November 28, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

EPA issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register of October 1, 2014, concerning 15 related chemical substances commonly known as nonylphenols (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE). For 13 NPs and NPEs, EPA proposed to designate any use as a ``significant new use,'' and for 2 additional NPs, EPA proposed that any use other than use as an intermediate or use as an epoxy cure catalyst would constitute a ``significant new use.'' This document extends the comment period for 45 days, from December 1, 2014, to January 15, 2015. The comment period is being extended because EPA received comments contending that the proposed NP/NPE Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) contains many chemicals that need to be analyzed, there are many documents in the docket that need to be reviewed, the rule involves some companies correcting how they identify chemicals, and companies need more time to determine whether they use the chemicals for purposes other than what EPA has identified. Extending the comment period will allow companies to more accurately assess and communicate to EPA how the chemicals are being used.

On September 29, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of public meeting and availability of the preliminary technical support document (TSD) for ceiling fans energy conservation standards in the Federal Register. This document announces an extension of the public comment period for submitting comments on the TSD or any other aspect of the rulemaking for ceiling fans. The comment period is extended to December 9, 2014.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on the mating surfaces between certain skin and stringers at circumferential skin splices. This proposed AD would require general visual inspections of the fuselage skin at certain lower circumferential splices for the presence of existing external doublers, repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct compromised fillet seals, which can result in corrosion and skin cracking and consequent loss of capability to support limit loads.

The FTC is proposing further amendments to the Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule (``Rule'' or ``Used Car Rule'') that would require dealers to indicate on the Buyers Guide whether they obtained a vehicle history report, and, if so, to provide a copy of the report to consumers who request it; revise the Buyers Guide statement describing the meaning of an ``As Is'' sale in which a dealer offers a vehicle for sale without a warranty; and move boxes to the front of the Buyers Guide for dealers to indicate whether non-dealer warranties apply to a vehicle. Based on the FTC's review of the public comments, the Commission proposes these amendments to promote consumer access to vehicle history information, to clarify the meaning of ``As Is'' in the sale of used vehicles without warranties, and to make disclosures concerning non-dealer warranties more prominent. The FTC is not adopting any final amendments to the Used Car Rule at this time. It continues to consider comments submitted in response to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (``NPRM'') published in December 2012 and seeks additional comments in this SNPRM.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is publishing the final guidance on the Title VI prohibition against national origin discrimination as it affects limited English proficient persons. Consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title VI regulations, and Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP),'' the guidance clarifies the obligations of entities that receive Federal financial assistance from USDA. The guidance does not create new obligations, but, rather, provides guidance for USDA recipients in meeting their existing obligations to provide meaningful access for LEP persons.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish minimum design, operation, training, and manning standards for mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and other vessels using dynamic positioning systems to engage in Outer Continental Shelf activities. Establishing these minimum standards is necessary to improve the safety of people and property involved in such operations, and the protection of the environment in which they operate. This notice of proposed rulemaking would decrease the risk of a loss of position by a dynamically- positioned MODU or other vessel that could result in a fire, explosion, or subsea spill, and supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and protection of natural resources.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend its regulation that sets forth the VA services that are not subject to copayment requirements for inpatient hospital care or outpatient medical care. Specifically, the regulation would be amended to exempt mental health peer support services from having any required copayment. This would remove a barrier that may have previously discouraged veterans from choosing to use mental health peer support services as a viable care option. VA believes that mental health peer support services are a valuable resource for veterans with mental health conditions and wants to ensure that veterans take full advantage of all resources available to them.

In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks comment on whether to retain the ``personal use'' restriction for Provider-Specific Consumer Signal Boosters.