2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is withdrawing its proposed rule concerning the Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-in and bridge construction of span placement. The original proposal had a start date of July 31, 2012, and must be rescheduled to start on September 5, 2012, due to unforeseen circumstances with span lift construction.

EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Arizona on October 14, 2009 and to determine that the existing SIP is adequate to address the requirements of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2006 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the CAA requires that each SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit air emissions from adversely affecting air quality in other states through interstate transport. EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision submitted by Arizona and to conclude that additional control measures in Arizona are not necessary under CAA section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) because emissions from Arizona sources do not contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS in any other state. We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) proposes to change some of its existing regulations and procedures concerning rate complaint proceedings. The Board previously created two simplified procedures to reduce the time, complexity, and expense of rate cases. The Board now proposes to modify its rules to remove the limitation on relief for one simplified approach, and to double the relief available under the other simplified approach. The Board also proposes technical changes to the full and simplified rate procedures, and to raise the interest rate that railroads must pay on reparations if they are found to have charged unreasonable rates. The overarching goal is to ensure that the Board's simplified and expedited processes for resolving rate disputes are more accessible.

NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch of arrowtooth flounder in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Washoe County District Board of Health (WCDBOH) portion of the Nevada State Implementation Plan (SIP) that EPA expects to be submitted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NVDEP). These revisions concern regulations regarding compliance with permit conditions, recordkeeping, source sampling and testing, and statements of compliance with 40 CFR part 70 permits. These regulations generally regulate emissions of criteria pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and particulate matter (PM). This proposed approval is based upon proposed regulations submitted by NVDEP and an accompanying request that EPA proceed with SIP review while the State and local agencies complete their public review and agency adoption processes. EPA will not take final action on these regulations until NVDEP submits the final adopted versions to EPA as a revision to the Nevada SIP. Final EPA approval of the regulations and incorporation of them into the Nevada SIP would make them federally enforceable under the Clean Air Act (CAA). We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.

Modified Base (1% annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) are finalized for the communities listed below. These modified BFEs will be used to calculate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and their contents.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This proposed AD is prompted by the determination that the manufacturer-installed Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the engine surge margin being reduced, which can result in engine failure.

The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, has issued temporary deviations from the regulations governing the operation of the following four bridges in Sarasota, Florida: The Venice Airport Bridge, mile 54.9, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; the North Manasota Bridge, mile 49.9, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; the Tom Adams Bridge, mile 43.5, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; and the Venice Bridge, mile 56.6, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The deviations are necessary to allow for participants in the Rev3 Triathlon to traverse the aforementioned bridges without delay. These deviations will result in the bridges remaining in the closed position during the Rev3 Triathlon.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters to require a one-time inspection of the main rotor head (MRH) swash-plate upper bearing (bearing) for a non-smooth point (friction point). This proposed AD is prompted by a report of the premature deterioration of the MRH bearing of the rotating star installed on a Model AS332L1 helicopter. The proposed actions are intended to detect deterioration of the MRH bearing and to prevent overloading the scissor links which drive the main rotor system, failure of the scissors links, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone on the waters of Lake Washington, Seattle, WA. This action is necessary to safeguard participants and spectators from the safety hazards associated with the Seafair Blue Angels Air Show Performance which include low flying high speed aircraft and will do so by prohibiting entry into the safety zone is unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Puget Sound or his Designated Representative.

NMFS proposes regulations to implement a second fishing capacity reduction program (also commonly known as ``buyback'') and an industry fee system to repay a $2.7 million loan for a single latent permit within the Longline Catcher Processor Subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish fishery (Reduction Fishery). The purpose of this action is to permanently reduce the greatest amount of fishing capacity at the least cost. This should result in increased harvesting productivity for the permit holders remaining in the fishery. The loan for this program will be added to the previous program loan of $35,700,000 authorized by the FY 2005 Appropriations Act (the Appropriations Act). For purposes of this regulation, the terms license and permit are used interchangeably.

EPA is proposing to determine that the Ogden City nonattainment area in Utah is currently attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to a nominal ten micrometers (PM10) based on certified, quality-assured ambient air monitoring data for the years 2009 through 2011. The State of Utah submitted a letter dated March 30, 2000, requesting EPA to make a clean data determination for the nonattainment area of Ogden City. Based on our proposed determination that the Ogden City nonattainment area is currently attaining the PM10 NAAQS, EPA is also proposing to determine that Utah's obligation to make submissions to meet certain Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements related to attainment of the NAAQS is not applicable for as long as the Ogden City nonattainment area continues to attain the NAAQS. This action is being taken under the CAA.

The EPA is amending its regulations to eliminate the requirement that an owner or operator of a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) that ``proposes to discharge'' must apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. This rulemaking also removes the voluntary certification option for unpermitted CAFOs because removal of the ``propose to discharge'' requirement renders the certification option unnecessary. Its purpose had been to allow CAFO owners and operators to certify that they were not violating the requirement that owners or operators of CAFOs that propose to discharge must seek permit coverage. Both of these provisions were included in the EPA's rulemaking entitled ``Revised National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Regulation and Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Response to the Waterkeeper Decision,'' (the 2008 CAFO Rule).

