Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2020, 16855-16860 [2021-04329]

Download as PDF 16856 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary 2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV 5 CFR Ch. LXXIII 7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I–XI, XIV–XVIII, XX, XXV–XXXVIII, XLII 9 CFR Chs. I–III 36 CFR Ch. II 48 CFR Ch. 4 Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2020 Office of the Secretary, USDA. Semiannual regulatory agenda. AGENCY: ACTION: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review,’’ 13771 ‘‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,’’ 13777, SUMMARY: ‘‘Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,’’ and 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.’’ The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96–354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with Executive Order 13563. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the date shown. USDA’s complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA’s printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important regulatory and deregulatory actions are summarized in a Statement of Regulatory Priorities that is included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the Federal Register that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda. For further information on any specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720–3257. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: September 10, 2020. Michael Poe, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE—FINAL RULE STAGE Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 130 .................... 131 .................... 132 .................... NOP; Strengthening Organic Enforcement ...................................................................................................... Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the Packers and Stockyards Act ................ Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 1) .......................................... 0581–AD09 0581–AD81 0581–AD82 References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE—PROPOSED RULE STAGE Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 133 .................... 134 .................... Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans ......................................................................................................... Requiring Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, Government Official Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs. 0579–AC69 0579–AE58 ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE—FINAL RULE STAGE Title 135 .................... Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases .................................................................................................. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations ................................................................ 136 .................... 137 .................... jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3 Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. 0579–AD10 0579–AE39 0579–AE42 ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE—LONG-TERM ACTIONS Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 138 .................... Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa Into the Continental United States ...... VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:55 Mar 30, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\31MRP3.SGM 31MRP3 0579–AD95 16857 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE—COMPLETED ACTIONS Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 139 .................... 140 .................... Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of Import Provisions ................................................................ Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release Into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms. 0579–AD65 0579–AE47 FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE—PROPOSED RULE STAGE Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 141 .................... Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 0584–AE71 FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE—LONG-TERM ACTIONS Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 142 .................... Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) .... 0584–AE61 FOREST SERVICE—LONG-TERM ACTIONS Title 143 .................... Special Uses—Communications Uses Rent .................................................................................................... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Action Final Rule Stage 130. NOP; Strengthening Organic Enforcement E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 Abstract: The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking will address 2018 Farm Bill mandates. In summary, SOE will propose the following requirements that align with the Farm Bill: • Limiting the types of operations in the organic supply chain that are not required to obtain organic certification; • Imported organic products must be accompanied by an electronic import certificate to validate organic status; • Import certificates will be submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE); • Certifying agents must notify USDA within 90 days of the opening of any new office that conducts certification activities; and, • Entities acting on behalf of certifying agents may be suspended when there is noncompliant activity. Timetable: Action Date Proposed Rule .... VerDate Sep<11>2014 08/05/20 19:55 Mar 30, 2021 Date Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3 Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. 10/05/20 Action NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ I 09/00/21 I Date FR Cite 03/13/20 I 12/00/20 I Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 260–8077. RIN: 0581–AD09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Associate Deputy Administrator, Fair Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–0237, Phone: 202 720–0219. RIN: 0581–AD81 131. Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the Packers and Stockyards Act 132. Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0581–AD82 E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110–234 Abstract: This final rule amends the regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) by adding new regulations that specify the criteria the Secretary could consider in determining whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or live poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage and a violation of the P&S Act. Timetable: FR Cite Action 85 FR 47536 NPRM .................. Jkt 253001 FR Cite 0596–AD43 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Date 01/13/20 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 FR Cite 85 FR 1771 BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Proposed Rule Stage 133. Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159 E:\FR\FM\31MRP3.SGM 31MRP3 16858 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and carriers. This action would heighten the awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency or disaster occur. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. NPRM Comment Period Extended. NPRM Comment Period Extended End. Final Rule ............ Final Rule Effective. Final Rule—Stay of Regulations. Final Rule Effective—Stay of Regulations. NPRM .................. FR Cite 10/23/08 12/22/08 73 FR 63085 12/19/08 73 FR 77554 12/31/12 01/30/13 77 FR 76815 07/31/13 78 FR 46255 07/31/13 06/00/21 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3 134. • Requiring Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, Government Official Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159 Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the importation of live dogs by requiring all live dogs imported into the United States for resale purposes to be microchipped for permanent identification, and to require importers to procure a microchip reader and make it available to port-of-entry officials as requested. This action would also add microchipping as one of three identification options for dogs and cats used by dealers, exhibitors and research facilities. In addition, APHIS is proposing to require a verifiable signature on the health certificate and rabies certificate accompanying imported live dogs, an endorsement of the health certificate by a government 19:55 Mar 30, 2021 Action Date NPRM .................. 08/00/21 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kay Carter-Corker, Director, National Policy Staff, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851– 3748. RIN: 0579–AE58 Jkt 253001 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Final Rule Stage 135. