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  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>122</NO>
  <DATE>Monday, June 25, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Contents</UNITNAME>
  <CNTNTS>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Agricultural Marketing</EAR>
      <PRTPAGE P="iii"/>
      <HD>Agricultural Marketing Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Marketing Orders:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, CA,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37762-37766</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="4" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15428</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Agriculture</EAR>
      <HD>Agriculture Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Agricultural Marketing Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Food and Nutrition Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Export Sales Reporting Requirements,</DOC>
          <PGS>37823-37827</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="4" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15437</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>37869</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15454</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Air Force</EAR>
      <HD>Air Force Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37886-37887</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15349</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Alcohol Tobacco Firearms</EAR>
      <HD>Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Firearms Transaction Record, Part I, Over-the-Counter,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37920</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15401</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>National Response Team Customer Satisfaction Survey,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37919</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15400</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Centers Disease</EAR>
      <HD>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37909</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15431</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Children</EAR>
      <HD>Children and Families Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>37909-37910</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15351</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>State Court Improvement Program,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37910-37911</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15389</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Coast Guard</EAR>
      <HD>Coast Guard</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Regattas and Marine Parades; Great Lakes Annual Marine Events,</DOC>
          <PGS>37807-37808</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15513</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Special Local Regulations:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>East Tawas Offshore Gran Prix, Tawas Bay; East Tawas, MI,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37808-37810</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15511</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>ODBA Draggin' on the Waccamaw, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Bucksport, SC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37810-37812</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15512</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Commerce</EAR>
      <HD>Commerce Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>International Trade Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Patent and Trademark Office</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>37870-37871</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15382</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Commodity Futures</EAR>
      <HD>Commodity Futures Trading Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Customer Clearing Documentation, etc.; Core Principles and Other Requirements for Designated Contract Markets:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Corrections,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37803</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14655</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Consumer Product</EAR>
      <HD>Consumer Product Safety Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Caps Intended for Use with Toy Guns and Toy Guns Not Intended for Use with Caps:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Revocation of Certain Requirements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37834-37836</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15409</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Petition Requesting Commission Action Regarding Crib Bumpers,</DOC>
          <PGS>37836-37837</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15328</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Defense Department</EAR>
      <HD>Defense Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Air Force Department</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Acquisition Regulations; Service Contracting,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37907-37908</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15399</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Arms Sales,</DOC>
          <PGS>37879-37885</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15335</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15359</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15360</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Privacy Act; Systems of Records,</DOC>
          <PGS>37885-37886</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15317</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Request for Information:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Organizations Assisting African Governments to Increase Healthcare Institution Capacity to Maintain Complex Medical Equipment,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37886</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15386</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Delaware</EAR>
      <HD>Delaware River Basin Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Delaware River Basin Commission; Public Hearing,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37887-37890</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15398</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR/>
      <HD>Department of Transportation</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Education Department</EAR>
      <HD>Education Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Education Longitudinal Study 2002 Third Follow-up Postsecondary Transcripts and Financial Aid Feasibility Study,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37891</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15415</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Student Aid; Electronic Debit Payment Option for Student Loans,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37892</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15418</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Office of Postsecondary Education; Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Performance Report,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37890-37891</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15383</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Teacher Follow-up Survey and Principal Follow-up Survey to Schools and Staffing Survey,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37892-37893</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15416</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Privacy Act; Systems of Records,</DOC>
          <PGS>37893-37894</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15435</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Employee Benefits</EAR>
      <HD>Employee Benefits Security Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>National Medical Support Notice - Part B, etc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37920-37923</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15392</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Employment and Training</EAR>
      <PRTPAGE P="iv"/>
      <HD>Employment and Training Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Workforce Investment Act Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs Gold Standard Evaluation,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37923-37926</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15417</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Energy Department</EAR>
      <HD>Energy Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Environmental Protection</EAR>
      <HD>Environmental Protection Agency</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>South Carolina; Emissions Statements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37812-37815</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14955</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>South Carolina; Emissions Statements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37841-37842</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-14953</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>United States Virgin Islands; Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37842-37859</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="17" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15463</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Utah; Revisions to UAC Rule 401—Permit: New and Modified Sources,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37859-37862</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15476</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Emergency Planning and Release Notification Requirements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37897-37898</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15343</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Hazardous Remediation Waste Management Requirements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37898-37899</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15350</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NESHAP for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Fabrication,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37901-37902</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15371</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NESHAP for Paper and Other Web Coating,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37905-37906</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15352</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NESHAP for Reinforced Plastic Composites Production,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37904-37905</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15365</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NESHAP for Semiconductor Manufacturing,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37900-37901</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15369</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NESHAP for the Surface Coating of Large Household and Commercial Appliances,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37899-37900</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15358</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Risk Management Program Requirements and Petitions to Modify the List of Regulated Substances,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37903-37904</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15370</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR/>
      <HD>Executive Office of the President</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Trade Representative, Office of United States</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Aviation</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Aviation Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Airworthiness Directives:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37768-37770</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15286</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37779-37781</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14797</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Airbus Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37797-37799</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14730</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37773-37777</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14729</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15169</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37766-37768, 37786-37788</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14916</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14935</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Dassault Aviation Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37795-37797</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15066</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37777-37779, 37790-37793</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15290</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15325</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37784-37786, 37788-37790</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14546</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14547</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>The Boeing Company Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37770-37772, 37781-37783, 37793-37795</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14544</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14829</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15100</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures,</DOC>
          <PGS>37799-37803</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14863</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-14866</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Airworthiness Directives:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Airbus Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37829-37831</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15461</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>The Boeing Company Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37831-37834</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15469</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>The Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37827-37829</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15451</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Petitions for Exemption; Summaries of Petitions Received,</DOC>
          <PGS>37951-37953</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15444</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15446</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15450</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Release of Surplus Properties:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Laurinburg-Maxton Airport, Maxton, NC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37953</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15278</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Surplus Property Release:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Columbus County Municipal Airport, Whiteville, NC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37953</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15280</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Deposit</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>37906</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15318</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Emergency</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Emergency Management Agency</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>37913-37914</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15419</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>State Preparedness Report,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37914</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15464</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Major Disaster Declarations:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Hawaii,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37915-37916</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15457</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Kansas,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37915</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15460</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Oklahoma; Amendment No. 1,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37914-37915</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15456</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>National Advisory Council,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37916-37917</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15413</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Energy</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Combined Filings,</DOC>
