2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 501 - 550 of 5,666
Prohibiting Coercion of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers
FMCSA adopts regulations that prohibit motor carriers, shippers, receivers, or transportation intermediaries from coercing drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in violation of certain provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)including drivers' hours-of-service limits; the commercial driver's license (CDL) regulations; drug and alcohol testing rules; and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). In addition, the rule prohibits anyone who operates a CMV in interstate commerce from coercing a driver to violate the commercial regulations. This rule includes procedures for drivers to report incidents of coercion to FMCSA, establishes rules of practice that the Agency will follow in response to reports of coercion, and describes penalties that may be imposed on entities found to have coerced drivers. This rulemaking is authorized by section 32911 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984 (MCSA), as amended.
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 airplanes; and all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, -200 STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in certain engine low-stage bleed check valves. This proposed AD would require replacing the air management system (AMS) controller operation program of the AMS controller processor boards, and replacement of the current low-stage bleed check valve and associated seals. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the low-stage bleed check valve, which could result in dual engine in-flight shutdown.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a manufacturing oversight, in which a supplier omitted the required protective finish on certain bushings installed in the rear spar upper chord on horizontal stabilizers, which could lead to galvanic corrosion and consequent cracking of the rear spar upper chord. This proposed AD would require an inspection or records check to determine if affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related investigative actions, and for affected horizontal stabilizers, repetitive inspections for any crack of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear spar upper chord, which can result in the failure of the upper chord and consequent departure of the horizontal stabilizer from the airplane, which can lead to loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the aft fixed fairing (AFF) of the pylons due to fatigue damage of the structure. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for damage and cracking of the AFF of the pylons, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage and cracking of the AFF of the pylons, which could result in detachment of a pylon and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the bulkhead is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web for any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener holes, and elongated fastener holes, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web at the ``Y''-chord, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and rapid decompression of the fuselage.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, - 114, and -115 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, and -214 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the forward engine mounts are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of the right and left forward engine mounts, and corrective action if necessary. These inspections are required by AD 2015-05-02. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance times for those inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the forward engine mounts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and could lead to in- flight loss of an engine, possibly resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 15
NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 15 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule revises the FMP framework procedures to streamline the process for changing certain regulations affecting the shrimp fishery. Additionally, Amendment 15 implements changes to the FMP that revise the maximum sustainable yield (MSY), overfishing threshold, and overfished threshold definitions and values for three species of penaeid shrimp. The purpose of this rule and Amendment 15 is to streamline the management process for Gulf shrimp stocks and to revise criteria for determining the overfished and overfishing status of each penaeid shrimp stock using the best available science.
Pipeline Safety: Notice of Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee Meeting
This document announces a public meeting of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC). The committee will meet to consider and vote on the proposed rule, ``Pipeline Safety: Expanding the Use of Excess Flow Valves in Gas Distribution Systems to Applications Other Than Single-Family Residences'' published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2015.
Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Clinton, AR
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Clinton, AR. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures developed at Clinton Municipal Airport, for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Amendment of Class E Airspace for the Following New York Towns: Elmira, NY; Ithaca, NY; Poughkeepsie, NY
This action amends Class E Airspace at Elmira/Corning Regional Airport, Elmira, NY; Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca, NY; and Duchess County Airport, Poughkeepsie, NY, by eliminating the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) part time status of the Class E surface airspace designated as an extension at each airport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of each airport to coincide with the FAA's database, and recognizes the airport name for Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. This is an administrative change to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.
Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; West Dover, VT
This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at West Dover, VT as the Mt. Snow Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) has been decommissioned, requiring airspace redesign at Deerfield Valley Regional Airport. This action would enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would recognize the airport's name change.
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the cage assembly, window louver panel assemblies (WLPAs), and blowout panels (BOPs), and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of several cases of damaged or detached decompression WLPAs and BOPs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged and detached WLPAs and BOPs. A detached WLPA or BOP could delay smoke detection in the cargo compartment, and in the event of a cargo compartment fire, this could lead to an uncontrolled cargo compartment fire.
Proximity Detection Systems for Mobile Machines in Underground Mines
In response to a request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is extending the comment period on the Agency's proposed rule on Proximity Detection Systems for Mobile Machines in Underground Mines. This extension gives stakeholders additional time to evaluate the comments and testimony received thus far and provide meaningful input.
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines
The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) that had applied to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 650-15 and Tay 651-54 turbofan engines. The proposed action would have required reducing the cyclic life limits for certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks. Accordingly, we withdraw the proposed rule.
Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity, Long-Term Debt, and Clean Holding Company Requirements for Systemically Important U.S. Bank Holding Companies and Intermediate Holding Companies of Systemically Important Foreign Banking Organizations; Regulatory Capital Deduction for Investments in Certain Unsecured Debt of Systemically Important U.S. Bank Holding Companies
The Board is inviting comment on a proposed rule to promote financial stability by improving the resolvability and resiliency of large, interconnected U.S. bank holding companies and the U.S. operations of large, interconnected foreign banking organizations pursuant to section 165 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) and related deduction requirements for all banking organizations subject to the Board's capital rules. Under the proposed rule, a U.S. top-tier bank holding company identified by the Board as a global systemically important banking organization (covered BHC) would be required to maintain outstanding a minimum amount of loss-absorbing instruments, including a minimum amount of unsecured long-term debt, and related buffer. Similarly, the proposed rule would require the top-tier U.S. intermediate holding company of a global systemically important foreign banking organization with $50 billion or more in U.S. non-branch assets (covered IHC) to maintain outstanding a minimum amount of intra-group loss-absorbing instruments, including a minimum amount of unsecured long-term debt, and related buffer. The proposed rule would also impose restrictions on the other liabilities that a covered BHC or covered IHC may have outstanding. Finally, the proposed rule would require state member banks, bank holding companies, and savings and loan holding companies that are subject to the Board's capital rules to apply a regulatory capital deduction treatment to their investments in unsecured debt issued by covered BHCs.
Media Bureau Finalizes Reimbursement Form for Submission to OMB and Adopts Catalog of Expenses
In this document, the Media Bureau adopts the following a final catalog of expenses; a procedure whereby reimbursement payments will be disbursed via the agency's internal vendor payment system; a procedural requirement that the Reimbursement Form, with supporting cost documentation, must be submitted each time an entity makes a request for reimbursement from the Fund; and a decision that cost documentation, as well as the name, address, and other identifying information pertaining to vendors, will not be made publicly available.
Margin and Capital Requirements for Covered Swap Entities
The OCC, Board, FDIC, FCA, and FHFA (each an ``Agency'' and, collectively, the ``Agencies'') are adopting a joint rule to establish minimum margin and capital requirements for registered swap dealers, major swap participants, security-based swap dealers, and major security-based swap participants for which one of the Agencies is the prudential regulator. This final rule implements sections 731 and 764 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as amended by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 (``TRIPRA''). Sections 731 and 764 require the Agencies to adopt rules jointly to establish capital requirements and initial and variation margin requirements for such entities on all non-cleared swaps and non-cleared security-based swaps in order to offset the greater risk to such entities and the financial system arising from the use of swaps and security-based swaps that are not cleared.
Margin and Capital Requirements for Covered Swap Entities
The OCC, Board, FDIC, FCA, and FHFA (each an ``Agency'' and, collectively, the ``Agencies'') are adopting and invite comment on an interim final rule that will exempt certain non-cleared swaps and non- cleared security-based swaps with certain counterparties that qualify for an exception or exemption from clearing from the initial and variation margin requirements promulgated under sections 731 and 764 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ``Dodd-Frank Act'' or the ``Act''). This interim final rule implements Title III of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 (``TRIPRA''), which exempts from the Agencies' swap margin rules non-cleared swaps and non-cleared security-based swaps in which a counterparty qualifies for an exemption or exception from clearing under the Dodd-Frank Act. This interim final rule is a companion rule to the final rules adopted by the Agencies to implement section 731 and 764 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of Homeland Security/United States Coast Guard-029 Notice of Arrival and Departure System of Records
The Department of Homeland Security is giving concurrent notice of an updated and reissued system of records pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 for the ``Department of Homeland Security/United States Coast Guard-029 Notice of Arrival and Departure System of Records'' and this proposed rulemaking. In this proposed rulemaking, the Department proposes to exempt portions of the system of records from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement requirements.
Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2016 Rates; Revisions of Quality Reporting Requirements for Specific Providers, Including Changes Related to the Electronic Health Record Incentive Program; Extensions of the Medicare-Dependent, Small Rural Hospital Program and the Low-Volume Payment Adjustment for Hospitals; Correction
This document corrects technical and typographical errors in the correcting document that appeared in the October 5, 2015 Federal Register, entitled ``Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2016 Rates; Revisions of Quality Reporting Requirements for Specific Providers, including Changes Related to the Electronic Health Record Incentive Program; Extensions of the Medicare-Dependent, Small Rural Hospital Program and the Low-Volume Payment Adjustment for Hospitals; Correction.''
