Department of State 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On November 21, 2014, the President issued a memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies on the subject of modernizing and streamlining the U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visa system for the 21st century. The Memorandum directs the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, in consultation with various other Cabinet secretaries and the White House, to make recommendations to streamline and improve the Nation's legal immigration system. Such efforts should focus on reducing Government costs, improving services for applicants, reducing burdens on employers, and combatting waste, fraud, and abuse in the system, while safeguarding the interests of American workers. This notice solicits public input to inform the development of those recommendations.

A determination has been made that a number of foreign persons have engaged in activities that warrant the imposition of measures pursuant to Section 3 of the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act. The Act provides for penalties on entities and individuals for the transfer to or acquisition from Iran since January 1, 1999; the transfer to or acquisition from Syria since January 1, 2005; or the transfer to or acquisition from North Korea since January 1, 2006, of goods, services, or technology controlled under multilateral control lists (Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group, Chemical Weapons Convention, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Wassenaar Arrangement) or otherwise having the potential to make a material contribution to the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or cruise or ballistic missile systems. The latter category includes (a) items of the same kind as those on multilateral lists but falling below the control list parameters when it is determined that such items have the potential of making a material contribution to WMD or cruise or ballistic missile systems, (b) items on U.S. national control lists for WMD/missile reasons that are not on multilateral lists, and (c) other items with the potential of making such a material contribution when added through case-by-case decisions.

The Department of State is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of July 1, 2014 (79 FR 37536) and making other, minor changes.

This joint interim final rule implements for all Federal award-making agencies the final guidance Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 26, 2013. This rule is necessary in order to incorporate into regulation and thus bring into effect the Uniform Guidance as required by OMB. Implementation of this guidance will reduce administrative burden and risk of waste, fraud, and abuse for the approximately $600 billion per year awarded in Federal financial assistance. The result will be more Federal dollars reprogrammed to support the mission, new entities able to compete and win awards, and ultimately a stronger framework to provide key services to American citizens and support the basic research that underpins the United States economy.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Piero di Cosimo: The Poetry of Painting in Renaissance Florence,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, from on or about February 1, 2015, until on or about May 3, 2015, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``The Habsburgs: Rarely Seen Artworks from Europe's Greatest Dynasty,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owner or custodian. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, Minnesota, from on or about February 15, 2015, until on or about May 10, 2015, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston, Texas, from on or about June 14, 2015, to on or about September 13, 2015, the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia, from on or about October 18, 2015, to on or about January 17, 2016, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Bj[ouml]rk,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, from on or about March 8, 2015, until on or about June 7, 2015, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

The Department of State invites the public, including non- governmental and civil society organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, private sector companies, and other interested persons, to submit written input on U.S. goals and objectives for the third International Conference on Financing for Development.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Man RayHuman Equations: A Journey from Mathematics to Shakespeare,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, from on or about February 7, 2015, until on or about May 10, 2015, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Rembrandt: A Decade of Brilliance (1648- 1658),'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owner or custodian. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the University of San Diego's University Galleries, from on or about March 21, 2015, until on or about May 22, 2015, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Islamic Galleries,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, from on or about December 18, 2014, until on or about November 17, 2017, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibitions of ``Keir Collection of Art of the Islamic World,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owner or custodian. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, TX, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, from on about October 1, 2015, until on or about December 31, 2019, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

The Department of State hereby gives notice that, on September 24, 2014, it received an application for a Presidential Permit to replace and expand the Columbus Land Port of Entry (LPOE) on the U.S.- Mexico Border at Columbus, New Mexico, and Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico. The United States General Services Administration (GSA) filed this application. The Department of State's jurisdiction over this application is based upon Executive Order 11423 of August 16, 1968, as amended. As provided in E.O. 11423, the Department is circulating this application to relevant federal agencies for review and comment. Under E.O. 11423, the Department has the responsibility to determine, taking into account input from these agencies and other stakeholders, whether issuance of a Presidential Permit for the proposed replacement and expansion of this border crossing would serve the national interest. Interested members of the public are invited to submit written comments regarding this application on or before December 15, 2014 to the U.S.- Mexico Border Affairs Office, via email at WHA-BorderAffairs@state.gov or by mail at WHA/MEXRoom 3924, Department of State, 2201 C St. NW., Washington, DC 20520.