          <PGS>37894-37897</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15402</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15403</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15404</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15405</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15406</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Highway</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Highway Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Limitations on Claims for Judicial Review; Final Federal Agency Actions:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard; Proposed Bridge Replacement in Massachussetts,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37953-37954</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15243</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Revision of Form FHWA-1273,</DOC>
          <PGS>37954-37956</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15342</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Labor</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Labor Relations Authority</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Representation Proceedings, Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings, and Miscellaneous and General Requirements,</DOC>
          <PGS>37751-37762</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="11" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15462</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Reserve</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Reserve System</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies,</DOC>
          <PGS>37907</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15411</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Savings and Loan Holding Companies,</DOC>
          <PGS>37907</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15412</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Fiscal</EAR>
      <HD>Fiscal Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Pools and Associations; Annual Letter,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37959</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15361</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Fish</EAR>
      <HD>Fish and Wildlife Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances and Draft Environmental Assessment:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Lesser Prairie Chicken, Oklahoma,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37917-37918</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15385</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Food and Drug</EAR>
      <PRTPAGE P="v"/>
      <HD>Food and Drug Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee; Amendment,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37911</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15393</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Food and Nutrition</EAR>
      <HD>Food and Nutrition Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37869-37870</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15387</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>General Services</EAR>
      <HD>General Services Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Acquisition Regulations; Service Contracting,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37907-37908</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15399</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Supply Service; Transfer Order—Surplus Personal Property and Continuation Sheet,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37908-37909</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15467</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Travel Regulation; Relocation Allowances,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37909</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15432</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Health and Human</EAR>
      <HD>Health and Human Services Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Children and Families Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Food and Drug Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>National Institutes of Health</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Remaining Service-Life Indicator Performance Requirements,</DOC>
          <PGS>37862-37865</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-14764</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Homeland</EAR>
      <HD>Homeland Security Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Coast Guard</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Emergency Management Agency</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37912-37913</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15430</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Housing</EAR>
      <HD>Housing and Urban Development Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Multifamily Housing Mortgage and Housing Assistance Restructuring Program, Mark to Market,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37917</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15455</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Interior</EAR>
      <HD>Interior Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Fish and Wildlife Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Land Management Bureau</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Internal Revenue</EAR>
      <HD>Internal Revenue Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Disregarded Entities and the Indoor Tanning Services Excise Tax,</DOC>
          <PGS>37806-37807</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15422</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Disregarded Entities and the Indoor Tanning Services Excise Tax,</DOC>
          <PGS>37838-37839</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15421</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Overall Foreign Loss Recapture on Property Dispositions,</DOC>
          <PGS>37837-37838</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15443</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>International Trade Adm</EAR>
      <HD>International Trade Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Export Trade Certificates of Review:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Colombia Rice Export Quota, Inc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37871-37873</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15388</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Initiation of Anticircumvention Inquiries:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes from the People's Republic of China,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37873-37877</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="4" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15439</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Preliminary Determinations; Correction:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, from the People's Republic of China,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37877</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15434</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>International Trade Com</EAR>
      <HD>International Trade Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Investigations Relating to Global and Bilateral Safeguard Actions, Market Disruption, Trade Diversion, and Review of Relief Actions,</DOC>
          <PGS>37804-37806</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15346</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Justice Department</EAR>
      <HD>Justice Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Labor Department</EAR>
      <HD>Labor Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Employee Benefits Security Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Employment and Training Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Mine Safety and Health Administration</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Land</EAR>
      <HD>Land Management Bureau</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Filing of Plat of Survey:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Eastern States,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37919</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15384</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Mine</EAR>
      <HD>Mine Safety and Health Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards,</DOC>
          <PGS>37926-37936</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="10" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15394</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>NASA</EAR>
      <HD>National Aeronautics and Space Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Acquisition Regulations; Service Contracting,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37907-37908</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15399</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>National Highway</EAR>
      <HD>National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Petitions for Decisions of Inconsequential Noncompliance:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>BMW of North America, LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37956-37957</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15395</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Guizhou Tyre Corp.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37957-37958</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15396</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>National Institute</EAR>
      <HD>National Institutes of Health</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Center for Scientific Review,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37911</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15473</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37911-37912</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15472</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>National Oceanic</EAR>
      <HD>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and Sector Annual Catch Entitlements:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Updated Annual Catch Limits for Sectors and the Common Pool for Fishing Year 2012,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37816-37822</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="6" T="25JNR1.sgm">2012-15448</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Revision of Critical Habitat for Hawaiian Monk Seals,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37867-37868</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15441</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Endangered Species; File No. 17022,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37877-37878</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15442</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <PRTPAGE P="vi"/>
        <SJ>Permit Amendment Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Marine Mammals; File No. 16163,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37878-37879</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15445</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>National Transportation</EAR>
      <HD>National Transportation Safety Board</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Plan for Retrospective Analysis of Exisiting Rules,</DOC>
          <PGS>37865-37867</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15327</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Nuclear Regulatory</EAR>
      <HD>Nuclear Regulatory Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Applications for Proposed Mergers:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Millstone Power Station, Unit 3; Central Vermont Public Service Corp., Gaz Metro, et al.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37936-37937</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15424</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>License Renewal Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37937-37941</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="4" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15427</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR/>
      <HD>Office of United States Trade Representative</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Trade Representative, Office of United States</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Patent</EAR>
      <HD>Patent and Trademark Office</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Cooperative Patent Classification External User Day,</DOC>
          <PGS>37879</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15447</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Pipeline</EAR>
      <HD>Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Hazardous Materials:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Incorporating Rail Special Permits into the Hazardous Materials Regulations,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37962-37992</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="30" T="25JNR2.sgm">2012-13960</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Public Debt</EAR>
      <HD>Public Debt Bureau</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Fiscal Service</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Securities</EAR>
      <HD>Securities and Exchange Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Exemptions:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Certain Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Funds,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37941-37942</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15410</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>International Securities Exchange, LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37944-37945, 37947-37948</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15377</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15380</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NYSE Arca, Inc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37942-37944</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15378</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>NYSE MKT LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37945-37947</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15379</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Substance</EAR>
      <HD>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>37912</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15414</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Surface Transportation</EAR>
      <HD>Surface Transportation Board</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Quarterly Rail Cost Adjustment Factor,</DOC>
          <PGS>37958-37959</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15407</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Trade Representative</EAR>
      <HD>Trade Representative, Office of United States</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Free Trade Agreements; Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Inclusion on Dispute Settlement Lists for U.S. Free Trade Agreements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>37948-37951</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="25JNN1.sgm">2012-15449</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Transportation Department</EAR>
      <HD>Transportation Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Aviation Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Highway Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Surface Transportation Board</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Treasury</EAR>
      <HD>Treasury Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Fiscal Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Internal Revenue Service</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Veteran Affairs</EAR>
      <HD>Veterans Affairs Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Veterans' Group Life Insurance No-Health Period Extension,</DOC>
          <PGS>37839-37841</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="25JNP1.sgm">2012-15420</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <PTS>
      <HD SOURCE="HED">Separate Parts In This Issue</HD>
      <HD>Part II</HD>
      <DOCENT>
