February 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 301 - 350 of 488
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Oakland Inner Harbor, Oakland, CA
The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Fruitvale Avenue Drawbridge across Oakland Inner Harbor, mile 5.6, between the cities of Alameda and Oakland, Alameda County, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the County of Alameda Public Works Agency to perform seismic retrofitting on the drawbridge. This deviation allows the bridge owner to secure the drawspan in the closed- to-navigation position during the project.
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Merrimack River, Amesbury, MA
The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 1st Lt. Derek S. Hines Memorial Bridge, mile 5.8, across the Merrimack River at Amesbury (Newburyport), Massachusetts. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge rehabilitation and repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for four months.
Safety Zones; America's Cup World Series, East Passage, Narragansett Bay, RI
The Coast Guard proposes to establish two temporary safety zones in the navigable waters of the East Passage, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, during the America's Cup World Series sailing vessel racing event. This safety zone is intended to safeguard mariners from the hazards associated with high-speed, high-performance sailing vessels competing in America's Cup-class races on the waters of the East Passage, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Vessels will be prohibited from entering into, transiting through, mooring, or anchoring within these safety zones during the effective period unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP), Southeastern New England.
Special Conditions: Learjet Inc., Learjet Model LJ-200-1A10; Interaction of Systems and Structures
These special conditions are issued for the Learjet Model LJ- 200-1A10 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features associated with systems that, directly or as a result of failure or malfunction, affect structural performance. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.
General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation; Reinstatement of Coverage Pertaining to Final Payment Under Construction and Building Service Contracts
The General Services Administration (GSA) is amending the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) to restore guidance on the release of claims after completion of construction and building service contracts to ensure contractors are paid in accordance with their contract requirements and for work performed. This guidance, which prescribed the use of GSA Form 1142, Release of Claims, for releases of claims under construction and building service contracts, was inadvertently deleted as part of the Rewrite of GSAR regulations on Contract Financing. GSA contracting officers have used this form to achieve uniformity and consistency in the release of claims process.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Preconstruction Permitting Requirements for Electric Generating Stations in Maryland
EPA is granting limited approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). This SIP revision revises and supplements the Maryland SIP by adding the preconstruction permitting requirements for electric generating stations that are required to receive a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) before commencing construction or modification. The SIP revision also requires electric generating stations to obtain a preconstruction permit from MDE when a CPCN is not required under the PSC regulations and statutes. EPA is granting limited approval of these revisions to Maryland's preconstruction program for electric generating stations in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Special Local Regulations; Safety and Security Zones; Recurring Events in Captain of the Port Long Island Sound Zone
The Coast Guard is removing, adding, and consolidating limited access areas in the Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone. These limited access areas include special local regulations, permanent safety zones for annual recurring marine events and a permanent security zone. When these limited access areas are subject to enforcement, this rule will restrict vessels from portions of water areas during these annual recurring events. The special local regulations and safety zones will facilitate public notification of events, and ensure the protection of the maritime public and event participants from the hazards associated with these annual recurring events.
Establishment of User Fees for Filovirus Testing of Nonhuman Primate Liver Samples
Through this Direct Final Rule, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is establishing a user fee for filovirus testing of all nonhuman primates that die during HHS/CDC-required 31- day quarantine period for any reason other than trauma. We are amending regulations to establish a filovirus testing service at HHS/CDC because testing is no longer being offered by the only private, commercial laboratory that previously performed these tests. This testing service will be funded through user fees. The direct final rule does not impose any new burdens on the regulated community because the testing of non- human primates for filovirus is a long-standing requirement and the amount of the user fee is consistent with the amount previously charged commercially. HHS/CDC is therefore publishing a direct final rule because it does not expect to receive any significant adverse comment and believes that the establishment of an HHS/CDC testing program and imposition of user fees are non-controversial. However, in this Federal Register, HHS/CDC is simultaneously publishing a companion notice of proposed rulemaking that proposes identical filovirus testing and user fee requirements. If HHS/CDC does not receive any significant adverse comment on this direct final rule within the specified comment period, it will publish a notice in the Federal Register confirming the effective date of this final rule within 30 days after the comment period on the direct final rule ends and withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking. If HHS/CDC receives any timely significant adverse comment, it will withdraw the direct final rule in part or in whole by publication of a document in the Federal Register within 30 days after the comment period ends and proceed with notice and comment under the notice of proposed rulemaking published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. A significant adverse comment is one that explains: Why the direct final rule is inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or approach; or why the direct final rule will be ineffective or unacceptable without a change.
