August 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 150 of 528
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
NMFS is implementing final 2012 specifications and management measures for the butterfish fishery, which is managed as part of the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. This action requires a 3-inch (76-mm) minimum codend mesh size in order to possess more than 2,000 lb (0.9 mt) of butterfish (up from 1,000 lb (0.45mt)). These specifications and management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the butterfish resource.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Framework Adjustment 6
NMFS is modifying the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's risk policy regarding stocks without an overfishing limit. Framework Adjustment 6 was initiated by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council in order to clarify its tolerance for risk for such stocks. The modification will allow increases of the acceptable biological catch for stocks that have stable or increasing trends in abundance, and for which there is robust scientific information to suggest that an increased acceptable biological catch will not lead to overfishing.
Telemarketing Sales Rule Fees
The Federal Trade Commission (the ``Commission'' or ``FTC'') is amending its Telemarketing Sales Rule (``TSR'') by updating the fees charged to entities accessing the National Do Not Call Registry (the ``Registry'') as required by the Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act of 2007.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Tennessee; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan; Best Available Retrofit Technology for Eastman Chemical Company
EPA is proposing to approve a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Tennessee, through the Tennessee Department Environment and Conservation (TDEC), on May 14, 2012, related to the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirements for the Eastman Chemical Company (Eastman). Specifically, the May 14, 2012, SIP revision modifies the compliance date for the Eastman BART determination included in Tennessee's April 4, 2008, SIP revision and provides a BART alternative determination option for Eastman. Together, Tennessee's April 4, 2008, and May 14, 2012, SIP revisions address the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA's rules that require states to prevent any future and remedy any existing anthropogenic impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I areas (national parks and wilderness areas) caused by emissions of air pollutants from numerous sources located over a wide geographic area (also referred to as the ``regional haze program''). EPA is proposing to approve Tennessee's May 14, 2012, SIP revision because it is consistent with the CAA and EPA's regulations on regional haze BART determinations and BART alternative determinations.
Olives Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (Committee) for 2012 and subsequent fiscal years from $16.61 to $31.32 per assessable ton of olives handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of olives grown in California. Assessments upon olive handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
EPA's Denial of the Petition To Reconsider the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is denying the petition of Plant Oil Powered Diesel Fuel Systems, Inc. (``POP Diesel'') to reconsider the final rules establishing emissions standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from on-road heavy-duty vehicles.
Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate Commerce; Consumer Protection Regulations: Household Goods Motor Carrier Record Retention Requirements
FMCSA confirms the effective date for its July 16, 2012, direct final rule concerning the period during which household goods (HHG) motor carriers must retain documentation of an individual shipper's waiver of receipt of printed copies of consumer protection materials. The direct final rule harmonized the retention period with other document retention requirements applicable to HHG motor carriers. FMCSA also amended the regulations to clarify that a HHG motor carrier is not required to retain waiver documentation from any individual shippers for whom the carrier does not actually provide services. The Agency did not receive any comments in response to the direct final rule and confirms the November 13, 2012, effective date of the rule.
Rescission of Quarterly Financial Reporting Requirements
FMCSA withdraws its June 27, 2012, direct final rule eliminating the quarterly financial reporting requirements for certain for-hire motor carriers of property (Form QFR) and for-hire motor carriers of passengers (Form MP-1). After reviewing the adverse comment received from SJ Consulting Group in response to the direct final rule, the agency has determined that it would be inappropriate to allow the direct final rule to take effect. The FMCSA intends to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the near future proposing the elimination of the quarterly financial reporting requirements for Form QFR and Form MP-1.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR); Definition
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amends the definition of ``gross combination weight rating'' (GCWR) in our regulations. The definition currently prescribes how the GCWR is calculated if the vehicle manufacturer does not include the information on the vehicle certification label required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Agency has determined the definition should not include what is essentially guidance that is difficult for the motor carrier and enforcement communities to use. Therefore, FMCSA amends this definition to state that the GCWR is the value specified by the commercial motor vehicle manufacturer.
