February 14, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 152
Prohibitions and Restrictions on Proprietary Trading and Certain Interests in, and Relationships With, Hedge Funds and Covered Funds
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``CFTC'' or ``Commission'') is requesting comment on a proposed rule that would implement Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (``Dodd-Frank Act'') which contains certain prohibitions and restrictions on the ability of a banking entity and nonbank financial company supervised by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the ``Board'') to engage in proprietary trading and have certain interests in, or relationships with, a hedge fund or private equity fund (``CFTC Rule''). On November 7, 2011, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury (``OCC''); the Board; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (``FDIC''); and the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'') published a joint proposed rule implementing Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (the ``Joint Release'').\1\ The CFTC is adopting the entire text of the proposed common rules section from the Joint Release (the ``Joint Rule'') as part of its proposed rule.\2\ Similar to the OCC, the Board, the FDIC, and the SEC in the Joint Release, the CFTC is modifying the Joint Rule with CFTC-specific rule text. The CFTC Rule also contains additional questions specific to the CFTC in Section III and does not include Subpart E of the Joint Release because Subpart E deals exclusively with the Board. The Commission solicits comments on all aspects of this proposed rule.
Sunshine Act Open Commission Meeting
The Commission will consider a Report and Order that protects consumers from unwanted autodialed or prerecorded calls (``robocalls'') by adopting rules that ensure consumers have given prior express consent before receiving robocalls, can easily opt out of further robocalls, and will experience ``abandoned'' telemarketing calls only in strictly limited instances. 2..... Wireless Tele- Title: Amendment of Parts 1 and 22 of the Communications. Commission's Rules With Regard to the Cellular Service, Including Changes in Licensing of Unserved Area (RM 11510); Amendment of the Commission's Rules With Regard to Relocation of Part 24 to Part 27 and Interim Restrictions and Procedures for Cellular Service Applications Summary: The Commission will consider, as part of its ongoing efforts to remove outdated regulations and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order proposing a staged approach to revising the licensing model for the Cellular Service from site-based to geographically-based licensing. The proposal will offer greater flexibility and reduce regulatory requirements, while enabling greater rural deployment of wireless service. The item also includes several other proposals to update the Cellular Service rules, as well as interim procedures for Cellular Service applications. 3..... Public Safety and Title: The Proposed Extension of Part 4 Homeland Security. of the Commission's Rules Regarding Outage Reporting to Interconnected Voice Over Internet Protocol Service Providers and Broadband Internet Service Providers (PS Docket No. 11-82) Summary: The Commission will consider a Report and Order to extend outage reporting under Part IV of the rules to interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers. Extended reporting will enable the Commission to fulfill statutory E9-1-1 obligations and help protect the growing number of Americans who rely on VOIP phone service.
Visas: Issuance of Full Validity L Visas to Qualified Applicants
This rule permits the issuance of L visas with validity periods based on the visa reciprocity schedule; whereas the current rule limits L visas to the petition validity period, which is determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, National Flood Insurance Program-Mortgage Portfolio Protection Program
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission will describe the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, Federal Assistance for Offsite Radiological Emergency Planning
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has submitted the following information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission describes the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and includes the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, PrepCAST.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission will describe the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use.
Availability of ICCVAM Evaluation Report and Recommendations on the Usefulness and Limitations of the LUMI-CELL® ER (BG1Luc ER TA) Test Method, An In Vitro Assay for Identifying Human Estrogen Receptor Agonist and Antagonist Activity of Chemicals
The NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) announces availability of an Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) test method evaluation report (TMER) that includes recommendations on the usefulness and limitations of the LUMI-CELL[supreg] estrogen receptor (ER) transcriptional activation (TA) test method (hereafter referred to as the BG1Luc ER TA test method) to identify human ER agonist and antagonist activity of chemicals. The report also provides (1) performance standards that can be used to evaluate functionally and mechanistically similar test methods, (2) recommended test method protocols, (3) a final background review document (BRD) describing the current validation status of this test method, and (4) recommendations for future studies. ICCVAM recommends that the BG1Luc ER TA test method can be used as a screening test to identify substances with in vitro estrogen agonist and antagonist activity. This use is based on an evaluation of results from an international validation study and corresponding accuracy and reliability. The report and recommendations have been transmitted to Federal agencies to review and respond to ICCVAM in accordance with the provisions of the ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 285l-2).