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2016 Red Snapper Commercial Quota Retention
NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule withholds 4.9 percent of the 2016 red snapper commercial quota prior to the annual distribution of red snapper allocation to the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program shareholders on January 1, 2016. This final rule allows the allocations being established through Amendment 28 to the FMP (Amendment 28) to be effective for the 2016 fishing year should Amendment 28 be approved by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) in 2016. This final rule also makes a technical correction to re-insert regulatory text that a previous rulemaking inadvertently omitted, which specifies that the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for red snapper is equal to the total recreational quota.
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2015 CNMI Longline Bigeye Tuna Fishery; Closure
NMFS is closing the U.S. pelagic longline fishery for bigeye tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean as a result of the fishery reaching the 2015 allocation limit for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). This action is necessary to comply with regulations managing this fish stock.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; 2015-2016 Accountability Measure and Closure for King Mackerel in the Florida West Coast Northern Subzone
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for commercial king mackerel in the Florida west coast northern subzone of the eastern zone of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) through this temporary final rule. NMFS has determined that the commercial quota for king mackerel in the eastern zone, Florida west coast northern subzone of the Gulf EEZ will be reached by November 28, 2015. Therefore, NMFS closes the Florida west coast northern subzone to commercial king mackerel fishing on November 28, 2015, to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Professional Conduct of Attorneys Practicing Under the Cognizance and Supervision of the Judge Advocate General; Correction
On November 4, 2015, the Department of the Navy (DoN) published a final rule to comport with current policy as stated in JAG Instruction 5803.1 (Series) governing the professional conduct of attorneys practicing under the cognizance and supervision of the Judge Advocate General. The content of one of its CFRs is better codified as an appendix, and this correction amends the CFR accordingly.
Program Integrity Issues
On October 29, 2010, the Department of Education published in the Federal Register final regulations for improving integrity in the programs authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (October 29, 2010, final regulations). The preamble to those regulations was revised in a Federal Register notice of March 22, 2013. This document clarifies and provides additional information about the October 29, 2010, final regulations.
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
NSF has adopted as final its interim final rule outlining uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards, pursuant to the approval NSF received from OMB to implement requirements via use of a policy, rather than a regulation. In order to establish a single location for each of the Departments' and Agencies' implementation of the Uniform Guidance, NSF has provided a link to its policy implementation of OMB's Uniform Guidance for inclusion in this issuance.
Third-Party Provision of Primary Frequency Response Service
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) is revising its regulations to foster competition in the sale of primary frequency response service. Specifically, the Commission amends its regulations governing market-based rates for public utilities pursuant to the Federal Power Act (FPA) to permit the sale of primary frequency response service at market-based rates by sellers with market-based rate authority for sales of energy and capacity.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-10- 16, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. AD 2006-10-16 requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer, and repair if necessary. For certain other airplanes, AD 2006-10-16 requires a detailed inspection to determine the type of fasteners, and related investigative actions and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2006- 10-16, additional cracking was found in the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of the outboard and center sections, and the rear spar webs before reaching the inspection interval specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked and fractured Maraging steel fasteners were also found. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance time for certain inspections and would add repetitive inspections for cracking of the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of the outboard and center sections, and the rear spar webs in Zone B. This proposed AD would also add an inspection to determine whether fasteners are magnetic in Zone C, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking and fractures of affected fasteners, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also add an optional modification, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections, and would add post-modification inspections and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could lead to reduced structural capability of the outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer and could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Imposition of Special Measure Against FBME Bank Ltd., Formerly Known as the Federal Bank of the Middle East Ltd., as a Financial Institution of Primary Money Laundering Concern
On July 29, 2015, FinCEN issued a Final Rule imposing the fifth special measure against FBME Bank Ltd. (FBME), formerly known as the Federal Bank of the Middle East, Ltd., with an effective date of August 28, 2015. On August 27, 2015, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia granted FBME's motion for a preliminary injunction and enjoined the Final Rule from taking effect. On November 6, 2015, the Court granted the Government's motion for voluntary remand to allow for further rulemaking proceedings. FinCEN is hereby re-opening the Final Rule to solicit additional comment in connection with the rulemaking, particularly with respect to the unclassified, non-protected documents that support the rulemaking and whether any alternatives to the prohibition of the opening or maintaining of correspondent accounts with FBME would effectively mitigate the risk to domestic financial institutions.