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Summit
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC, Commission, or we) is announcing its intent to hold a Summit on all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety. The Summit will be held at the CPSC's headquarters in Bethesda, MD, on October 11 and 12, 2012. We invite interested parties to participate in or attend the Summit and to submit comments.
Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International Inc. TFE731-20R, -20AR, -20BR, -40, -40AR, - 40R, -50R, and -60 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape of about 8,000 2nd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT2) rotor blades, manufactured by Honeywell Chihuahua Manufacturing Operation since 2009. This AD requires removing and inspecting certain LPT2 rotor blades. We are issuing this AD to correct an unsafe condition caused by these blades installed on these engines.
Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations
On December 16, 2010, FEMA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that contained an erroneous table. This notice provides corrections to that table, to be used in lieu of the information published at 75 FR 78654. The table provided here represents the flooding sources, location of referenced elevations, effective and modified elevations, and communities affected for the City of Newport News, Virginia. Specifically, it addresses the flooding sources Newmarket Creek, Newmarket Creek Tributary, Stoney Run, Stoney Run- Colony Pines Branch, and Stoney Run-Denbigh Branch.
Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations
On October 7, 2010, FEMA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that contained an erroneous table. This notice provides corrections to that table, to be used in lieu of the information published at 75 FR 62061. The table provided here represents the flooding sources, location of referenced elevations, effective and modified elevations, and communities affected for Cecil County, Maryland, and Incorporated Areas. Specifically, it addresses the following flooding sources: Back Creek, Big Elk Creek, Bohemia River, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, Christina River, Dogwood Run, Gravelly Run, Hall Creek, Herring Creek, Laurel Run, Little Bohemia Creek, Little Elk Creek, Little Northeast Creek, Long Creek, Mill Creek, Mill Creek (Tributary to Little Elk Creek), Northeast Creek, Perch Creek, Plum Creek, Susquehanna River, Tributary 1 to Stone Run, Unnamed Tributary to Laurel Run, West Branch Christina River, and West Branch Laurel Run.
Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations
On December 16, 2009, FEMA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that included an erroneous flooding source name for the Town of Livonia in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. The flooding source name of Bayou Fordoche, in effect for the location approximately 0.47 mile downstream of I-190 and approximately 1.21 miles upstream of I-190 should have been listed as Bayou Grosse Tete.
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Wando River, Cainhoy, SC
The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the S41 Swingbridge across the Wando River mile 10.0, at Cainhoy, Berkeley County, South Carolina. This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is needed. This deviation will allow the S41 Swingbridge to open on the hour and half-hour which is anticipated to improve vessel traffic flow.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC
The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge, at mile 26.8, over Cape Fear River, at Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate the structural repairs of the bridge.
Specialty Crops; Import Regulations; New Pistachio Import Requirements
This rule establishes a minimum quality regulation for lots of pistachios imported into the United States. The regulation specifies maximum aflatoxin tolerance levels as well as mandatory aflatoxin testing and certification requirements. These import quality requirements are the same as or comparable to those in effect for the domestically produced commodity. Under this regulation, aflatoxin levels in imported pistachios may not exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb), as certified by aflatoxin inspection certificates issued by an accredited laboratory. This action is intended to assure consumers that all pistachios offered for sale in the United States meet the same aflatoxin standards, thus promoting high quality product in the market place and fostering consumer satisfaction.