Establishment of User Fees for Filovirus Testing of Nonhuman Primate Liver Samples
Through this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing to establish a user fee for filovirus testing of all nonhuman primates that die during the HHS/ CDC-required 31-day quarantine period for any reason other than trauma. We propose to establish a filovirus testing service at HHS/CDC because testing is no longer being offered by the only private, commercial laboratory that previously performed these tests. This testing service will be funded through user fees. Elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, HHS/CDC is simultaneously publishing a companion direct final rule that proposes identical filovirus testing and user fee requirements in this Federal Register because it believes that these requirements are non-controversial and unlikely to generate significant adverse comment. If HHS/CDC does not receive any significant adverse comment on the direct final rule within the specified comment period, it will publish a notice in the Federal Register withdrawing this notice of proposed rulemaking and confirming the effective date of the direct final rule within 30 days after the end of the comment period on the direct final rule. If HHS/CDC receives any timely significant adverse comment, it will withdraw the direct final rule in part or in whole by publication of a notice in the Federal Register within 30 days after the comment period ends and proceed with notice and comment under this notice of proposed rulemaking. A significant adverse comment is one that explains: Why the direct final rule is inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or approach; or why the direct final rule will be ineffective or unacceptable without a change.
Safety Standard for Infant Swings
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (``CPSIA'') requires the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission,'' ``CPSC,'' ``we,'' or ``us'') to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be ``substantially the same as'' applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission concludes that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The Commission is proposing a safety standard for infant swings in response to the direction under the CPSIA.
Small Business Size Standards: Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is increasing 37 small business size standards for 34 industries and three sub-industries (``exceptions'' in SBA's table of small business size standards) in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 54, Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services. SBA is also increasing the one size standard in NAICS Sector 81, Other Services, which it did not review in 2010. These size standards are all receipts based. SBA is retaining the current standards for the remaining industries in NAICS Sector 54. This rule also removes ``Map Drafting'' as the ``exception'' to NAICS 541340, Drafting Services. As part of its ongoing comprehensive review of all size standards, SBA has evaluated every receipts based size standard in NAICS Sector 54 as well as the one previously unreviewed size standard in NAICS Sector 81 to determine whether the existing standards should be retained or revised.
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Rates for Non-U.S. Government Customers
This direct final rule makes non-substantive changes to the policy governing the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) services provided to non-U.S. Government users and the reimbursement for rendering such services. TDRSS, also known as the Space Network, provides command, tracking, data, voice, and video services to the International Space Station, NASA's space and Earth science missions, and other Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. For a fee, commercial users can also have access to TDRSS for tracking and data acquisition purposes. Over the last 25 years, TDRSS has delivered pictures, television, scientific, and voice data to the scientific community and the general public, including data from more than 100 Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions and the Hubble Space Telescope. A principal advantage of TDRSS is providing communications services, which previously have been provided by multiple worldwide ground stations, with much higher data rates and lower latency to the user missions.
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, and directs the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to prescribe standards for various other products and equipment, including other types of distribution transformers. EPCA also requires DOE to determine whether more- stringent, amended standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. In this notice, DOE proposes amended energy conservation standards for distribution transformers. The notice also announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results.
Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents-Definition of Technological Invention
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes a new rule to implement the provision of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act that requires the Office to issue regulations for determining whether a patent is for a technological invention in a transitional post-grant review proceeding for covered business method patents. The provision of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will take effect on September 16, 2012, one year after the date of enactment. The provision and any regulations issued under the provision will be repealed on September 16, 2020, with respect to any new petitions under the transitional program.
Changes To Implement Derivation Proceedings
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes new rules to implement the provisions of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act that create a new derivation proceeding to be conducted before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Board). These provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will take effect on March 16, 2013, eighteen months after the date of enactment, and apply to applications for patent, and any patent issuing thereon, that are subject to first-inventor-to-file provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.
Changes to Implement Inter Partes Review Proceedings
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes new rules to implement the provisions of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act that create a new inter partes review proceeding to be conducted before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Board). These provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will take effect on September 16, 2012, one year after the date of enactment, and apply to any patent issued before, on, or after the effective date.
Changes To Implement Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes new rules to implement the provisions of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act that create a new transitional post-grant review proceeding for covered business method patents to be conducted before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Board). These provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will take effect on September 16, 2012, one year after the date of enactment. These provisions and any regulations issued under these provisions will be repealed on September 16, 2020, with respect to any new petitions under the transitional program.
Changes To Implement Post-Grant Review Proceedings
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes new rules to implement the provisions of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act that create a new post-grant review proceeding to be conducted before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Board). These provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will take effect on September 16, 2012, one year after the date of enactment, and generally apply to patents issuing from applications subject to first-inventor-to-file provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.
Premium Penalty Relief for Certain Delinquent Plans
Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review directs agencies to review and improve their regulatory processes. As a result of this regulatory review, among other initiatives, PBGC is announcing a limited window for covered plans that have never paid required premiums to pay past-due premiums without penalty.
Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates
Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking of northern fur seals, NMFS is publishing the annual fur seal subsistence harvests on St. George and St. Paul Islands (the Pribilof Islands) for 2008 to 2010, and the annual estimates for the fur seal subsistence needs for 2011 through 2013. Alaska Natives on St. Paul harvested 328, 341, and 357 fur seals from 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, and 170, 113, and 78 fur seals on St. George Island during the same period. NMFS estimates the annual subsistence needs are 1,645-2,000 seals on St. Paul and 300-500 seals on St. George.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Navy Operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Sonar
On January 6, 2012, the NMFS published its proposed regulations to govern the take of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) Low Frequency Active (LFA) sonar in areas of the world's oceans (with the exception of Arctic and Antarctic waters and certain geographic restrictions), from August 16, 2012, through August 15, 2017. The Federal Register notice indicated that written comments were due by February 6, 2012, which allowed 30 calendar days for public input. In response to a request from the Natural Resources Defense Council, NMFS has decided to extend the public comment period by 15 days, to February 21, 2012, which allows a total of 45 days for public input.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes equipped with analog transient suppression devices (ATSDs) installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate number ST00146BO. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of corrosion on ATSDs. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain limitations. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion on ATSDs, which could result in the loss of high voltage transient protection (e.g., lightning protection) in the fuel tanks and consequent fuel tank explosion and loss of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Inc. Model CL-215-1A10 and CL- 215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the lower cap of the wing front and rear spars at wing station (WS) 51.00, and the wing lower skin. Additional actions, if cracking is found, include reworking the lower cap of the front or rear spar, inspecting for cracking, and repairing any cracking. The existing AD also requires reporting inspection results. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of cracking found outside the inspection area. This proposed AD would extend the inspection area of the rear spar lower cap from WS 51.00 to WS 49.50 and modify the ultrasonic inspection calibration procedure. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the lower caps of the wing front spar and rear spar, and lower wing skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2012 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Removal of the Indian HOME Investment Partnerships Program Regulation