Transmission Operations Reliability Standards and Interconnection Reliability Operations and Coordination Reliability Standards
The Commission approves revisions to the Transmission Operations and Interconnection Reliability Operations and Coordination Reliability Standards, developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which the Commission has certified as the Electric Reliability Organization responsible for developing and enforcing mandatory Reliability Standards. The Commission also directs NERC to make three modifications to the standards within 18 months of the effective date of the final rule.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Virginia; Revision to the Definition of Volatile Organic Compound
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to approve a revision to the Commonwealth of Virginia's State Implementation Plan (SIP). The revision adds a compound to the list of substances not considered to be volatile organic compounds (VOCs). EPA is approving this revision in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Virginia; Revision to the Definition of Volatile Organic Compound
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia for the purpose of revising the definition of volatile organic compound (VOC). In the Final Rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving the State's SIP submittal as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse comments are received in response to this action, no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time.
Oil and Natural Gas Sector: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
This action requests information related to hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from sources in the oil and natural gas production and natural gas transmission and storage segments of the oil and natural gas sector. In 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Oil and Natural Gas Production Facilities and the Natural Gas Transmission and Storage Facilities major source categories. This action requests additional data and information that was not available at that time. In particular, we are requesting data on storage vessels without potential flash emissions (PFE) and data on HAP emissions from regulated small glycol dehydrators. With regard to the small glycol dehydrators we are particularly interested in data regarding any emissions of HAP other than benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), information on available control options for any such HAP and information regarding a potential compliance demonstration issue with respect to the 2012 standards for small glycol dehydration units, as they apply to units with very low emissions.
Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans Exemption Threshold
The OCC, the Board and the Bureau are publishing final rules amending the official interpretations for their regulations that implement section 129H of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). Section 129H of TILA establishes special appraisal requirements for ``higher-risk mortgages,'' termed ``higher-priced mortgage loans'' or ``HPMLs'' in the agencies' regulations. The OCC, the Board, the Bureau, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) (collectively, the Agencies) issued joint final rules implementing these requirements, effective January 18, 2014. The Agencies' rules exempted, among other loan types, transactions of $25,000 or less, and required that this loan amount be adjusted annually based on any annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). If there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W, the OCC, the Board and the Bureau will not adjust this exemption threshold from the prior year. Based on the annual percentage decrease in the CPI-W as of June 1, 2015, the exemption threshold will remain at $25,500 through December 31, 2016.
Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)
The Board and the Bureau are publishing final rules amending the official interpretations and commentary for the agencies' regulations that implement the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) amended TILA by requiring that the dollar threshold for exempt consumer credit transactions be adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). If there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W, the Board and Bureau will not adjust this exemption threshold from the prior year. Based on the annual percentage decrease in the CPI-W as of June 1, 2015, the exemption threshold will remain at $54,600 through December 31, 2016. Because the Dodd-Frank Act also requires similar adjustments in the Consumer Leasing Act's threshold for exempt consumer leases, the Board and the Bureau are making similar amendments to each of their respective regulations implementing the Consumer Leasing Act elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
Consumer Leasing (Regulation M)
The Board and the Bureau are publishing final rules amending the official interpretations and commentary for the agencies' regulations that implement the Consumer Leasing Act (CLA). The Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) amended the CLA by requiring that the dollar threshold for exempt consumer leases be adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). If there is no annual percentage increase in the CPI-W, the Board and Bureau will not adjust this exemption threshold from the prior year. Based on the annual percentage decrease in the CPI-W as of June 1, 2015, the exemption threshold will remain at $54,600 through December 31, 2016. Because the Dodd-Frank Act also requires similar adjustments in the Truth in Lending Act's threshold for exempt consumer credit transactions, the Board and the Bureau are making similar amendments to each of their respective regulations implementing the Truth in Lending Act elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Portable Air Conditioners
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to modify the test procedure proposals for portable air conditioners (ACs), initially presented in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) published on February 25, 2015. Upon further analysis and review of the public comments received in response to the February 2015 NOPR, DOE proposes in this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) the following additions and clarifications to its proposed portable AC test procedure: (1) Minor revisions to the indoor and outdoor cooling mode test conditions; (2) an additional test condition for cooling mode testing; (3) updated infiltration air and capacity calculations to account for the second cooling mode test condition; (4) removal of the measurement of case heat transfer; (5) a clarification of test unit placement within the test chamber; (6) removal of the heating mode test procedure; (7) a revision to the CEER calculation to reflect the two cooling mode test conditions and removal of heating mode testing; and (8) additional technical corrections and clarifications. These proposals are to be combined with the initial NOPR proposals and would be codified in a newly created appendix CC to title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 430, subpart B. The test procedures would be used to determine capacities and energy efficiency metrics that would be the basis for any future energy conservation standards for portable ACs.