July 2, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-14-14 that applies to certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. AD 2010-14-14 currently requires, for certain airplanes, repetitively replacing the low-stage check valve and associated seals of the right hand (RH) engine's engine bleed system with a new check valve and new seals, replacing the low pressure check valves (LPCVs), and revising the maintenance program. For certain other airplanes, AD 2010-14-14 requires replacing a certain low-stage check valve with an improved low-stage check valve. For certain airplanes, this new AD adds replacing certain LPCVs of the left hand (LH) and RH engines, which would be an option for other airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded engine shutdowns on both Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes due to excessive wear and failure of LPCVs having certain part numbers. We are issuing this AD to prevent the possibility of a dual engine in-flight shutdown due to LPCV failure.

The Coast Guard is temporarily changing the date of a safety zone for one specific recurring fireworks display in the Fifth Coast Guard District. This regulation applies only to one recurring fireworks event, held on the Pagan River in Smithfield, VA. The regulation currently states that the event occurs on July 4, 2013, however this year the event will take place on July 3, 2013. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the Smithfield Independence Day Fireworks. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic movement on the Pagan River to protect mariners from the hazards associated with fireworks displays.

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB or the Board) hereby amends its rules of practice and procedure to conform the Board's regulations to legislative changes that amended whistleblower protections for Federal employees and the penalties available in cases where the MSPB determines that a Federal employee or a State or local officer or employee violated restrictions on partisan political activity.

This proposed rule is a companion to the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) direct final rule (published today in the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of the Federal Register), amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by decreasing the value assigned to imported cotton for calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. An amendment is required to adjust the value assigned to imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products so that it is the same as those paid on domestically produced cotton. In addition, AMS is updating two Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) statistical reporting numbers that were amended since the last assessment adjustment. This proposed rule is a companion document to the direct final rule published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. AMS is publishing this amendment as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the agency is contemplated by statute and required by regulation in 7 CFR 1205.510 and anticipates no significant adverse comment. AMS has explained its reasons in the preamble of the direct final rule. If AMS receives no significant adverse comment during the comment period, no further action on this proposed rule will be taken. If, however, AMS receives significant adverse comment, AMS will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. In that case, AMS will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. AMS will not institute a second comment period on this rule. Any parties interested in commenting must do so during this comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the Buena Vista Lake shrew (Sorex ornatus relictus) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). In total, approximately 2,485 acres (1,006 hectares) in Kings and Kern Counties, California, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The effect of this regulation is to conserve the Buena Vista Lake shrew's habitat under the Act.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a high-speed rejected takeoff caused by all four main landing gear (MLG) tires blowing out during the takeoff roll. This AD requires installing new rigid hydraulic tube assemblies to the MLG struts; installing a new MLG squat switch bracket, modifying the MLG squat switch wire harness; modifying the MLG anti-skid wheel transducer electrical wire harnesses; routing and securing the anti-skid wheel and squat switch electrical wire harnesses to the MLG strut assembly; installing outboard bracket assemblies, anti-skid shield, forward electrical cover on the forward stiffener, upper and lower inboard bracket assemblies, and clamps that support the electrical wire harness; modifying the aft stiffener for the new electrical wire harness support; installing the aft electrical cover and strap on the aft stiffener; installing a new flat landing light lamp if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, installing a new wheel speed detect box assembly, nutplates, and brackets and a new thrust reverser interface box, and modifying the wiring for the new thrust reverser interface box. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the braking system or adverse operation of the spoiler and thrust reverser system due to external damage, particularly from tire failure, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.