Addition of Hong Kong to the List of Regions Affected With African Swine Fever, 49706-49707 [2019-20522]

Download as PDF 49706 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 184 / Monday, September 23, 2019 / Notices Ruth Brown or Kimble Brown, A–11 Section 280 Improving Customer Experience. Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite Information Collection 0503–XXXX, Improving Customer Experience (OMB Circular A–11, Section 280 Implementation), in all correspondence related to this collection. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check regulations.gov, approximately two-tothree business days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES Requests for additional information should be directed to Ruth Brown or Kimble Brown, Office of the Chief Information officer, Information Resources Management Center, 1200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, or via email to: USDA.PRA@ USDA.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Purpose Under the PRA, (44 U.S.C. 3501– 3520) Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. ‘‘Collection of information’’ is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, USDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document. Whether seeking a loan, Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, or other services provided by the Federal Government, individuals and businesses expect Government customer services to be efficient and intuitive, just like services from leading private-sector organizations. Yet the 2016 American Consumer Satisfaction Index and the 2017 Forrester Federal Customer Experience Index show that, on average, Government services lag nine percentage points behind the private sector. A modern, streamlined and responsive customer experience means: Raising government-wide customer VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Sep 20, 2019 Jkt 247001 experience to the average of the private sector service industry; developing indicators for high-impact Federal programs to monitor progress towards excellent customer experience and mature digital services; and providing the structure (including increasing transparency) and resources to ensure customer experience is a focal point for agency leadership. To support this, OMB Circular A–11 Section 280 established government-wide standards for mature customer experience organizations in government and measurement. To enable Federal programs to deliver the experience taxpayers deserve, they must undertake three general categories of activities: Conduct ongoing customer research, gather and share customer feedback, and test services and digital products. These data collection efforts may be either qualitative or quantitative in nature or may consist of mixed methods. Additionally, data may be collected via a variety of means, including but not limited to electronic or social media, direct or indirect observation (i.e., in person, video and audio collections), interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and focus groups. USDA will limit its inquiries to data collections that solicit strictly voluntary opinions or responses. Steps will be taken to ensure anonymity of respondents in each activity covered by this request. The results of the data collected will be used to improve the delivery of Federal services and programs. It will include the creation of personas, customer journey maps, and reports and summaries of customer feedback data and user insights. It will also provide government-wide data on customer experience that can be displayed on performance.gov to help build transparency and accountability of Federal programs to the customers they serve. Method of Collection USDA will collect this information by electronic means when possible, as well as by mail, fax, telephone, technical discussions, and in-person interviews. USDA may also utilize observational techniques to collect this information. Data Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: New. Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 C. Public Comments USDA invites comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Francisco Salguero, Deputy Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2019–20445 Filed 9–20–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–KR–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2019–0052] B. Annual Reporting Burden Affected Public: Collections will be targeted to the solicitation of opinions from respondents who have experience with the program or may have experience with the program in the near PO 00000 future. For the purposes of this request, ‘‘customers’’ are individuals, businesses, and organizations that interact with a Federal Government agency or program, either directly or via a Federal contractor. This could include individuals or households; businesses or other for-profit organizations; not-forprofit institutions; State, local or tribal governments; Federal government; and Universities. Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,040,000. Estimated Time per Response: Varied, dependent upon the data collection method used. The possible response time to complete a questionnaire or survey may be 3 minutes or up to 2 hours to participate in an interview. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 240,000. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. Addition of Hong Kong to the List of Regions Affected With African Swine Fever Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 184 / Monday, September 23, 2019 / Notices We are advising the public that we have added Hong Kong to the list of regions that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services considers to be affected with African swine fever (ASF). We have taken this action because of confirmation of ASF in Hong Kong. DATES: Hong Kong was added to the APHIS list of regions considered affected with ASF on July 15, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie Kordick, Regionalization Evaluation Services, Veterinary Services, APHIS, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606. Phone: (919) 855–7733; email: Stephanie.k.kordick@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 9 CFR part 94 (referred to below as the regulations) govern the importation of specified animals and animal products to prevent the introduction into the United States of various animal diseases, including African swine fever (ASF). ASF is a highly contagious disease of wild and domestic swine that can spread rapidly in swine populations with extremely high rates of morbidity and mortality. A list of regions where ASF exists or is reasonably believed to exist is maintained on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animaland-animal-product-importinformation/animal-health-status-ofregions/. This list is referenced in § 94.8(a)(2) of the regulations. Section 94.8(a)(3) of the regulations states that APHIS will add a region to the list referenced in § 94.8(a)(2) upon determining ASF exists in the region, based on reports APHIS receives of outbreaks of the disease from veterinary officials of the exporting country, from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), or from other sources the Administrator determines to be reliable, or upon determining that there is reason to believe the disease exists in the region. Section 94.8(a)(1) of the regulations specifies the criteria on which the Administrator bases the reason to believe ASF exists in a region. Section 94.8(b) prohibits the importation of pork and pork products from regions listed in accordance with § 94.8 except if processed and treated in accordance with the provisions specified in that section or consigned to an APHIS-approved establishment for further processing. Section 96.2 restricts the importation of swine casings that originated in or were processed in a region where ASF exists, as listed under § 94.8(a). jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Sep 20, 2019 Jkt 247001 On May 12, 2019, the veterinary authorities of Hong Kong reported to the OIE the occurrence of ASF in that country. Therefore, in response to this outbreak, on July 15, 2019, APHIS added Hong Kong to the list of regions where ASF exists or is reasonably believed to exist. This notice serves as an official record and public notifications of that action. As a result, pork and pork products from Hong Kong, including casings, are subject to APHIS import restrictions designed to mitigate the risk of ASF introduction into the United States. Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this action as not a major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 7701–7772, 7781–7786, and 8301–8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4. Done in Washington, DC, this 17th day of September 2019. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2019–20522 Filed 9–20–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2019–0054] Import Requirements for the Importation of Fresh Unshu Oranges From Japan Into the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public that we have prepared commodity import evaluation documents (CIEDs) relative to the importation into the United States of Unshu oranges from Japan. Currently, Unshu oranges imported into the United States from the islands of Shikoku or Honshu must be fumigated with methyl bromide as a mitigation for mites and mealybugs if the oranges are destined to a port of entry in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Texas. Additionally, Unshu oranges from the island of Kyushu are prohibited entry into Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, or Texas. Based on the findings of the CIEDs, we are proposing to remove the fumigation requirement for Unshu oranges from the islands of Honshu and Shikoku and to allow Unshu oranges from the island of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49707 Kyushu to be imported into any port of entry in the United States (excluding territories). We are making the CIEDs available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before November 22, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#! docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0054. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2019–0054, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= APHIS-2019-0054 or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Tony Roman, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, RCC, IRM, PHP, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737–1236; (301) 851–2242. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under the regulations in ‘‘Subpart L– Fruits and Vegetables’’ (7 CFR 319.56– 1 through 319.56–12, referred to below as the regulations), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the importation of fruits and vegetables into the United States from certain parts of the world to prevent plant pests from being introduced into or disseminated within the United States. Section 319.56–4 of the regulations provides the requirements for authorizing the importation of fruits and vegetables into the United States, as well as revising existing requirements for the importation of fruits and vegetables. Paragraph (c) of that section provides that the name and origin of all fruits and vegetables authorized importation into the United States, as well as the requirements for their importation, are listed on the internet in APHIS’ Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements database (FAVIR) (https:// epermits.aphis.usda.gov/manual/). It also provides that, if the Administrator E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 184 (Monday, September 23, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49706-49707]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20522]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2019-0052]