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that the potable water service panel access door was lost during flight. This proposed AD would require modifying affected potable water service panel access doors. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of an operator finding chafing damage on the fuselage skin at the bottom of certain frames, underneath the fairing structure. This proposed AD would require a repetitive detailed inspection for damage on the fuselage skin at certain frames, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage to the fuselage skin, which could lead to crack initiation and propagation, possibly resulting in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a fuel leak that occurred in the baggage compartment during fuel system pressurization. This proposed AD would require opening the fuel boxes and restoring the sealing. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of a connector or coupling on a fuel line, which, in combination with a leak in the corresponding enclosure (i.e., fuel box), could result in a fire in the baggage compartment and affect the safe flight of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-23- 05, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2011-23-05 currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the 1.04-inch nominal diameter wire penetration hole, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2011-23-05, an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicates that the fuselage frames and frame reinforcements are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would add new inspection areas, a modification that terminates certain inspections, post-modification inspections, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage frames and frame reinforcements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a design review that revealed that a wiring failure, external to the center wing fuel tank, could cause a hot short circuit to a maximum level sensor wire, and result in excessive heating of the maximum level sensor element. This proposed AD would require modifying the wiring of the maximum level sensors in the center wing fuel tank, performing after-installation tests, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would also require revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program to incorporate fuel airworthiness limitation items and critical design configuration control limitations. 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; Airbus Airplanes
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-19- 11 for certain Airbus Model 320 series airplanes. AD 2004-19-11 currently requires modification of the inner rear spar web of the wing, cold expansion of the attachment holes of the forward pintle fitting and the actuating cylinder anchorage of the main landing gear (MLG), repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the rear spar of the wing, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2004-19-11 also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2004-19-11, we have determined that the terminating action is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2004-19-11 and would require the previously optional terminating action. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the inner rear spar, which may lead to reduced structural integrity of the wing and the MLG.
Proposed Amendment of Class C Airspace; Capital Region International Airport, MI
This action proposes to modify Class C airspace at Capital Region International Airport, formerly Lansing Capital City Airport, Lansing, MI, by removing a cutout from the surface area that was put in place to accommodate operations around Davis Airport, now permanently closed. Also, this proposal would update the airport's name and geographic coordinates to reflect the current information in the FAA's aeronautical database. The FAA is proposing this action to enable more efficient operations at Capital Region International Airport.
Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for SOCATA Model TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrosion of the horizontal stabilizer. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Viking Air Limited Model DHC-3 Airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrugation cracking found at various wing stations and on the main spar lower cap. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that cracks can occur in a frame of the tail section on certain airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the oblique frame 67-2 for any cracking, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could lead to failure of the oblique frame 67-2, and consequent loss of the structural integrity of the tail section.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340- 300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of skin disbonding on a composite side panel of a rudder installed on an A310 airplane. This AD requires a review of the maintenance records of the rudder to determine if any composite side shell panel repair has been done; a thermography inspection limited to the repair areas or complete side shells, as applicable, to identify possible in-service rudder repairs, damages, or fluid ingress; and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct the rudder skin disbonding, which could affect the structural integrity of the rudder, and could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Proposed Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Walla Walla, WA
This action proposes to modify Class D airspace, Class E surface area airspace, Class E surface area airspace designated as an extension, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Walla Walla Regional Airport, Walla Walla, WA. After a review of the airspace, the FAA found it necessary to amend the airspace area for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for arriving and departing aircraft at the airport. This action would also update the geographic coordinates of Walla Walla Regional Airport in the respective Class D and E airspace areas above.
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch; Amendment to the Standards Governing Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts From Outside Sources
The Office of Government Ethics is proposing to revise the portions of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Executive Branch Employees that govern the solicitation and acceptance of gifts from outside sources. The proposed amendments modify the existing regulations to more effectively advance public confidence in the integrity of Federal officials. The proposed amendments would also incorporate past interpretive guidance, add and update regulatory examples, improve clarity, update citations and make technical corrections.
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