Notice of Proposed Settlement Agreement and Opportunity for Public Comment: Hidden Lane Landfill Superfund Site
In accordance with section 122(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (``CERCLA''), 42 U.S.C. 9622(h)(i), notice is hereby given of a proposed settlement that is intended to resolve the potential liability under CERCLA of two parties for response costs incurred by the Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') or by the United States Department of Justice (``DOJ'') on behalf of EPA, in connection with the Hidden Lane Landfill Superfund Site, Sterling, Loudoun County, Virginia (``Site'').
Constitution Road Drum Superfund Site, Atlanta, Dekalb County, GA; Notice of Settlement
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a settlement for past response costs concerning the Constitution Road Drum Superfund Site located in Atlanta, Dekalb County, Georgia.
Ohio Regulatory Program
We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Ohio regulatory program (the ``Ohio program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act) and reopening the public comment period. The comment period is being reopened to incorporate changes that Ohio made to its initial amendment submission of 2007 regarding Ohio's alternative bonding system. We did not make a decision on that submission since Ohio planned to submit additional revisions in response to OSM's review of the submission. The comment period is being reopened to incorporate recent amendment submissions, which consist of changes in response to OSM's concerns and other changes that Ohio made at its own initiative. Taken together, the revised amendment includes legislative and regulatory actions regarding subjects such as bond program changes, AML provisions, program funding, permitting standards, valid existing rights, re-mining, blasting, and topsoil handling. It also includes two actuarial reports on Ohio's bonding program and letters to Ohio's Governor from the Reclamation Forfeiture Fund Advisory Board of Ohio with recommendations regarding these reports. This document gives the times and locations that the Ohio submittal is available for your inspection, the comment period during which you may submit written comments, and the procedures that we will follow for the public hearing, if one is requested.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures; 2012 Research Fishery
On October 31, 2011, NMFS published a notice inviting qualified commercial shark permit holders to submit an application to participate in the 2012 shark research fishery. The shark research fishery allows for the collection of fishery-dependent data for future stock assessments while also allowing NMFS and commercial fishermen to conduct cooperative research to meet the shark research objectives of the Agency. Every year, the permit terms and permitted activities (e.g., number of hooks and trip, retention limits) specifically authorized for selected participants in the shark research fishery are designated depending on the scientific and research needs of the Agency as well as the number of NMFS-approved observers available. In order to inform selected participants of this year's specific permit requirements and ensure all terms and conditions of the permit are met, NMFS is holding a mandatory permit holder meeting for selected participants. In this notice, NMFS announces the date and time of that meeting.
Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR Agreement”)
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (``CITA'') has determined that certain faux suede bonded to faux fur pile fabric, as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA-DR countries. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR Agreement in unrestricted quantities.
Texas Regulatory Program
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving three amendments to the Texas regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Texas at its own initiative submitted three separate amendments to its program: SATS Nos. TX-061-FOR, TX-062-FOR, and TX- 063-FOR. Texas proposed revisions in TX-061-FOR by adding language that no longer requires an operation with only reclamation activities ongoing to renew their mining permit, to clarify the requirement to maintain public liability insurance for sites where the permit is not renewed because the only activities ongoing are reclamation, and to clarify midterm review times for sites where the permit is not renewed because the only ongoing activities are reclamation. Texas proposed revisions in TX-062-FOR by adding a new definition for ``Previously mined land,'' adding new language on the effects of previous mining violations from operations on previously mined lands in relation to permit application denials, and adding new language explaining performance standards for revegetation liability timeframes for coal mining and reclamation operations. Texas proposed revisions in TX-063-FOR by adding a new definition for ``Director;'' deleting old language, and adding new language clarifying the review periods for new permits, renewals, and significant revisions. Texas revised its program to improve operational efficiency.
