February 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 420
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Imported Oranges; Change in Size Requirements for Oranges
This rule relaxes the minimum size currently prescribed for oranges under the marketing order for oranges and grapefruit grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas (order). The order is administered locally by the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee). The corresponding change in the orange import regulation is required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. This rule relaxes the minimum size requirement for oranges from 2-6/16 inches to 2-3/16 inches in diameter. This rule will provide additional oranges to meet market demand, helping to maximize fresh shipments.
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Change in Size and Grade Requirements for Grapefruit
This rule relaxes the minimum size and grade requirements currently prescribed for grapefruit under the marketing order for oranges and grapefruit grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas (order). The order is administered locally by the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee). This rule relaxes the minimum size requirement for grapefruit from 3\5/16\ inches to 3 inches in diameter and reduces the minimum grade requirement for small-sized grapefruit. This rule will provide additional grapefruit to meet market demand, helping to maximize fresh shipments.
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-17- 03 that applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes. AD 2000-17-03 currently requires a one-time visual inspection and repetitive eddy current and dye penetrant inspections of the nose landing gear (NLG) main fitting to detect cracking of the NLG main fitting subassembly, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2000-17-03, we were advised that replacement of certain nose landing gear (NLG) units eliminates the need for repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would retain existing requirements, require installation a new part number NLG unit that would terminate the repetitive inspections, and add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of the NLG main fitting, which could lead to collapse of the NLG during takeoff and landing, and possible injury to the flight crew and passengers.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an analysis of the impacts of extended service goal activities on Airbus Model A300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of flight critical systems.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, -B4-605R, B4- 622R, -F4-605R, F4-622R, and -C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of inner skin disbonding damage on a rudder. This proposed AD would require repetitive ultrasonic inspections for disbonding of certain rudders; an elasticity of laminate checker inspection; a woodpecker or tap test inspection; venting the core, if necessary; and repairing, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct rudder disbonding, which could affect the structural integrity of the rudder.
Proposed Priorities, Requirement, and Definitions-Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program
The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education proposes priorities, a requirement, and definitions under the IAL program. The Assistant Secretary may use the priorities, requirement, and definitions for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2014 and later years. We take this action to ensure IAL projects will be supported, at a minimum, by evidence of strong theory, and to focus Federal financial assistance on projects that serve rural local educational agencies (LEAs).
Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Albion, NE
This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Albion, NE. Decommissioning of the Alaby non-directional radio beacon (NDB) at Albion Municipal Airport has made airspace reconfiguration necessary for standard instrument approach procedures and for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Off the Atlantic States; Amendment 5
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery off the Atlantic States (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 5 proposes actions to revise the acceptable biological catch (ABC), annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for the commercial and recreational sectors for dolphin and wahoo, and update the framework procedures for the FMP. The purpose of Amendment 5 is to help achieve optimum yield (OY) within the dolphin and wahoo fishery and to minimize socio- economic impacts in accordance with the requirements of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Re-Opening of Comment Period for Asset-Backed Securities Release
The Securities and Exchange Commission is re-opening the comment period on two releases, Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-9117 (Apr. 7, 2010), 75 FR 23328 (the ``2010 ABS Proposing Release'') and Re-Proposal of Shelf Eligibility Conditions for Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-9244 (July 26, 2011), 76 FR 47948 (the ``2011 ABS Re-Proposing Release''). The Commission is re-opening the comment period to permit interested persons to comment on an approach for the dissemination of potentially sensitive asset-level data. This approach is discussed in a staff memorandum included in the public comment file.
Energy Conservation Program: Proposed Determination of Computer and Battery Backup Systems as a Covered Consumer Product
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the ``Department'') has determined tentatively that computer and battery backup systems (hereafter referred to as ``computer systems'') qualify as a covered product under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended. This notice supersedes DOE's previous proposed determination of coverage relating to computers, and expands the scope of coverage to include computer systems. DOE has determined that computer systems meet the criteria for covered products because classifying products of such type as covered products is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA, and the average U.S. household energy use for computer systems is likely to exceed 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
Energy Conservation Program: Proposed Determination of Computer Servers as a Covered Consumer Product
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) withdraws for further consideration a proposed determination that computer servers (servers) qualify as a covered product under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended.
