publication in the Federal Register on a subsequent date.
Walnuts Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the California Walnut Board (Board) for the 2011-12 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0174 to $0.0175 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts. The Board locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California. Assessments upon walnut handlers are used by the Board to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The marketing year began September 1 and ends August 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, OR; Modification of Handling Regulations
This rule revises the handling regulation for onions handled under the Idaho-Eastern Oregon onion marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of onions grown in designated counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon, and is administered locally by the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee (Committee). This rule revises the marketing order's handling regulation to allow special purpose shipments of onions for experimentation. The revision will allow the Idaho-Eastern Oregon onion industry to identify and develop new market niches and is expected to benefit producers, handlers, and consumers of onions.
Claims Procedures Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
The Coast Guard is developing a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to finalize a 1992 interim rule that set forth the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90) claims procedures and removed certain conflicting and superseded regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. Before publishing the SNPRM, the Coast Guard is inviting members of the public to respond to questions and offer comments on their experience to date with the OPA'90 claims procedures and on whether additional pre-OPA'90 rules should be removed from the Code of Federal Regulations. The Coast Guard is also inviting the public to provide background information and cost data that will better inform the regulatory assessment for this rulemaking.
Anglers for Christ Ministries, Inc., New Beginning Ministries; Petitioners; Interpretation of Economically Burdensome Standard
In this document, the Commission proposes to continue utilizing the factors used for the ``undue burden'' exemption standard when evaluating future petitions seeking individual exemptions under the new economically burdensome standard contained in the CVAA. In addition, the Commission proposes to replace all current references to ``undue burden'' in the Commission's closed captioning rules with the term ``economically burdensome'' to correspond with the new language reflected in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The intended effect of this action is to ensure that the Commission's rules conform to section 202 of the CVAA.
Anglers for Christ Ministries, Inc., New Beginning Ministries; Petitioners; Interpretation of Economically Burdensome Standard
In this document, the Commission grants an Application for Review challenging the Anglers Order, and reverses the two exemptions granted in the Anglers Order and the 296 exemptions subsequently granted in reliance on the Anglers Order. The intended effect of this action is to ensure that the Commission evaluates petitions for exemption from the captioning rules in the way intended by the Communications Act (Act).
Extending Religious and Family Member FICA and FUTA Exceptions To Disregard Entities
In the Rules and Regulations section of this issue of the Federal Register, the IRS is issuing temporary regulations to extend the exceptions from taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (``FICA'') and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (``FUTA'') under sections 3121(b)(3), 3127, and 3306(c)(5) to entities that are disregarded as separate from their owners for federal tax purposes. The temporary regulations also clarify the existing rule that the owners of disregarded entities, except for qualified subchapter S subsidiaries, are responsible for backup withholding and related information reporting requirements under section 3406. The text of those regulations also serves as the text of these proposed regulations.
Extending Religious and Family Member FICA and FUTA Exceptions to Disregarded Entities
This document contains final and temporary regulations amending 26 CFR parts 31 and 301. These regulations extend the exceptions from taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (``FICA'') and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (``FUTA'') under sections 3121(b)(3) (concerning individuals who work for certain family members), 3127 (concerning members of religious faiths), and 3306(c)(5) (concerning persons employed by children and spouses and children under 21 employed by their parents) of the Internal Revenue Code (``Code'') to entities that are disregarded as separate from their owners for federal tax purposes. The temporary regulations also clarify the existing rule that the owners of disregarded entities, except for qualified subchapter S subsidiaries, are responsible for backup withholding and related information reporting requirements under section 3406. The text of the temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regulations set forth in the notice of proposed rulemaking on this subject in the Proposed Rules section in this issue of the Federal Register.