Submission of Information Collection for OMB Review; Comment Request; Survey of Nonparticipating Single Premium Group Annuity Rates
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (``PBGC'') is requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') extend approval, under the Paperwork Reduction Act, of a collection of information (OMB control number 1212-0030; expires March 31, 2012). This voluntary collection of information is a quarterly survey of insurance company rates for pricing annuity contracts. The American Council of Life Insurers conducts the survey for PBGC. This notice informs the public of PBGC's request and solicits public comment on the collection of information.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, etc.
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services announces a priority for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers ProgramDisability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) administered by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces a priority for a center on knowledge translation for disability and rehabilitation research (KTDRR Center). The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for a competition in fiscal year (FY) 2012 and later years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of national need.
Evaluating the Usability of Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems
NIST is soliciting interest in supplying electronic health record (EHR) systems for use by NIST in research to develop a framework for assessing the usability of health information technology (HIT) systems, EHRs in particular, and performance-oriented user interface design guidelines for EHRs. Manufacturers interested in participating in this research will be asked to execute a Letter of Understanding. Interested parties are invited to contact NIST for information regarding participation, Letters of Understanding and shipping information.
Notice of Data Availability Concerning Renewable Fuels Produced From Palm Oil Under the RFS Program; Extension of Comment Period
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing an extension in the public comment period for the ``Notice of Data Availability Concerning Renewable Fuels Produced From Palm Oil Under the RFS Program'' (the notice is herein referred to as the ``palm oil NODA''). EPA published a NODA, which included a request for comment, in the Federal Register on January 27, 2012 (77 FR 4300). The public comment period was to end on February 27, 201230 days after publication in the Federal Register. The purpose of this document is to extend the comment period an additional 30 days until March 28, 2012. This extension of the comment period is provided to allow the public additional time to provide comment on the NODA.
Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
The inventions listed below are owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing.
Disclosure to Investors in System-wide and Consolidated Bank Debt Obligations of the Farm Credit System
The Farm Credit Administration (FCA, us, we, or our) proposes to amend our regulations related to the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation (Funding Corporation) System Audit Committee (SAC) and the Farm Credit System (System) annual report to investors. The proposed rule would remove the provision that a two-thirds majority vote of the Funding Corporation board of directors be required to deny a request for resources by the SAC to engage independent legal counsel, outside advisors or consultants. The proposed rule would instead require appropriate funding to the SAC to perform these duties, quarterly reporting by the SAC to the Funding Corporation board on resources used, and annual reporting to investors.
Prospective Grant of Exclusive License: The Development of Anti-mesothelin Targeted Immunotoxins for the Treatment of Cancer
This is notice, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209(c)(1) and 37 CFR Part 404.7(a)(1)(i), that the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, is contemplating the grant of an exclusive patent license to practice the inventions embodied in US Patent application 61/535,668 entitled ``Pseudomonas Exotoxin A with Less Immunogenic B Cell Epitopes'' [HHS Ref. E-263-2011/0-US-01], US Patent application 61/495,085 entitled ``Pseudomonas Exotoxin A with Less Immunogenic T Cell Epitopes'' [HHS Ref. E-174-2011/0-US-01], US Patent application 61/483,531 entitled ``Recombinant Immunotoxin Targeting Mesothelin'' [HHS Ref. E-117-2011/0-US-01], U.S. Patent Application 61/241,620 entitled ``Development of an Immunotoxin in Which All B-Cell Epitopes Have Been Removed and Which Has High Cytotoxic Activity'' [HHS Ref. E-269-2009/0-US-01], U.S. Patent Application 60/969,929 entitled ``Deletions in