Milk in the Mideast Marketing Area; Order Amending the Order
This final rule amends the Pool Plant provisions of the Mideast Federal milk marketing order regulating distributing plants physically located within the marketing area, with a Class I utilization of at least 30 percent and with combined route disposition and transfers of at least 50 percent distributed into Federal milk marketing areas, as Pool Distributing Plants under the terms of the order. More than the required number of producers for the Mideast marketing area approved the issuance of the final order as amended.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to rescind an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes; and Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspecting to determine if certain motor-operated shutoff valve actuators for the fuel tanks are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate AWL No. 28-AWL-21, No. 28-AWL- 22, and No. 28-AWL-24 (for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes); and No. 28-AWL-23, No. 28-AWL-24, and No. 28-AWL-25 (for Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes). We issued that AD to prevent electrical energy from lightning, hot shorts, or fault current from entering the fuel tank through the actuator shaft, which could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Since we issued that AD, we have received new data indicating that the existing AD addresses that safety concern, but also introduces a different unsafe condition.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by incorrect wire support clamps installed within the left environmental cooling systems (ECS) bay, which could allow wiring to come in contact with the exposed metal of the improper clamp. This proposed AD would require inspections to identify the part number of the wire support clamp, related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent electrical arcing and a potential ignition source, which in combination with flammable fuel vapors could result in a fuel tank explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4- 203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes. The existing AD currently requires performing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the forward fitting at frame (FR) 40 on both sides of the airplane for cracks, and repair if necessary. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports that new cracks were found in the FR 40 forward fitting. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the forward fitting at FR 40 without nut removal, and a one-time eddy current or liquid penetrant inspection of the forward fitting at FR 40 with nut removal, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the FR 40 forward fitting, which could result in a deterioration of the structural integrity of the frame.
Adjustment of Appendices to the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Regulation for the 2012 Tariff-Rate Quota Year
This document sets forth the revised appendices to the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Regulation for the 2012 quota year reflecting the cumulative annual transfers from Appendix 1 to Appendix 2 for certain dairy product import licenses permanently surrendered by licensees or revoked by the Licensing Authority.
Authorization To Seize Property Involved in Drug Offenses for Administrative Forfeiture (2012R-9P)
The Department of Justice is amending its regulations to allow the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to exercise, for a one-year period following the effective date of this rule, the authority to seize and administratively forfeit property involved in controlled substance offenses. Many years of experience have demonstrated that forfeiting the assets of criminals is an essential tool in combating criminal activity and provides law enforcement with the capacity to dismantle criminal organizations that would continue to function after the conviction and incarceration of individual offenders. Moreover, administrative forfeiture permits the expedient and effective use of this crucial law enforcement tool.
Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, New River Gorge National River, Bicycle Routes
The National Park Service proposes to designate new and existing multi-use trails and administrative roads within the New River Gorge National River as bicycle routes. The rule is necessary because the National Park Service general regulation requires publication of a special regulation to designate routes for bicycle use when such use will be outside of developed areas and special use zones.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company
We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, - 900, and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, installing two warning level indicator lights on each of the P1-3 and P3-1 instrument panels in the flight compartment. That NPRM also proposed to require revising the airplane flight manual to remove certain requirements of previous AD actions, and to advise the flightcrew of the following changes: revised non-normal procedures to use when a cabin altitude warning or rapid depressurization occurs, and revised cabin pressurization procedures for normal operations. That NPRM was prompted by a design change in the cabin altitude warning system that would address the identified unsafe condition. This action revises that NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability; adding airplanes to the installation requirement, including, for certain airplanes, replacing the existing P5-16 and P5-10 panels; and, for certain airplanes, replacing the basic P5-16 panel with a high altitude landing P5-16 panel. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent failure of the flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning horn, which could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the body), and consequent loss of control of the airplane. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles of the main landing gear (MLG) were machined with a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters. This proposed AD would require replacing the wheel axle of the MLG with a serviceable part. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of the MLG, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Amendment of Prohibited Payment Option Under Single-Employer Defined Benefit Plan of Plan Sponsor in Bankruptcy; Hearing Cancellation
This document cancels a public hearing on proposed regulations under section 411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. The proposed regulations provide guidance under the anti-cutback rules of section 411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, which generally prohibit plan amendments eliminating or reducing accrued benefits, early retirement benefits, retirement-type subsidies, and optional forms of benefit under qualified retirement plans.