Responsibilities of Boards of Directors, Corporate Practices and Corporate Governance Matters
On January 28, 2014, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking for public comment proposing to amend its regulations by relocating, consolidating, and modifying as necessary, certain Federal Housing Finance Board and Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight regulations that pertain to the responsibilities of boards of directors, corporate practices, and corporate governance matters. The proposed rule would also amend a definition within FHFA's Prudential Management and Operations Standards regulations and the introductory language to the standards themselves. The comment period for the proposed rule is set to expire on March 31, 2014 April 29, 2014. This document extends the comment period by an additional 45 days, through and including May 15, 2014, to allow the public additional time to comment on the proposed rule.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Change to Start of Pacific Sardine Fishing Year
NMFS issues this final rule to change the starting date of the annual Pacific sardine fishery from January 1 to July 1. This changes the annual fishing season from one based on the calendar year to one based on a July 1 through the following June 30th schedule. No other changes to the annual allocation structure are being made and the existing seasonal allocation percentages will remain as specified in the FMP, as would the current quota roll-over provisions. This rule also establishes a one-time interim harvest allocation period from January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014 to allow for continued fishing during the transition from a January to July start of the fishing season. The purpose of this final rule is to better align the timing of the research and science that is used in the annual stock assessments with the annual management schedule. To enable this transition in fishing years, this action also establishes a one-time interim harvest period for the 6 months from January 1, 2014, through June 30, 2014.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2014 Tribal Fishery for Pacific Whiting
NMFS issues this proposed rule for the 2014 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006. This proposed rule would allocate 17.5 percent of the U.S. Total Allowable Catch of Pacific whiting for 2014 to Pacific Coast Indian tribes that have a Treaty right to harvest groundfish.
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and Their Tributaries, New York City, NY
The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, across Newtown Creek, mile 1.3, at New York City, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge painting operations at the bridge. This temporary deviation authorizes the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge to remain in the closed position for up to six consecutive days followed by four consecutive days of full operation at various times during the effective period of this deviation.
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Long Island, New York Inland Waterway From East Rockaway Inlet to Shinnecock Canal, Hempstead, NY
The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Wantagh State Parkway Bridge across the Sloop Channel, mile 15.4, at Jones Beach, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate public safety during the annual Jones Beach Air Show over Memorial Day weekend. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for an hour and a half on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Belle Chasse, LA
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the State Route 23 (SR 23) vertical lift span bridge, also known as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This deviation is necessary to provide for the safe movement of vehicular traffic during major plant reconstruction on one side of the waterway and the resulting change in work schedule and increase in workforce transiting the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain temporarily closed to navigation for an additional one hour in the evening during weekdays for two months.
Regulated Navigation Area; Southern Oahu Tsunami Vessel Evacuation Honolulu, HI
The Coast Guard is establishing a permanent regulated navigation area (RNA) in the waters off Southern Oahu, Hawaii, enforcement of which will take place only when a tsunami warning is issued for the Hawaiian Islands by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Tsunami warnings require the evacuation of a large number of vessels from their respective harbors. Following the evacuation, these vessels must remain offshore until the emergency situation has passed and the harbors have been deemed safe for reentry. Past tsunami warnings have created potentially dangerous offshore traffic congestion between commercial and recreational vessel traffic. Because of this, designated vessel traffic staging areas are necessary for a safe and orderly evacuation of Southern Oahu ports.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Utah; Revisions to Utah Administrative Code and an Associated Plan Revision
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partially approving and partially disapproving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Utah on September 20, 1999. The September 20, 1999 submittal revised the numbering and format of the Utah Administrative Code (UAC) rules within Utah's SIP. In this action, EPA is acting on those rules from the September 20, 1999 submittal that still require EPA action. Specifically, EPA is approving R307-110-16, ``Section IX, Control Measures for Area and Point Sources, Part G, Fluoride,'' and disapproving R307-110-29, ``Section XXI, Diesel Inspection and Maintenance Program.'' In conjunction with our disapproval of R307-110-29, we are also disapproving the Utah Diesel Inspection and Maintenance Program, which Utah submitted as a revision to the SIP on February 6, 1996, and which was incorporated by reference in R307-110-29 as part of the September 20, 1999 submittal. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Basel III Conforming Amendments Related to Cross-References, Subordinated Debt and Limits Based on Regulatory Capital
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is making technical and conforming amendments to its regulations governing national banks and Federal savings associations to make those regulations consistent with the recently adopted Basel III Capital Framework. As part of these technical amendments, the OCC is revising and clarifying its regulations governing subordinated debt applicable to national banks and Federal savings associations.