        <DOC>Transportation Department, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration,</DOC>
        <PGS>37962-37992</PGS>
        <FRDOCBP D="30" T="25JNR2.sgm">2012-13960</FRDOCBP>
      </DOCENT>
    </PTS>
    <AIDS>
      <HD SOURCE="HED">Reader Aids</HD>
      <P>Consult the Reader Aids section at the end of this page for phone numbers, online resources, finding aids, reminders, and notice of recently enacted public laws.</P>
      
      <P>To subscribe to the Federal Register Table of Contents LISTSERV electronic mailing list, go to http://listserv.access.gpo.gov and select Online mailing list archives, FEDREGTOC-L, Join or leave the list (or change settings); then follow the instructions.</P>
    </AIDS>
  </CNTNTS>
  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>122</NO>
  <DATE>Monday, June 25, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Rules and Regulations</UNITNAME>
  <RULES>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37751"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="F">FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>5 CFR Parts 2422, 2423, and 2429</CFR>
        <SUBJECT>Representation Proceedings, Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings, and Miscellaneous and General Requirements</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Labor Relations Authority.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Federal Labor Relations Authority (the FLRA) is engaged in an initiative to make electronic filing, or “eFiling,” available to parties in all cases before the FLRA. Making eFiling available to its parties is another way in which the FLRA is using technology to improve the customer-service experience. EFiling also is expected to increase efficiencies by reducing procedural filing errors and resulting processing delays.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Effective Date:</E>July 25, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments can be emailed to<E T="03">engagetheflra@flra.gov</E>or sent to the Office of General Counsel, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Suite 200, 1400 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20424-0001. All written comments will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Office of General Counsel.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Dennis P. Walsh, Deputy General Counsel, (202) 218-7741; or email:<E T="03">engagetheflra@flra.gov</E>.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>In the first stage of its eFiling initiative, the FLRA enabled parties to use eFiling to file requests for Federal Service Impasses Panel assistance in the resolution of negotiation impasses.<E T="03">See</E>77 FR 5987 (Feb. 7, 2012). The second stage of the FLRA's eFiling initiative provided parties with an option to use the FLRA's eFiling system to electronically file 11 types of documents in cases that are filed with the FLRA's three-Member adjudicatory body, the Authority. Parties may now eFile such documents.</P>
        <P>The third and last stage of the FLRA's eFiling initiative is the subject of this final rule. In this stage, parties will be able to use the FLRA's eFiling system to file certain documents involved in representation (part 2422) and unfair labor practice (part 2423) proceedings. This rule modifies the FLRA's existing regulations to allow for eFiling of the documents described below. The rule also clarifies some of the procedural regulations as required under the Plain Writing Act of 2010, 5 U.S.C. 301 note. In addition, the rule expressly sets forth the Authority's existing practice of requiring parties to serve Regional Directors with applications for review filed pursuant to 5 CFR 2422.31.</P>
        <P>As the FLRA's eFiling procedures develop, the revisions set forth in this action may be evaluated and revised further.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Sectional Analyses</HD>
        <P>Sectional analyses of the amendments and revisions to part 2422, Representation Proceedings, part 2423, Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings, and part 2429, Miscellaneous and General Requirements, are as follows:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Part 2422—Representation Proceedings</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 2422.1 and 2422.2</HD>
        <P>These sections are amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2422.3</HD>

        <P>This section is amended to state that petitioners may file a representation petition electronically through use of the FLRA's eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>. Paragraph (a) of this section is amended to state that a petitioner should provide a fax number and email address (if known) for each entity listed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2422.4</HD>
        <P>This section is amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2422.5</HD>

        <P>Paragraph (b) of this section is amended to state that if a petitioner files a petition electronically through the use of the FLRA's eFiling system at the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>or by facsimile transmission, then it is not necessary to file an original copy with the Region, but the petitioner assumes responsibility for the Region's receipt of the petition.</P>

        <P>Paragraph (c) of this section is amended to state that a petition filed electronically through the use of the FLRA's eFiling system at the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>or by facsimile transmission is deemed received and docketed by the Region on the business day the Region receives it up until midnight local time. If received after midnight local time, it is deemed received and docketed on the next business day.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 2422.6 and 2422.7</HD>
        <P>These sections are amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2422.8</HD>

        <P>Paragraph (b) of this section is amended to provide for the filing of a cross-petition electronically through the use of the FLRA's eFiling system at the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>or by facsimile transmission.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 2422.9 Through 2422.34</HD>
        <P>These sections are amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines. In addition, section 2422.31(a) is amended to set forth the Authority's existing practice of requiring parties to serve Regional Directors with applications for review.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Part 2423—Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2423.0</HD>
        <P>This section is amended to state that part 2423 is applicable to any unfair labor practice cases that are pending or filed with the FLRA on or after July 25, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 2423.1 Through 2423.3</HD>
        <P>These sections are amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2423.4</HD>

        <P>Paragraph (a) is amended to provide for filing a charge electronically through the use of the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>or by facsimile transmission. In addition, if known, the Charging Party must indicate the facsimile numbers and<PRTPAGE P="37752"/>email addresses for all parties and contact persons.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2423.5</HD>
        <P>This section is amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2423.6</HD>

        <P>Paragraph (b) is amended to provide for the dates of filing for charges filed electronically through the use of the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>or by facsimile transmission. A charge filed by either of these methods is deemed filed on the day it is received in a Region up until midnight local time. If received after midnight it is deemed received on the next business day.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 2423.7 Through 2423.10</HD>
        <P>These sections are amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2423.11</HD>

        <P>Paragraph (c) is amended to provide for an option for filing an appeal of a Regional Director's decision to dismiss a charge by email to<E T="03">ogc.appeals@flra.gov.</E>
        </P>

        <P>Paragraph (d) is amended to provide for an option for filing a request for an extension of time to file an appeal by email to<E T="03">ogc.appeals@flra.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2423.12</HD>
        <P>This section is amended to be consistent with the Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Part 2429—Miscellaneous and General Requirements</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 2429.24</HD>
        <P>Paragraph (f) is amended to add three documents (12-14) to the list of documents that a party may file alternatively by electronic means through the use of the FLRA's eFiling service: (12) petition under 5 CFR part 2422; (13) cross-petition under 5 CFR part 2422; and (14) unfair labor practice charge under 5 CFR part 2423.</P>
        <P>Paragraph (g) is amended to add an appeal of a dismissal of an unfair labor practice charge under 5 CFR part 2423 as document that a Charging Party may file by facsimile transmission.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 12866</HD>
        <P>The FLRA is an independent regulatory agency, and as such, is not subject to the requirements of E.O. 12866.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 13132</HD>
        <P>The FLRA is an independent regulatory agency, and as such, is not subject to the requirements of E.O. 13132.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification</HD>
        <P>Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the Chairman of the FLRA has determined that this rule, as amended, will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities, because this rule applies only to federal agencies, federal employees, and labor organizations representing those employees.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995</HD>
        <P>This rule change will not result in the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in any one year, and it will not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions were deemed necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996</HD>
        <P>This action is not a major rule as defined by section 804 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This rule will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more; a major increase in costs or prices; or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to compete with foreign-based companies in domestic and export markets.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995</HD>
        <P>The amended regulations contain no additional information collection or record-keeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 5 CFR Parts 2422, 2423, and 2429</HD>
          <P>Administrative practice and procedure, Government employees, Labor management relations.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons stated in the preamble, the FLRA amends 5 CFR Parts 2422, 2423, and 2429, as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="2422" TITLE="5">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 2422—REPRESENTATION PROCEEDINGS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. Part 2422 is revised to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          
          <CONTENTS>
            <SECHD>Sec.</SECHD>
            <SECTNO>2422.1</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is your purpose for filing a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.2</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Who may file a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.3</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What information should you include in your petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What service requirements must you meet when filing a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.5</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Where do you file petitions?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.6</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How are parties notified of the filing of a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.7</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Will an activity or agency post a notice of filing of a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.8</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is required to file an Intervention or Cross-petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.9</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How is the adequacy of a showing of interest determined?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.10</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How do you challenge the validity of a showing of interest?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.11</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How do you challenge the status of a labor organization?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.12</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What circumstances does the Region consider to determine whether your petition is timely filed?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How are issues raised by your petition resolved?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.14</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is the effect of your withdrawal or the Regional Director's dismissal of a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.15</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Do parties have a duty to provide information and cooperate after a petition is filed?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.16</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>May parties enter into election agreements, and if they do not will the Regional Director direct an election?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.17</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are a notice of hearing and prehearing conference?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.18</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is the purpose of a representation hearing and what procedures are followed?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.19</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When is it appropriate for a party to file a motion at a representation hearing?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.20</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What rights do parties have at a hearing?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.21</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are the duties and powers of a Hearing Officer?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.22</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are objections and exceptions concerning the conduct of the hearing?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.23</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What election procedures are followed?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.24</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are challenged ballots?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.25</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When does the Region tally the ballots?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.26</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How are objections to the election processed?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.27</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How does the Region address determinative challenged ballots and objections?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.28</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When is a runoff election required?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.29</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How does the Region address an inconclusive election?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.30</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When does a Regional Director investigate a petition, issue notices of hearings, take actions, and issue Decisions and Orders?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.31</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When do you file an application for review of a Regional Director Decision and Order?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.32</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When does a Regional Director issue a certification or a revocation of certification?</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.33</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Relief under part 2423 of this chapter.</SUBJECT>