This final rule removes HUD's outdated regulations for the Indian HOME Investment Partnerships (Indian HOME) program. Under the Indian HOME program, HUD awarded funds competitively to eligible applicants to provide affordable housing. The Indian HOME program was replaced by the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program established under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). However, HUD retained the Indian HOME program regulations because they continued to govern grants awarded prior to the enactment of NAHASDA. Since September 30, 1997, HUD has not awarded grants under the Indian HOME program and, therefore, the regulations are no longer necessary.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Illinois; Ozone
EPA is proposing to approve a request from Illinois to redesignate the Illinois portion of the Chicago-Gary-Lake County, Illinois-Indiana (IL-IN) ozone nonattainment area (the Greater Chicago area) to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) because the request meets the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The Illinois portion of the Greater Chicago area includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties and portions of Grundy (Aux Sable and Goose Lake Townships) and Kendall (Oswego Township) Counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) submitted this request on July 23, 2009, and supplemented its request in a submittal on September 16, 2011. EPA is proposing to approve, as a revision of the Illinois State Implementation Plan (SIP), the State's plan for maintaining the 1997 8-hour ozone standard through 2025 in the Illinois portion of the Greater Chicago area. EPA is proposing to approve 2002 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) emission inventories for the Illinois portion of the Greater Chicago area as a revision of the Illinois SIP because the emission inventories meet the requirements of section 182(a) of the CAA. Finally, EPA proposes to approve the State's 2008 and 2025 VOC and NOX Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (MVEBs) for the Illinois portion of the Greater Chicago area.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Wisconsin; Redesignation of the Milwaukee-Racine and Sheboygan Areas to Attainment for 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard
EPA is proposing to approve requests from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to redesignate the Milwaukee- Racine and Sheboygan areas to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard, because the requests meet the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). The Milwaukee- Racine area includes Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties. The Sheboygan area includes Sheboygan County. WDNR submitted these requests on September 11, 2009, and supplemented the submittal on November 16, 2011. This proposed approval also involves several related actions. EPA is proposing to approve, as revisions to the Wisconsin State Implementation Plan (SIP), the state's plans for maintaining the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) through 2022 in the above- mentioned areas. EPA is also proposing to approve the 2005 comprehensive emissions inventories for the Milwaukee-Racine and Sheboygan areas as meeting the requirements of the CAA. Finally, EPA finds adequate and is proposing to approve the state's 2015 and 2022 Motor Vehicle Emission Budgets (MVEBs) for the Milwaukee-Racine and Sheboygan areas.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an inspection to detect cracks and fractures of the outboard hinge fitting assemblies on the trailing edge of the inboard main flap, and follow-on and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, the existing AD also requires a one- time inspection to determine if a tool runout option has been performed in the area. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of hinge assembly fractures found before the currently-required inspection cycle compliance times on certain airplanes. This proposed AD reduces compliance times for Model 767-400ER series airplanes. In addition, this proposed AD would revise the applicability to include an additional airplane. We are proposing this AD to prevent the inboard aft flap from separating from the wing and potentially striking the airplane, which could result in damage to the surrounding structure and potential personal injury.
Office of Inspector General; Contractor Requirements
This rule establishes standards of qualification and responsibility for contractors employed by the Office of Inspector General. The rule also emphasizes consistency in contractor selection, and clarifies the OIG's exclusive authority to set qualifications and standards for its own contractors, as well as ensure the use of contracting best practices as established by the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other applicable sources in making contract awards.
Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Potomac River, Charles County, MD
The Coast Guard proposes to establish special local regulations during the ``Potomac River Sharkfest Swim'' amateur swim, a marine event to be held on the waters of the Potomac River on June 2, 2012. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to temporarily restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the Potomac River during the event.
Appeals of Post Office Closings
The Commission is adopting a new set of rules for appeals of post office closings. The new rules are intended to update existing rules; foster clarity and simplicity, especially in terms of requirements that apply to the public; and expedite the appeal process. The rules incorporate some, but not all, of the proposed rules, as well as some commenters' suggestions. Some proposals have been deferred to allow time for further consideration. Adoption of a new set of rules will improve the post office closing appeal process.