Addition of Hong Kong to the List of Regions Affected With 
African Swine Fever

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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[[Page 49707]]

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have added Hong Kong to the 
list of regions that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services 
considers to be affected with African swine fever (ASF). We have taken 
this action because of confirmation of ASF in Hong Kong.

DATES: Hong Kong was added to the APHIS list of regions considered 
affected with ASF on July 15, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie Kordick, Regionalization 
Evaluation Services, Veterinary Services, APHIS, 920 Main Campus Drive, 
Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606. Phone: (919) 855-7733; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 9 CFR part 94 (referred 
to below as the regulations) govern the importation of specified 
animals and animal products to prevent the introduction into the United 
States of various animal diseases, including African swine fever (ASF). 
ASF is a highly contagious disease of wild and domestic swine that can 
spread rapidly in swine populations with extremely high rates of 
morbidity and mortality. A list of regions where ASF exists or is 
reasonably believed to exist is maintained on the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/animal-health-status-of-regions/. This list 
is referenced in Sec.  94.8(a)(2) of the regulations.
    Section 94.8(a)(3) of the regulations states that APHIS will add a 
region to the list referenced in Sec.  94.8(a)(2) upon determining ASF 
exists in the region, based on reports APHIS receives of outbreaks of 
the disease from veterinary officials of the exporting country, from 
the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), or from other sources 
the Administrator determines to be reliable, or upon determining that 
there is reason to believe the disease exists in the region. Section 
94.8(a)(1) of the regulations specifies the criteria on which the 
Administrator bases the reason to believe ASF exists in a region. 
Section 94.8(b) prohibits the importation of pork and pork products 
from regions listed in accordance with Sec.  94.8 except if processed 
and treated in accordance with the provisions specified in that section 
or consigned to an APHIS-approved establishment for further processing. 
Section 96.2 restricts the importation of swine casings that originated 
in or were processed in a region where ASF exists, as listed under 
Sec.  94.8(a).
    On May 12, 2019, the veterinary authorities of Hong Kong reported 
to the OIE the occurrence of ASF in that country. Therefore, in 
response to this outbreak, on July 15, 2019, APHIS added Hong Kong to 
the list of regions where ASF exists or is reasonably believed to 
exist. This notice serves as an official record and public 
notifications of that action.
    As a result, pork and pork products from Hong Kong, including 
casings, are subject to APHIS import restrictions designed to mitigate 
the risk of ASF introduction into the United States.
    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this action 
as not a major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 7701-7772, 7781-7786, and 8301-8317; 
21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 17th day of September 2019.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-20522 Filed 9-20-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

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