2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of State (``Department'') is proposing to amend the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (``Schedule'') to reduce the current fee for Administrative Processing of a Request for a Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States (CLN) from $2,350 to $450.

Based on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's recommendations, we are implementing aggregate ownership caps in Lobster Conservation Management Areas 2 and 3, a maximum trap cap reduction in Area 3, and mandatory coastwide electronic harvester reporting for all federally permitted lobster vessels. The ownership caps and trap cap reduction measures are intended to reduce fishing exploitation and latent effort in the trap fishery by scaling the fishery to the size of the Southern New England lobster stock. The harvester reporting requirement is intended to improve the spatial resolution of harvester data, and improve and expand the collection of fishery effort data. This action is necessary to better manage the lobster fishery toward sustainability and to ensure fishery regulations for the lobster fishery in Federal waters remain compatible with the intent of the Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster and consistent with the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on September 1, 2023. The document issued a final rule to establish the enhanced discounts available for monthly broadband services provided in high-cost areas by participants in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 64-09-03, which applied to all de Havilland (type certificate now held by Viking Air Limited (Viking)) Model DHC-2 ``Beaver'' airplanes. AD 64-09-03 required inspecting the aileron mass balance weight arms for cracks and corrosion and replacing any damaged part. Since the FAA issued AD 64- 09-03, Transport Canada superseded its mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) to correct an unsafe condition on these products. This AD requires incorporating into the existing maintenance records for your airplane the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, specified in a supplemental inspection and corrosion control manual for Model DHC-2 airplanes. This AD also requires completing all of the initial tasks identified in this manual and reporting certain corrosion findings to Viking. The actions in this supplemental inspection and corrosion control manual include the inspection of the aileron balance weight arms required by AD 64-09-03. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action extends the comment period for a SNPRM titled ``Interior Parts and Components Fire Protection for Transport Category Airplanes'' that was published on August 17, 2023. In that document, the FAA provided additional information on its proposed elimination of a smoke emissions testing requirement. The FAA also changed its calculations related to the proposed rule's costs and benefits. The FAA is extending the comment period closing date to allow commenters additional time to analyze the proposed rule and prepare a response.

ACF proposes to amend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program regulations to strengthen the safety net and reduce administrative burden. This NPRM encompasses a package of reforms to ensure TANF programs are designed and funds are used in accordance with the statute. In addition, the package includes provisions that are more technical in nature and are designed to reduce administrative burden and increase program effectiveness.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting comments on the proposed FEMA policy, Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). This proposed policy would provide detail, consistent with applicable regulations, on applicability, processes, resources, and responsibilities for implementing the FFRMS as part of FEMA's 8- step decision making process for carrying out the directives of Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, as amended.

This rule implements a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) to change multiple provisions in the administrative requirements prescribed under the Federal marketing order regulating the handling of almonds grown in California (Order). This action amends administrative requirements regulating quality control, exempt dispositions, and interest and late charges provisions. In addition, the rule stays two sections of the administrative requirements that define almond butter and stipulate disposition in reserve outlets by handlers to facilitate the efficient administration of the Order.

This final rule announces routine inseason adjustments to management measures in commercial and recreational groundfish fisheries for the remainder of the 2023 fishing year. This action is intended to allow commercial and recreational fishing vessels to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-24- 04, which applied to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. AD 2020-24-04 required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate procedures for an approach with a localizer-based navigation aid, monitoring localizer raw data, calling out any significant deviations, and performing an immediate go around under certain conditions. This AD was prompted by the development of a modification to address the previously identified unsafe condition, and the identification of a separate unsafe condition where misleading vertical flight director (FD) guidance can be presented to the flightcrew under certain conditions. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2020-24-04 and requires installing applicable software updates to the flight control module (FCM). Using updated software terminates the retained AFM requirement in this AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

On July 23, 2021, we issued a temporary final rule (TFR) with request for comments to lengthen the ``close proximity of time'' standard in the Listing of Impairments (the listings) for musculoskeletal disorders because the COVID-19 national public health emergency (PHE) caused many individuals to experience barriers that prevented them from timely accessing in-person healthcare. That prior TFR is effective until six months after the effective date of a determination by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that a PHE resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic no longer exists. The Secretary of HHS made that determination, and the COVID-19 national PHE ended on May 11, 2023. However, healthcare practices in a post-PHE world are still evolving. We are therefore issuing this new TFR to extend the flexibility provided by the prior TFR until May 11, 2025, so we can evaluate changes in healthcare practices and determine the proper ``close proximity of time'' standard for the musculoskeletal disorders listings.

Eligible citizens, nationals, and passport holders from designated Visa Waiver Program countries may apply for admission to the United States at U.S. ports of entry as nonimmigrant noncitizens for a period of ninety days or less for business or pleasure without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa, provided that they are otherwise eligible for admission under applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, has designated Israel as a country that is eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Accordingly, this rule updates the list of countries designated for participation in the Visa Waiver Program by adding Israel.

