Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2020, 16855-16860 [2021-04329]
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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 ......
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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 ....
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08/05/20
19:55 Mar 30, 2021
Date
Comment Period
End.
Final Rule ............
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
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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 ..................
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0596–AD43
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Date
01/13/20
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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
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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
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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
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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 ..................
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07/18/16
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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
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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)
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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
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19:55 Mar 30, 2021
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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.
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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
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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
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[FR Doc. 2021–04329 Filed 3–30–21; 8:45 am]
Forest Service (FS)
PO 00000
Date
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]]>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