Anglers for Christ Ministries, Inc., New Beginning Ministries; Petitioners; Interpretation of Economically Burdensome Standard
In this document, the Commission provides guidance on how it will construe, on an interim basis, the term ``economically burdensome'' for purposes of evaluating requests for individual exemptions. The intended effect of these actions is to ensure that the Commission evaluates petitions for exemption from the captioning rules in the way intended by the Communications Act (Act).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List All Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) as Endangered
On September 1, 2011, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published in the Federal Register a 90-day finding on a petition to list all chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We are now correcting an incorrect Docket Number given under ADDRESSES in that document. We are also making the petition and the large volume of supporting documents submitted with the petition available to the public on https:// www.regulations.gov. To allow the public adequate time to review the petition and provide information, we are reopening the public comment period for an additional 90 days. However, please note that information already submitted does not need to be resubmitted.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the 1.04-inch nominal diameter wire penetration hole, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This AD reduces the compliance times for those actions. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the frame, or in the frame and frame reinforcement, common to the 1.04- inch nominal diameter wire penetration hole intended for wire routing; and recent reports of multiple adjacent frame cracking found before the compliance time required by the existing AD. Such cracking could reduce the structural capability of the frames to sustain limit loads, and result in cracking in the fuselage skin and subsequent rapid depressurization of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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:
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Revisions
Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has conducted a review of the management plan and regulations for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS or sanctuary), located off the outer coast of the Olympic Peninsula in the State of Washington. As a result of the review, NOAA determined that it was necessary to revise the sanctuary's management plan and implementing regulations. NOAA is revising the OCNMS regulations to: Prohibit wastewater discharges from cruise ships; clarify the language referring to consideration of the objectives of the governing bodies of Indian tribes when issuing permits; correct the size of the sanctuary based on new area estimates (without revising the sanctuary's actual boundaries); update of definitions; and update information such as office location. NOAA also makes additional changes to the grammar and wording of several sections of the regulations to ensure clarity and consistency with the NMSA and other sanctuaries in the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Federal Management Regulation; Prohibited List for Exchange/Sale of Personal Property
The General Services Administration (GSA) is amending the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) by making changes to its policy on the replacement of personal property pursuant to the exchange/sale authority.
Federal Property Management Regulation (FPMR); Procurement Sources and Programs
The General Services Administration (GSA) is revising the Federal Property Management Regulation (FPMR) by removing the provisions regarding priorities for use of Government supply sources. Users may access the FPMR and any corresponding documents at GSA's Web site at https://www.gsa.gov/fmr and by clicking on ``FPMR & Related Files'' on the left-hand menu.
Radio Broadcasting Services; Llano, Texas
This document sets forth a proposal to amend the FM Table of Allotments. The Commission requests comment on a petition filed by Bryan King, proposing to amend the Table of Allotments by substituting Channel 242C3 for vacant Channel 293C3, at Llano, Texas. The proposal is part of a contingently filed ``hybrid'' application and rule making petition. Channel 242C3 can be allotted at Llano in compliance with the Commission's minimum distance separation requirements with a site restriction of 19.1 km (11.9 miles) north of Llano, at 30-55-34 North Latitude and 98-43-24 West Longitude. Concurrence is required for the allotment of Channel 242C3 at Llano, Texas, because the proposed allotment is located within 320 kilometers (199 miles) of the U.S.- Mexican border. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION infra.
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 525C airplanes. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires replacing certain lithium-ion batteries installed as the main aircraft battery with either a Ni-Cad or a lead acid battery. This AD was prompted by a report of a battery fire that resulted after an energized ground power unit was connected to one of the affected airplanes equipped with a lithium-ion battery as the main aircraft battery. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations
The Audio Division, on its own motion, updates the FM Table of Allotments to reinstate certain vacant FM allotments. Formerly, the FM Table listed all vacant FM allotments as well as FM channels and communities occupied by authorized facilities. In 2006, the Commission removed the allotments of authorized and awarded FM facilities from the FM Table in order to accommodate the new application procedures for radio stations to change their communities of license. However, when an authorization is cancelled, the vacant allotment must be reinstated in the FM Table to preserve the opportunity to license a future station in the specified community. Accordingly, we are adding to the FM Table of Allotments thirty allotments in various communities that are considered vacant FM allotments.