We propose to expand the definition of a public assistance (PA) household for purposes of our programs, particularly the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, to include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as an additional means-tested public income maintenance (PIM) program. In addition, we seek public comment on expanding the definition to include households in which any other (as opposed to every other) member receives public assistance. We expect that the proposed rule would decrease the number of SSI applicants and recipients charged with in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). In addition, we expect that this proposal would decrease the amount of income we would deem to SSI applicants or recipients because we would no longer deem income from ineligible spouses and parents who receive SNAP benefits and live in the same household. These policy changes would reduce administrative burden for low-income households and SSA.

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to remove Change Service Requested, Option 1, as an ancillary service endorsement option for Ballot Mail.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing the availability of two guidance documents that will help sprout operations subject to FDA's final rule entitled ``Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption'' (the Produce Safety Rule) understand the topics covered in the Produce Safety Rule pertaining to personnel qualifications, training, and hygienic practices; equipment, tools, and buildings; and sampling and testing of spent sprout irrigation water (or in-process sprouts). FDA is issuing a draft guidance entitled, ``Draft Guidance for Industry: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Sprouts for Human Consumption,'' which revises a currently issued draft guidance entitled ``Compliance with and Recommendations for Implementation of the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption for Sprout Operations'' (January 23, 2017) (the January 2017 draft guidance). In addition, FDA is announcing the availability of a final guidance entitled ``Guidance for Industry: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Sprouts for Human Consumption,'' which finalizes portions of the January 2017 draft guidance with additional clarifications in response to comments.

The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary safety zone for the Ohio River from October 2 through October 5, 2023, at mile marker 79.5 to mile marker 80 from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. each day. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on the navigable waters during a helicopter operation. This rule prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh (COTP) or a designated representative.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing two general licenses (GLs) issued pursuant to the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations: GLs 55A and 72, each of which was previously made available on OFAC's website.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS or Service), propose to establish a nonessential experimental population (NEP) of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) within the U.S. portion of the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE) in the State of Washington under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act or ESA). Establishment of this NEP is intended to support reintroduction and recovery of grizzly bears within the NCE and provide the prohibitions and exceptions under the Act necessary and appropriate to conserve the species within a defined NEP area. The proposed NEP area includes most of the State of Washington except for an area in northeastern Washington that encompasses the Selkirk Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. The best available data indicate that reintroduction of the grizzly bear to the NCE, within the NEP area, is biologically feasible and will promote the conservation of the species. We are seeking comments on this proposed section 10(j) rule.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, and Trent 1000-R3 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain intervals for visual inspection of the intermediate-pressure stage 8 (IP8) and high-pressure stage 3 (HP3) air transfer tubes and front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes need to be reduced. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the IP8 and HP3 air transfer tubes and front bearing housing IP8 air feed tubes for cracking, damage, or air leakage wear, and replacement, if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing Revision 1 to Regulatory Issue Summary (RIS) 2014-06, ``Consideration of Current Operating Issues and Licensing Actions in License Renewal.'' Revision 1 to RIS 2014-06 provides information to the addressees on how the NRC considers current operating issues in the license renewal review under NRC regulations. This RIS is intended for all holders of operating licenses and combined licenses for nuclear power reactors, except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel. NRC regulations identify the technical information that must be submitted in a license renewal application to enable the NRC staff to make a determination that the license may be renewed. Pursuant to the regulations, an applicant is required to demonstrate that the effects of aging on the functionality of structures and components subject to an aging management review will be adequately managed; the consideration of recent operating experience is an important aspect of that demonstration. In addition, as required by NRC regulations, license renewal applicants need to update their applications with new information related to any current licensing basis changes during the NRC application review that could impact aging management of structures and components.

DoD is issuing an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, that provides for the limitation of funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any fiscal year for DoD, to be provided to an institution of higher education that hosts a Confucius Institute.

DoD is issuing an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') is issuing this notice of proposed rulemaking (``NPR'') to establish disclosure requirements for persons seeking to make certain appearances before the Commission. Specifically, the proposed requirements provide for disclosure of whether: any person other than the submitter authored, in whole or in part, an oral presentation, adjudicative testimony, or petition for rulemaking submitted to the Commission; any person other than the submitter made or has agreed to make a monetary contribution to fund the oral presentation, adjudicative testimony, or petition for rulemaking; and the submitter of a request to provide oral testimony before the Commission has an existing business relationship by which the submitter expects to receive direct or indirect financial benefit in connection with the oral presentation or the Commission activity that is the subject of the oral presentation. The Commission similarly proposes to require that any person seeking to participate as an intervenor or other participant in any adjudicative proceeding before the Commission shall disclose whether a party in the proceeding or a party's counsel authored the petition to intervene or request to participate, as well as the identity of each person who has made or has agreed to make a monetary contribution to fund the request to participate or proposed participation. Additionally, the Commission proposes disclosure of certain corporate affiliations in these contexts. Finally, the Commission proposes technical revisions to its regulations establishing procedures for filing petitions for rulemaking and requests for oral presentation.

The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') proposes to establish and amend the certification provisions, labeling requirements, and enforcement provisions for specific types of consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment, as described in sections II and III of this proposed rule. DOE is proposing to establish and make amendments to the certification requirements, labeling requirements, and enforcement provisions for these products and equipment to ensure reporting that is consistent with currently applicable energy conservation standards and test procedures and to ensure DOE has the information necessary to determine the appropriate classification of products for the application of standards. DOE seeks comment from interested parties on all aspects of this proposal.