Bayer; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Maize Developed Using Genetic Engineering for Dicamba, Glufosinate, Quizalofop, and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Resistance, With Tissue-Specific Glyphosate Resistance Facilitating the Production of Hybrid Maize Seed; Reopening of Comment Period, 34714-34715 [2021-13904]

Download as PDF jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 34714 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 30, 2021 / Notices please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. Supporting documents for this petition are also available on the APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/permitsnotifications-petitions/petitions/ petition-status. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Cindy Eck, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737–1236; (301) 851–3892; email: cynthia.a.eck@ usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the authority of the plant pest provisions of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.), the regulations in 7 CFR part 340, ‘‘Movement of Organisms Modified or Produced Through Genetic Engineering,’’ regulate, among other things, the importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment of organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering that are plant pests or pose a plausible plant pest risk. The extension for nonregulated status described in this notice is being evaluated under the version of the regulations effective at the time that it was received. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a final rule, published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2020 (85 FR 29790–29838, Docket No. APHIS– 2018–0034),1 revising 7 CFR part 340; however, the final rule is being implemented in phases. This extension of a determination of nonregulated status is being evaluated in accordance with the regulations at 7 CFR 340.6 (2020) as it was received by APHIS on July 31, 2020. On February 18, 2015,2 APHIS announced its determination of nonregulated status of Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.’s (OSF) GD743 and GS784 apple lines which were developed using genetic engineering to resist browning. OSF has submitted a request to extend a determination of nonregulated status of GD743 and GS784 apple lines to PG451 apple (APHIS Petition Number 20–213–01ext) which has been developed using genetic engineering to resist browning. As described in the extension request, PG451 apple was developed through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of apple leaf tissue using the binary plasmid vector pGEN–03 to suppress genes for polyphenol oxidase, which 1 To view the final rule, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2018–0034 in the Search field. 2 To view the notice, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2012–0025 in the Search field. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Jun 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 causes browning. GD743 and GS784 apple lines were developed using the same plasmid vector and the same Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. Based on the information in the request, we have concluded that PG451 apple is similar to GD743 and GS784 apple lines. PG451 apple is currently regulated under 7 CFR part 340. As part of our decision-making process regarding the regulatory status of an organism developed using genetic engineering, APHIS prepared a draft plant pest risk similarity assessment (PPRSA) to compare PG451 apple to the antecedents. Based on the similarity of PG451 apple to the antecedents GD743 and GS784 apple lines as described in the PPRSA, APHIS concludes that PG451 apple is unlikely to pose a greater plant pest risk than the unmodified organism from which it was derived and should no longer be regulated under 7 CFR part 340. APHIS has analyzed information submitted by OSF, references provided in the extension request, peer-reviewed publications, and supporting documentation prepared for the antecedent organism. Based on APHIS’ analysis of this information and the similarity of PG451 apple to the antecedents GD743 and GS784 apple lines, APHIS has determined that PG451 apple is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk. We have therefore reached a preliminary decision to approve the request to extend the determination of nonregulated status for PG451 apple line, whereby PG451 apple would no longer be subject to our regulations governing organisms developed using genetic engineering. We are therefore publishing this notice to make available our evaluation and inform the public of our preliminary decision to extend the determination of nonregulated status of PG451 apple. APHIS will accept written comments on the request for extension, PPRSA, and our preliminary determination for PG451 apple for 30 days. These documents are available for public review as indicated under ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above. Copies of these documents may also be obtained by contacting the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. After the comment period closes, APHIS will review all written comments received during the comment period and any other relevant information. All comments will be available for public review. After reviewing and evaluating the comments, if APHIS determines that no substantive information has been PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 received that would warrant APHIS altering its preliminary regulatory determination, our preliminary regulatory determination will become final and effective upon notification of the public through an announcement on our website at https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/ biotechnology/permits-notificationspetitions/petitions/petition-status. APHIS will also furnish a response to the petitioner regarding our final regulatory determination. No further Federal Register notice will be published announcing the final regulatory determination of PG451 apple. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of June 2021. Michael Watson, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2021–13901 Filed 6–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2020–0021] Bayer; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Maize Developed Using Genetic Engineering for Dicamba, Glufosinate, Quizalofop, and 2,4Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Resistance, With Tissue-Specific Glyphosate Resistance Facilitating the Production of Hybrid Maize Seed; Reopening of Comment Period Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: We are reopening the comment period for our notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding a request from Bayer seeking a determination of nonregulated status for maize developed using genetic engineering for dicamba, glufosinate, quizalofop, and 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid resistance with tissue-specific glyphosate resistance facilitating the production of hybrid maize seed. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. DATES: The comment period for the notice of intent published on April 28, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 30, 2021 / Notices 2021 (86 FR 22384) is reopened. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before July 30, 2021. You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2020–0021 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2020–0021, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. The petition and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at www.regulations.gov or in our reading room, which is located in room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. ADDRESSES: Ms. Cindy Eck, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737–1236; phone (301)851–3892; email: cynthia.a.eck@ usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: On April 28, 2021, we published in the Federal Register (86 FR 22384–22386, Docket No. APHIS–2020–0021) 1 a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding a request from Bayer seeking a determination of nonregulated status for maize developed using genetic engineering for dicamba, glufosinate, quizalofop, and 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid resistance with tissue-specific glyphosate resistance facilitating the production of hybrid maize seed. Comments on the notice of intent were required to be received on or before May 28, 2021. We are reopening the comment period on Docket No. APHIS–2020–0021 for an additional 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. We will also consider all comments received between May 29, 2021 (the day after the close of the original comment period) and the date of this notice. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1 To view the notice, go to www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS–2020–0021 in the Search field. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Jun 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of June 2021. Michael Watson, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2021–13904 Filed 6–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Notice of Request for a Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection Foreign Agricultural Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) intends to request a revision of a currently approved information collection for Sugar Import Licensing Programs. DATES: Comments should be received on or before August 30, 2021 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: FAS invites interested persons to submit comments on this notice by any of the following methods: b Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at the site for submitting comments. b Mail, hand delivery, or courier: William Janis, International Economist, Multilateral Affairs Division, Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5550, Stop 1070, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250–1070. b Email: William.Janis@usda.gov. Include OMB Number 0551–0015 in the subject line of the message. All comments submitted must include the agency name and OMB Number below. Comments received in response to this docket will be made available for public inspection and posted without change, including any personal information, online at https:// www.regulations.gov and at the mail address listed above between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact Angela SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34715 Ubrey (Human Resources, 202–772– 4836) or Constance Goodwin (Office of Civil Rights, 202–379–6431). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Janis at the address stated above, by telephone at (202) 720–2194 or by email at: William.Janis@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Sugar Imported for Export as Refined Sugar or as Sugar-Containing Products or used in the Production of Certain Polyhydric Alcohols. OMB Number: 0551–0015. Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2021. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The primary objective of the Sugar Import Licensing Program is to permit entry of raw cane sugar, unrestricted by the quantitative limit established by the sugar tariff-rate quota, for re-export in refined form or in sugar containing products or for production of certain polyhydric alcohols. As many as 250 licensees are currently eligible to participate in these programs. Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for each respondent resulting from information collection under the USDA Sugar Import Licensing Program varies in direct relation to the number and type of agreements entered into by such respondent. The estimated average reporting burden for the USDA Sugar Import Licensing Program is 0.26 hours per response. Under 7 CFR part 1530, the information collected is used by the licensing authority to manage, plan, evaluate, and account for program activities. The reports and records are required to ensure the proper operations of these programs. Respondents: Sugar refiners, manufacturers of sugar containing products, and producers of polyhydric alcohol. Estimated Number of Respondents: 146. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 10. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 388 hours. Request for Comments: The public is invited to submit comments and suggestions on all aspects of this information collection to help us to: (1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FAS’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of FAS’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34714-34715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13904]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2020-0021]