Establishment of Class E Airspace; Eagle, AK
This action establishes Class E airspace at Eagle Airport, Eagle, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using the new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at the airport. This action enhances the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. This action also makes a minor correction to the airspace's vertical dimensions, and corrects the Docket Numbers in the Addresses section.
Technology Transitions; Connect America Fund
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopts an experiment to test how tailored economic incentives can advance the deployment of next generation networks, both wireline and wireless, in rural, high-cost areas of the country, including Tribal lands. In this experiment, Connect America funding will be available to entities to deploy high-speed, scalable, IP-based networks.
Technology Transitions; Connect America Fund; Numbering Policies for Modern Communications
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks comment on a number of discrete issues relating to the rural broadband experiments and on the appropriate budget and funding to support initiatives for the ongoing need for research into the future of telephone numbering. The purpose of these experiments is to speed market-driven technological transitions and innovations by preserving the core statutory vales that exist today.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Technical Amendments
DoD is making technical amendments to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to provide needed editorial changes.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Disclosure to Litigation Support Contractors (DFARS Case 2012-D029)
DoD is amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement authority for DoD to allow its litigation support contractors to have access to ``sensitive information,'' provided that the litigation support contractor is subject to certain restrictions on using and disclosing such information.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Enhancement of Contractor Employee Whistleblower Protections (DFARS Case 2013-D010)
DoD has adopted as final, with changes, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement statutory amendments to whistleblower protections for contractor and subcontractor employees.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Clauses With Alternates-Taxes (DFARS Case 2013-D025)
DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to create an overarching prescription for a tax-related clause with an alternate and adds a separate prescription for the basic clause. The rule also proposes to include in the regulation the full text of the alternate clause.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Rules of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (No DFARS Case)
DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to update the Rules of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA). The proposed rule revises and reorders the Board's Rules for clarity and consistency and accounts for changes in technology, provides updated contact information, and adds two addendums.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Acquisitions in Support of Operations in Afghanistan (DFARS Case 2013-D009)
DoD has adopted as final, with changes, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement two sections of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 that require compliance with domestic source restrictions in the case of any textile components supplied by DoD to the Afghan National Army or the Afghan National Police for purposes of production of uniforms, and eliminate the application of the enhanced authority to acquire products and services from Iraq.
Delegations and Designations
This direct final rule makes nonsubstantive changes to correct citations and titles throughout. 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 on the Agency's open Government Web site at https://www.nasa.gov/open/.
Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Hydrocodone Combination Products From Schedule III to Schedule II
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposes to reschedule hydrocodone combination products from schedule III to schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. This proposed action is based on a rescheduling recommendation from the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services and an evaluation of all other relevant data by the DEA. If finalized, this action would impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule II controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, dispense, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities, or possess) or propose to handle hydrocodone combination products.
Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Alfaxalone into Schedule IV
With the issuance of this final rule, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) places the substance 5[alpha]- pregnan-3[alpha]-ol-11,20-dione (alfaxalone), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, into schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This scheduling action is pursuant to the CSA which requires that such actions be made on the record after opportunity for a hearing through formal rulemaking. This action imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule IV controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, dispense, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities with, or possess) or propose to handle alfaxalone and substances containing alfaxalone.
Changes to Production Certificates and Approvals
The FAA is proposing changes to its certification procedures and identification requirements for aeronautical products and articles. The proposed changes would: require production approval holders to identify an accountable manager who would be responsible for, and have authority over, their production operations and serve as the primary contact with the FAA; allow production approval holders to issue authorized release documents for aircraft engines, propellers, and articles; permit production certificate holders to manufacture and install interface components; require production approval holders to ensure that each supplier-provided product, article, or service conforms to the production approval holder's requirements and establish a supplier-reporting process for products, articles, or services that have been released from or provided by the supplier and subsequently found not to conform to the production approval holder's requirements; and remove the requirement that fixed-pitch wooden propellers be marked using an approved fireproof method. This proposal is necessary to update our regulations by revising certification and marking requirements to reflect the current global aeronautical manufacturing environment, thereby promoting aviation safety.
Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding
A Petition for Reconsideration has been filed in the Commission's Rulemaking proceedings by Edward Czelada.