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701 Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products to revise conditions for the importation of live sheep, goats, and certain other nonbovine ruminants, and products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie. We are removing BSE-related import restrictions on sheep and goats and most of their products, and adding import restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species. The conditions we are adopting for the importation of specified commodities are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will, in general, align our regulations with guidelines established in the World Organization for Animal Health’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. PO 00000 Frm 00004 07/18/16 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Action NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ FR Cite DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) 02/20/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kay Carter-Corker, Director, National Policy Staff, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851– 3748. RIN: 0579–AC69 VerDate Sep<11>2014 official in the country of origin, and the mandatory use of forms provided by APHIS. Timetable: FR Cite 81 FR 46619 Date FR Cite 09/16/16 I 02/00/21 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alexandra MacKenzie, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, NIES, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851–3300. RIN: 0579–AD10 136. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the animal disease regulations to provide for a National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, along with animal disease reporting responsibilities, to streamline State and Federal cooperative animal disease eradication efforts. This action would enhance and consolidate current disease reporting mechanisms, and would complement and supplement existing animal disease tracking and reporting at the State level. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. NPRM Comment Period Reopened. NPRM Comment Period Reopened End. Final Action ......... Date FR Cite 04/02/20 06/01/20 85 FR 18471 08/18/20 85 FR 50796 08/21/20 06/00/21 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jason Baldwin, Acting Coordinator, National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop 1E3, Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970 494–7225. RIN: 0579–AE39 137. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This rulemaking will remove the domestic quarantine regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action will discontinue E:\FR\FM\31MRP3.SGM 31MRP3 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer program as a means to more effectively direct available resources toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic quarantine regulations will instead be directed to a nonregulatory option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents for emerald ash borer, which will serve as the primary tool to mitigate and control the pest. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ FR Cite 09/19/18 11/19/18 I 11/00/20 83 FR 47310 I Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Herbert Bolton, National Policy Manager, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737–1231, Phone: 301 851–3594. RIN: 0579–AE42 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3 Long-Term Actions 138. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa Into the Continental United States E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that the fruit has VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:55 Mar 30, 2021 Jkt 253001 been produced in accordance with the systems approach. This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit, including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant pests into the United States. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Next Action Undetermined. FR Cite 08/28/14 10/27/14 79 FR 51273 Abstract: APHIS is revising its regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms in order to update the regulations in response to advances in genetic engineering and APHIS’ understanding of the plant health risk posed by genetically engineered organisms, thereby reducing the burden for regulated entities whose organisms pose no plant health risks. Completed: Reason Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Tony Roma´n, Phone: 301 851–2242. RIN: 0579–AD95 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) 16859 Final Rule ............ Final Rule Effective. Date 05/18/20 08/17/20 FR Cite 85 FR 29790 I Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alan Pearson, Phone: 301 851–3944. RIN: 0579–AE47 BILLING CODE 3410–34–P Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Completed Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) 139. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of Import Provisions E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 15 U.S.C. 1828; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701 Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation of cattle and bison with respect to bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. The changes will make these requirements clearer and assure that they more effectively mitigate the risk of introduction of these diseases into the United States. Completed: Proposed Rule Stage Reason Date Final Rule ............ Final Rule Effective. FR Cite 09/17/20 10/19/20 I NPRM .................. I 140. Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release Into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory. Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Action 85 FR 57944 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Phone: 301 851–3300. RIN: 0579–AD65 PO 00000 141. Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113–79; Pub. L. 115–334 Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), and other language intended to deter retailer fraud, abuse, and non-compliance in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Timetable: Sfmt 4702 Date FR Cite 12/00/20 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Regulatory Review Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 605– 0800, Email: charles.watford@usda.gov. Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457–7713, Email: maureen.lydon@usda.gov. E:\FR\FM\31MRP3.SGM 31MRP3 16860 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda meeting the enhanced SNAP eligibility requirements. Timetable: RIN: 0584–AE71 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Action Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Long-Term Actions 142. Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3 E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory. Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113–79; 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036 Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the requirement that certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retail food stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of seven varieties. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) codified these mandatory requirements. Subsequent annual Agency appropriations bill language prohibited implementation of certain final rule provisions. In response, this change will provide some retailers participating in SNAP as authorized food stores with more flexibility in VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:55 Mar 30, 2021 Jkt 253001 Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. NPRM Comment Period Reopened. NPRM Comment Period Reopen End. FR Cite 04/05/19 06/04/19 84 FR 13555 06/14/19 84 FR 27743 06/20/19 Final Action ......... Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1761 to 1771 Abstract: Consistent with the requirement in title V, section 504(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the proposed rule would update the Forest Service’s rental fee schedule for communications uses based on market value. Updated rental fees that exceed 100 percent of current rental fees would be phased in over a 3year period. Timetable: To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605–0800, Email: charles.watford@usda.gov. RIN: 0584–AE61 BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Action NPRM .................. BILLING CODE 3410–11–P BILLING CODE 3410–90–P 143. Special Uses—Communications Uses Rent E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Fmt 4701 To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Edwina Howard– Agu, Phone: 202 205–1419, Email: ehowardagu@fs.fed.us. RIN: 0596–AD43 Long-Term Actions Frm 00006 FR Cite [FR Doc. 2021–04329 Filed 3–30–21; 8:45 am] Forest Service (FS) PO 00000 Date Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\31MRP3.SGM 31MRP3