Suspension of End-Use Certificate Program Requirements
This final rule suspends indefinitely the Farm Service Agency (FSA) regulation requiring end-use certificates and tracking of wheat produced in Canada that enters the United States. This action is being taken in response to the discontinuation of Canada's end-use certificate program. As a result of these changes, importers and end- users of Canadian produced wheat are no longer required to provide FSA end-use certificates or consumption and resale reports on wheat produced in Canada.
Federal Housing Administration: Strengthening Risk Management Through Responsible FHA-Approved Lenders
As part of HUD's efforts to strengthen the risk management practices of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), HUD published a final rule on April 20, 2010, revising its regulations pertaining to the FHA-approval of mortgage lenders. The April 20, 2010, final rule increased the net worth requirement for FHA-approved lenders and mortgagees, eliminated HUD's approval of loan correspondents, and amended the general approval standards for lenders and mortgagees. This final rule makes several nonsubstantive clarifications and corrections to the provisions of the April 20, 2010, final rule. The changes will improve the clarity of HUD's regulatory requirements and, thereby, facilitate program participant compliance and improve HUD's ability to monitor and enforce its risk management regulations.
Federal Acquisition Regulation; Basic Safeguarding of Contractor Information Systems
DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add a new subpart and contract clause for the basic safeguarding of contractor information systems that contain information provided by or generated for the Government (other than public information) that will be resident on or transiting through contractor information systems.
Change of Address for Merit Systems Protection Board
This final rule revises an existing EEOC regulation to correct the address of the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney Division PW4052, PW4152, PW4056, PW4156A, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4158, PW4460, PW4462, PW4164, PW4164C, PW4164C/B, PW4168, and PW4168A turbofan engines with certain high- pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 front hubs installed. This AD was prompted by Pratt & Whitney's updated low-cycle-fatigue analysis that indicated certain HPT stage 1 front hubs could initiate a crack prior to the published life limit. This AD requires removing the affected HPT stage 1 front hubs from service using a drawdown plan. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT stage 1 front hub, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) is denying the petition of Plant Oil Powered Diesel Fuel Systems, Inc. (``POP Diesel'') to amend the final rules establishing fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. NHTSA does not believe that POP Diesel has set forth a basis for rulemaking. The agency disagrees with the petitioner's assertion that a failure to specifically consider pure vegetable oil, and technology to enable its usage, as a feasible technology in heavy-duty vehicles, led to the adoption of less stringent standards. NHTSA also disagrees with POP's assertion that the agency failed to adequately consider the rebound effect in setting the standards.
Safety Zone; Apache Pier Labor Day Fireworks; Myrtle Beach, SC
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Apache Pier in Myrtle Beach, SC, during the Labor Day fireworks demonstration. This regulation is necessary to protect life and property on the navigable waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Myrtle Beach, SC. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.
Safety Zone; Bostock 50th Anniversary Fireworks, Long Island Sound; Manursing Island, NY
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the navigable waters of Long Island Sound in the vicinity of Manursing Island, NY for a fireworks display. This temporary safety zone is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated with fireworks displays. This rule is intended to restrict all vessels from a portion of Long Island Sound before, during, and immediately after the fireworks event.
Safety Zone; Swim Around Charleston, Charleston, SC
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary moving safety zone during the Swim Around Charleston, a swimming race occurring on waters of the Wando River, the Cooper River, Charleston Harbor, and the Ashley River, in Charleston, South Carolina. The Swim Around Charleston is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 23, 2012. The temporary safety zone is necessary for the safety of the swimmers, participant vessels, spectators, and the general public during the event. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, St. Petersburg/Tampa, FL
The Coast Guard has issued temporary deviations from the operating schedules that govern seven bridges in St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida. The deviations are necessary to allow for the safe transportation of officials and participants to the Republican National Convention (RNC). These deviations will result in the seven bridges remaining in the closed position for the time periods listed. This temporary deviation affects the following bridges: The Walsingham Road/ Indian Rocks Beach (CR 688) Bridge; the Park Boulevard (CR 694) Bridge; the Welch/Tom Stuart Causeway/150th Avenue Bridge; the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge; the Corey Causeway/Pasadena Avenue Bridge; the Pinellas Bayway Structure ``C'' (SR 679) Bridge; and Johns Pass Bridge.
