July 15, 2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a request from Wisconsin to revise the designation for the Sheboygan nonattainment area for the 1997 primary and secondary ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the 2008 primary and secondary ozone NAAQS, by splitting the existing area into two distinct nonattainment areas that together cover the identical geographic area of the existing nonattainment area. This revised designation is supported by air quality data, emissions and emissions-related data, meteorology, geography/topography, and jurisdictional boundaries. Both areas will retain their nonattainment designation and Moderate classification. In this action, EPA is also making a clean data determination for one of the two separate areas for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.

The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary safety zone for certain waters of the Patapsco River. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters of the Inner Harbor at Baltimore, MD, on September 21, 2019 and on November 10, 2019 (with alternate date of November 11, 2019) during fireworks displays. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from entering the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

This final rule removes an obsolete Army acquisition regulation for government-furnished property. This rule has been made obsolete by updated higher-level regulation.

This final rule removes an obsolete Army acquisition regulation which was codified to provide Army-specific procedures for industrial preparedness production planning. This rule has been made obsolete by time and change in process.

This proposed rule would remove the regulatory text that sets forth the current required process for states to document whether Medicaid payments in fee-for-service systems are sufficient to enlist enough providers to assure beneficiary access to covered care and services consistent with the Medicaid statute. States have raised concerns over the administrative burden associated with the current regulatory requirements. While we believe the process described in the current regulatory text is a valuable tool for states to use to demonstrate the sufficiency of provider payment rates, we believe mandating states to collect the specific information as described excessively constrains state freedom to administer the program in the manner that is best for the state and Medicaid beneficiaries in the state.

The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone on the Illinois River in Morris, IL. This action is necessary and intended to promote the safety of life and property on navigable waters before, during, and immediately after a shore-based firework display. During the enforcement period listed below, vessels and persons are prohibited from transiting through, mooring, or anchoring within this safety zone without approval from the Captain of the Port, Lake Michigan or his or her designated representative.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a passenger entry door assist handle became detached during use. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of all passenger and service entry door assist handles for correct installation and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the Federal Minor New Source Review (NSR) Program in Indian Country and the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for True Minor Sources in Indian Country in the Oil and Natural Gas Production and Natural Gas Processing Segments of the Oil and Natural Gas Sector (National O&NG FIP). The amendment would potentially reduce, by up to 30 days, the time between a source owner/operator's submission of required Endangered Species Act (ESA)/National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) screening documents and beginning construction. Specifically, the amendment would allow for concurrent, rather than sequential, submission of two sets of documents: Part 1 Registration Form (Part 1 Form) to register applicability under the National O&NG FIP, and documentation supporting completed screening procedures (screening procedures documentation) for the evaluation of potential impacts of their proposed projects on threatened or endangered species and historic properties (protected resources). The proposal also seeks to further clarify the 30-day period before construction may begin, and the potential forms of written notification by the EPA Regional Office to source owner/operators. Finally, this proposal addresses minor edits to correct incorrect citations and cross references.

This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single- Employer Plans to prescribe certain interest assumptions under the regulation for plans with valuation dates in August 2019. These interest assumptions are used for paying certain benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by the pension insurance system administered by PBGC.