2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to all AmSafe Inc. seatbelts, as installed in, but not limited to, various airplanes and rotorcraft. The NPRM was prompted by reports of multiple failed keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies. The NPRM would have required an inspection for affected parts, repetitive general visual inspections of the seatbelt hook assembly for damage, repetitive functional checks, and replacement of all affected parts. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that a significant portion of the affected seatbelt hook assemblies have been replaced. The FAA has also determined that the majority of the affected parts have exceeded their typical replacement cycle and are likely no longer in service. The FAA performed a new risk assessment based on this data and determined there is now an acceptable level of risk. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a request submitted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) on January 24, 2018, to revise the Ohio State Implementation Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA). Ohio EPA is requesting to remove provisions under Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-75, that were approved into the Ohio SIP as part of Ohio's Hospital/Medical/Infectious Waste Incinerator (HMIWI) State plan under sections 110(d) and 129 of the CAA. EPA proposed to approve the State's submittal on April 12, 2019.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from Indiana regarding the infrastructure requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard). The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA. This action pertains specifically to infrastructure requirements concerning interstate transport provisions.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) is withdrawing the proposed rule to rescind its regulations implementing Section 167 of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982, as amended (JTPA). On September 26, 2018, OASAM simultaneously published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking and a direct final rule to rescind its regulations implementing Section 167 of the JTPA. The comment period for the proposed rule and the direct final rule ended on October 26, 2018, and no adverse comments were received on either rule. The direct final rule is effective November 26, 2018.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 is issuing a Notice of Intent to Delete the Peter Cooper Superfund Site (Site) located in the Village of Gowanda, Cattaraugus County, New York, from the National Priorities List (NPL) and requests public comments on this proposed action. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and the State of New York, through the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than operation and maintenance, monitoring and five-year reviews, have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions to the Kentucky State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) submitted by Kentucky on September 14, 2018, as later clarified on December 18, 2018. Under CSAPR, large electricity generating units (EGUs) in Kentucky are subject to Federal Implementation Plans (FIPs) requiring the units to participate in CSAPR's federal trading program for annual emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), one of CSAPR's two federal trading programs for ozone season emissions of NOX, and one of CSAPR's two federal trading programs for annual emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2). This action proposes to approve into the SIP the Commonwealth's regulations requiring large Kentucky EGUs to participate in CSAPR state trading programs for ozone season NOX emissions, annual NOX emissions, and annual SO2 emissions integrated with the CSAPR federal trading programs, replacing the corresponding FIP requirements. EPA is proposing to approve the SIP revision concerning these CSAPR state trading programs because the SIP revision meets the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA's regulations for approval of a CSAPR full SIP revision replacing the requirements of a CSAPR FIP. Under the CSAPR regulations, approval of this SIP revision would automatically eliminate Kentucky units' obligations to participate in CSAPR's federal trading programs for ozone season NOX emissions, annual NOX emissions, and annual SO2 emissions under the corresponding CSAPR FIPs addressing interstate transport requirements for the 1997 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, and the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Approval of the SIP revision would also satisfy Kentucky's good neighbor obligation under the CAA to prohibit emissions which will significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, and the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.

EPA is amending a significant new use rule (SNUR) under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for oxazolidine, 3,3'-methylenebis[5-methyl-, which was the subject of premanufacture notice (PMN) P-03-325 and significant new use notice (SNUN) S-17-4. The chemical substance is also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to TSCA section 5(e). This action amends the SNUR to the uses allowable without further SNUN reporting requirement to include use as an anti-corrosive agent in oilfield operations and hydraulic fluids and makes the lack of certain worker protections a significant new use. The SNUR requires persons who intend to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or process this chemical substance for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the use, under the conditions of use for the chemical substance, within the applicable review period. Persons may not commence manufacture or processing for the significant new use until EPA has conducted a review of the notice, made an appropriate determination on the notice, and has taken such actions as are required with that determination.

The FDIC is amending its rule entitled ``Recordkeeping for Timely Deposit Insurance Determination'' to clarify the rule's requirements, better align the burdens of the rule with the benefits, and make technical corrections.

The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating an effort to determine whether to amend the current energy conservation standards for evaporatively-cooled commercial package air conditioners and water-cooled commercial package air conditioners (referred to as evaporatively-cooled commercial unitary air conditioners (ECUACs) and water-cooled commercial unitary air conditioners (WCUACs) in this document, respectively). Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended, DOE must review these standards at least once every six years and publish either a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR'') to propose new standards for ECUACs and WCUACs or a notice of determination that the existing standards do not need to be amended. This request for information (``RFI'') solicits information from the public to help DOE determine whether amended standards for ECUACs and WCUACs would result in significant additional conservation of energy and whether such standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve a request from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) to redesignate the Missouri portion of the St. Louis- St. Charles-Farmington, MO-IL fine particulate matter (PM2.5) unclassifiable area (``St. Louis area'' or ``area'') to unclassifiable/attainment for the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The Missouri portion of the St. Louis area comprises of the City of St. Louis and the counties of Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis. The EPA now has sufficient data to determine that the St. Louis area is in attainment of the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. Therefore, EPA is approving the state's December 11, 2018 request to redesignate the area to unclassifiable/attainment for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS based upon valid, quality-assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data showing that the PM2.5 monitors in the area are in compliance with the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. The EPA will address the Illinois portion of the St. Louis area in a separate rulemaking action.

NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for commercial blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Commercial landings of blueline tilefish are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) by July 30, 2019. Therefore, NMFS is closing the commercial sector for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 30, 2019, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing year on January 1, 2020. This closure is necessary to protect the blueline tilefish resource.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain B/E Aerospace Fischer GmbH (B/E Aerospace Fischer) Common Seats 170/260 H160. This AD was prompted by the discovery during testing that the energy absorber (EA) may not function as intended during emergency landing. This AD requires removing and replacing the EA assemblies on the affected seats. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FMCSA proposes to allow driver applicants to take the commercial driver's license (CDL) general and specialized knowledge tests in a State (the testing State) other than the applicant's State of domicile. Under this proposed rule, a State would not be required to offer the knowledge tests to out-of-State applicants. However, if the testing State elects to offer the knowledge tests to these applicants, it would transmit the results to the State of domicile, which would be required to accept the results. Because this proposal would not change the existing standards for administration of the knowledge tests, the Agency concludes it would have no detrimental impact on safety.

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (the Board) revises its Organization and Delegation of powers to reflect the current structure of the agency and set forth greater authority for agency delegations. This revision also reflects the structural flexibility envisioned by our enabling statute.

This action removes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Meyers-Divers' Airport, and Tecumseh Products Airport, Tecumseh, MI. This action is due to the cancellation of the instrument procedures; and the airspace is no longer required.

This action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Walden-Jackson County Airport, Walden, CO, to accommodate a new area navigation (RNAV) procedure at the airport. Additionally, this action proposes to remove Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within 4 miles each side of the 342[deg] bearing extending from the 5 mile radius to V-524 northwest of the airport. This action would ensure the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System. Additionally, this action proposes to update the geographic coordinates of the airport to match the FAA's data base.

This document announces Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection requirements in the Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses regulation as revised by the Tracking of Injuries and Illnesses final rule. OSHA sought OMB approval of these requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), and, as required by that Act, is announcing the approval for these requirements. The OMB approval number is 1218-0176.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is publishing a direct final Notice of Partial Deletion of the Cleburn Street Well Superfund Site (Site), located in Grand Island, Nebraska, from the National Priorities List (NPL) for of the Operable Unit (OU) 1 and OU4. This partial deletion pertains to OU1Contaminated sub- surface soil at former One-Hour Martinizing (OHM) and OU4Soil and Groundwater at Ideal Cleaners. The remaining OU2, OU3, and OU5 will remain on the NPL and are not being considered for deletion as part of this action. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). This direct final partial deletion is being published by EPA with the concurrence of the State of Nebraska, through the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ); because EPA has determined that all appropriate response actions at these identified parcels under CERCLA have been completed. However, this partial deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund, including Five Year Reviews.

On October 1, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the 2015 ozone NAAQS, revising the standard to 0.070 parts per million. Whenever a new or revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) is promulgated, the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) requires each state to submit a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the new standard. This submission is commonly referred to as an infrastructure SIP. In this action we are proposing to approve multiple elements and disapprove a single element of the following infrastructure SIP submissions with respect to infrastructure requirements for the 2015 ozone NAAQS: Colorado, submitted to the EPA on September 17, 2018; and North Dakota, submitted to the EPA on November 6, 2018. We are also proposing to approve a portion of North Dakota's May 2, 2019 submission of chapter 33.1-15-15, the air pollution control rules of the State of North Dakota, that updates the date of incorporation by reference (IBR) of Federal rules.

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is revising the regulations to implement a Trade Mitigation Program (TMP) for producers of 2019 agricultural commodities that have been significantly impacted by trade actions of foreign governments resulting in the loss of exports. As part of TMP, the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) regulation specifies the eligibility requirements, payment calculations, and application procedures. The details for specific commodities and the relevant application start dates will be announced in applicable notices of funds availability (NOFAs). As part of TMP, the Expanded Domestic Commodity Donation Program (EDCDP) regulation specifies disposition of surplus commodities through outlets not currently used in existing Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs, the application process, eligibility, and use of grants or cooperative agreements. The details for specific commodities and conditions will be announced in applicable notices of commodity availability (NOCAs). This rule adds new subparts to the TMP regulation to address the 2019 agricultural commodities.

EPA (or the Agency) is proposing to not impose financial responsibility (FR) requirements for facilities in the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution industry under Section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Section 108(b) addresses the promulgation of regulations that require classes of facilities to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility consistent with the degree and duration of risk associated with the production, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances.

EPA is proposing a rule to address certain persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals identified pursuant to section 6(h) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These five chemicals are: Decabromodiphenyl ether; phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1), also known as tris(4-isopropylphenyl) phosphate; 2,4,6-tris(tert- butyl)phenol; hexachlorobutadiene; and pentachlorothiophenol. This proposed rule would restrict or prohibit manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce for many uses of four of these five chemical substances. EPA has evaluated the uses of hexachlorobutadiene and is proposing no regulatory action. For the other four, this proposal includes recordkeeping requirements. Additional downstream notification requirements are proposed for phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1).

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) received a petition for rulemaking from Mr. George Berka (the petitioner), dated December 26, 2018, requesting that the NRC amend its regulations to establish criteria to return retired nuclear power reactors to operations. The petition was docketed by the NRC on February 19, 2019 and has been assigned Docket No. PRM-50-117. The NRC is examining the merits of the issues raised in PRM-50-117 to determine whether the issues should be considered in rulemaking. The NRC is requesting public comment on this petition at this time.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is proposing a change to a provision in the Tribal Transportation Program regulations affecting proposed roads that are currently in the National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI). Specifically, this proposed rule would delete the requirement for Tribes to collect and submit certain data in order to keep those proposed roads in the NTTFI. The requirement to collect and submit data to add new proposed roads to the NTTFI would remain in place.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of the Fox River in Green Bay, WI within a 300-foot radius of a vessel being used to launch fireworks. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lake Michigan.