Virtual Public Listening Session; Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs and Western Water Quantity, 78114-78115 [2020-26525]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 78114 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 233 / Thursday, December 3, 2020 / Notices Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 1901) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue guidelines for regulating the commercial transportation of equines to slaughter by persons regularly engaged in that activity within the United States. Specifically, the Secretary is authorized to regulate the food, water, and rest provided to these equines while the equines are in transit and to review related issues appropriate to ensuring that these animals are treated humanely. To implement the provisions of this Act, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) established minimum standards to ensure the humane movement of equines to slaughtering facilities, or to assembly points while en route to slaughtering facilities, via commercial transportation. These standards, contained in 9 CFR part 88, require that conveyances protect the health and well-being of the animals and meet certain other criteria; that double-deck conveyances are prohibited; and that access to food, water, and rest be provided to these animals 6 hours prior to shipment. APHIS’ regulations also require the application of backtags and completion of owner/shipper certificates of fitness to travel to a slaughter facility with identification of the animals and details of the transportation and signatures attesting to compliance with the provision of food, rest, and water and to the animal’s fitness to travel. The regulations further prohibit the use of electric prods and state aggressive animals must be separated. Any owner/ shipper transporting equines to slaughtering facilities outside the United States must present the ownershipper certificates to U.S. Department of Agriculture representatives at the border. Implementing these regulations entails the use of information collection activities such as providing business information; completing owner/shipper certificates of fitness to travel to a slaughter facility; applying backtags, as needed; certificates of veterinary inspection; and maintaining records of the owner/shipper certificates and continuation sheets. APHIS is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve these information collection activities for an additional 3 years. The activities described are associated with APHIS’ efforts to ensure that equines being transported commercially for slaughter receive adequate food, water, and rest and that their health and wellbeing are protected. The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:48 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 253001 information collection. These comments will help us: (1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Estimate of burden: The public burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.465 hours per response. Respondents: Owners and shippers of slaughter horses, owners or operators of slaughtering facilities, and drivers of the transport vehicles. Estimated annual number of respondents: 302. Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 61. Estimated annual number of responses: 18,500. Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 8,608 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.) All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Done in Washington, DC, this 30th day of November 2020. Mark Davidson, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2020–26611 Filed 12–2–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Virtual Public Listening Session; Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs and Western Water Quantity Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a virtual, open, public listening session with remote participation only, for SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 public input about water quantity in the west as it relates to existing NRCS programs. There will not be any inperson gathering for this listening session. DATES: Listening Session: The virtual public listening session will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 (also see below for Meeting Times section below). Registration to comment date: To provide oral comments during the virtual listening session, you must register by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, December 18, 2020. Registration to view date: You may register to view the listening session (but not provide oral comments), by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Written comment date: You may submit written comments by January 19, 2021. ADDRESSES: Registration: To register and receive information on how to attend the virtual listening session, please email your information to WesternWater@ usda.gov—send your first and last name, organization, job title, City, State, email, and phone number. Written comments: We invite you to submit written comments by any of the following methods: • Mail: Deborah Miles, NRCS, ATTN: Western Water Quantity Listening Session, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 5739, Mail Stop 1600, Washington, DC 20250, or • Email: WesternWater@usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about providing written comments, joining the virtual listening session, or registering to speak at the virtual listening session, contact Leslie Deavers, telephone: 202–690– 4616, or by email: Leslie.Deavers@ usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On November 5, 2020, NRCS announced it had selected 31 priority areas to receive $13 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding as part of the WaterSMART Initiative (WSI). These investments will help producers on private working lands better conserve water resources in coordination with investments made by water suppliers. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a virtual, open, public listening session with remote E:\FR\FM\03DEN1.SGM 03DEN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 233 / Thursday, December 3, 2020 / Notices participation only, for public input about water quantity in the west as it relates to existing NRCS programs. (There will not be any in-person gathering for this listening session.) Stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide oral comments during the virtual public listening session. Stakeholders must notify NRCS during registration of their wish to speak at the listening session. Stakeholders who do not notify NRCS during registration of their wish to speak will not have the opportunity to comment during the virtual listening session. Due to the anticipated high level of interest in the opportunity to make public comments and the limited time available to do so, NRCS will do its best to accommodate all persons who registered and requested to provide oral comments and will limit all speakers to 3 minutes. NRCS encourages persons and groups who have similar interests to consolidate their information for presentation by a single representative. The stakeholders may provide feedback on any of the following questions: D For agricultural producers: What is your most pressing water related issue that may constrain or currently constrains your operations? D For non-producers and organizations: What is your most pressing water related issue that is needed by the agricultural community you assist? D For producers and organizations: What is your most pressing water related issue with which NRCS can help you through a technical or financial assistance program or through facilitating and engaging in a collaboration or partnership? D How can NRCS best coordinate with other Federal, State, and Local efforts to address water related issues? D How can State Technical Committees assist in addressing your most pressing water related issues? D What additional issues do you confront that NRCS should have awareness of? NRCS expects to obtain input about the challenges, needed breakthroughs, and priorities through the virtual listening session and through submission of written comments. NRCS will treat stakeholder input equally. NRCS will then evaluate the challenges, needed breakthroughs, and priorities identified by this effort and will consider this information in its evaluation of existing programs and efforts to position these programs to achieve positive outcomes. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:48 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 253001 Meeting Agenda The listening session will begin with brief opening remarks, with an overview of NRCS efforts to address water related issues in the west, from USDA and NRCS leadership. Individual speakers providing oral comments will be limited to 3 minutes each. However, if all speakers can be accommodated within time for the listening session, individual speaking times may be adjusted at the written request of the stakeholder (use the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT information provided above in this notice). If, at 3 minutes each, the time allotted to registered speakers exceeds the available time for the listening session, a limited number of speakers will be selected on a first-come, firstserve basis. If you are called upon during the listening session to provide oral comments and you or your representative are not available to speak, your opportunity to provide oral comments will pass to another speaker. Meeting Times The listening session will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020, starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. A mid-day break will be scheduled at approximately 12:00 p.m. (noon). The listening session will resume at 1:30 p.m. and continue to approximately 3:30 p.m. NRCS may decide to extend the listening session to Friday, December 18, 2020. At the end of the listening session on Thursday, December 17, 2020, NRCS will announce whether an extension of the listening session will occur on Friday, December 18, 2020, or whether the listening session will conclude on Thursday, December 17, 2020. If the listening session is extended to Friday, December 18, 2020, the listening session will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time and end at approximately 12:00 p.m. (noon). The listening session on Friday, December 18, 2020, may end earlier if there are no additional oral comments to be presented from anyone who registered to provide oral comments. Oral and Written Comments We request that speakers providing oral comments also provide a written copy of their comments. All written comments have the same due date, as specified above in this notice. Registration Required To Attend There is no registration fee for the public listening session, but preregistration is mandatory for anyone who wishes to attend. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78115 USDA Non-Discrimination Statement No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA will, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs, exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to discrimination any person in the United States under any program or activity conducted by USDA. How To File a Complaint of Discrimination To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at: https:// www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_ 12.pdf or write a letter signed by you or your authorized representative. You may also send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by any of following methods: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410; Fax: (202) 690–7442; or Email: program.intake@usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice only). Kevin D. Norton, Acting Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [FR Doc. 2020–26525 Filed 12–2–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meeting of the New York Advisory Committee U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act that the New York Advisory Committee (Committee) will hold a meeting on Friday, December 18, 2020, from 1:00– 2:15 p.m. EST for the purpose of discussing the Committee’s project on evictions in New York. DATES: The meeting will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020, from 1:00– 2:00 p.m. EST. Public Call Information: Dial: (800) 367–2403; Conference ID: 7109728. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03DEN1.SGM 03DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 233 (Thursday, December 3, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78114-78115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26525]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Virtual Public Listening Session; Natural Resources Conservation 
Service Programs and Western Water Quantity