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 31, 2021)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 16856-16860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04329]



[[Page 16855]]

Vol. 86

Wednesday,

No. 60

March 31, 2021

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda

[[Page 16856]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV

5 CFR Ch. LXXIII

7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII

9 CFR Chs. I-III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2020

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant 
and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed 
in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance 
with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 
13771 ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' 13777, 
``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' and 13563, ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review.'' The agenda also describes 
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also 
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance 
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public 
comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with 
Executive Order 13563.
    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews 
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or 
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There 
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. 
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and 
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities; and
    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important 
regulatory and deregulatory actions are summarized in a Statement of 
Regulatory Priorities that is included in the Regulatory Plan, which 
appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the 
Federal Register that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.

    Dated: September 10, 2020.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
130.......................  NOP; Strengthening Organic         0581-AD09
                             Enforcement.
131.......................  Undue and Unreasonable             0581-AD81
                             Preferences and
                             Advantages Under the
                             Packers and Stockyards
                             Act.
132.......................  Establishment of a                 0581-AD82
                             Domestic Hemp Production
                             Program (Reg Plan Seq No.
                             1).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
133.......................  Handling of Animals;               0579-AC69
                             Contingency Plans.
134.......................  Requiring Microchipping,           0579-AE58
                             Verifiable Signatures,
                             Government Official
                             Endorsement, and
                             Mandatory Forms for
                             Importation of Live Dogs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
135.......................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
136.......................  National List of                   0579-AE39
                             Reportable Animal
                             Diseases.
137.......................  Removal of Emerald Ash             0579-AE42
                             Borer Domestic Quarantine
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
138.......................  Importation of Fresh               0579-AD95
                             Citrus Fruit From the
                             Republic of South Africa
                             Into the Continental
                             United States.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 16857]]


