Agencies and Commissions January 29, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is denying a petition for rulemaking (PRM) submitted by Mr. Eric Epstein, Chairman of Three Mile Island Alert, Inc. (TMIA). The petitioner requested that the NRC amend its emergency preparedness regulations to require that all host school pick-up centers be located at least 5 to 10 miles beyond the radiation plume exposure boundary zone to ensure that all school children are protected in the event of a radiological emergency.

This document corrects a notice appearing in the Federal Register on January 23, 2009 (74 FR 4260), that informs the public of the public meeting and Request for Comments on topics relating to the development of the policy statement. In addition to announcing the public meeting, the NRC is using this notice to request comments on the topics discussed in this notice. These topics can be found in section D (Topics for Discussion of the Supplementary Information).

In February 2009, the Postal Service will file a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission, effective in May 2009. This proposed rule provides the mailing standards that would accompany new prices in 2009 and 2010.

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) adopts additional measures for domestic implementation of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), an advanced marine vessel tracking and navigation technology that can significantly enhance our Nation's homeland security as well as maritime safety. Specifically, in the Second Report and Order in WT Docket No. 04-344, the Commission designates maritime VHF Channel 87B (161.975 MHz) for exclusive AIS use throughout the Nation, while providing a replacement channel for those geographic licensees that are currently authorized to use Channel 87B in an inland VHF Public Coast (VPC) service area (VPCSA); determines that only Federal Government (Federal) entities should have authority to operate AIS base stations, obviating any present need for the Commission to adopt licensing, operational, or equipment certification rules for such stations; and requires that Class B AIS shipborne deviceswhich have somewhat reduced functionality vis-[agrave]-vis the Class A devices that are carried by vessels required by law to carry AIS equipment, and are intended primarily for voluntary carriage by recreational and other non- compulsory vesselscomply with the international standard for such equipment, while also mandating additional safeguards to better ensure the accuracy of AIS data transmitted from Class B devices. These measures will facilitate the establishment of an efficient and effective domestic AIS network, and will optimize the navigational and homeland security benefits that AIS offers.

The Board is amending Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and the staff commentary to the regulation, following a comprehensive review of TILA's rules for open-end (revolving) credit that is not home-secured. Consumer testing was conducted as a part of the review. Except as otherwise noted, the changes apply solely to open-end credit. Disclosures accompanying credit card applications and solicitations must highlight fees and reasons penalty rates might be applied, such as for paying late. Creditors are required to summarize key terms at account opening and when terms are changed. Specific fees are identified that must be disclosed to consumers in writing before an account is opened, and creditors are given flexibility regarding how and when to disclose other fees imposed as part of the open-end plan. Costs for interest and fees are separately identified for the cycle and year to date. Creditors are required to give 45 days' advance notice prior to certain changes in terms and before the rate applicable to a consumer's account is increased as a penalty. Rules of general applicability such as the definition of open-end credit, dispute resolution procedures, and payment processing limitations apply to all open-end plans, including home-equity lines of credit. Rules regarding the disclosure of debt cancellation and debt suspension agreements are revised for both closed-end and open-end credit transactions. Loans taken against employer-sponsored retirement plans are exempt from TILA coverage.

The Federal Reserve Board (Board) is amending Regulation DD, which implements the Truth in Savings Act, and the official staff commentary to the regulation to require all depository institutions to disclose aggregate overdraft fees on periodic statements, and not solely institutions that promote the payment of overdrafts. The final rule also addresses balance disclosures provided to consumers through automated systems. In addition, the Board is separately issuing a proposed rulemaking, published in today's Federal Register, to incorporate the notice requirements into Regulation E that were previously proposed under Regulation DD.