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a 
virtual, open, public listening session with remote participation only, 
for public input about water quantity in the west as it relates to 
existing NRCS programs. There will not be any in-person gathering for 
this listening session.

DATES: 
    Listening Session: The virtual public listening session will be 
held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 (also see below for Meeting Times 
section below).
    Registration to comment date: To provide oral comments during the 
virtual listening session, you must register by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on 
Tuesday, December 18, 2020.
    Registration to view date: You may register to view the listening 
session (but not provide oral comments), by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on 
Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
    Written comment date: You may submit written comments by January 
19, 2021.

ADDRESSES: 
    Registration: To register and receive information on how to attend 
the virtual listening session, please email your information to 
[email protected]--send your first and last name, organization, job 
title, City, State, email, and phone number.
    Written comments: We invite you to submit written comments by any 
of the following methods:
     Mail: Deborah Miles, NRCS, ATTN: Western Water Quantity 
Listening Session, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 5739, Mail Stop 
1600, Washington, DC 20250, or
     Email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about 
providing written comments, joining the virtual listening session, or 
registering to speak at the virtual listening session, contact Leslie 
Deavers, telephone: 202-690-4616, or by email: [email protected]. 
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600 
(voice).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On November 5, 2020, NRCS announced it had selected 31 priority 
areas to receive $13 million in Environmental Quality Incentives 
Program (EQIP) funding as part of the WaterSMART Initiative (WSI). 
These investments will help producers on private working lands better 
conserve water resources in coordination with investments made by water 
suppliers.
    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a 
virtual, open, public listening session with remote

[[Page 78115]]

participation only, for public input about water quantity in the west 
as it relates to existing NRCS programs. (There will not be any in-
person gathering for this listening session.) Stakeholders will have an 
opportunity to provide oral comments during the virtual public 
listening session.
    Stakeholders must notify NRCS during registration of their wish to 
speak at the listening session. Stakeholders who do not notify NRCS 
during registration of their wish to speak will not have the 
opportunity to comment during the virtual listening session. Due to the 
anticipated high level of interest in the opportunity to make public 
comments and the limited time available to do so, NRCS will do its best 
to accommodate all persons who registered and requested to provide oral 
comments and will limit all speakers to 3 minutes. NRCS encourages 
persons and groups who have similar interests to consolidate their 
information for presentation by a single representative.
    The stakeholders may provide feedback on any of the following 
questions:
    [ssquf] For agricultural producers: What is your most pressing 
water related issue that may constrain or currently constrains your 
operations?
    [ssquf] For non-producers and organizations: What is your most 
pressing water related issue that is needed by the agricultural 
community you assist?
    [ssquf] For producers and organizations: What is your most pressing 
water related issue with which NRCS can help you through a technical or 
financial assistance program or through facilitating and engaging in a 
collaboration or partnership?
    [ssquf] How can NRCS best coordinate with other Federal, State, and 
Local efforts to address water related issues?
    [ssquf] How can State Technical Committees assist in addressing 
your most pressing water related issues?
    [ssquf] What additional issues do you confront that NRCS should 
have awareness of?
    NRCS expects to obtain input about the challenges, needed 
breakthroughs, and priorities through the virtual listening session and 
through submission of written comments. NRCS will treat stakeholder 
input equally. NRCS will then evaluate the challenges, needed 
breakthroughs, and priorities identified by this effort and will 
consider this information in its evaluation of existing programs and 
efforts to position these programs to achieve positive outcomes.

Meeting Agenda

    The listening session will begin with brief opening remarks, with 
an overview of NRCS efforts to address water related issues in the 
west, from USDA and NRCS leadership.
    Individual speakers providing oral comments will be limited to 3 
minutes each. However, if all speakers can be accommodated within time 
for the listening session, individual speaking times may be adjusted at 
the written request of the stakeholder (use the For Further Information 
Contact information provided above in this notice). If, at 3 minutes 
each, the time allotted to registered speakers exceeds the available 
time for the listening session, a limited number of speakers will be 
selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    If you are called upon during the listening session to provide oral 
comments and you or your representative are not available to speak, 
your opportunity to provide oral comments will pass to another speaker.

Meeting Times

    The listening session will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020, 
starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. A mid-day break will be scheduled 
at approximately 12:00 p.m. (noon). The listening session will resume 
at 1:30 p.m. and continue to approximately 3:30 p.m.
    NRCS may decide to extend the listening session to Friday, December 
18, 2020. At the end of the listening session on Thursday, December 17, 
2020, NRCS will announce whether an extension of the listening session 
will occur on Friday, December 18, 2020, or whether the listening 
session will conclude on Thursday, December 17, 2020. If the listening 
session is extended to Friday, December 18, 2020, the listening session 
will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time and end at approximately 12:00 
p.m. (noon). The listening session on Friday, December 18, 2020, may 
end earlier if there are no additional oral comments to be presented 
from anyone who registered to provide oral comments.

Oral and Written Comments

    We request that speakers providing oral comments also provide a 
written copy of their comments. All written comments have the same due 
date, as specified above in this notice.

Registration Required To Attend

    There is no registration fee for the public listening session, but 
pre-registration is mandatory for anyone who wishes to attend.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA will, on the grounds of 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual 
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental 
status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political 
beliefs, exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or 
subject to discrimination any person in the United States under any 
program or activity conducted by USDA.

How To File a Complaint of Discrimination

    To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program 
Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at: https://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_12.pdf or write a letter signed by you or your 
authorized representative.
    You may also send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA 
by any of following methods: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-9410; Fax: (202) 690-7442; or Email: 
[email protected].
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 
(voice only).

Kevin D. Norton,
Acting Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26525 Filed 12-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
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