            <SECTNO>2422.34</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are the parties' rights and obligations when a representation proceeding is pending?</SUBJECT>
          </CONTENTS>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>3 U.S.C. 431; 5 U.S.C. 7134.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <PRTPAGE P="37753"/>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.1</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is your purpose for filing a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>You, the petitioner, may file a petition for the following purposes:</P>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Elections or Eligibility for dues allotment.</E>To request:</P>
            <P>(1)(i) An election to determine whether employees in an appropriate unit wish to be represented for the purpose of collective bargaining by an exclusive representative, and/or</P>
            <P>(ii) A determination of eligibility for dues allotment in an appropriate unit without an exclusive representative; or</P>
            <P>(2) An election to determine whether employees in a unit no longer wish to be represented for the purpose of collective bargaining by an exclusive representative.</P>
            <P>(3) Petitions under this subsection must be accompanied by an appropriate showing of interest.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Clarification or Amendment.</E>To clarify, and/or amend:</P>
            <P>(1) A recognition or certification then in effect; and/or</P>
            <P>(2) Any other matter relating to representation.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Consolidation.</E>To consolidate two or more units, with or without an election, in an agency where a labor organization is the exclusive representative.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.2</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Who may file a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>An individual; a labor organization; two or more labor organizations acting as a joint-petitioner; an individual acting on behalf of any employee(s); an agency or activity; or a combination of the above may file a representation petition. But,</P>
            <P>(a) Only a labor organization may file a petition under § 2422.1(a)(1);</P>
            <P>(b) Only an individual may file a petition under § 2422.1(a)(2); and</P>
            <P>(c) Only an agency or a labor organization may file a petition under § 2422.1(b) or (c).</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.3</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What information should you include in your petition?</SUBJECT>

            <P>(a) You must file a petition either in writing with your signature or electronically using the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>. Your petition must provide the following information on a form designated by the Authority, or on a substantially similar form, or electronically using the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov:</E>
            </P>
            <P>(1) The name and mailing address for each agency or activity affected by issues raised in the petition, including street number, city, state and zip code.</P>
            <P>(2) The name, mailing address and work telephone number, fax number and email address (if known) of the contact person for each agency or activity affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(3) The name and mailing address for each labor organization affected by issues raised in the petition, including street number, city, state and zip code. If a labor organization is affiliated with a national organization, the local designation and the national affiliation should both be included. If a labor organization is an exclusive representative of any of the employees affected by issues raised in the petition, the date of the recognition or certification and the date any collective bargaining agreement covering the unit will expire or when the most recent agreement did expire should be included, if known.</P>
            <P>(4) The name, mailing address and work telephone number, fax number and email address (if known) of the contact person for each labor organization affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(5) Your name and mailing address, including street number, city, state and zip code, and fax number and email address. If you are a labor organization affiliated with a national organization, the local designation and the national affiliation should both be included.</P>
            <P>(6) A description of the unit(s) affected by issues raised in the petition. The description should generally indicate the geographic locations and the classifications of the employees included (or sought to be included) in, and excluded (or sought to be excluded) from, the unit.</P>
            <P>(7) The approximate number of employees in the unit(s) affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(8) A clear and concise statement of the issues raised by the petition and the results the petitioner seeks.</P>
            <P>(9) A declaration by the person signing the petition, under the penalties of the Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. 1001), that the contents of the petition are true and correct to the best of the person's knowledge and belief.</P>
            <P>(10) The title, mailing address and telephone number of the person filing the petition.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Certification of compliance with 5 U.S.C. 7111(e).</E>A labor organization/petitioner complies with 5 U.S.C. 7111(e) by submitting to the agency or activity and to the Department of Labor a roster of its officers and representatives, a copy of its constitution and bylaws, and a statement of its objectives. By signing the petition form, the labor organization/petitioner certifies that it has submitted these documents to the activity or agency and to the Department of Labor.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Showing of interest supporting a representation petition (defined at 5 U.S.C. 2421.16).</E>When filing a petition requiring a showing of interest, you must:</P>
            <P>(1) So indicate on the petition form;</P>
            <P>(2) Submit with the petition a showing of interest of not less than thirty percent (30%) of the employees in the unit involved in the petition; and</P>
            <P>(3) Include an alphabetical list of the names constituting the showing of interest.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Petition seeking dues allotment.</E>When there is no exclusive representative, a petition seeking certification for dues allotment must be accompanied by a showing of membership in the petitioner of not less than ten percent (10%) of the employees in the unit claimed to be appropriate. An alphabetical list of names constituting the showing of membership must be submitted.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What service requirements must you meet when filing a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>You must serve every petition, motion, brief, request, challenge, written objection, or application for review on all parties affected by issues raised in the filing. The service must include all supporting documentation, with the exceptions of a showing of interest, evidence supporting challenges to the validity of a showing of interest, and evidence supporting objections to an election. You must submit a statement of service to the Regional Director.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.5</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Where do you file petitions?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Where to file.</E>You must file a petition with the Regional Director for the region in which the unit or employee(s) affected by issues raised in the petition are located. If the unit(s) or employees are located in two or more regions of the Authority, you must file the petitions with the Regional Director for the region where the headquarters of the agency or activity is located.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Method of filing.</E>You may file a petition with the Regional Director in person or by commercial delivery, first class mail, facsimile, certified mail, or electronically through use of the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov.</E>If you file electronically or by facsimile transmission you are not required to file an original copy of the petition with the Region. You assume responsibility for the Regional Director's receipt of a petition.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Date of filing.</E>When a Regional Director receives a petition, it is deemed filed. A petition filed during business hours by facsimile or electronic means<PRTPAGE P="37754"/>is deemed received on the business day on which it is received (either by the Regional Office fax machine or by the eFiling system), until midnight local time in the Region where it is filed. But when a Region receives a petition by any other method after the close of business day, it will be deemed received and docketed on the next business day. The business hours for each of the Regional Offices are set forth at<E T="03">http://www.flra.gov.</E>
            </P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.6</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How are parties notified of the filing of a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Notification to parties.</E>After you file a petition the Regional Director will notify any labor organization, agency, or activity identified as being affected by issues raised by the petition, that a petition has been filed. The Regional Director will also make reasonable efforts to identify and notify any other party affected by the issues raised by the petition.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Contents of the notification.</E>The notification will inform the labor organization, agency, or activity of:</P>
            <P>(1) Your name (the petitioner);</P>
            <P>(2) The description of the unit(s) or employees affected by issues raised in the petition; and,</P>
            <P>(3) A statement that all affected parties should advise the Regional Director in writing of their interest in the issues raised in the petition.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.7</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Will an activity or agency post a notice of filing of a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Posting notice of petition.</E>After you file a petition, when appropriate, the Regional Director will direct the agency or activity to post copies of a notice to all employees in places where notices are normally posted for the employees affected by issues raised in the petition and/or distribute copies of a notice in a manner by which notices are normally distributed.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Contents of notice.</E>The notice must advise affected employees about the petition.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Duration of notice.</E>The notice must be conspicuously posted for a period of ten (10) days and must not be altered, defaced, or covered by other material.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.8</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is required to file an Intervention or Cross-petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Cross-petitions.</E>A cross-petition is a petition that involves any employees in a unit covered by a pending representation petition. If you file a cross-petition, it must be filed under the requirements of this subpart.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Intervention requests and cross-petitions.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(1) You may file a request to intervene, along with any necessary showing of interest, with either the Regional Director or the Hearing Officer. This must be filed either in person, or by commercial delivery, first-class mail, certified mail or facsimile. You must file a request to intervene before the hearing opens, unless you show good cause for granting an extension. If no hearing is held, you must file a request to intervene before action is taken under § 2422.30.</P>

            <P>(2) You may file a cross-petition, along with any necessary showing of interest, with either the Regional Director or the Hearing Officer. This must be filed electronically through the use of the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov</E>or, in person, by commercial delivery, first-class mail, certified mail or facsimile. Any cross-petition must be filed before the hearing opens, unless you show good cause for granting an extension. If no hearing is held, you must file a cross-petition before action is taken under § 2422.30.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Labor organization intervention requests.</E>Except for incumbent intervenors, a labor organization seeking to intervene must submit a statement that it has complied with 5 U.S.C. 7111(e) and one of the following:</P>
            <P>(1) A showing of interest of ten percent (10%) or more of the employees in the unit covered by a petition seeking an election, with an alphabetical list of the names of the employees establishing the showing of interest; or</P>
            <P>(2) A current or recently expired collective bargaining agreement covering any of the employees in the unit affected by issues raised in the petition; or</P>
            <P>(3) Evidence that it is or was, before a reorganization, the recognized or certified exclusive representative of any of the employees affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Incumbent.</E>An incumbent exclusive representative, without regard to the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, will be considered a party in any representation proceeding raising issues that affect employees the incumbent represents, unless it serves the Regional Director with a written disclaimer of any representation interest in the claimed unit.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Employing agency.</E>An agency or activity will be considered a party if any of its employees are affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Agency or activity intervention.</E>An agency or activity seeking to intervene in any representation proceeding must submit evidence that one or more employees of the agency or activity may be affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.9</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How is the adequacy of a showing of interest determined?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Adequacy.</E>Adequacy of a showing of interest refers to the percentage of employees in the unit involved as required by §§ 2422.3(c) and (d) and 2422.8(c)(1).</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Regional Director investigation of showing of interest and Decision and Order.</E>The Regional Director will conduct an investigation if deemed appropriate. A Regional Director's determination that the showing of interest is adequate is final and binding and not subject to collateral attack at a representation hearing or on appeal to the Authority. If the Regional Director determines that a showing of interest is inadequate, the Regional Director will issue a Decision and Order dismissing the petition, or denying a request for intervention.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.10</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How do you challenge the validity of a showing of interest?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Validity.</E>Validity questions are raised by challenges to a showing of interest on grounds other than adequacy.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Validity challenge.</E>The Regional Director or any party may challenge the validity of a showing of interest.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">When and where validity challenges may be filed.</E>Your challenges to the validity of a showing of interest must be in writing and filed with the Regional Director or the Hearing Officer before the hearing opens, unless you show good cause for granting an extension. If no hearing is held, you must file challenges to the validity of a showing of interest before action is taken under § 2422.30.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Contents of validity challenges.</E>Your challenges to the validity of a showing of interest must be supported with evidence.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Regional Director investigation and Decision and Order.