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
139.......................  Brucellosis and Bovine             0579-AD65
                             Tuberculosis; Update of
                             Import Provisions.
140.......................  Importation, Interstate            0579-AE47
                             Movement, and Release
                             Into the Environment of
                             Certain Genetically
                             Engineered Organisms.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
141.......................  Strengthening Integrity            0584-AE71
                             and Reducing Retailer
                             Fraud in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
142.......................  Providing Regulatory               0584-AE61
                             Flexibility for Retailers
                             in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
143.......................  Special Uses--                     0596-AD43
                             Communications Uses Rent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

130. NOP; Strengthening Organic Enforcement

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking 
will address 2018 Farm Bill mandates. In summary, SOE will propose the 
following requirements that align with the Farm Bill:
     Limiting the types of operations in the organic supply 
chain that are not required to obtain organic certification;
     Imported organic products must be accompanied by an 
electronic import certificate to validate organic status;
     Import certificates will be submitted to the U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE);
     Certifying agents must notify USDA within 90 days of the 
opening of any new office that conducts certification activities; and,
     Entities acting on behalf of certifying agents may be 
suspended when there is noncompliant activity.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   08/05/20  85 FR 47536
Comment Period End..................   10/05/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   09/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077.
    RIN: 0581-AD09

131. Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-234
    Abstract: This final rule amends the regulations issued under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) by adding new regulations that 
specify the criteria the Secretary could consider in determining 
whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or live 
poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or 
advantage and a violation of the P&S Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/13/20  85 FR 1771
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/13/20  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Fair Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AD81

132. Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0581-AD82
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

133. Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159

[[Page 16858]]

    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training 
of personnel by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, 
intermediate handlers, and carriers. This action would heighten the 
awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities 
and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency 
or disaster occur.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/23/08  73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/22/08  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   12/19/08  73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   02/20/09  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/31/12  77 FR 76815
Final Rule Effective................   01/30/13  .......................
Final Rule--Stay of Regulations.....   07/31/13  78 FR 46255
Final Rule Effective--Stay of          07/31/13  .......................
 Regulations.
NPRM................................   06/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kay Carter-Corker, Director, National Policy Staff, 
Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737, 
Phone: 301 851-3748.
    RIN: 0579-AC69

134.  Requiring Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, 
Government Official Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of 
Live Dogs

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of live dogs by requiring all live dogs imported into the 
United States for resale purposes to be microchipped for permanent 
identification, and to require importers to procure a microchip reader 
and make it available to port-of-entry officials as requested. This 
action would also add microchipping as one of three identification 
options for dogs and cats used by dealers, exhibitors and research 
facilities. In addition, APHIS is proposing to require a verifiable 
signature on the health certificate and rabies certificate accompanying 
imported live dogs, an endorsement of the health certificate by a 
government official in the country of origin, and the mandatory use of 
forms provided by APHIS.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kay Carter-Corker, Director, National Policy Staff, 
Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737, 
Phone: 301 851-3748.
    RIN: 0579-AE58

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

135. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small 
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 
136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation 
of animals and animal products to revise conditions for the importation 
of live sheep, goats, and certain other non-bovine ruminants, and 
products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible 
spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
(BSE) and scrapie. We are removing BSE-related import restrictions on 
sheep and goats and most of their products, and adding import 
restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for 
certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species. The 
conditions we are adopting for the importation of specified commodities 
are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will, 
in general, align our regulations with guidelines established in the 
World Organization for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/16  81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/16/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   02/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexandra MacKenzie, Veterinary Medical Officer, 
Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, NIES, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AD10

136. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
    Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the animal disease 
regulations to provide for a National List of Reportable Animal 
Diseases, along with animal disease reporting responsibilities, to 
streamline State and Federal cooperative animal disease eradication 
efforts. This action would enhance and consolidate current disease 
reporting mechanisms, and would complement and supplement existing 
animal disease tracking and reporting at the State level.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/02/20  85 FR 18471
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   08/18/20  85 FR 50796
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   08/21/20  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jason Baldwin, Acting Coordinator, National List of 
Reportable Animal Diseases, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop 
1E3, Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970 494-7225.
    RIN: 0579-AE39

137. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
    Abstract: This rulemaking will remove the domestic quarantine 
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action will 
discontinue

[[Page 16859]]

the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer program as a 
means to more effectively direct available resources toward management 
and containment of the pest. Funding previously allocated to the 
implementation and enforcement of these domestic quarantine regulations 
will instead be directed to a non-regulatory option of research into, 
and deployment of, biological control agents for emerald ash borer, 
which will serve as the primary tool to mitigate and control the pest.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/19/18  83 FR 47310
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/19/18  .......................
Final Rule..........................   11/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Herbert Bolton, National Policy Manager, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-
3594.
    RIN: 0579-AE42

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

138. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South 
Africa Into the Continental United States

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables 
regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh 
citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United 
States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black 
spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will 
have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes 
shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and 
phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported 
in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary 
certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the 
Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that 
the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach. 
This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit, 
including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while 
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant 
pests into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/28/14  79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/27/14  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
    RIN: 0579-AD95

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

139. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of Import Provisions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 15 U.S.C. 
1828; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation 
of cattle and bison with respect to bovine tuberculosis and 
brucellosis. The changes will make these requirements clearer and 
assure that they more effectively mitigate the risk of introduction of 
these diseases into the United States.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   09/17/20  85 FR 57944
Final Rule Effective................   10/19/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AD65

140. Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release Into the Environment 
of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
    Abstract: APHIS is revising its regulations regarding the 
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain 
genetically engineered organisms in order to update the regulations in 
response to advances in genetic engineering and APHIS' understanding of 
the plant health risk posed by genetically engineered organisms, 
thereby reducing the burden for regulated entities whose organisms pose 
no plant health risks.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   05/18/20  85 FR 29790
Final Rule Effective................   08/17/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alan Pearson, Phone: 301 851-3944.
    RIN: 0579-AE47
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

141. Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; Pub. L. 115-334
    Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), and other 
language intended to deter retailer fraud, abuse, and non-compliance in 
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/20  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock 
Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition 
Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457-
7713, Email: [email protected].

[[Page 16860]]

    RIN: 0584-AE71

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Long-Term Actions

142. Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the requirement that certain 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retail food 
stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of 
items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of 
seven varieties. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) codified these 
mandatory requirements. Subsequent annual Agency appropriations bill 
language prohibited implementation of certain final rule provisions. In 
response, this change will provide some retailers participating in SNAP 
as authorized food stores with more flexibility in meeting the enhanced 
SNAP eligibility requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/05/19  84 FR 13555
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/04/19  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   06/14/19  84 FR 27743
NPRM Comment Period Reopen End......   06/20/19  .......................
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Action........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE61
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Long-Term Actions

143. Special Uses--Communications Uses Rent

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1761 to 1771
    Abstract: Consistent with the requirement in title V, section 
504(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the proposed rule 
would update the Forest Service's rental fee schedule for 
communications uses based on market value. Updated rental fees that 
exceed 100 percent of current rental fees would be phased in over a 3-
year period.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Edwina Howard-Agu, Phone: 202 205-1419, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD43

BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
[FR Doc. 2021-04329 Filed 3-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-90-P


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