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Augusta, GA
This action amends Class E Airspace in Augusta, GA. The Bushe Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) and the Burke County NDB have been decommissioned and new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, Augusta, GA, and Burke County Airport, Waynesboro, GA, respectively. Airspace reconfiguration is necessary for the continued safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the Augusta, GA, airspace area. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of Burke County Airport.
Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG Rotax Reciprocating Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BRP- Powertrain GmbH & Co KG Rotax 912 F2; 912 F3; 912 F4; 912 S2; 912 S3; and 912 S4 reciprocating engines. This AD requires replacing the pressure side fuel hose on certain fuel pumps and inspecting the carburetors connected to those fuel pumps for contamination within 5 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel pumps having pressure side fuel hoses not meeting the design specification. We are issuing this AD to prevent pressure side fuel hose deterioration and contamination of the carburetor, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, forced landing and damage to the airplane.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Motorcycle Brake Systems
This final rule amends the Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) on motorcycle brake systems to add and update requirements and test procedures and to harmonize with a global technical regulation (GTR) for motorcycle brakes. The GTR was developed under the United Nations 1998 Global Agreement with the U.S. as an active participant, and it was derived from various motorcycle braking regulations from around the world, including the U.S. motorcycle brake systems standard. This final rule includes numerous modifications to the test procedures for motorcycle brake systems, but does not change the scope, applicability, and safety purpose of the motorcycle brake systems FMVSS.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Impact Analyses of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), propose to revise our regulations pertaining to impact analyses conducted for designations of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (the Act). These changes are being proposed as directed by the President's February 28, 2012, memorandum, which directed us to take prompt steps to revise our regulations to provide that the economic analysis be completed and made available for public comment at the time of publication of a proposed rule to designate critical habitat.
2012 Technical Corrections, Clarifying and Other Amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule, and Confidentiality Determinations for Certain Data Elements of the Fluorinated Gas Source Category
The EPA is amending specific provisions of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule to provide greater clarity and flexibility to facilities subject to reporting emissions from the industrial waste landfill, petroleum and natural gas systems, fluorinated gas production, and electronics manufacturing source categories. These source categories will report greenhouse gas data for the first time in September 2012. The changes do not significantly change the overall calculation and monitoring requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule or add additional requirements for reporters. The EPA is also making confidentiality determinations for four new data elements for the fluorinated gas production source category of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule. Lastly, we are finalizing an amendment to the general provisions to defer the reporting deadline for a data element used as an input to an emission equation in the fluorinated gas production source category until 2015.
Source Specific Federal Implementation Plan for Implementing Best Available Retrofit Technology for Four Corners Power Plant: Navajo Nation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating a source-specific Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) requiring the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP), a coal-fired power plant located on the Navajo Nation near Farmington, New Mexico, to achieve emissions reductions required by the Clean Air Act's (CAA) Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) provision. In this final action, EPA is requiring FCPP to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and is setting emission limits for particulate matter (PM) based on emission rates already achieved at FCPP. These pollutants contribute to visibility impairment in the numerous mandatory Class I Federal areas surrounding FCPP. For NOX emissions, EPA is requiring FCPP to meet a plant-wide emission limit of 0.11 lb/MMBtu on a rolling 30-day heat input-weighted average. This represents an 80 percent reduction from the current NOX emission rate and is expected to provide significant improvement in visibility. EPA is also finalizing an alternative emission control strategy that gives the owners of FCPP the option to close Units 1-3 and install controls on Units 4 and 5 to each meet an emission limit of 0.098 lb/MMBtu, based on a rolling average of 30 successive boiler operating days. For PM, EPA is requiring Units 4 and 5 at FCPP to meet an emission limit of 0.015 lb/MMBtu, and retaining the existing 20 percent opacity limit. These PM limits are achievable through the proper operation of the existing baghouses. EPA is also requiring FCPP to comply with a 20 percent opacity limit on its coal and material handling operations.