Importation of Beef From a Region in Brazil
We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from a region in Brazil (the States of Bahia, Distrito Federal, Espirito Santo, Goias, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondonia, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, and Tocantins). This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Test Procedure for Commercial Water Heating Equipment
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a rulemaking and data collection process to consider amendments to the DOE test procedures for commercial water heaters, unfired hot water storage tanks, and hot water supply boilers (henceforth, ``commercial water heating equipment''). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has identified several issues associated with the current Federal test procedures on which DOE is particularly interested in receiving comment. In overview, the issues outlined in this document mainly concern updating the industry test standards that are currently incorporated by reference to the most recent versions, potential alternative methods for determining the efficiency of unfired storage tanks, potential changes to the method for setting the thermostat, potential clarifications in the thermal efficiency test method, and the potential inclusion of a test method for commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWH). DOE anticipates that these issues (as well as any others which are identified during the course of this rulemaking) may lead to proposed test procedure amendments in a subsequent notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR). DOE welcomes written comments and data from the public on all aspects of this test procedure, including topics not raised in this RFI.
Privacy Act; Implementation
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is amending its regulations to exempt portions of a new system of records from certain provisions of the Privacy Act. Specifically, the Department proposes to exempt portions of DMDC 16 DoD, entitled ``Interoperability Layer Service (IoLS)'' from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement requirements. In 2008, the U.S. Congress passed legislation that obligated the Secretary of Defense to develop access standards for visitors applicable to all military installations in the U.S. The Department of Defense (DoD) developed a visitor system to manage multiple databases that are capable of identifying individuals seeking access to DoD installations who may be criminal and/or security threats. The purpose of the vetting system is to screen individuals wishing to enter a DoD facility, to include those who have been previously given authority to access DoD installations, against the FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Wanted Person File. The NCIC has a properly documented exemption rule and to the extent that portions of these exempt records may become part of IoLS, OSD hereby claims the same exemptions for the records as claimed at their source (JUSTICE/FBI-001, National Crime Information Center (NCIC)).
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant), and CL- 215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by several reports indicating that shorter nacelle strut bushings were inadvertently installed on certain airplanes. This proposed AD would require a general visual inspection of the left and right nacelle upper strut bushings; installation of the bolts and preload indicating (PLI) washers, if necessary; and replacement of the bushing or repair of the bushing installation, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct inadequate nacelle strut bushings, which provide insufficient engagement in the strut fork end, and could deform under the bearing load and lead to the failure of the joint.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-06- 12, that applies to certain Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 airplanes. AD 2007-06-12 requires, for certain airplanes, reinforcement of the structure of the center fuselage by installing external stiffeners (butt straps) at frame (FR) 53.3 on the fuselage skin between left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) stringer (STR) 13, and related investigative and corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2007- 06-12, we have determined that the compliance times must be reduced in order to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance times for reinforcing the structure of the center fuselage at FR 53.3. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directives (AD) 2006-21- 08, AD 2007-14-01, AD 2008-25-02, AD 2010-04-09, AD 2011-01-02, and AD 2012-16-05, for certain Airbus Model A330 and 340 series airplanes. AD 2006-21-08, AD 2007-14-01, AD 2008-25-02, AD 2010-04-09, AD 2011-01-02, and AD 2012-16-05 currently require revising the maintenance program or inspection program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for fuel tank systems. Since we issued AD 2006-21-08, AD 2007-14-01, AD 2008-25-02, AD 2010-04-09, AD 2011-01-02, and AD 2012-16-05, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require a new maintenance or inspection program revision. We are proposing this AD to prevent 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.
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-07- 08, for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 airplanes. AD 2012-07-08 currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to incorporate new structural inspection requirements. Since we issued AD 2012-07-08, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of structural components, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Policy Regarding Obtaining Information From, or Records of, Members of the News Media; and Regarding Questioning, Arresting, or Charging Members of the News Media
This rule amends the policy of the Department of Justice regarding the use of subpoenas, certain court orders, and search warrants, to obtain information from, or records of, members of the news media. The rule also amends the Department's policy regarding questioning, arresting, or charging members of the news media.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing Oenothera avita ssp. eurekensis and Swallenia alexandrae From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove Oenothera avita ssp. eurekensis (now accepted as Oenothera californica subsp. eurekensis, with a common name of Eureka Valley evening-primrose, Eureka evening-primrose, or Eureka Dunes evening- primrose) and Swallenia alexandrae (with a common name of Eureka dune grass or Eureka Valley dune grass) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. This action is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that both species no longer meet the definition of an endangered species, and further do not meet the definition of a threatened species, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposed rule, if made final, would remove these plants from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. This document also constitutes our 12-month finding on a petition to remove both species from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. We are seeking information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule.
