Department of Agriculture July 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests; Oregon and Washington; Revision of Land Management Plan for the Blue Mountains Forests
The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is initiating the Land Management Plan revision process for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests (Blue Mountains Forests), located in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. This process will result in three revised Land Management Plans to guide all resource management activities on the Blue Mountains Forests for approximately fifteen years. This notice announces the initiation of the assessment phase, the preliminary stage of the plan revision process. Assessments will identify and consider relevant and readily accessible material about ecological, social, and economic conditions and trends in the planning area, including best available scientific information. Findings will be documented in an assessment report. Trends and conditions identified in the assessment will help describe a need to change the existing plans and inform the revision of the three Land Management Plans.
Adjustments to Mango Board Representation; Withdrawal of Proposed Rule
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) withdraws a proposed rule recommended by the National Mango Board (Board) that would have adjusted the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) to allocate the seven foreign producer Board seats to the top five mango exporting countries, based on mango volume exported to the United States, with an additional seat allocated to the top exporting country, and one at-large seat. In addition, the proposal would have required no more than one Board member be employed by or be affiliated with the same company. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the proposed rule is being withdrawn.
Information Collection Request; Conservation Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirement, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Outreach and Partnership Division (OPD) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a new information collection request associated with Conservation Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance. The approved recipients will report the equity information to NRCS OPD on the underserved producers and communities who receive conservation assistance and students who are interested to pursue agriculture, natural resources and related sciences careers.
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods
This notice is announcing that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold a virtual public meeting of the full Committee on August 30, 2023. The Committee will discuss and vote to adopt the following report: Cyclospora cayetanensis in Produce. The Committee will also provide an update on the Cronobacter spp. in Powdered Infant Formula charge.
Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program
The Rural Utilities Service, a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter referred to as ``RUS'' or ``the Agency'' announced its intent to solicit Letters of Interest (LOI) for applications under the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program in a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on May 16, 2023, in the Federal Register. In addition, the NOFO also announced the eligibility requirements, application process and deadlines, and the criteria that RUS will use to assess New ERA Applications. The New ERA funds will be used to assist Eligible Entities in achieving the greatest reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions while advancing the long-term resiliency, reliability, and affordability of rural electric systems. This Notice announces an update on how to submit an LOI, additional information that must be submitted and an extension of time to submit LOIs.
Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) announces its intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection package for Voluntary Labeling Program for Biobased Products.
Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) announces its intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection package for Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement.
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2023
This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' and 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review.'' The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with Executive Order 13563. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the date shown. USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
This notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Appeals Division's request for an extension and revision to a currently approved information collection for the Customer Service Survey.
Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Continuance Referendum
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) regulations regarding a national paper and paper-based packaging research and promotion program.
Single Family Housing Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the implementation of two pilot programs for the Section 502 Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP), which are the Tribal Property Valuation Pilot Program and the Tribal Rehabilitation Pilot Program. Both pilot programs will provide flexible options for obtaining financing on tribal lands, one with a flexible appraisal option and the other permitting rehabilitation loans for homeowners. The Agency's intention is to evaluate the existing regulations, expand opportunities for economic development, and improve the quality of life in rural tribal communities. Details about these two pilot programs are provided in this notification.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest; Nevada; Withdrawal of Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Humboldt-Toiyabe Integrated Invasive Plant Treatment Project
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is withdrawing its notice of intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Humboldt-Toiyabe Integrated Invasive Plant Treatment Project.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and Orders
A national public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on proposals to amend the pricing formulas in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).
Horse Protection; Licensing of Designated Qualified Persons and Other Amendments
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture is proposing to withdraw a final rule that was filed for public inspection by the Office of the Federal Register on January 19, 2017, in advance of publication, and that amends the Agency's Horse Protection Act regulations (the 2017 HPA final rule). On January 23, 2017, APHIS withdrew the 2017 HPA final rule from publication without undertaking notice and comment procedures, in accordance with a memorandum that was issued by the Executive Office of the President on January 20, 2017. However, following a lawsuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found this withdrawal to be deficient. The District Court has indicated that one way to remedy this deficiency is to undertake notice and comment procedures on the proposed withdrawal. APHIS is therefore proposing to withdraw the 2017 HPA final rule, and take public comment on this matter.
Information Collection Request; Online Loan Application for Direct Loan Making Program and Direct Loan Servicing
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requirements, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a new collection associated with the new automated FSA Online Loan Application for Direct Loan Making Program and Direct Loan ServicingPrimary. For both Direct Loan Making and Direct Loan ServicingPrimary, the collected information is used in eligibility and feasibility determinations for loan making and loan servicing actions. Future releases of the FSA Online Loan Application will provide additional functionality and components for Direct Loan Making & Direct Loan ServicingPrimary applications.
Announcement of the Availability of Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) mission area of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of up to $50 million in grant funding through its Community Facilities Program (CF) to repair Essential community facilities damaged by Presidentially Declared Disasters in Calendar Year (CY) 2022, to remain available until expended. The supplemental disaster grant funding was received under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; APHIS Pest Reporting and Asian Longhorn Beetle Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS') intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the reporting of plant pests and diseases, and APHIS conducting Asian Longhorn Beetle Program activities.