Safety Zone; Boston Harbor's Rock Removal Project, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone within Sector Boston's Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone for the drilling, blasting, and dredging operation on the navigable waters of Boston Inner Harbor, in the main ship channel near Castle Island. This temporary safety zone is necessary to enhance navigation, vessel safety, marine environmental protection, and provide for the safety of life on the navigable waters during the drilling, blasting and dredging operations in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rock removal project. Entering into, transiting through, mooring or anchoring within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or the designated on-scene representative.
IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments
This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Low Emission Vehicle Program
EPA is proposing to approve several State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Maryland. These revisions pertain to adoption by Maryland of the California Low Emission Vehicle Program (LEV), or California Clean Car Program. The underlying Maryland regulations require all new 2011 and subsequent model year passenger cars, light trucks, and medium-duty vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds or less that are sold in Maryland to meet California emission standards. The Clean Air Act (CAA) contains authority by which other states may adopt new motor vehicle emissions standards that are identical to California's standards. Specifically, Maryland has adopted California's light and medium-duty new vehicle standards by reference, and then submitted these rules as part of the State's SIP revision to EPA. The Maryland Clean Car program has two objectives. The first is to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of which are precursors to the formation of ground level ozone pollution, from new motor vehicles sold in Maryland. The second objective of the program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds GVWR. Maryland submitted supplemental SIP revisions to modify its own program to match updates by California to its program and to harmonize with recently established Federal (and California) greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards promulgated by EPA applicable to 2012-2016 model year vehicles of the same vehicle types covered by Maryland's rules. This action is being taken under the CAA.
Modification of Regulations Regarding the Definition of Factual Information and Time Limits for Submission of Factual Information
On July 10, 2012, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register requesting comments regarding a proposed modification to the definition of factual information and to the time limits for the submission of factual information in antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) proceedings. The Department has decided to extend the comment period, making the new deadline for the submission of public comment September 24, 2012.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Attainment Demonstration for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City Moderate Nonattainment Area
EPA is proposing to approve the attainment demonstration portion of the attainment plan submitted by the State of Maryland through the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision that demonstrates attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City, PA-NJ-MD-DE, moderate nonattainment area (Philadelphia Area) by the applicable attainment date of June 2011. EPA has determined that Maryland's SIP revision meets the applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This action is being taken in accordance with the CAA.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; District of Columbia; the 2002 Base Year Inventory
EPA is proposing to approve the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 2002 base year emissions inventory portion of the District of Columbia State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the District of Columbia, through the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), on April 2, 2008. The emissions inventory is part of the District of Columbia's April 2, 2008 SIP revision that was submitted to meet nonattainment requirements related to the District of Columbia's portion of the Washington DC-MD-VA nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as DC Area or Area) for the 1997 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) SIP. EPA is proposing to approve the 2002 base year PM2.5 emissions inventory submitted by DDOE in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Revision to the South Coast Portion of the California State Implementation Plan, CPV Sentinel Energy Project AB 1318 Tracking System
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is supplementing our prior proposal to approve a source-specific State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision and requesting public comment on additional information we are adding to our docket to revise the South Coast Air Quality Management District (District or SCAQMD) portion of the California SIP. This source-specific SIP revision is known as the CPV Sentinel Energy Project AB 1318 Tracking System (``AB 1318 Tracking System''). We are supplementing our proposed approval of this SIP revision to provide additional information and request comment on three issues: (1) the District's quantification of the offsets it transferred to the AB 1318 Tracking System; (2) the District's surplus adjustment of the offsets in the AB 1318 Tracking System; and (3) which District Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is appropriate for determining the base year to evaluate the availability of offsets from shutdown sources.
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