</E>The Regional Director will conduct an investigation if deemed appropriate. The Regional Director's determination that a showing of interest is valid is final and binding and is not subject to collateral attack or appeal to the Authority. If the Regional Director finds that the showing of interest is not valid, the Regional Director will issue a Decision and Order dismissing the petition or denying the request to intervene.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.11</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How do you challenge the status of a labor organization?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Basis of challenge to labor organization status.</E>Non-compliance with 5 U.S.C. 7103(a)(4) is the only basis on which you may challenge the status of a labor organization.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Format and time for filing a challenge.</E>If you file a challenge to the<PRTPAGE P="37755"/>status of a labor organization involved in the processing of a petition you must do so in writing to the Regional Director or the Hearing Officer before the hearing opens, unless you show good cause for granting an extension. If no hearing is held, you must file challenges before action is taken under § 2422.30.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.12</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What circumstances does the Region consider to determine whether your petition is timely filed?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Election bar.</E>Where there is no certified exclusive representative, a petition seeking an election will not be considered timely if filed within twelve (12) months of a valid election involving the same unit or a subdivision of the same unit.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Certification bar.</E>Where there is a certified exclusive representative of employees, a petition seeking an election will not be considered timely if filed within twelve (12) months after the certification of the exclusive representative of the employees in an appropriate unit. If a collective bargaining agreement covering the claimed unit is pending agency head review under 5 U.S.C. 7114(c) or is in effect, paragraphs (c), (d), or (e) of this section apply.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Bar during 5 U.S.C. 7114(c) agency head review.</E>A petition seeking an election will not be considered timely if filed during the period of agency head review under 5 U.S.C. 7114(c). This bar expires upon either the passage of thirty (30) days absent agency head action, or upon the date of any timely agency head action.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Contract bar where the contract is for three (3) years or less.</E>Where a collective bargaining agreement is in effect covering the claimed unit and has a term of three (3) years or less from the date it became effective, a petition seeking an election will be considered timely if filed not more than one hundred and five (105) and not less than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the agreement.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Contract bar where the contract is for more than three (3) years.</E>Where a collective bargaining agreement is in effect covering the claimed unit and has a term of more than three (3) years from the date on which it became effective, a petition seeking an election will be considered timely if filed not more than one hundred and five (105) and not less than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the initial three (3) year period, and any time after the expiration of the initial three (3) year period.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Unusual circumstances.</E>A petition seeking an election or a determination relating to representation matters may be filed at any time when unusual circumstances exist that substantially affect the unit or majority representation.</P>
            <P>(g)<E T="03">Premature extension.</E>Where a collective bargaining agreement with a term of three (3) years or less has been extended before sixty (60) days before its expiration date, the extension will not serve as a basis for dismissal of a petition seeking an election filed in accordance with this section.</P>
            <P>(h)<E T="03">Contract requirements.</E>Collective bargaining agreements, including agreements that go into effect under 5 U.S.C. 7114(c) and those that automatically renew without further action by the parties, are not a bar to a petition seeking an election under this section unless a clear effective date, renewal date where applicable, duration, and termination date are ascertainable from the agreement and relevant accompanying documentation.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How are issues raised by your petition resolved?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Meetings before filing a representation petition.</E>All parties affected by the representation issues that may be raised in a petition are encouraged to meet before the filing of the petition to discuss their interests and narrow and resolve the issues. If requested by all parties, a representative of the appropriate Regional Office will participate in these meetings.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Meetings to narrow and resolve the issues after the petition is filed.</E>The Regional Director may require all affected parties to meet to narrow and resolve the issues raised in the petition.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.14</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is the effect of your withdrawal or the Regional Director's dismissal of a petition?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Withdrawal/dismissal less than sixty (60) days before contract expiration.</E>(1) If you withdraw a timely filed petition seeking an election, or the Regional Director dismisses the petition less than sixty (60) days before the existing agreement between the incumbent exclusive representative and the agency or activity expires, or any time after the agreement expires, another petition that seeks an election will not be considered timely if filed within a ninety (90) day period beginning with either:</P>
            <P>(i) The date on which the Regional Director approves the withdrawal; or</P>
            <P>(ii) The date on which the Regional Director dismisses the petition when the Authority does not receive an application for review; or</P>
            <P>(iii) The date on which the Authority rules on an application for review.</P>
            <P>(2) Other pending petitions that have been timely filed under this part will continue to be processed.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Withdrawal by petitioner.</E>If you submit a withdrawal request for a petition seeking an election that the Regional Director receives after the notice of hearing issues or after approval of an election agreement, whichever occurs first, you will be barred from filing another petition seeking an election for the same unit or any subdivision of the unit for six (6) months from the date on which the Regional Director approves the withdrawal.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Withdrawal by incumbent.</E>When an election is not held because the incumbent disclaims any representation interest in a unit, an incumbent's petition seeking an election involving the same unit or a subdivision of the same unit will be considered untimely if filed within six (6) months of cancellation of the election.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.15</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Do parties have a duty to provide information and cooperate after a petition is filed?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Relevant information.</E>After you file a petition, all parties must, upon request of the Regional Director, provide the Regional Director and serve all parties affected by issues raised in the petition with information concerning parties, issues, and agreements raised in or affected by the petition.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Inclusions and exclusions.</E>After you file a petition seeking an election, the Regional Director may direct the agency or activity to provide the Regional Director and all parties affected by issues raised in the petition with a current alphabetized list of employees and job classifications included in and/or excluded from the existing or claimed unit affected by issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Cooperation.</E>All parties are required to cooperate in every aspect of the representation process. This obligation includes cooperating fully with the Regional Director, submitting all required and requested information, and participating in prehearing conferences and hearings. The Regional Director may take appropriate action, including dismissal of the petition or denial of intervention, if parties fail to cooperate in the representation process.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.16</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>May parties enter into election agreements, and if they do not will the Regional Director direct an election?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Election agreements.</E>Parties are encouraged to enter into election agreements.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Regional Director directed election.</E>If the parties are unable to agree on procedural matters, specifically, the eligibility period, method of election, dates, hours, or<PRTPAGE P="37756"/>locations of the election, the Regional Director will decide election procedures and issue a Direction of Election, without prejudice to the rights of a party to file objections to the procedural conduct of the election.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Opportunity for a hearing.</E>Before directing an election, the Regional Director must provide affected parties an opportunity for a hearing on non-procedural matters, and then may:</P>
            <P>(1) Issue a Decision and Order; or</P>
            <P>(2) If there are no questions regarding unit appropriateness, issue a Direction of Election without a Decision and Order.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Challenges or objections to a directed election.</E>A Direction of Election issued under this section will be issued without prejudice to the right of a party to file a challenge to the eligibility of any person participating in the election and/or objections to the election.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.17</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are a notice of hearing and prehearing conference?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Purpose of notice of a hearing.</E>The Regional Director may issue a notice of hearing involving any issues raised in the petition.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Contents.</E>The notice of hearing will advise affected parties about the hearing. The Regional Director will also notify affected parties of the issues raised in the petition and establish a date for the prehearing conference.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Prehearing conference.</E>A prehearing conference will be conducted by the Hearing Officer, either by meeting or teleconference. All parties must participate in a prehearing conference and be prepared to fully discuss, narrow, and resolve the issues set forth in the notification of the prehearing conference.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">No interlocutory appeal of hearing determination.</E>A party may not appeal to the Authority a Regional Director's determination of whether to issue a notice of hearing.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.18</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What is the purpose of a representation hearing and what procedures are followed?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Purpose of a hearing.</E>Representation hearings are considered investigatory and not adversarial. The purpose of the hearing is to develop a full and complete record of relevant and material facts.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Conduct of hearing.</E>Hearings will be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the Hearing Officer. There is no burden of proof, with the exception of proceedings on objections to elections under § 2422.27(b). Formal rules of evidence do not apply.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Hearing officer.</E>The Regional Director appoints a hearing officer to conduct a hearing. Another hearing officer may be substituted for the presiding Hearing Officer at any time.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Transcript.</E>An official reporter will make the official transcript of the hearing. Copies of the official transcript may be examined in the appropriate Regional Office during normal working hours. Parties should contact the official hearing reporter to purchase copies of the official transcript.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.19</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When is it appropriate for a party to file a motion at a representation hearing?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Purpose of a motion.</E>After the Regional Director issues a Notice of Hearing in a representation proceeding, a party who seeks a ruling, an order, or relief must do so by filing or raising a motion stating the order or relief sought and the grounds in support. The Regional Director or Hearing Officer may treat challenges and other filings referenced in other sections of this subpart as a motion.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Prehearing motions.</E>Parties must file prehearing motions in writing with the Regional Director. Any response must be filed with the Regional Director within five (5) days after service of the motion. The Regional Director may rule on the motion or refer the motion to the Hearing Officer.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Motions made at the hearing.</E>During the hearing, parties may make oral motions on the record to the Hearing Officer unless required to be in writing. Responses may be oral on the record or in writing, but must be provided before the hearing closes, absent permission of the Hearing Officer. When appropriate, the Hearing Officer will rule on motions made at the hearing or referred to the Hearing Officer by the Regional Director.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Posthearing motions.</E>Parties must file motions made after the hearing closes in writing with the Regional Director. Any response to a posthearing motion must be filed with the Regional Director within five (5) days after service of the motion.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.20</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What rights do parties have at a hearing?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Rights.</E>A party at a hearing will have the right:</P>
            <P>(1) To appear in person or by a representative;</P>
            <P>(2) To examine and cross-examine witnesses; and</P>
            <P>(3) To introduce into the record relevant evidence.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Documentary evidence and stipulations.</E>Parties must submit two (2) copies of documentary evidence to the Hearing Officer and copies to all other parties. Stipulations of fact between the parties may be introduced into evidence.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Oral argument.</E>Parties will have a reasonable period before the close of the hearing for oral argument. Presentation of a closing oral argument does not preclude a party from filing a brief under paragraph (d) of this section.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Briefs.</E>A party will be given an opportunity to file a brief with the Regional Director.</P>
            <P>(1) A party must file an original and two (2) copies of a brief with the Regional Director within thirty (30) days from the close of the hearing.</P>
            <P>(2) No later than five (5) days before the date the brief is due a party must file and the Regional Director must receive a written request for an extension of time to file a brief.</P>