Resolution Plans Required
The Board and the Corporation (together the ``Agencies'') are adopting this final rule to implement the requirement in a section of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ``Dodd-Frank Act'') regarding resolution plans. The Dodd-Frank Act section requires each nonbank financial company designated by the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the ``Council'') for enhanced supervision by the Board and each bank holding company with assets of $50 billion or more to report periodically to the Board, the Corporation, and the Council the plan of such company for rapid and orderly resolution in the event of material financial distress or failure.
Proposed Revision of Class D and Class E Airspace; Hawthorne, CA
This action proposes to revise Class D and E airspace at Jack Northrop Field/Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne, CA. Additional controlled airspace is needed to accommodate aircraft departing and arriving under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at the airport. Also, the airspace designations would be revised to show a new city location. This action is a result of the FAA's biennial review, along with a study of the Jack Northrop Field/Hawthorne Municipal Airport airspace area that would further enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport.
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Furnaces and Residential Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a direct final rule to establish amended energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and residential central air conditioners and heat pumps in the Federal Register on June 27, 2011. DOE has determined that the adverse comments received in response to the direct final rule do not provide a reasonable basis for withdrawing the direct final rule. Therefore, DOE provides this notice confirming adoption of the energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and residential central air conditioners and heat pumps established in the direct final rule and announcing the effective date of those standards.
Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program
In this document, the Commission addresses three petitions for clarification or reconsideration of a previous order, and amends and clarifies the Commission's rules regarding Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services (iTRS) applicants for certification.
Cash Balance Plans; Benefit Determinations and Plan Valuations for Statutory Hybrid Plans; Pension Protection Act of 2006
This proposed rule would implement provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA 2006) that change the rules for determining benefits upon the termination of a statutory hybrid plan, such as a cash balance plan. PPA 2006 provides that, when such a plan terminates, a variable rate used under the plan to determine accrued benefits will be equal to the average of the rates of interest used under the plan during the five-year period ending on the termination date. Further, the amount of the benefit payable in the form of an annuity payable at normal retirement age will be determined using the interest rate and mortality table specified under the plan for that purpose as of the termination date (or an average interest rate if the plan rate is a variable rate). For a plan terminated and trusteed by PBGC, the proposed rule would amend PBGC's regulations to conform the rules for determining the allocation of assets and the amount of benefits payable under Title IV of ERISA to the PPA 2006 changes in the benefit determination rules for statutory hybrid plans. The proposed rule would also implement a PPA 2006 change for determining the present value of the accrued benefit under a statutory hybrid plan. Finally, the proposed rule would provide guidance on benefits payable under a statutory hybrid plan that terminates in a standard termination.
Forwarding of Asylum Applications to the Department of State
The Department of Justice is planning to amend its regulations to alter the process by which the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) forwards asylum applications for consideration by the Department of State (DOS). Currently, EOIR forwards to DOS all asylum applications that are submitted initially in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. The proposed rule would amend the regulations to provide for sending asylum applications to DOS on a discretionary basis. For example, EOIR could forward an application in order to ascertain whether DOS has information relevant to the applicant's eligibility for asylum. This change would increase the efficiency of DOS's review of asylum applications and is consistent with similar changes already made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2012 Atlantic Shark Commercial Fishing Season
This proposed rule would establish opening dates and adjust quotas for the 2012 fishing season for the Atlantic commercial shark fisheries. Quotas would be adjusted based on any over- and/or underharvests experienced during the 2010 and 2011 Atlantic commercial shark fishing seasons. In addition, NMFS proposes season openings based on previously implemented adaptive management measures to provide, to the extent practicable, fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in all regions and areas. The proposed measures could affect fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in the northwestern Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.
Child Labor Regulations, Orders and Statements of Interpretation; Child Labor Violations-Civil Money Penalties
This document extends the period for filing written comments for an additional 30 days on the proposed revisions to the child labor regulations published on September 2, 2011. The Department of Labor (Department or DOL) is taking this action in order to provide interested parties additional time to submit comments.
Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program
In this document, the Commission proposes to modify its rules to provide that a certified provider may subcontract with another certified provider for, or otherwise authorize the provision by another certified provider of, communications assistants (CA) services or call center functions only in the event of an unexpected and temporary surge in call traffic due to exigent circumstances, and seeks comment on this proposal. The purpose of this rule change is to provide clarity as to the circumstances under which the Commission will deem subcontracting of call handling functions acceptable.
Addition of Certain Persons on the Entity List: Addition of Persons Acting Contrary to the National Security or Foreign Policy Interests of the United States
This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding fifteen persons to the Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to Part 744) on the basis of section 744.11 of the EAR. The persons who are added to the Entity List have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. These fifteen persons will be listed under the following four destinations on the Entity List: China, Hong Kong, Iran and Singapore. The Entity List provides notice to the public that certain exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) to parties identified on the Entity List require a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and that availability of license exceptions in such transactions is limited.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the commercial Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), are intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Iowa: Prevention of Significant Deterioration; Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule Revision
EPA is approving an Iowa State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision relating to regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) under Iowa's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. This revision was submitted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to EPA on December 22, 2010. It is designed to align Iowa's regulations with the ``PSD and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Final Rule'' published June 3, 2010, in the Federal Register. EPA is approving the revision because the Agency has determined that the SIP revision, already adopted by Iowa as a final effective rule, is in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA regulations regarding PSD permitting for GHGs.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Sturgis, SD
This action amends Class E airspace for Sturgis, SD, to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Sturgis Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Evansville, IN
This action amends Class E airspace for Evansville, IN, to accommodate new Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Evansville Regional Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Valley City, ND
This action amends Class E airspace for Valley City, ND. Decommissioning of the Valley City non-directional beacon (NDB) at Barnes County Municipal Airport, Valley City, ND, has made this action necessary to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Jacksonville, NC
This action amends Class E Airspace at Jacksonville, NC, to accommodate the new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures serving Albert J. Ellis Airport. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System. This action also makes a minor adjustment to the geographic coordinates of the airport.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Bryan, OH
This action amends Class E airspace for Bryan, OH. Decommissioning of the Bryan non-directional beacon (NDB) at Williams County Airport, Bryan, OH, has made this action necessary to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at the airport.
Safety and Health Requirements Related to Camp Cars
To carry out a 2008 Congressional rulemaking mandate, FRA is creating regulations prescribing minimum safety and health requirements for camp cars that a railroad provides as sleeping quarters to any of its train employees, signal employees, and dispatching service employees (covered-service employees) and individuals employed to maintain its right of way. Under separate but related statutory authority, FRA is also amending its regulations regarding construction of employee sleeping quarters. In particular, FRA's existing guidelines with respect to the location, in relation to switching or humping of hazardous material, of a camp car that is occupied exclusively by individuals employed to maintain a railroad's right of way are being replaced with regulatory amendments prohibiting a railroad from positioning such a camp car in the immediate vicinity of the switching or humping of hazardous material. Finally, FRA is making miscellaneous changes clarifying its provision on applicability, removing an existing provision on the preemptive effect of the regulations as unnecessary, and moving, without changing, an existing provision on penalties for violation.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Fayette, AL
This action amends Class E Airspace at Fayette, AL, as the Fayette Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Richard Arthur Field. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also updates the airport's geographic coordinates and notes the name change to Richard Arthur Field.