Domain II of Pseudomonas Exotoxin A That Reduce Non-Specific Toxicity'' [HHS Ref. E-292-2007/0- US-01], U.S. Patent Application 60/703,798 entitled ``Mutated Pseudomonas Exotoxins with Reduced Antigenicity'' [HHS Ref. E-262-2005/ 0-US-01], U.S. Patent Application 60/160,071 entitled ``Immunoconjugates Having High Binding Affinity'' [HHS Ref. E-139-1999/ 0-US-01], U.S. Patent Application 60/067,175 entitled ``Antibodies, Including Fv Molecules, and Immunoconjugates Having High Binding Affinity for Mesothelin and Methods for Their Use'' [HHS Ref. E-021- 1998/0-US-01], U.S. Patent Application 60/010,166 entitled ``Molecular Cloning of Mesothelin, a Differentiation Antigen Present on Mesothelium, Mesotheliomas and Ovarian Cancers'' [HHS Ref. E-002-1996/ 0-US-01], PCT Application PCT/US97/00224 entitled ``Mesothelin Antigen and Methods and Kits for Targeting It'' [HHS Ref. E-002-1996/1-PCT-01], U.S. Patent 5,747,654 entitled ``Recombinant Disulfide-Stabilized Polypeptide Fragments Having Binding Specificity'' [HHS Ref. E-163- 1993/0-US-01], PCT application PCT/US96/16327 entitled ``Immunotoxin Containing A Disulfide-Stabilized Antibody Fragment'' [HHS Ref. E-163- 1993/2-PCT-01], and all continuing applications and foreign counterparts, to Hoffman-La Roche, Inc. The patent rights in these inventions have been assigned to and/or exclusively licensed to the Government of the United States of America. The prospective exclusive license territory may be worldwide, and the field of use may be limited to:
Notice Requesting Nominations for the Subcommittee on Automated and High Frequency Trading
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC or Commission) is calling for nominations to the Subcommittee on Automated and High Frequency Trading (Subcommittee) under the auspices of the Technology Advisory Committee. The Subcommittee was established to develop recommendations regarding the definition of high frequency trading (HFT) in the context of the larger universe of automated trading. The definition of HFT is anticipated to serve as an initial step towards assessing the presence and impact of HFT in CFTC regulated markets for consideration of appropriate policy responses. The Subcommittee will report to the full Technology Advisory Committee. Developing a common definition of HFT and the characteristics of HFT will help inform the public debate as to the impact of such trading on markets under the jurisdiction of the CFTC. Regulators, markets, market participants, and the public will benefit from a common understanding of the activities and entities involved in HFT. All members of the Subcommittee will participate and consider possible criteria for inclusion in the definition of HFT within the context of automated trading systems (ATS) and suggest specific thresholds for each criterion. Nominations are sought for highly qualified representatives from industry, exchanges, academia, international regulatory and/or advisory bodies, groups representing interests or organizations involved in and/or affected by the development, design, and operation of ATS and HFT, and government agencies. Individuals seeking to be nominated to the Subcommittee should possess demonstrable expertise in a related field or represent a stakeholder of interest in the issue. Prospective nominees should be open to participating in an open public-private forum. Members of the Subcommittee will be appointed by a vote of the Commission as in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. app. 2, and the charter of Technology Advisory Committee.
Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-65, FERC-65A, and FERC-65B); Comment Request; Extension
In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 USC 3506(c)(2)(A), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the currently approved information collections, FERC-65, FERC-65A, and FERC-65B (Notification of Holding Company Status, Exemption Notification of Holding Company Status, and Waiver Notification of Holding Company Status).
Request for Stakeholder Comments on “National Travel and Tourism Strategy”
The International Trade Administration (``ITA'') seeks comments on key stakeholder priorities to be considered in the development of a national strategy, entitled ``National Travel and Tourism Strategy'' (``Strategy''), to be produced by the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness (``Task Force'') established by Executive Order 13597 Establishing Visa and Foreign Visitor Processing Goals and the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness (``Executive Order''), issued by President Barack Obama on January 19, 2012. The Task Force will consider the comments received in the development of the Strategy. All comments submitted should reference this notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.