2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the waters of Lake Erie, East Huron, Ohio. This regulation is intended to restrict vessels from portions of Lake Erie during the Wounded Warriors Benefit. This safety zone is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated with launched pumpkins.

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

NMFS proposes a regulatory amendment that would modify the groundfish retention standard (GRS) program in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area by removing certain regulatory requirements mandating minimum levels of groundfish retention and adding requirements for annual reports on groundfish retention performance. The GRS program was implemented to increase the retention and utilization of groundfish caught by trawl catcher/processor (C/P) vessels not listed in the American Fisheries Act (AFA), referred to as Amendment 80 vessels, and Amendment 80 cooperatives participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands groundfish fisheries. NMFS has discovered that the regulatory methodology used to calculate compliance with the GRS requires individual Amendment 80 vessels and Amendment 80 cooperatives to retain groundfish at minimum rates well above the minimum rates recommended by the Council or implemented by NMFS. As a result, the GRS is expected to impose significantly higher than predicted compliance costs on vessel owners and operators due to the increased level of retention needed to meet the minimum retention rates. Additionally, NMFS has discovered that enforcement of the GRS has proven far more complex, challenging, and potentially costly than anticipated by NMFS. This proposed rule would relieve non-AFA trawl C/ Ps and Amendment 80 cooperatives from undue compliance costs stemming from the mandatory GRS rates, but continue the GRS program goals of increased retention and utilization by establishing additional reporting requirements on groundfish retention performance together with current monitoring requirements for the Amendment 80 fleet. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the fishery management plan, and other applicable law.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the revised information collection requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR parts 1910, 1915, and 1926) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA-95). The OMB control number is 1218-0072.

EPA and NHTSA, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, are issuing final rules to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for light-duty vehicles for model years 2017 and beyond. On May 21, 2010, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum requesting that NHTSA and EPA develop through notice and comment rulemaking a coordinated National Program to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of light-duty vehicles for model years 2017-2025, building on the success of the first phase of the National Program for these vehicles for model years 2012-2016. This final rule, consistent with the President's request, responds to the country's critical need to address global climate change and to reduce oil consumption. NHTSA is finalizing Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for model years 2017-2021 and issuing augural standards for model years 2022-2025 under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act. NHTSA will set final standards for model years 2022-2025 in a future rulemaking. EPA is finalizing greenhouse gas emissions standards for model years 2017- 2025 under the Clean Air Act. These standards apply to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, and represent the continuation of a harmonized and consistent National Program. Under the National Program automobile manufacturers will be able to continue building a single light-duty national fleet that satisfies all requirements under both programs while ensuring that consumers still have a full range of vehicle choices that are available today. EPA is also finalizing minor changes to the regulations applicable to model years 2012-2016, with respect to air conditioner performance, nitrous oxides measurement, off-cycle technology credits, and police and emergency vehicles.

EPA is taking direct final action to approve state implementation plan (SIP) revision, submitted by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR), on June 15, 2007, as updated on November 30, 2009, to address the reasonable further progress (RFP) plan requirements for the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for the North Carolina portion of the bi-state Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. The Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, North Carolina- South Carolina 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``bi-state Charlotte Area'') is comprised of Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union and a portion of Iredell (Davidson and Coddle Creek Townships) Counties in North Carolina (hereafter referred to as the ``North Carolina portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area''); and a portion of York County in South Carolina. EPA is also providing the status of its adequacy determination for the motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEB) for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) that were included in North Carolina's RFP plan. Further, EPA is approving these MVEB. These actions are being taken pursuant to section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). EPA will take action on South Carolina's RFP plan for its portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area, in a separate action.

EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the New Mexico SIP to update the New Mexico NNSR and PSD SIP permitting programs consistent with federal requirements. EPA proposes to find that these revisions to the New Mexico SIP meet the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act or CAA) and EPA regulations, and are consistent with EPA policies. New Mexico submitted the PSD and NNSR SIP permitting revisions in two SIP submittals on June 11, 2009, and May 23, 2011. EPA is proposing this action under section 110 and parts C and D of the Act.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300- 600 series airplanes); and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This proposed AD would require modifying the electrical control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is proposing to amend its retail foreign exchange rule for transactions with bank common trust funds, bank collective investment funds, and insurance company separate accounts and is making technical corrections to the rule.

The FAA is correcting the title of the publication ``American Air Almanac'' to its current title ``Air Almanac''. This document corrects this minor technical error in the codified regulations.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act or Act) requires the Board to conduct annual stress tests of bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more and nonbank financial companies the Financial Stability Oversight Council (Council) designates for supervision by the Board (nonbank covered companies, and together, with bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, covered companies) and also requires the Board to issue regulations that require covered companies to conduct stress tests semi-annually. The Board is adopting this final rule to implement the stress test requirements for covered companies established in the Dodd-Frank Act. This final rule does not apply to any banking organization with total consolidated assets of less than $50 billion. Furthermore, implementation of the stress testing requirements for bank holding companies that did not participate in the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program is delayed until September 2013.

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB or the Board), following an internal review of MSPB regulations, publication of a proposed rule, and consideration of comments received in response to the proposed rule, hereby amends its rules of practice and procedure in order to improve and update the MSPB's adjudicatory processes.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a notice of proposed rulemaking and a notice of proposed examination guidelines to implement the first-inventor-to-file (FITF) provisions the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA). The USPTO also conducted a roundtable to obtain public input from organizations and individuals on issues relating to the USPTO's proposed implementation of the FITF provisions of the AIA. The Office has received several requests for additional time to submit comments on the USPTO's implementation of the FITF provisions of the AIA. The USPTO is reopening the comment period to provide interested members of the public with an additional opportunity to submit comments to the USPTO.

