Agencies and Commissions January 18, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This document grants a motion requesting additional time to file reply comments on an intercarrier compensation reform plan, the ``Missoula Plan.'' The Order modifies the pleading cycle by reopening the comment period in order to facilitate the development of a more accurate and complete record in this proceeding.

In support of its mission to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing to amend its regulations governing Federal employment suitability. The proposed regulations would: authorize agencies to debar from employment for up to three years those found unsuitable, extend the suitability process to those applying for or who are in positions that can be non-competitively converted to the competitive service, provide additional procedural protections for those found unsuitable for Federal employment, and clarify the scope of authority for the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB or Board) to review actions taken under the regulations. OPM is also proposing changes to make the regulations more readable.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is proposing to amend 16 CFR part 1211, Safety Standard for Automatic Residential Garage Door Operators, to reflect changes made by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in its standard UL 325.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (the ``Commission'') is an independent adjudicatory agency that provides hearings and appellate review of cases arising under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the ``Mine Act''). Hearings are held before the Commission's Administrative Law Judges, and appellate review is provided by a five-member Review Commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. On July 18, 2006, the Commission published an interim rule to implement the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (the ``MINER Act''), which amended the Mine Act to improve the safety of miners, particularly in underground coal mines. The MINER Act provides for Commission review of disputes arising over emergency response plans for underground coal mines. The interim rule established procedures for the submission and consideration of such disputes. The Commission invited public comment on the interim rule. The Commission has reviewed the comments on the interim rule and has decided to make certain changes in the rule. This publication makes final changes to Rule 24, the rule designed to implement the MINER Act. In connection with revising Rule 24, the Commission is also amending four of its other procedural rules to make them consistent with Rule 24.

The Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'' or ``Commission'') requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, and regulatory and economic impact of its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (``the Guides''), as part of the Commission's systematic review of all current regulations and guides. The Commission is also releasing consumer research it commissioned regarding the messages conveyed by consumer endorsements. The Commission is seeking comment on this research and upon several other specific endorsement-related issues.

The Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee was established by Public Law 105-121, November 26, 1997, to advise the Board of Directors on the development and implementation of policies and programs designed to support the expansion of the Bank's financial commitments in Sub- Saharan Africa under the loan, guarantee and insurance programs of the Bank. Further, the committee shall make recommendations on how the Bank can facilitate greater support by U.S. commercial banks for trade with Sub-Saharan Africa. Time and Place: February 7, 2007 at 9:30 to 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Export-Import Bank in Room 1143, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20571. Agenda: The meeting will include updates on Africa outreach specifically including Ex-Im Bank Chairman James Lambright's February 1st and 2nd participation in the GTR/Standard Chartered ``Africa Trade & Investment 2007'' conference in Cape Town; a general discussion on the restrictions within which Ex-Im Bank must operate in any given country; the Bank's specialized U.S. outreach initiative relative to Nigeria; a presentation of the Bank's on-line Business Application Project; the Africa focus at Ex-Im Bank's April 12th and 13th annual meeting; and an ethics presentation for the new sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee members. Public Participation: The meeting will be open to public participation, and the last 10 minutes will be set aside for oral questions or comments. Members of the public may also file written statement(s) before or after the meeting. If any person wishes auxiliary aids (such as a sign language interpreter) or other special accommodations, please contact, prior to February 7, 2007, Barbara Ransom, Room 1241, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20571, Voice: (202) 565-3525 or TDD (202) 565-3377. Further Information: For further information, contact Barbara Ransom, Room 707, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20571, (202) 565-3525.