Notice of Proposed Policy Clarification for the Registration of Aircraft to U.S. Citizen Trustees in Situations Involving Non-U.S. Citizen Trustors and Beneficiaries
Notice is hereby given of the FAA's proposed policy regarding the registration of aircraft to U.S. Citizen Trustees in situations involving Non-U.S. citizen trustors and beneficiaries.
Exemptions From Entry Requirements and Report of Arrival Requirements for Certain Department of Defense Vessels and Aircraft
Certain vessels and aircraft owned or chartered by the Department of Defense (DoD) are exempt from entry requirements and, in some cases, reporting requirements upon their arrival in the United States from a foreign place. This rule proposes to expand those exemptions to include additional DoD-owned or chartered vessels and aircraft when transporting certain cargo or passengers.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Arkansas; Infrastructure Requirements for the 1997 Ozone NAAQS and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
EPA is proposing to partially approve and partially disapprove submittals from the state of Arkansas pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that address the infrastructure elements specified in the CAA section 110(a)(2), necessary to implement, maintain, and enforce the 1997 8-hour ozone and the 1997 and 2006 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or standards). We are proposing to find that the current Arkansas State Implementation Plan (SIP) meets the following infrastructure elements for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS: 110(a)(2)(A), (B), (E), (F), (G), (H), (K), (L), (M), and portions of (C), (D)(ii) and (J). We are proposing to find that the current Arkansas SIP does not meet the infrastructure requirements for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS and the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS at 110(a)(2) for portions of (C), (D)(ii), and (J) because the EPA-approved SIP prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) program does not apply to greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sources. We also are proposing to find that the current Arkansas SIP does not meet the infrastructure requirements for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS at 110(a)(2) for portions of (C), (D)(ii), and (J) because Arkansas has not submitted the PSD SIP revision required by EPA's Implementation of the New Source Review (NSR) Program for Particulate Matter Less Than 2.5 Micrometers (73 FR 28321, May 16, 2008). Further, we are proposing to partially approve and partially disapprove the provisions of SIP submissions that emissions from sources in Arkansas do not interfere with measures required in the SIP of any other state under part C of the CAA to prevent significant deterioration of air quality, with regard to the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS and the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS. The partial disapprovals herein are because Arkansas cannot issue permits for GHG emissions and because the State did not submit the required PM2.5 PSD SIP revision. Finally, for purposes of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, EPA is proposing to approve SIP revisions that modify the Arkansas PSD SIP to include nitrogen oxides (NOX) as an ozone precursor. This action is being taken under section 110 and part C of the Act. Finally, EPA is also proposing to make a correction to the attainment status table in 40 CFR 81.304 to accurately reflect the redesignation date of Crittenden County, Arkansas to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard.
Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts, Lycoming Engines (Formerly Textron Lycoming), and Continental Motors, Inc., Fuel-Injected Reciprocating Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Superior Air Parts and Lycoming Engines fuel-injected reciprocating engines. That AD currently requires removing AVStar Fuel Systems, Inc. (AFS) fuel servos installed after May 20, 2010, if the servo contained an AFS diaphragm, part number (P/N) AV2541801 or P/N AV2541803, from certain production lots. This AD expands the applicability, and changes the compliance interval for all affected Superior Air Parts, Lycoming Engines, and Continental Motors, Inc., fuel-injected reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by an accident involving a Piper PA32R- 301 airplane, and by the discovery of additional engines being affected by the unsafe condition since we issued the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent an in-flight engine shutdown due to a failed fuel servo diaphragm, and damage to the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 500 series turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the fuel tubes and fuel tube clips for evidence of damage, wear, and fuel leakage. This AD was prompted by reports of wear found between the securing clips and the low-pressure (LP) fuel tube outer surface, which reduces the fuel tube wall thickness, leading to fracture of the fuel tube and consequent fuel leak. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine fuel leaks, which could result in risk to the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. TPE331-10 and TPE331-11 Series Turboprop Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD was prompted by a report of an uncontained failure of a first stage turbine disk that had a metallurgical defect. This AD requires inspecting certain serial number (S/N) first stage turbine disks, part number (P/N) 3101520-1 and P/N 3107079-1. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the first stage turbine disk and damage to the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. model CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a normal quality sampling at CFM International, S.A. that isolated a production batch of fan blades with nonconforming geometry of mid-span shroud tips of the fan blades. This AD requires removing from service certain serial number (S/N) fan blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent an inflight shutdown (IFSD) of one or more engines following foreign object damage (FOD) or a bird strike.
Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; State of Florida; Control of Large Municipal Waste Combustor (LMWC) Emissions From Existing Facilities; Correction
On December 30, 2010, EPA published a final rule approving the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111(d)/129 State Plan (the Plan) submitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the State of Florida on July 12, 2007, for implementing and enforcing the Emissions Guidelines (EGs) applicable to existing Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). These EGs apply to municipal waste combustors with a capacity to combust more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste (MSW). This action corrects an error in the regulatory language in paragraph (a) of EPA's December 30, 2010, final rule.
Medical Diagnostic Equipment Accessibility Standards
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is proposing accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment. The proposed standards contain minimum technical criteria to ensure that medical diagnostic equipment, including examination tables, examination chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment, and other imaging equipment used by health care providers for diagnostic purposes are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. The standards will allow independent entry to, use of, and exit from the equipment by individuals with disabilities to the maximum extent possible. The standards do not impose any mandatory requirements on health care providers or medical device manufacturers. However, other agencies, referred to as an enforcing authority in the standards, may issue regulations or adopt policies that require health care providers subject to their jurisdiction to acquire accessible medical diagnostic equipment that conforms to the standards.
Rules of Practice for Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and Judicial Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes new rules of practice to implement the provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act that provide for trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Board). The proposed rules would provide a consolidated set of rules relating to Board trial practice for inter partes review, post-grant review, the transitional program for covered business method patents, and derivation proceedings. The proposed rules would also provide a consolidated set of rules to implement the provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act related to seeking judicial review of Board decisions.
Practice Guide for Proposed Trial Rules
The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act establishes several new trial proceedings to be conducted by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Board) including inter partes review, post-grant review, the transitional program for covered business method patents, and derivation proceedings. The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act also requires the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) to promulgate rules specific to each proceeding. In separate rulemakings elsewhere in this issue and in the February 10, 2012, issue of the Federal Register, the Office proposes rules relating to Board trial practice for the new proceedings. The Office publishes in this document a practice guide for the proposed trial rules to advise the public on the general framework of the proposed regulations, including the structure and times for taking action in each of the new proceedings.
Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings; Rules Implementing the Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980
The NTSB proposes various amendments to our regulations, which sets forth rules of procedure for the NTSB's review of certificate actions taken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and rules of procedure concerning applications for fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980 (EAJA). The NTSB previously issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and has carefully considered comments submitted in response to the ANPRM concerning these procedural rules. This document contains both a discussion of the comments and explanations for the changes proposed herein.
Airworthiness Directives; CPAC, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all CPAC, Inc. (type certificate formerly held by Commander Aircraft Corporation, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and Rockwell International) Models 112, 112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, and 114TC airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection of the elevator spar for cracks and, if any crack is found, either replace with a serviceable elevator spar that is found free of cracks or repair/modify the elevator spar with an FAA-approved method. That AD also requires reporting to the FAA the results of the inspection. Since we issued that AD, using the data collected through the reporting requirement, we have determined there is a need for continued inspections. This new AD requires repetitive inspections of the elevator spar for cracks and, if any crack is found, either replacing with a serviceable elevator spar that is free of any cracks and/or corrosion or repairing/modifying the elevator spar with an FAA-approved procedure. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
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