Bayer; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Maize Developed 
Using Genetic Engineering for Dicamba, Glufosinate, Quizalofop, and 
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Resistance, With Tissue-Specific 
Glyphosate Resistance Facilitating the Production of Hybrid Maize Seed; 
Reopening of Comment Period

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement; 
reopening of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: We are reopening the comment period for our notice of intent 
to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding a request from 
Bayer seeking a determination of nonregulated status for maize 
developed using genetic engineering for dicamba, glufosinate, 
quizalofop, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid resistance with tissue-
specific glyphosate resistance facilitating the production of hybrid 
maize seed. This action will allow interested persons additional time 
to prepare and submit comments.

DATES: The comment period for the notice of intent published on April 
28,

[[Page 34715]]

2021 (86 FR 22384) is reopened. We will consider all comments that we 
receive on or before July 30, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS-2020-0021 in the Search field. 
Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of 
documents.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2020-0021, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, 
APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1238.
    The petition and any comments we receive on this docket may be 
viewed at www.regulations.gov or in our reading room, which is located 
in room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is 
there to help you, please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Cindy Eck, Biotechnology 
Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236; phone (301)851-3892; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 28, 2021, we published in the 
Federal Register (86 FR 22384-22386, Docket No. APHIS-2020-0021) \1\ a 
notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding 
a request from Bayer seeking a determination of nonregulated status for 
maize developed using genetic engineering for dicamba, glufosinate, 
quizalofop, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid resistance with tissue-
specific glyphosate resistance facilitating the production of hybrid 
maize seed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view the notice, go to www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-
2020-0021 in the Search field.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments on the notice of intent were required to be received on or 
before May 28, 2021. We are reopening the comment period on Docket No. 
APHIS-2020-0021 for an additional 30 days from the date of publication 
of this notice. This action will allow interested persons additional 
time to prepare and submit comments. We will also consider all comments 
received between May 29, 2021 (the day after the close of the original 
comment period) and the date of this notice.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of June 2021.
Michael Watson,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13904 Filed 6-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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