            <P>(3) Absent the Regional Director's permission, parties may not file a reply brief.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.21</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are the duties and powers of the Hearing Officer?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Duties of the Hearing Officer.</E>The Hearing Officer receives evidence and inquires fully into the relevant and material facts concerning the matters that are the subject of the hearing. The Hearing Officer may make recommendations on the record to the Regional Director.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Powers of the Hearing Officer.</E>After the Regional Director assigns a case to a Hearing Officer and before the close of the hearing, the Hearing Officer may take any action necessary to schedule, conduct, continue, control, and regulate the hearing, including ruling on motions when appropriate.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.22</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are objections and exceptions concerning the conduct of the hearing?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Objections.</E>Objections are oral or written complaints concerning the conduct of a hearing.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Exceptions to rulings.</E>There are automatic exceptions to all adverse rulings.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.23</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What election procedures are followed?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Regional Director conducts or supervises election.</E>The Regional Director will decide to either conduct or supervise the election. In supervised elections, agencies will perform all acts as specified in the Election Agreement or Direction of Election.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Notice of election.</E>Before the election the activity posts a notice of election, prepared by the Regional Director. The notice is posted in places where notices to employees are customarily posted and/or distributed in a manner by which notices are normally distributed. The notice of election contains the details and procedures of the election, including the appropriate<PRTPAGE P="37757"/>unit, the eligibility period, the date(s), hour(s) and location(s) of the election, a sample ballot, and the effect of the vote.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Sample ballot.</E>The reproduction of any document that claims to be a copy of the official ballot and that suggests either directly or indirectly to employees that the Authority endorses a particular choice in the election may constitute grounds for setting aside an election if objections are filed under § 2422.26.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Secret ballot.</E>All elections are by secret ballot.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Intervenor withdraws from ballot.</E>When two or more labor organizations are included as choices in an election, an intervening labor organization may, before the approval of an election agreement or before the direction of an election, file a written request with the Regional Director to remove its name from the ballot. If the Regional Director does not receive the request before the approval of an election agreement or before the direction of an election, the intervening labor organization will remain on the ballot, unless the parties and the Regional Director agree otherwise. The Regional Director's decision on the request is final, and no party may file an application for review with the Authority.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Incumbent withdrawal from ballot in an election to decertify an incumbent representative.</E>When there is no intervening labor organization, an election to decertify an incumbent exclusive representative is not held if the incumbent provides the Regional Director with a written disclaimer of any representation interest in the unit. When there is an intervenor, an election is held if the intervening labor organization proffers a thirty percent (30%) showing of interest within the time period established by the Regional Director.</P>
            <P>(g)<E T="03">Petitioner withdraws from ballot in an election.</E>When there is no intervening labor organization, an election is not held if the petitioner provides the Regional Director with a written request to withdraw the petition. When there is an intervenor, an election is held if the intervening labor organization presents a thirty percent (30%) showing of interest within the time period established by the Regional Director.</P>
            <P>(h)<E T="03">Observers.</E>Subject to the Regional Director's approval, all parties may select representatives to observe at the polling location(s).</P>
            <P>(1) A party who wants to name observers must file a written request with specific names with the Regional Director. This must be filed at least fifteen (15) days before an election. The Regional Director may grant an extension of time to file a request for named observers for good cause where a party requests an extension or on the Regional Director's own motion. The request must name and identify the observers requested.</P>
            <P>(2) An agency or activity may use as its observers any employees who are not eligible to vote in the election, except:</P>
            <P>(i) Supervisors or management officials;</P>
            <P>(ii) Employees who have any official connection with any of the labor organizations involved; or</P>
            <P>(iii) Non-employees of the Federal government.</P>
            <P>(3) A labor organization may use as its observers any employees eligible to vote in the election, except:</P>
            <P>(i) Employees on leave without pay status who are working for the labor organization involved; or</P>
            <P>(ii) Employees who hold an elected office in the union.</P>
            <P>(4) Within five (5) days after service of the request for observers, any party that objects must file an objection with the Regional Director that states the reasons.</P>
            <P>(5) The Regional Director's ruling on requests for and objections to observers is final and binding, and parties may not file an application for review with the Authority.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.24</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are challenged ballots?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Filing challenges.</E>A party or the Regional Director may, for good cause, challenge the eligibility of any person to participate in the election.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Challenged ballot procedure.</E>An individual whose eligibility to vote is in dispute will be given the opportunity to vote a challenged ballot. If the parties and the Region are unable to resolve the challenged ballot(s) before the tally of ballots, the Region will impound and preserve the unresolved challenged ballot(s) until the Regional Director makes a determination, if necessary.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.25</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When does the Region tally the ballots?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Tallying the ballots.</E>When the election is concluded, the Regional Director will tally the ballots.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Service of the tally.</E>When the tally is completed, the Regional Director will serve the tally of ballots on the parties in accordance with the election agreement or direction of election.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Valid ballots cast.</E>Representation will be determined by the majority of the valid ballots cast.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.26</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How are objections to the election processed?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Filing objections to the election.</E>Any party may file objections to the procedural conduct of the election or to conduct that may have improperly affected the results of the election. A party must file an objection and the Regional Director must receive it within five (5) days after the tally of ballots has been served. Any objections must be timely regardless of whether the challenged ballots are sufficient in number to affect the results of the election. The objections must be supported by clear and concise reasons. A party must file an original and two (2) copies of the objections.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Supporting evidence.</E>The objecting party must file evidence, including signed statements, documents, and other materials supporting the objections, with the Regional Director within ten (10) days after the party files the objections.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.27</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How does the Region address determinative challenged ballots and objections?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Investigation.</E>The Regional Director investigates objections and/or determinative challenged ballots that are sufficient in number to affect the results of the election.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Burden of proof.</E>An objecting party bears the burden of proof on objections by a preponderance of the evidence. However, no party bears the burden of proof on challenged ballots.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Regional Director action.</E>After investigation, the Regional Director takes appropriate action consistent with § 2422.30.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Consolidated hearing on objections and/or determinative challenged ballots and an unfair labor practice hearing.</E>When appropriate, and under § 2422.33, a Regional Director may consolidate objections and/or determinative challenged ballots with an unfair labor practice hearing. An Administrative Law Judge conducts these consolidated hearings, except the following provisions do not apply:</P>
            <P>(1) Sections 2423.18 and 2423.19(j) of this subchapter concerning the burden of proof and settlement conferences are not applicable;</P>
            <P>(2) The Administrative Law Judge may not recommend remedial action to be taken or notices to be posted as provided by § 2423.26(a) of this subchapter.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Party exceptions filed with the Authority.</E>A party may file exceptions and related submissions with the Authority, and the Authority then issues a decision under part 2423 of this chapter.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.28</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When is a runoff election required?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">When a runoff may be held.</E>A runoff election is required in an election<PRTPAGE P="37758"/>involving at least three (3) choices, one of which is “no union” or “neither,” when no choice receives a majority of the valid ballots cast. However, a runoff may not be held until the Regional Director has ruled on objections to the election and determinative challenged ballots.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Eligibility.</E>Employees who were eligible to vote in the original election and who are also eligible on the date of the runoff election may vote in the runoff election.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Ballot.</E>The ballot in the runoff election will provide for a selection between the two choices receiving the highest and second highest number of votes in the election.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.29</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>How does the Region address an inconclusive election?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Inconclusive elections.</E>An inconclusive election is one where challenged ballots are not sufficient to affect the outcome of the election and one of the following occurs:</P>
            <P>(1) The ballot provides for at least three (3) choices, one of which is “no union” or “neither,” and the votes are equally divided; or</P>
            <P>(2) The ballot provides for at least three (3) choices, the choice receiving the highest number of votes does not receive a majority, and at least two other choices receive the next highest and same number of votes; or</P>
            <P>(3) When a runoff ballot provides for a choice between two labor organizations and results in the votes being equally divided; or</P>
            <P>(4) When the Regional Director determines that there have been significant procedural irregularities.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Eligibility to vote in a rerun election.</E>The Region uses the latest payroll period to determine eligibility to vote in a rerun election.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Ballot.</E>If the Regional Director determines that the election is inconclusive, the election will be rerun with all the choices that appeared on the original ballot.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Number of reruns.</E>There will be only one rerun of an inconclusive election. If the rerun results in another inconclusive election, the tally of ballots will show a majority of valid ballots has not been cast for any choice, and the Regional Director will issue a certification of results. If necessary, a runoff may be held when an original election is rerun.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.30</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When does a Regional Director investigate a petition, issue notices of hearings, take actions, and issue Decisions and Orders?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Regional Director investigation.</E>The Regional Director will investigate the petition and any other matter as the Regional Director deems necessary.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Regional Director notice of hearing.</E>The Regional Director will issue a notice of hearing to inquire into any matter about which a material issue of fact exists, and any time there is reasonable cause to believe a question exists regarding unit appropriateness.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Regional Director action.</E>After investigation or hearing, the Regional Director can direct an election, or approve an election agreement, or issue a Decision and Order.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Appeal of Regional Director Decision and Order.</E>A party may file with the Authority an application for review of a Regional Director Decision and Order.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Contents of the Record.</E>When there has not been a hearing all material submitted to and considered by the Regional Director during the investigation becomes a part of the record. When a hearing has been held, the transcript and all material entered into evidence, including any posthearing briefs, become a part of the record.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.31</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When do you file an application for review of a Regional Director Decision and Order?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Filing an application for review.</E>A party must file an application for review with the Authority within sixty (60) days of the Regional Director's Decision and Order. The sixty (60) day time limit under 5 U.S.C. 7105(f) may not be extended or waived. The filing party must serve a copy on the Regional Director and all other parties, and must also file a statement of service with the Authority.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Contents.</E>An application for review must be sufficient for the Authority to rule on the application without looking at the record. However, the Authority may, in its discretion, examine the record in evaluating the application. An application must specify the matters and rulings to which exception(s) is taken, include a summary of evidence relating to any issue raised in the application, and make specific references to page citations in the transcript if a hearing was held. An application may not raise any issue or rely on any facts not timely presented to the Hearing Officer or Regional Director.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Review.</E>The Authority may grant an application for review only when the application demonstrates that review is warranted on one or more of the following grounds:</P>
            <P>(1) The decision raises an issue for which there is an absence of precedent;</P>
            <P>(2) Established law or policy warrants reconsideration; or,</P>
            <P>(3) There is a genuine issue over whether the Regional Director has:</P>
            <P>(i) Failed to apply established law;</P>
            <P>(ii) Committed a prejudicial procedural error; or</P>
            <P>(iii) Committed a clear and prejudicial error concerning a substantial factual matter.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Opposition.</E>A party may file with the Authority an opposition to an application for review within ten (10) days after the party is served with the application. The opposing party must serve a copy on the Regional Director and all other parties, and must also file a statement of service with the Authority.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Regional Director Decision and Order becomes the Authority's action.</E>A Decision and Order of a Regional Director becomes the action of the Authority when:</P>