The FAA is correcting a final rule; technical amendment published on December 16, 2011 (76 FR 78141). This final rule; technical amendment was originally published to correct a final rule published on August 21, 2009 (74 FR 42500). In that original final rule, the FAA amended its regulations to revise the training, qualification, certification, and operating requirements for pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and pilot schools. A portion of the codified text was inadvertently deleted and this document corrects that error.

The Corps of Engineers is amending an existing restricted area to include the waters of Felgates Creek and Indian Field Creek along the York River in Yorktown, Virginia. Naval Weapons Station Yorktown requested the Corps of Engineers modify the existing restricted area to include areas historically noted on nautical charts as closed to the public and traditionally enforced by Commander, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the in-tank fuel boost pump wiring to detect chafing of the wire insulation, evidence of electrical arcing, or arc-through of the conduit wall, and applicable corrective action; and installation of sleeving over the in- tank fuel boost pump wires. The existing AD also requires repetitive inspections for damage of a certain electrical wire and sleeve, and arcing damage of the conduit and signs of fuel leakage into the conduit; applicable investigative and corrective actions; and repetitive engine fuel suction feed operational tests. Since we issued that AD, we received a report of damage found to the sleeve, jacket, and insulation on an electrical wire during a repetitive inspection. This proposed AD would require replacement of the wire bundles for the wing and center fuel boost pumps with new, improved wire bundles, installation of convoluted liners, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require replacement of the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) wires with new, improved wires; a low-frequency eddy current inspection for cracking; and repair if necessary. This proposed AD would also require revising the maintenance program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations section. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the fuel boost pump electrical wiring and leakage of fuel into the conduit, and to prevent electrical arcing between the wiring and the surrounding conduit, which could result in arc-through of the conduit, and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank.

The Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'' or ``Commission'') adopts revised Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (``Green Guides'' or ``Guides''). This document summarizes the Commission's revisions to the Guides and includes the final Guides.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to list the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly as an endangered species, and to list the streaked horned lark as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We additionally propose to designate critical habitat for these species. These determinations fulfill our obligations under a settlement agreement. These are proposed regulations, and if finalized, the effect of these regulations will be to add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act.

This action delays the effective date for a direct final rule that was published on August 22, 2012. In that rule, the FAA amends the scope of its regulations to allow launch operators that conduct certain amateur rocket launches an opportunity to voluntarily apply for a commercial space transportation license or experimental permit. The FAA has received several adverse comments to this rule, and delays the effective date to allow time for adequate analysis and a final determination. This document also corrects the regulatory identification number on the original publication.

This proposed rule would establish opening dates and adjust quotas for the 2013 fishing season for the Atlantic commercial shark fisheries. Quotas would be adjusted as allowable based on any over- and/or underharvests experienced during the 2011 and 2012 Atlantic commercial shark fishing seasons. We propose to keep the porbeagle shark fishery closed in 2013 due to the small quota and difficulties in accurately monitoring such a small quota. In addition, NMFS proposes season openings based on previously implemented adaptive management measures to provide, to the extent practicable, fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in all regions and areas. The proposed measures could affect fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in the northwestern Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is withdrawing its proposed rule concerning proposed flood elevation determinations for Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, and Incorporated Areas.

We propose to supersede two existing airworthiness directives (AD) that apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, - 200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The existing AD, for certain Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes currently requires repetitive inspections of the aft end of each inboard flap track of the wing outboard flap, and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD, for certain Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes requires repetitive inspections for cracks in the upper flange of the inboard track at the rear spar attachments of each outboard flap, and corrective action, if necessary. That AD also requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the rear spar attachments and cracks in the upper flange of the inboard track at the rear spar attachment of each outboard flap, and eventual rework of the flap track assembly and rear spar attachments, including replacement of the flap track with a new track, if necessary. Since we issued those ADs, we have received reports that the work sequence and procedures used during track installation could also cause loose or cracked tracks. This proposed AD would require an inspection for damage and stop-drill repairs along the flap track; an inspection for damage, cracking, and stop-drill repairs along the track webs; and an inspection for damage of the flap track web and flanges, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, an inspection for signs of movement between the tapered shim and anti-fret strip, installation of the anti-fret strip, and corrosion of the tapered shim and anti-fret strip; an inspection for signs of movement, cracks and corrosion where the track is attached to the wing rear spar; an inspection for cracking of the outboard edge of the track; an inspection for cracking of the inner edge of the track; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require repetitive overhauls of the flap track and repetitive post-overhaul inspections and corrective actions if necessary; an inspection to determine the part number of the flap track assembly, and replacement of affected parts if necessary; and would also add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking and damage in the flap track, which could cause loss of the outboard trailing edge flap and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes; Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes; and Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an activation of the control column shaker during takeoff. This proposed AD would require performing a general visual inspection to determine if a certain angle of attack (AOA) sensor with a paddle type vane is installed, and, for affected sensors, performing an operational test of the stall warning system, and replacing the AOA sensor with a new sensor if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous activation of the control column shaker during takeoff, which could result in runway overrun, failure to clear terrain or obstacles after takeoff, or reduced controllability of the airplane.

In this document, the Commission modifies its rules to permit the certification and use of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) equipment. These amendments are necessary in order to permit implementation of TETRA technology in the United States.

EPA is approving the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 2002 base year emissions inventory portion of the Maryland State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Maryland, through the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), on April 3, 2008. The emissions inventory is part of the April 3, 2008 SIP revision that was submitted to meet nonattainment requirements related to Maryland's portion of the Washington DC-MD-VA nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as Maryland Area or Area) for the 1997 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) SIP. EPA is approving the 2002 base year PM2.5 emissions inventory in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).