Environmental Compliance Recordkeeping Requirements
This proposed rule would revise the regulations governing the format used for conducting the required environmental reviews for HUD program and policy actions. HUD's current regulations require that HUD staff document part 50 environmental review compliance using form HUD- 4128. Recipients receiving HUD assistance and other entities responsible for conducting part 58 environmental reviews (``responsible entities'') are currently allowed to use either HUD-recommended formats or develop equivalent formats for documenting environmental review compliance. The reference to a specific form number in part 50 restricts HUD's ability to adopt alternative form designations and forms, while authorizing the use of alternate forms in part 58 makes it difficult for HUD to assess, compare, and collect data on responsible entities' environmental review records. Despite being applicable to different parties, environmental review responsibilities under parts 50 and 58 are substantively similar. In light of that, the proposed rule would give the Departmental Environmental Clearance Officer (DECO) the authority to create one standardized format for use in both part 50 and part 58 reviews and authorize exceptions, thereby eliminating unnecessary distinctions between reviews completed by HUD employees and responsible entities. This proposed rule would also make a technical amendment to part 58 by making the regulations consistent with the ``Environmental Assessment'' definition provided in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) (NEPA).
Freedom of Information Act Regulations
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) revises the current rule the NCPC follows for processing requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The revisions reorganize the rule to focus each section on a discrete topic. The revisions also incorporate new information in response to changes to the FOIA since NCPC's adoption of its current FOIA rule in 1982. Finally, the revisions decrease the cost charged for hard copies and increase the threshold dollar amount that must be reached before the NCPC charges members of the public a processing fee for information.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Wisconsin; Transportation Conformity Procedures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Wisconsin on August 1, 2013, for the purpose of establishing transportation conformity ``Conformity'' criteria and procedures related to interagency consultation, and enforceability of certain transportation related control and mitigation measures. This revision replaces Wisconsin's Conformity SIP that was approved on August 27, 1996.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Wisconsin; Transportation Conformity Procedures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision submitted by the State of Wisconsin on August 1, 2013, for the purpose of establishing transportation conformity (conformity) criteria and procedures related to interagency consultation, and the enforceability of certain transportation related control and mitigation measures. This revision replaces Wisconsin's conformity State Implementaion Plan (SIP) that was approved on August 27, 1996.
Next Phase of the Regulatory Review of Existing DOT Regulations
In accordance with Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' the Department of Transportation (Department, DOT, or we) is conducting a review of its existing regulations to evaluate their continued validity and determine whether they are crafted effectively to solve current problems. On February 16, 2011, the Department began a process to review existing regulations, which included a public meeting and various other opportunities to solicit public comments. That process resulted in a Plan for Implementation of Executive Order 13563 that was released in August 2011. Additionally, the Department has regularly updated the list of regulations that are under review or further study and provided updates on timing of the review. The latest update was released in January 2014 and can be found at https://www.reginfo.gov. (See Appendix D of the Department's semi-annual Regulatory Agenda.) In continuing this effort, the Department again invites the public to comment on the next phase of its retrospective regulatory review process.
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SA7971SW. This AD was prompted by reports of smoke, a burning odor, and possible fire in the flight deck and cabin of the airplane, which was caused by brushes wearing beyond their limits in the air conditioning motor. This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain air compressor motor is installed, an inspection to determine the age of a certain compressor hour meter since new or overhauled, and repetitive replacement of the brushes on affected air conditioning compressor motor units. As an option to the replacement, this AD allows pulling the air conditioning circuit breaker and adding a placard. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct worn brushes contacting the commutator, which could result in a fire under the cabin floor with no means to detect or extinguish the fire.
Public Information, Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Regulations
This rule proposes revisions to the Department of Commerce's (Department) regulations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act. The FOIA regulations are being revised to clarify, update and streamline the language of several procedural provisions, including methods for submitting FOIA requests and appeals and the time limits for filing an administrative appeal, and to incorporate certain of the changes brought about by the amendments to the FOIA under the OPEN Government Act of 2007. Additionally, the FOIA regulations are being updated to reflect developments in the case law. The Privacy regulations are being revised to clarify, update and streamline several procedural provisions, including the methods for submitting appeals of Privacy Act requests and the time limits for filing a Privacy Act appeal. Additionally, the Privacy Act regulations are being updated to make technical changes to the applicable exemptions.
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