            <P>(1) No party files an application for review with the Authority within sixty (60) days after the date of the Regional Director's Decision and Order; or</P>
            <P>(2) A party files a timely application for review with the Authority and the Authority does not undertake to grant review of the Regional Director's Decision and Order within sixty (60) days of the filing of the application; or</P>
            <P>(3) The Authority denies an application for review of the Regional Director's Decision and Order.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Authority grant of review and stay.</E>The Authority may rule on the issue(s) in an application for review in its order granting the application for review. Neither filing nor granting an application for review will stay any action ordered by the Regional Director unless specifically ordered by the Authority.</P>
            <P>(g)<E T="03">Briefs if review is granted.</E>If the Authority does not rule on the issue(s) in the application for review in its order granting review, the Authority may, in its discretion, give the parties an opportunity to file briefs. The briefs will be limited to the issue(s) referenced in the Authority's order granting review.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.32</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>When does a Regional Director issue a certification or a revocation of certification?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Certifications.</E>The Regional Director issues an appropriate certification when:</P>
            <P>(1) After an election, runoff, or rerun,</P>
            <P>(i) No party files an objection or challenged ballots are not determinative, or</P>
            <P>(ii) The Region decides and resolves objections and determinative challenged ballots; or</P>

            <P>(2) The Regional Director issues a Decision and Order requiring a<PRTPAGE P="37759"/>certification and the Decision and Order becomes the action of the Authority under § 2422.31(e) or the Authority directs the issuance of a certification.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Revocations.</E>Without prejudice to any rights and obligations that may exist under the Statute, the Regional Director revokes a recognition or certification, as appropriate, and provides a written statement of reasons when:</P>
            <P>(1) An incumbent exclusive representative files, during a representation proceeding, a disclaimer of any representational interest in the unit; or</P>
            <P>(2) Due to a substantial change in the character and scope of the unit, the unit is no longer appropriate and an election is not warranted.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.33</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Relief under part 2423 of this chapter.</SUBJECT>
            <P>Remedial relief that was or could have been obtained as a result of a motion, objection, or challenge filed or raised under this subpart, may not be the basis for similar relief under part 2423 of this chapter: But related matters may be consolidated for hearing as noted in § 2422.27(d) of this subpart.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2422.34</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>What are the parties' rights and obligations when a representation proceeding is pending?</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Existing recognitions, agreements, and obligations under the Statute.</E>When a representation proceeding is pending, parties must maintain existing recognitions, follow the terms and conditions of existing collective bargaining agreements, and fulfill all other representational and bargaining responsibilities under the Statute.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Unit status of individual employees.</E>A party may take action based on its position regarding the bargaining unit status of individual employees, under 3 U.S.C. 431(d)(2), 5 U.S.C. 7103(a)(2), and 7112(b) and (c). But its actions may be challenged, reviewed, and remedied where appropriate.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="2423" TITLE="5">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 2423—UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE PROCEEDINGS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>2. Section 2423.0 is revised to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2423.0</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Applicability of this part.</SUBJECT>
            <P>This part applies to any unfair labor practice cases that are pending or filed with the FLRA on or after July 25, 2012.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="2423" TITLE="5">
          <AMDPAR>3. Subpart A is revised to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <CONTENTS>
            <SUBPART>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Subpart A—Filing, Investigating, Resolving, and Acting on Charges</HD>
              <SECHD>Sec.</SECHD>
              <SECTNO>2423.1</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>Can a Regional Office help the parties resolve unfair labor practice disputes before a Regional Director decides whether to issue a complaint?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.2</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services does the OGC provide?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.3</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>Who may file charges?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.4</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What must you state in the charge and what supporting evidence and documents should you submit?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.5</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>[Reserved]</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.6</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What is the process for filing and serving copies of charges?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.7</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>[Reserved]</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.8</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>How are charges investigated?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.9</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>How are charges amended?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.10</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What actions may the Regional Director take with regard to your charge?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.11</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What happens if a Regional Director decides not to issue a complaint?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.12</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What types of settlements of unfair labor practice charges are possible after a Regional Director decides to issue a complaint but before issuance of a complaint?</SUBJECT>
              <SECTNO>2423.13-2423.19</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>[Reserved]</SUBJECT>
            </SUBPART>
          </CONTENTS>
          <SUBPART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Subpart A—Filing, Investigating, Resolving, and Acting on Charges</HD>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.1</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>Can a Regional Office help the parties resolve unfair labor practice disputes before a Regional Director decides whether to issue a complaint?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Resolving unfair labor practice disputes before filing a charge.</E>The purposes and policies of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (Statute) can best be achieved by the collaborative efforts of all persons covered by that law. The General Counsel encourages all persons to meet and, in good faith, attempt to resolve unfair labor practice disputes before filing unfair labor practice charges. If requested, and the parties agree, a representative of the Regional Office, in appropriate circumstances, may participate in these meetings to assist the parties to identify the issues and their interests and to resolve the dispute. Parties' attempts to resolve unfair labor practice disputes before filing an unfair labor practice charge do not toll the time limitations for filing a charge set forth at 5 U.S.C. 7118(a)(4).</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Resolving unfair labor practice disputes after filing a charge.</E>The General Counsel encourages the informal resolution of unfair labor practice allegations after a charge is filed and before the Regional Director makes a merit determination. A representative of the appropriate Regional Office, as part of the investigation, may assist the parties in informally resolving their dispute.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.2</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services does the OGC provide?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Purpose of ADR services.</E>The Office of the General Counsel furthers its mission and implements the agency-wide Federal Labor Relations Authority Collaboration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Program by promoting stable and productive labor-management relationships governed by the Statute and by providing services that assist labor organizations and agencies, on a voluntary basis, to:</P>
              <P>(1) Develop collaborative labor-management relationships;</P>
              <P>(2) Avoid unfair labor practice disputes; and</P>
              <P>(3) Informally resolve unfair labor practice disputes.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Types of ADR Services.</E>Agencies and labor organizations may jointly request, or agree to, the provision of the following services by the Office of the General Counsel:</P>
              <P>(1)<E T="03">Facilitation.</E>Assisting the parties in improving their labor-management relationship as governed by the Statute;</P>
              <P>(2)<E T="03">Intervention.</E>Intervening when parties are experiencing or expect significant unfair labor practice disputes;</P>
              <P>(3)<E T="03">Training.</E>Training labor organization officials and agency representatives on their rights and responsibilities under the Statute and how to avoid litigation over those rights and responsibilities, and on using problem-solving and ADR skills, techniques, and strategies to resolve informally unfair labor practice disputes; and</P>
              <P>(4)<E T="03">Education.</E>Working with the parties to recognize the benefits of, and establish processes for, avoiding unfair labor practice disputes, and resolving any unfair labor practice disputes that arise by consensual, rather than adversarial, methods.</P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">ADR services after initiation of an investigation.</E>As part of processing an unfair labor practice charge, the Office of the General Counsel may suggest to the parties, as appropriate, that they may benefit from these ADR services.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.3</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>Who may file charges?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Filing charges.</E>Any person may charge an activity, agency, or labor organization with having engaged in, or engaging in, any unfair labor practice prohibited under 5 U.S.C. 7116.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Charging Party.</E>Charging Party means the individual, labor organization, activity, or agency filing an unfair labor practice charge with a Regional Director.</P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">Charged Party.</E>Charged Party means the activity, agency, or labor organization charged with allegedly having engaged in, or engaging in, an unfair labor practice.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <PRTPAGE P="37760"/>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.4</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What must you state in the charge and what supporting evidence and documents should you submit?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">What to file.</E>You, the Charging Party, may file a charge alleging a violation of 5 U.S.C. 7116 by providing the following information on a form designated by the General Counsel, or on a substantially similar form, or electronically through the use of the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov,</E>or by facsimile transmission:</P>
              <P>(1) The Charging Party's name and mailing address, including street number, city, state, and zip code;</P>
              <P>(2) The Charged Party's name and mailing address, including street number, city, state, and zip code;</P>
              <P>(3) The Charging Party's point of contact's name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, if known, and email address, if known;</P>
              <P>(4) The Charged Party's point of contact's name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, if known, and email address, if known;</P>
              <P>(5) A clear and concise statement of the facts alleged to constitute an unfair labor practice, a statement of how those facts allegedly violate specific section(s) and paragraph(s) of the Statute, and the date and place of occurrence of the particular acts; and</P>
              <P>(6) A statement whether the subject matter raised in the charge:</P>
              <P>(i) Has been raised previously in a grievance procedure;</P>
              <P>(ii) Has been referred to the Federal Service Impasses Panel, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, or the Office of Special Counsel for consideration or action;</P>
              <P>(iii) Involves a negotiability issue that you raised in a petition pending before the Authority under part 2424 of this subchapter; or</P>
              <P>(iv) Has been the subject of any other administrative or judicial proceeding.</P>
              <P>(7) A statement describing the result or status of any proceeding identified in paragraph (a)(6) of this section.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">When and how to file.</E>Under 5 U.S.C. 7118(a)(4), a charge alleging an unfair labor practice must be in writing and signed or filed electronically using the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov.</E>It is normally filed within six (6) months of its occurrence unless one of the two (2) circumstances described under paragraph (B) of 5 U.S.C. 7118(a)(4) applies.</P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">Declarations of truth and statement of service.</E>A charge must also contain a declaration by the individual signing the charge, under the penalties of the Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. 1001), that its contents are true and correct to the best of that individual's knowledge and belief.</P>
              <P>(d)<E T="03">Statement of service.</E>You must also state that you served the charge on the Charged Party, and you must list the name, title and location of the individual served, and the method of service.</P>
              <P>(e)<E T="03">Self-contained document.</E>A charge must be a self-contained document describing the alleged unfair labor practice without a need to refer to supporting evidence and documents submitted under paragraph (f) of this section.</P>
              <P>(f)<E T="03">Submitting supporting evidence and documents and identifying potential witnesses.</E>When filing a charge, you must submit to the Regional Director any supporting evidence and documents, including, but not limited to, correspondence and memoranda, records, reports, applicable collective bargaining agreement clauses, memoranda of understanding, minutes of meetings, applicable regulations, statements of position, and other documentary evidence. You also must identify potential witnesses with contact information (telephone number, email address, and facsimile number) and provide a brief synopsis of their expected testimony.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.5</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>[Reserved]</SUBJECT>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.6</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What is the process for filing and serving copies of charges?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Where to file.</E>You must file the charge with the Regional Director for the region in which the alleged unfair labor practice has occurred or is occurring. A charge alleging that an unfair labor practice has occurred or is occurring in two or more regions may be filed with the Regional Director in any of those regions.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Date of filing.</E>When a Regional Director receives a charge, it is deemed filed. A charge filed during business hours by facsimile or electronic means is deemed received on the business day on which it is received (either by the Regional Office fax machine or by the eFiling system), until midnight local time in the Region where it is filed. But when a Region receives a charge after the close of the business day by any other method, it will be deemed received and docketed on the next business day. The business hours for each of the Regional Offices are set forth at<E T="03">http://www.FLRA.gov.</E>