EPA is taking final action to approve in part, and disapprove in part, the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions, submitted by the State of Florida, through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on December 13, 2007, and supplemented on April 18, 2008 and May 24, 2012, to demonstrate that the State meets the requirements of sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) for the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). Section 110(a) of the CAA requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each NAAQS promulgated by EPA, which is commonly referred to as an ``infrastructure'' SIP. FDEP certified that the Florida SIP contains provisions that ensure the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS are implemented, enforced, and maintained in Florida (hereafter referred to as ``infrastructure submission''). EPA is now taking three related actions on FDEP's infrastructure submissions for Florida. First, EPA is taking final action to disapprove in part portions of sections 110(a)(2)(C) and 110(a)(2)(J) of the December 13, 2007, submittal as it relates to the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Second, EPA is taking final action to approve FDEP's May 24, 2012, submission, which addresses the substantive requirements of section 128 relating to State board requirements as applicable to the infrastructure SIP pursuant to section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii), and the substantive requirements of section 110(a)(2)(G), which relates to the authority to implement emergency powers under section 303 of the CAA. Third, and with the exception of the aforementioned portions of sections 110(a)(2)(C) and (J), EPA is finalizing its determination that Florida's infrastructure submission, provided to EPA on December 13, 2007, supplemented on April 18, 2008, addresses all other required infrastructure elements for the 1997 8- hour ozone NAAQS.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various aircraft equipped with Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A series engine. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a deviation in the manufacturing process of fuel hoses installed on the pressure side of part number 893114 fuel pumps. The fuel hoses may not be fuel resistant, which could lead to detachment of particles from the fuel hose and cause irregularities in the carburetor function and possibly result in rough engine operation, engine misfire, in-flight engine shutdown, and forced landing. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of damage on the rod end of the retracting actuator rod of the main landing gear (MLG). This AD requires performing a one-time general visual inspection to determine if a certain part number is installed on the MLG retraction actuator; if necessary, performing a general visual inspection for discrepancies between the actuator rod end and shock strut lug of the MLG retraction actuator; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct breakage of the MLG retracting actuator rod, which may result in MLG extension with no hydraulic damping and consequent damage to the locking mechanism and collapse of the MLG.

This major proposed rule addresses changes to the physician fee schedule, payments for Part B drugs, and other Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that our payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice and the relative value of services. It would also implement provisions of the Affordable Care Act by establishing a face-to-face encounter as a condition of payment for certain durable medical equipment (DME) items. In addition, it would implement statutory changes regarding the termination of non-random prepayment review under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Finally, this proposed rule also includes a discussion regarding the Chiropractic Services Demonstration program.

The NASA Research Misconduct rule describes procedures to be used by NASA for the handling of allegations of research misconduct. This direct final rule makes non-substantive changes to the policy governing the handling of allegations of research misconduct and updates to reflect organizational changes that have occurred in the Agency. The revisions to this rule are part of NASA's retrospective plan under EO 13563 completed in August 2011. NASA's full plan can be accessed at: https://www.nasa.gov/open/.

NMFS establishes 2012 quota specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fisheries. This action is necessary to implement binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).

NMFS apportions an amount of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch of squid in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is soliciting comments regarding potential changes to its regulations relating to records and reports for approved new animal drugs. FDA is considering revisions to this regulation to incorporate the requirements of section 105 of the Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2008 (ADUFA 105). As part of that process, FDA is reviewing other reporting requirements applicable to antimicrobial new animal drug sponsors to determine whether additional information should be reported. Collecting data on antimicrobial drugs used in food-producing animals will assist FDA in tracking antimicrobial use trends and examining how such trends may relate to antimicrobial resistance.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Route 30/Absecon Boulevard Bridge across Beach Thorofare, NJICW mile 67.2 and the US40-322 (Albany Avenue) across Inside Thorofare, NJICW mile 70.0, both at Atlantic City, NJ. The deviation is necessary to ensure the safety of the heavy volumes of vehicular traffic that would be transiting over the bridges for the annual Air Show at Bader Field located within the city limits. This deviation allows the drawbridges to remain closed to navigation to accommodate the free movement of vehicles for the 2012 Air Show.

We are amending the regulations that govern the importation of animals and animal products by consolidating the list of factors APHIS considers when evaluating the animal health status of a foreign region and by setting out new factors APHIS will consider when evaluating a region as historically free of a specific disease. These changes will make clearer the types of information APHIS needs from a requesting region in order to conduct an evaluation.

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils). This final rule limits spiny lobster trap fishing in certain areas in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Florida Keys to protect threatened species of corals and addresses the requirements of a 2009 Endangered Species Act (ESA) biological opinion on the spiny lobster fishery.

These special conditions are issued for the Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW139 and AB139 helicopters. These model helicopters, as modified by Agusta, will have novel or unusual design features associated with installing an optional SAR AFCS. The applicable airworthiness standards do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to show a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.