Federal Trade Commission March 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FTC is seeking public comments on its proposal to extend through July 31, 2011, the current Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') clearance for information collection requirements contained in the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Rule (``COPPA Rule''), which will expire on July 31, 2008. The information collection requirements described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') for review, as required by the PRA.

The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices or unfair methods of competition. The attached Analysis to Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the draft complaint and the terms of the consent orderembodied in the consent agreementthat would settle these allegations.

The Federal Trade Commission (the ``Commission'' or the ``FTC'') has completed its regulatory review of the Trade Regulation Rule on Funeral Industry Practices (``the Funeral Rule'' or ``the Rule''). The Rule sets forth preventive requirements in the form of price and information disclosures to ensure funeral providers avoid engaging in acts or practices the Commission has identified as unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Pursuant to the review, the Commission concludes that the Rule in its current form continues to be valuable to consumers, and the benefits of the Rule outweigh the costs. Because of insufficient support in the record, the Commission declines to propose amendments that some commenters advocated, namely to: expand the scope of the Rule; eliminate the basic services fee of the funeral director; allow funeral providers to charge casket handling fees; prohibit discount funeral packages; require additional price and information disclosures on the various disclosure documents; and adopt additional regulations focused on contracts for funeral arrangements made on a pre-need basis. However, to further the Commission's understanding of this evolving industry, the Commission will continue to accept written comment and data, as described below.

Section 205 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate biodiesel labeling requirements. In accordance with this directive, the FTC is publishing proposed amendments to its rule for ``Automotive Fuel Ratings, Certification, and Posting'' (``Fuel Rating Rule'' or ``Rule''). The Commission is seeking comment on proposed changes to the Rule.

The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices or unfair methods of competition. The attached Analysis to Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the draft complaint and the terms of the consent orderembodied in the consent agreementthat would settle these allegations.

As part of its ongoing systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission rules and guides, the Commission gives notice that, during 2008, it intends to request public comments on the rules and guide listed below. The Commission will request comments on, among other things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need for, the rules and guide; possible conflict between the rules and guide and state, local, or other federal laws or regulations; and the effect on the rules and guide of any technological, economic, or other industry changes. No Commission determination on the need for, or the substance of, the rules and guide should be inferred from the notice of intent to publish requests for comments. In addition, the Commission announces a revised 10-year regulatory review schedule.

The Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'' or ``Commission'') is planning to host a public workshop on April 30, 2008, to examine developments in green packaging claims and consumer perception of such claims. The workshop is a component of the Commission's regulatory review of the Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, which was announced on November 26, 2007.