February 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, an information collection associated with the rules for the Connect America Fund contained in the Commission's Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and the Connect USVI Fund, FCC 19-95 and the 2020 Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Order, FCC 20-5. This document is consistent with the Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and the Connect USVI Fund Order and the 2020 Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of the revised information collection requirements.

Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to disapprove State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittals from New York and New Jersey regarding interstate transport for the 2015 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This provision requires that each state's SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions from within the state from significantly contributing to nonattainment or interfering with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states. The ``good neighbor'' or ``interstate transport'' requirement is part of the broader set of ``infrastructure'' requirements, which are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA. This disapproval, if finalized, will establish a 2-year deadline for the EPA to promulgate a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to address the relevant interstate transport requirements, unless the EPA approves a subsequent SIP submittal that meets these requirements. Disapproval does not start a mandatory sanctions clock.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) is issuing this procedural rule to update its Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings (Rules of Practice). This rule expands the opportunities for parties in adjudication proceedings to conduct depositions. It also contains various amendments regarding timing and deadlines, the content of answers, the scheduling conference, bifurcation of proceedings, the process for deciding dispositive motions, and requirements for issue exhaustion, as well as other technical changes. Overall, the amendments will provide the parties with earlier access to relevant information and also foster greater procedural flexibility, which should ultimately contribute to more effective and efficient proceedings. The Bureau welcomes comments on this rule, and the Bureau may make further amendments if it receives comments warranting changes.

This document denies petitions from Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) and BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) (collectively, Petitioners) for temporary exemptions from certain requirements of FMVSS No. 108 to allow installation of adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlighting systems. Both manufacturers requested exemptions on the basis that an exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a new motor vehicle safety feature providing a safety level at least equal to that of the standard. NHTSA has determined that, in light of the publication today of a final rule amending FMVSS No. 108 to allow ADB systems, there is no need to grant the requested exemptions because the standard now allows the deployment of such systems. Accordingly, the petitions are denied.

The Coast Guard announces its intent to enter into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to evaluate and potentially modify target classification technology used in conjunction with electro-optical/infra-red (E.O./IR) systems. The Coast Guard is currently considering partnering with Teledyne FLIR, Inc. and solicits public comment on the possible participation of other parties in the proposed CRADA, and the nature of that participation. The Coast Guard also invites other potential non-Federal participants, who have the interest and capability to bring similar contributions to this type of research, to consider submitting proposals for consideration in similar CRADAs.

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) continues to find that Tianjin Magnesium International Co., Ltd. (TMI) and Tianjin Magnesium Metal Co., Ltd. (TMM) (collectively, TMI/TMM) had no shipments of subject merchandise covered by the antidumping duty order on pure magnesium from the People's Republic of China (China) for the period of review (POR) May 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021.

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) determines that certain mobile access equipment and subassemblies thereof (mobile access equipment) from the People's Republic of China (China) are being, or are likely to be sold, in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV).

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to continue the information collections described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, USAID requests public comment on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collections to OMB. Comments are requested concerning: (a) Whether the collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek comment on reforms to the urban and rural rates determination process for the Rural Health Care Program's Telecommunications Program, revisions to Rural Health Care Program rules governing the internal funding cap on upfront payments and multi-year contracts, and modifications to the Rural Health Care Program invoicing procedures. 2........................ WIRELINE COMPETITION.. Title: Aureon Refund Data Order (WC Docket No. 18-60). Summary: The Commission will consider an Order requiring Iowa Network Access Division (d/b/a Aureon) to file cost and demand data to enable Commission staff to calculate appropriate refunds due to Aureon's customers after two investigations into Aureon's tariffed switched transport rate. 3........................ MEDIA................. Title: Updating Technical Rules for Radio Broadcasters (MB Docket No. 21- 263). Summary: The Commission will consider a Report and Order to eliminate or amend outmoded or unnecessary broadcast technical rules. 4........................ ENFORCEMENT........... Title: Enforcement Bureau Action. Summary: The Commission will consider an enforcement action.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information to assist in evaluating and improving its cybersecurity resources, including the ``Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity'' (the ``NIST Cybersecurity Framework,'' ``CSF'' or ``Framework'') and a variety of existing and potential standards, guidelines, and other information, including those relating to improving cybersecurity in supply chains. NIST is considering updating the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to account for the changing landscape of cybersecurity risks, technologies, and resources. In addition, NIST recently announced it would launch the National Initiative for Improving Cybersecurity in Supply Chains (NIICS) to address cybersecurity risks in supply chains. This wide- ranging public-private partnership will focus on identifying tools and guidance for technology developers and providers, as well as performance-oriented guidance for those acquiring such technology. To inform the direction of the NIICS, including how it might be aligned and integrated with the Cybersecurity Framework, NIST is requesting information that will support the identification and prioritization of supply chain-related cybersecurity needs across sectors. Responses to this RFI will inform a possible revision of the Cybersecurity Framework as well as the NIICS initiative.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. C-125, C145, IO-360, IO-470, IO-550, O-300, O-470, TSIO-360, TSIO-520 series model reciprocating engines and certain Continental Motors IO-520 series model reciprocating engines with a certain oil filter adapter installed. This AD was prompted by reports of two accidents that were the result of power loss due to oil starvation. This AD requires replacing the oil filter adapter fiber gasket (fiber gasket) with an oil filter adapter copper gasket (copper gasket). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has received petitions for certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance from the firms listed below. Accordingly, EDA has initiated investigations to determine whether increased imports into the United States of articles like or directly competitive with those produced by each of the firms contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of the firms' workers, or threat thereof, and to a decrease in sales or production of each petitioning firm.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, make available a draft low-effect screening form for a categorical exclusion (dCatEx form) under the National Environmental Policy Act and candidate conservation agreement with assurances (CCAA) for normal agricultural operations, recreation, and nature tourism in Montague, Clay, Wichita, Archer, Wilbarger, Baylor, Hardeman, Foard, Childress, Cottle, and Motley Counties, in Texas. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has applied for an enhancement of survival permit (EOS) under the Endangered Species Act that would authorize incidental take of the Texas kangaroo rat. The dCatEx form evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, implementation of the proposed CCAA. We seek public comment on the CCAA, dCatEx form, and EOS application.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might ``further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.'' The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

This document contains corrections to the final regulations Treasury Decision 9960 published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. The final regulations regarding the treatment of domestic partnerships for purposes of determining amounts included in the gross income of their partners with respect to foreign corporations.

The Coast Guard is proposing to disestablish the presedential security zone that encompasses certain waters of the Lake Worth Lagoon, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and Atlantic Ocean near the Mar-A-Lago Club, and the Southern Boulevard Bridge in Palm Beach, Florida (FL). The security zone is no longer needed to protect official parties, public, or surrounding waterways from terrorist acts, sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, or other events of a similar nature. This proposed action would remove existing regulations that restrict vessel movement through the area. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the award of approximately $3,000,000 for Year 1 of funding to the (MSHPCMU). The award will strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the central and decentralized levels for HIV/TB infection control interventions. Funding amounts for years 2-5 will be set at continuation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the award of approximately $500,000, for Year 1 of funding to the Kazakhstan Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (KSCDID). The award will reduce new HIV infections and AIDS deaths in Kazakhstan through rapidly expanding prevention, testing, care, and effective treatment services to people living with HIV (PLHIV). Funding amounts for years 2-5 will be set at continuation.

This final rule removes the Navy regulation on the Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Proprietary Rights in Technical Information Proposed for Release to Foreign Governments because its content is duplicative of a DoD-level regulation. The rule is redundant and unnecessary. Therefore, this rule can be removed from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).