The purpose of this Notice is to inform the public and interested federal, tribal, state, and local government entities that the Otay Water District (District) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) intend to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Otay Mesa Conveyance and Disinfection System Project (proposed project). In November 2013, the District submitted an application to DOS for a Presidential Permit authorizing the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of a cross-border pipeline facility for the proposed project, which would convey desalinated seawater from a new border crossing with Mexico approximately four miles northeast to the District's Roll Reservoir in San Diego County. This Notice of Preparation/Notice of Intent (NOP/NOI) informs the public about the proposed project and solicits participation and comments from interested federal, tribal, state, and local government entities and the public for consideration in establishing the scope and content of the EIR/EIS. Project Description: The proposed project would entail construction of a potable water pipeline and associated facilities to convey desalinated sea water produced in Mexico into the District's service area in southern San Diego County, California. The scope of the proposed project for the purpose of environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is limited to the portion of the proposed project within the United States. The scope does not include the proposed desalination plant in Rosarito, Mexico or associated pipeline infrastructure in Mexico. Within the United States, the proposed project would involve the construction and operation of an approximately four-mile long (depending on the selected alternative) potable water pipeline with a set diameter of between 48 and 54 inches, and a metering station within the Otay Mesa area of the County of San Diego just north of the United States/Mexico border. Additionally, a pump station and/or disinfection facility may be constructed if needed. The proposed project would enable the District to import and convey desalinated potable water from a connection point at the United States/ Mexico border north to the District's existing Roll Reservoir. The proposed Mexican desalination plant (not a part of the proposed project) is envisioned to produce 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of desalinated sea water. The District intends to initially purchase approximately 20-25 MGD of desalinated sea water, and ultimately increase the amount to 50 MGD. Due to seasonal variation in demand, the District anticipates that 10 MGD would be conveyed in the winter months, and up to 50 MGD would be conveyed during peak demand periods in the summer months. Numerous alignment (routing) options were considered; however, after initial consideration of environmental and engineering opportunities and constraints, the District has chosen three alternative alignments considered the most feasible, and will address those alignments in the EIR/EIS. The District will be responsible for approving the expenditure of public funds for the proposed project and DOS will be responsible for determining whether the proposed project serves the national interest pursuant to Executive Order 13337, and if so, issuing a Presidential Permit authorizing the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of the cross-border pipeline facility. Project Location: The proposed project is generally located in the southwestern portion of San Diego County, in the community of Otay Mesa, immediately adjacent to the United States/Mexico border, east of Interstate 5, Interstate 805 and State Route 125. More specifically, the proposed project is located within the East Otay Mesa Specific Plan, which lies between the Otay River Valley to the north, United States/Mexico border to the south, San Ysidro Mountains to the east, and City of San Diego Otay Mesa Community Plan Area to the west. Probable Environmental Effects: The District will be the CEQA Lead Agency and the DOS will be the federal lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed project. The District and DOS are jointly reviewing the proposed project pursuant to CEQA and consistent with NEPA, respectively, and will prepare a joint EIR/EIS to identify and assess potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives associated with the proposed project. The District and DOS have determined that an EIR/EIS is the appropriate environmental document for the proposed project because there is substantial evidence that some aspects of the proposed project individually or cumulatively may have a significant effect on the human environment. The EIR/EIS will identify the purpose and need for the proposed project, the affected environment, project alternatives (including the no action alternative), impacts of the project alternatives, and proposed mitigation measures. Environmental issues that may require detailed analysis include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, socioeconomics/environmental justice, and transportation/traffic. Based on the preliminary scope of the proposed project, technical studies are expected to be prepared for the following issues: Air quality/GHG, biological resources, cultural resources, geology/soils, hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, and traffic. Scoping Period: The District and DOS have issued this NOP/NOI, and are seeking review and comments within 30 days from relevant federal, tribal, state, and local government entities, interested parties, and the public about the scope of the EIR/EIS, alternatives and analyses, pursuant to CEQA Section 21153(a); California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15082(a) and 15083; and consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations found at 40 CFR 1500-1508). The comment period for the NOP/NOI begins on November 14, 2014 and ends on December 14, 2014. A copy of this NOP/NOI is available on the proposed project's Web site: www.owd-desalconveyance.com. The California Office of Planning and Research is responsible for coordinating state-level review of the CEQA/NEPA document. Additionally, DOS will publish the NOP/NOI in the Federal Register pursuant to CEQ Regulations, Sections 1501.7 and 1508.22. Once the NOP/NOI is published in the Federal Register, the 30-day scoping/ comment period begins consistent with NEPA. The District and DOS will also undertake any consultations required by applicable laws or regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470, et seq.). All comments in response to the NOP/NOI must be submitted by December 14, 2014. Comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov by entering the title of this Notice into the search field and following the prompts. Comments may also be submitted by mail at the address below. All comments from agencies or organizations should indicate a contact person for each agency or organization, if applicable. All comments received during the scoping period may be made public, no matter how initially submitted. Comments are not private and will not be edited to remove identifying or contact information. Commenters are cautioned against including any information that they would not want publicly disclosed. Any party soliciting or aggregating comments from other persons is further requested to direct those persons not to include any identifying or contact information, or information they would not want publicly disclosed, in their comments. Public Scoping Meeting: A public scoping meeting regarding the EIR/ EIS will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the Otay Water District Board Room, located at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley, CA 91978. Cooperating and Responsible Agencies, as well as any interested agencies, organizations, and members of the public are invited to attend.

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Collecting Paradise: Buddhist Art of the Kashmir and its Legacies,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art, Evanston, Illinois, from on or about January 13, 2015, until on or about April 19, 2015, the Rubin Museum of Art, New York, New York, from on or about May 22, 2015, until on or about November 30, 2015, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.