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, 412EP Helicopters
We are publishing in the Federal Register an amendment which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators that supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHT) Model helicopters with certain tail rotor blades (blades). The superseded AD requires, before further flight, replacing certain blades with airworthy blades. This AD retains the requirements of the superseded AD but adds new blade part numbers (P/Ns) and serial numbers (S/Ns) to the applicability. This AD was prompted by another incident in which the blade tip weight separated from a blade during flight, causing vibration. This incident led to the determination that additional blades could be affected, and should be added to the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Frequency Regulation Compensation in the Organized Wholesale Power Markets
Pursuant to section 206 of the Federal Power Act, the Commission is revising its regulations to remedy undue discrimination in the procurement of frequency regulation in the organized wholesale electric markets and ensure that providers of frequency regulation receive just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential rates. Frequency regulation service is one of the tools regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) use to balance supply and demand on the transmission system, maintaining reliable operations. In doing so, RTOs and ISOs deploy a variety of resources to meet frequency regulation needs; these resources differ in both their ramping ability, which is their ability to increase or decrease their provision of frequency regulation service, and the accuracy with which they can respond to the system operator's dispatch signal. The Commission finds that current frequency regulation compensation practices of RTOs and ISOs result in rates that are unjust, unreasonable, and unduly discriminatory or preferential. Specifically, current compensation methods for regulation service in RTO and ISO markets fail to acknowledge the inherently greater amount of frequency regulation service being provided by faster-ramping resources. In addition, certain practices of some RTOs and ISOs result in economically inefficient economic dispatch of frequency regulation resources. By remedying these issues, the Commission is removing unduly discriminatory and preferential practices from RTO and ISO tariffs and requiring the setting of just and reasonable rates. Specifically, this Final Rule requires RTOs and ISOs to compensate frequency regulation resources based on the actual service provided, including a capacity payment that includes the marginal unit's opportunity costs and a payment for performance that reflects the quantity of frequency regulation service provided by a resource when the resource is accurately following the dispatch signal.
Operation of Wireless Communications Services in the 2.3 GHz Band; Establishment of Rules and Policies for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service in the 2310-2360 MHz Frequency Band
In this document, the Commission announces that certain rules adopted in the Operation of Wireless Communications Services in the 2.3 GHz Band, WT Docket No. 07-293; Establishment of Rules and Policies for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service in the 2310-2360 MHz Frequency Band (WCS and SDARS) proceeding, to the extent it contained information collection requirements that required approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was approved, September 26, 2011.
Alternative Fuel Transportation Program; Alternative Fueled Vehicle Credit Program (Subpart F) Modification and Other Amendments
DOE today proposes a rule pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), that would revise the allocation of marketable credits under DOE's Alternative Fuel Transportation Program (AFTP or Program), by including EISA-specified electric drive vehicles and investments in qualified alternative fuel infrastructure, nonroad equipment, and relevant emerging technologies. DOE also is proposing modifications to the use of Program credits, revisions to the exemption process, clarifications of the Alternative Compliance option, and several technical and other amendments intended to make the Program regulations clearer.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex Fishery; Secretarial Emergency Action
This final rule increases catch limits in the Northeast skate fishery for the remainder of the 2011 fishing year. The increases are supported by the latest scientific information that shows significant increases in the abundance of skates, and are intended to provide a significant economic opportunity while still protecting skates from overfishing.
Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; Missouri: Prevention of Significant Deterioration; Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule; New Source Review Reform
EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Missouri State Implementation Plan (SIP) relating to regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) under Missouri's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, and to two New Source Review (NSR) revisions. The GHG-related SIP revisions incorporate the GHG emission thresholds established in EPA's ``PSD and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Final Rule,'' which EPA issued by notice dated June 3, 2010. These revisions were submitted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to EPA in a letter dated August 8, 2011. The NSR revisions are to the Construction Permits Required Rule and the Emissions Banking and Trading Rule and are intended to address changes to the Federal NSR regulations, which were promulgated by EPA on December 31, 2002. These revisions were submitted by MDNR to EPA in a letter dated November 30, 2009. EPA is proposing to approve the GHG and NSR revisions because the Agency has made the preliminary determination that these SIP revisions, already adopted by Missouri as final effective rules, are in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA regulations regarding PSD permitting for GHGs and NSR.
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, Negotiator Nominations and Schedule of Committee Meetings-Student Loan Programs
We announce our intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations governing the student loan programs authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The committee will include representatives of organizations or groups with interests that are significantly affected by the topics proposed for negotiation. We request nominations for individual negotiators who represent key stakeholder constituencies for the issues to be negotiated to serve on the committee and we set a schedule for committee meetings.
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