Loan Guarantees Under the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is correcting a rule document that published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2023, entitled, ``Loan Guarantees Under the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program.'' The purpose of the notification was to announce updates in the process of submitting complete applications, updating the names and contact information for key personnel and changes in priority scoring. The purpose of this notification is to correct inadvertent errors that were previously published in the rule document on April 28, 2023, in the Federal Register.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Joint System Canal Project, Jackson County, OR
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon State Office announces its intent to prepare a Watershed Plan and EIS for the Joint System Canal Project, located approximately 4 miles east of Eagle Point, in Jackson County, Oregon. The proposed Watershed Plan will examine alternatives through the EIS process for modernizing the Joint System Canal to improve agricultural water management. Medford Irrigation District (MID) is the sponsoring local organization for the project and Rogue River Valley Irrigation District (RRVID) is a partner organization. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Request-Understanding Risk Assessment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Payment Accuracy Study
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a new collection. The primary purpose of this study is to provide FNS with information about SNAP State agencies' use of risk assessment (RA) tools to reduce payment errors, the effects of these tools, and best practices for FNS and the SNAP State agencies to consider in the development and use of RA tools. RA tools may apply statistical models using SNAP household characteristics to estimate the relative risk of improper payment.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Turnip the Beet! High Quality Summer Meals
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is an extension, without change, of a previously approved collection for which approval will expire on September 30, 2023, for recognizing program sponsors' nutrition efforts in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
Single Family Housing Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas Pilot Program
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing this notification to waive four regulatory requirements for the Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants in a Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas (PDDAs) pilot program. The Agency's intention is to evaluate the existing regulations and remove regulatory barriers to assist eligible applicants in PDDAs to improve the program usage for very-low-income homeowners that are seeking to repair their damaged homes that are in PDDAs. This notification briefly discusses the four waivers and provides contact information for additional details about the pilot.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, and the Office of Management and Budget and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-108 Federal Agency Responsibilities for Review, Reporting, and Publication under the Privacy Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes a new system of records for the information collected, created, and stored in the centralized omni-channel AskUSDA Contact Center. The purpose of this system is to provide industry standard customer service to respond to inquiries from the general public regarding programs and services provided by USDA. The system keeps track of the people asking questions for continuity of support and maintains a record of their interaction. The system provides multiple public channels like phone, email, and live chat. Also, the system maintains a common knowledge base across the organization that improves response consistency. This system also improves the efficiency of the Federal staff providing answers to public inquiry.
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast Marketing Areas; Recommended Decision on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and to Orders
This decision proposes to amend the transportation credit balancing fund provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders, and establish distributing plant delivery credits in the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders.
Missoula Resource Advisory Committee
The Missoula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act.
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council
The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The Council is authorized under the National Trails System Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the Council is to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, on matters relating to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail as described in the Act.
Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee
The Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act, as well as to make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests within Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, or Benewah County, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
United States Standards for Soybeans
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the United States Standards for Soybeans by removing soybeans of other colors (SBOC) as an official factor. In addition, AMS is revising the table of Grade Limits and Breakpoints for Soybeans to reflect this change.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Energy for America Program Technical Assistance Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023
The Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2023. These grant funds will be made to qualified type of Applicants to provide technical assistance to Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses applying to REAP, with priority for Applicants assisting distressed/disadvantaged communities, Applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies, and Applicants pursuing projects under $20,000. This Program has $21,250,000 available for FY 2023 utilizing funding provided under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. All Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing: Preliminary Determination and Solicitation of Comment; Extension of Comment Period
On May 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register a notice of preliminary determination entitled ``Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing: Preliminary Determination and of Comment,'' announcing the two agencies' joint preliminary determination, as required under section 481(d)(1) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), that adoption of the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 code standards will not negatively affect the affordability and availability of housing for new construction of HUD and USDA housing covered by EISA and seeking public comment on the preliminary determination. The preliminary determination is the first step to ultimately requiring compliance with these standards in HUD and USDA housing covered by EISA. The notice provided for a 60-day comment period, which would have ended July 17, 2023. HUD has determined that a 21-day extension of the comment period, until August 7, 2023, is appropriate. This extension will allow interested persons additional time to analyze the preliminary determination and prepare their comments.
Food Distribution Program: Value of Donated Foods from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
This notice announces the national average value of donated foods or, where applicable, cash in lieu of donated foods, to be provided in school year 2024 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) for each lunch served by schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and for each lunch and supper served by institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the Rural Development mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency to request approval for a new information collection in support of ascertaining the necessary budgetary criteria for planning and performing construction and other development work for facilities, housing and water and wastewater systems.
Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Housing Service, agencies of the Rural Development mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency to request approval for a new information collection in support of compliance with applicable acts for planning and performing construction and other development work.
Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) intention to extend and revise a previously approved information collection entitled ``Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Year End Report.''
Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the Rural Development mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency to request approval for a new information collection in support of compliance with applicable acts for planning and performing construction and other development work.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Reasons for Under-Redemption of the WIC Cash-Value Benefit
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a NEW information collection. This study informs the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) about the reasons behind under-redemption of the cash-value benefit (CVB) issued to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Federal Strategy To Advance Measurement and Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Monitoring for the Agriculture and Forest Sectors
The draft interagency report entitled, Federal Strategy to Advance Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Monitoring for the Agriculture and Forest Sectors (Strategy), has been published on the USDA website and is available at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/Draft-Federal-Ag-and-Forest-MMRV-Strategy.pdf and is also available on https://www.regulations.gov. This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued on behalf of the Administration's Greenhouse Gas Monitoring and Measurement Interagency Working Group (GHG IWG), USDA's Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) requests public comment broadly from individuals, U.S. industry, universities, non-profit organizations, Federal Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and other U.S. Federal, State, local, Tribal government agencies. This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that USDA or other agencies of the U.S. Government will take action in this matter. Comments received will inform the GHG IWG, and agencies planning and implementation of an agriculture and forestry monitoring, measurement, reporting, and verification framework and near-term activities, including discussions on potential partnerships.
Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program Standards; Virtual Public Meetings
We are notifying the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold five virtual listening sessions to receive public input on topics related to updates and improvements to the Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program Standards.
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