Department of Agriculture October 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (Forest) is proposing to charge new fees at one group campground, two campgrounds, and one new horse campground. These sites are currently in use by the public but are not currently charging fees for use. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and maintenance of these recreation sites. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. Significant capital improvements made in the past few years, coupled with increased visitation, support a fee. A review of visitor use data and fee collection information for existing fee campgrounds and group campgrounds on the Forest demonstrate public need and demand for the variety of recreation opportunities these facilities provide.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is proposing to charge new fees at 23 recreation sites listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION of this notice. Many sites have recently been reconstructed or amenities are being added to improve services and experiences. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and maintenance of these recreation sites.

Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency within the Department of Agriculture, has prepared and is announcing that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a project proposed by Next Era Energy Inc (NEER), is available for public review and comment. RUS is publishing the Draft EIS to inform interested parties and the general public about the project proposal and to invite the public to comment on the proposed action addressed in the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA and the Rural Utilities Service, Environmental Policies and Procedures and evaluates the potential environmental effects related to providing financial assistance for the NEER, Skeleton Creek Solar and Battery Storage Project, a proposed 250- megawatt (MW) solar array, plus 200-MW/800-megawatt-hour (MWh) storage facility using photovoltaic (PV) modules on private lands in Garfield County. The purpose and need of the proposed Project is to meet the needs of the Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC). The Project will allow NextEra to provide the additional generation capacity needed by WFEC to serve electrical needs at a reasonable cost to their member cooperatives. RUS has determined that its action regarding the proposed Project is an undertaking subject to review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulation, ``Protection of Historic Properties'' and as part of its broad environmental review process, RUS must take into account the effect of the proposed project on historic properties. RUS is using its procedures for public involvement under NEPA to meet its responsibilities to solicit and consider the views of the public during Section 106 review. Accordingly, comments submitted in response to this Notice will inform RUS decision-making during Section 106 review. As noted in the Federal Register notice announcing the intent to prepare an EIS on March 15, 2021, RUS invited any interested party wishing to participate directly with the agency as a ``consulting party'' in Section 106 review may submit a written request to the RUS contact provided below. RUS will consider, and provide a timely response to, any and all requests for consulting party status.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new information collection to administer the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). AMS is implementing this new cooperative agreement program under the American Rescue Plan Act, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with State, local, and tribal governments to purchase food from local and regional farmers/producers (within the state or within 400 miles) and from socially disadvantaged farmers/producers.

This rule transfers regulations pertaining to the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Manufacturers program from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to reflect changes in the organizational structure and delegated authorities within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This action is necessary to enable the AMS Administrator to issue, maintain, and revise as necessary regulations related to programs under the AMS Administrator's delegated authority.