Department of Agriculture October 21, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Administration; Cooperative Funding; Correction
This document contains corrections to the final regulations, which were published in the Federal Register of November 8, 1999 (64 FR 60678). The regulations established the minimum requirements applicable to written agreements between the Forest Service and cooperators, such as individuals, States and local governments, and other non-Federal entities. Additionally, this rulemaking implemented amendments to the Act of June 30, 1914, which expanded the basis for accepting contributions for cooperative work, allows reimbursable payments by cooperators, and adequately protects the Government's interest.
Stewardship Contracting, FSH 2409.19, Chapter 60
The Forest Service is issuing a final directive to Forest Service Handbook 2409.19, chapter 60, Stewardship Contracting. The directive provides direction to implement the provisions as authorized in the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA) of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a). On December 26, 2006, the Forest Service published in the Federal Register for public notice and comments an interim directive regarding guidance for, TFPA proposals. The agency considered all the comments and made a number of changes to the final directive in response.
USDA's Role in Differentiating Grain Inputs for Ethanol Production and Standardizing Testing of Co-Products of Ethanol Production
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register on July 20, 2007 (72 FR 39762), inviting comments from interest persons regarding the appropriate government role in differentiating grain attributes for ethanol conversion, as well as standardizing the testing of co-products of ethanol production. The original notice provided an opportunity for interested parties to comment until September 18, 2007. In response to a request from the grain industry, on October 5, 2007 (72 FR 56945), we reopened the comment period until December 4, 2007, to provide interested parties with additional time in which to comment. The commenters overwhelmingly agreed that GIPSA should not intervene in standardizing testing of ethanol inputs and outputs. Accordingly, we will not initiate any rulemaking action at this time related to the matters presented in the ANPR.
Swine Contractors
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adding ``swine contractors'' to the list of regulated entities subject to specific regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act or Act) (7 U.S.C. 181-229). In 2002, Congress added swine contractors as entities regulated under the P&S Act. Specifically, we are amending the regulations to clarify that swine contractors are prohibited from knowingly circulating misleading reports about market conditions or prices; that they are required to provide business information to authorized USDA personnel; and, that they are required to permit authorized USDA personnel to inspect their business records and facilities. We are also amending the regulations to clarify that agents and USDA employees are prohibited from unauthorized disclosure of business information obtained from swine contractors. These changes will assist swine contractors and swine production contract growers with determining which regulations under the P&S Act apply to swine contractors. The inclusion of swine contractors will help us better enforce the provisions of the P&S Act.
United States Standards for Soybeans
On May 1, 2007, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the effectiveness of the soybean standards. We asked for input on factors used in the current standards and grading procedures, whether changes in soybean processing practices and technology merited changes in the standards, and whether any other changes were needed to ensure that the standards remain relevant to market needs. Because the comments that we received did not indicate a consensus concerning changes to the standards, we will not proceed with rulemaking in this matter.
Ochoco National Forest, Deschutes National Forest; Invasive Plant Treatment Project
The USDA Forest Service will prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SETS) to document and disclose the potential environmental effects of proposed invasive plant treatment activities on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River National Grassland. An FEIS was made available in January 2008. A Record of Decision was signed in January 2008 and subsequently withdrawn. This project evaluates site-specific treatments of invasive plants; including manual, mechanical, cultural, biological and herbicide treatment methods as well as the use of prescribed fire. Forest Plan direction, including amendments identified in the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Environmental Impact Statement, will be incorporated into all alternatives, including the Proposed Action.
Notice of Meeting; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)
The Pacific Northwest Recreation Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Portland, OR. The purpose of the meeting is to review and provide recommendations on recreation fee proposals for facilities and services offered on lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington, under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004.
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