              </P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">Method of filing.</E>You may file a charge with the Regional Director in person or by commercial delivery, first class mail, certified mail, facsimile, or electronically through use of the eFiling system on the FLRA's Web site at<E T="03">www.flra.gov.</E>If filing by facsimile transmission or by electronic means, you are not required to file an original copy of the charge with the Region. You assume responsibility for the Regional Director's receipt of a charge. Supporting evidence and documents must be submitted to the Regional Director in person, by commercial delivery, first class mail, certified mail, facsimile transmission, or through the FLRA's eFiling system.</P>
              <P>(d)<E T="03">Service of the charge.</E>You must serve a copy of the charge (without supporting evidence and documents) on the Charged Party. Where facsimile equipment is available, you may serve the charge by facsimile transmission, as paragraph (c) of this section discusses. Alternatively, you may serve the charge by electronic mail (“email”), but only if the Charged Party has agreed to be served by email. The Region routinely serves a copy of the charge on the Charged Party, but you remain responsible for serving the charge, consistent with the requirements in this paragraph.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.7</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>[Reserved]</SUBJECT>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.8</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>How are charges investigated?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Investigation.</E>The Regional Director, on behalf of the General Counsel, conducts an investigation of the charge as deemed necessary. During the course of the investigation, all parties involved are given an opportunity to present their evidence and views to the Regional Director.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Cooperation.</E>The purposes and policies of the Statute can best be achieved by the parties' full cooperation and their timely submission of all relevant information from all potential sources during the investigation. All persons must cooperate fully with the Regional Director in the investigation of charges. A failure to cooperate during the investigation of a charge may provide grounds to dismiss a charge for failure to produce evidence supporting the charge. Cooperation includes any of the following actions, when deemed appropriate by the Regional Director:</P>
              <P>(1) Making union officials, employees, and agency supervisors and managers available to give sworn/affirmed testimony regarding matters under investigation;</P>
              <P>(2) Producing documentary evidence pertinent to the matters under investigation;</P>

              <P>(3) Providing statements of position on the matters under investigation; and<PRTPAGE P="37761"/>
              </P>
              <P>(4) Responding to an agent's communications during an investigation in a timely manner.</P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">Investigatory subpoenas.</E>If a person fails to cooperate with the Regional Director in the investigation of a charge, the General Counsel, upon recommendation of a Regional Director, may decide in appropriate circumstances to issue a subpoena under 5 U.S.C. 7132 for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary or other evidence. However, no subpoena, which requires the disclosure of intramanagement guidance, advice, counsel, or training within an agency or between an agency and the Office of Personnel Management, will issue under this section.</P>
              <P>(1) A subpoena can only be served by any individual who is at least 18 years old and who is not a party to the proceeding. The individual who served the subpoena must certify that he or she did so:</P>
              <P>(i) By delivering it to the witness in person;</P>
              <P>(ii) By registered or certified mail; or</P>
              <P>(iii) By delivering the subpoena to a responsible individual (named in the document certifying the delivery) at the residence or place of business (as appropriate) of the person for whom the subpoena was intended. The subpoena must show on its face the name and address of the Regional Director and the General Counsel.</P>
              <P>(2) Any person served with a subpoena who does not intend to comply must, within 5 days after the date of service of the subpoena upon such person, petition in writing to revoke the subpoena. A copy of any petition to revoke must be served on the General Counsel.</P>
              <P>(3) The General Counsel must revoke the subpoena if the witness or evidence, the production of which is required, is not material and relevant to the matters under investigation or in question in the proceedings, or the subpoena does not describe with sufficient particularity the evidence the production of which is required, or if for any other reason sufficient in law the subpoena is invalid. The General Counsel must state the procedural or other grounds for the ruling on the petition to revoke. The petition to revoke becomes part of the official record if there is a hearing under subpart C of this part.</P>
              <P>(4) Upon the failure of any person to comply with a subpoena issued by the General Counsel, the General Counsel must determine whether to institute proceedings in the appropriate district court for the enforcement of the subpoena. Enforcement must not be sought if to do so would be inconsistent with law, including the Statute.</P>
              <P>(d)<E T="03">Confidentiality.</E>It is the General Counsel's policy to protect the identity of individuals who submit statements and information during the investigation, and to protect against the disclosure of documents obtained during the investigation, to ensure the General Counsel's ability to obtain all relevant information. However, after a Regional Director issues a complaint and when necessary to prepare for a hearing, the Region may disclose the identification of witnesses, a synopsis of their expected testimony, and documents proposed to be offered into evidence at the hearing, as required by the prehearing disclosure requirements in § 2423.23.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.9</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>How are charges amended?</SUBJECT>
              <P>Before the issuance of a complaint, the Charging Party may amend the charge under the requirements set forth in § 2423.6.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.10</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What actions may the Regional Director take with regard to your charge?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Regional Director action.</E>The Regional Director, on behalf of the General Counsel, may take any of the following actions, as appropriate:</P>
              <P>(1) Approve a request to withdraw a charge;</P>
              <P>(2) Dismiss a charge;</P>
              <P>(3) Approve a written settlement agreement under § 2423.12;</P>
              <P>(4) Issue a complaint; or</P>
              <P>(5) Withdraw a complaint.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Request for appropriate temporary relief.</E>Parties may request the General Counsel to seek appropriate temporary relief (including a restraining order) under 5 U.S.C. 7123(d). The General Counsel may initiate and prosecute injunctive proceedings under 5 U.S.C. 7123(d) only upon approval of the Authority. A determination by the General Counsel not to seek approval of the Authority to seek temporary relief is final and cannot be appealed to the Authority.</P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">General Counsel requests to the Authority.</E>When a complaint issues and the Authority approves the General Counsel's request to seek appropriate temporary relief (including a restraining order) under 5 U.S.C. 7123(d), the General Counsel may make application for appropriate temporary relief (including a restraining order) in the district court of the United States within which the unfair labor practice is alleged to have occurred or in which the party sought to be enjoined resides or transacts business. The General Counsel may seek temporary relief if it is just and proper and the record establishes probable cause that an unfair labor practice is being committed. Temporary relief will not be sought if it would interfere with the ability of the agency to carry out its essential functions.</P>
              <P>(d)<E T="03">Actions subsequent to obtaining appropriate temporary relief.</E>The General Counsel must inform the district court that granted temporary relief under 5 U.S.C. 7123(d) whenever an Administrative Law Judge recommends dismissal of the complaint, in whole or in part.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.11</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What happens if a Regional Director decides not to issue complaint?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Opportunity to withdraw a charge.</E>If the Regional Director determines that the charge has not been timely filed, that the charge fails to state an unfair labor practice, or for other appropriate reasons, the Regional Director may request the Charging Party to withdraw the charge.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Dismissal letter.</E>If the Charging Party does not withdraw the charge within a reasonable period of time, the Regional Director will dismiss the charge and provide the parties with a written statement of the reasons for not issuing a complaint.</P>
              <P>(c)<E T="03">Appeal of a dismissal letter.</E>The Charging Party may obtain review of the Regional Director's decision to dismiss a charge by filing an appeal with the General Counsel, either in writing or by email to<E T="03">ogc.appeals@flra.gov,</E>within 25 days after the Regional Director served the decision. A Charging Party must serve a copy of the appeal on the Regional Director. The General Counsel must serve notice on the Charged Party that the Charging Party has filed an appeal.</P>
              <P>(d)<E T="03">Extension of time.</E>The Charging Party may file a request, either in writing or by email to<E T="03">ogc.appeals@flra.gov,</E>for an extension of time to file an appeal, which must be received by the General Counsel not later than five (5) days before the date the appeal is due. A Charging Party must serve a copy of the request for an extension of time on the Regional Director.</P>
              <P>(e)<E T="03">Grounds for granting an appeal.</E>The General Counsel may grant an appeal when the appeal establishes at least one of the following grounds:</P>
              <P>(1) The Regional Director's decision did not consider material facts that would have resulted in issuance of a complaint;</P>
              <P>(2) The Regional Director's decision is based on a finding of a material fact that is clearly erroneous;</P>

              <P>(3) The Regional Director's decision is based on an incorrect statement or application of the applicable rule of law;<PRTPAGE P="37762"/>
              </P>
              <P>(4) There is no Authority precedent on the legal issue in the case; or</P>
              <P>(5) The manner in which the Region conducted the investigation has resulted in prejudicial error.</P>
              <P>(f)<E T="03">General Counsel action.</E>The General Counsel may deny the appeal of the Regional Director's dismissal of the charge, or may grant the appeal and remand the case to the Regional Director to take further action. The General Counsel's decision on the appeal states the grounds listed in paragraph (e) of this section for denying or granting the appeal, and is served on all the parties. Absent a timely motion for reconsideration, the General Counsel's decision is final.</P>
              <P>(g)<E T="03">Reconsideration.</E>After the General Counsel issues a final decision, the Charging Party may move for reconsideration of the final decision if it can establish extraordinary circumstances in its moving papers. The motion must be filed within 10 days after the date on which the General Counsel's final decision is postmarked. A motion for reconsideration must state with particularity the extraordinary circumstances claimed and must be supported by appropriate citations. The decision of the General Counsel on a motion for reconsideration is final.</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§ 2423.12</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>What types of settlements of unfair labor practice charges are possible after a Regional Director decides to issue a complaint but before issuance of a complaint?</SUBJECT>
              <P>(a)<E T="03">Bilateral informal settlement agreement.</E>Before issuing a complaint, the Regional Director may give the Charging Party and the Charged Party a reasonable period of time to enter into an informal settlement agreement to be approved by the Regional Director. When a Charged Party complies with the terms of an informal settlement agreement approved by the Regional Director, no further action is taken in the case. If the Charged Party fails to perform its obligations under the approved informal settlement agreement, the Regional Director may institute further proceedings.</P>
              <P>(b)<E T="03">Unilateral informal settlement agreement.</E>If the Charging Party elects not to become a party to a bilateral settlement agreement, which the Regional Director concludes fulfills the policies of the Statute, the Regional Director may choose to approve a unilateral settlement between the Regional Director and the Charged Party. The Regional Director, on behalf of the General Counsel, must issue a letter stating the grounds for approving the settlement agreement and declining to issue a complaint. The Charging Party may obtain review of the Regional Director's action by filing an appeal with the General Counsel under § 2423.11(c) and (d). The General Counsel may grant an appeal when the Charging Party has shown that the Regional Director's approval of a unilateral settlement agreement does not fulfill the purposes and policies of the Statute. The General Counsel must take action on the appeal as set forth in § 2423.11(b) through (g).</P>
            </SECTION>
            <SECTION>
              <SECTNO>§§ 2423.13-2423.19</SECTNO>
              <SUBJECT>[Reserved]</SUBJECT>
            </SECTION>
          </SUBPART>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="2429" TITLE="5">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 2429—MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>4. The authority citation for part 2429 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>5 U.S.C. 7134; § 2429.18 also issued under 28 U.S.C. 2112(a).</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="2429" TITLE="5">
          <AMDPAR>5. Section 2429.24 is amended by adding paragraphs (f)(12) through (f)(14) and revising paragraph (g) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 2429.24</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Place and method of filing; acknowledgement.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(f) * * *</P>
            <P>(12) Petitions under 5 CFR part 2422.</P>
            <P>(13) Cross-petitions under 5 CFR part 2422.</P>
            <P>(14) Charges under 5 CFR part 2423.</P>
            <P>(g) As another alternative to the methods of filing described in paragraph (e) of this section, you may file the following documents by facsimile (“fax”), so long as fax equipment is available and your entire, individual filing does not exceed 10 pages in total length, with normal margins and font sizes. You may file only the following documents by fax under this paragraph (g):</P>
            <P>(1) Motions;</P>
            <P>(2) Information pertaining to prehearing disclosure, conferences, orders, or hearing dates, times, and locations;</P>
            <P>(3) Information pertaining to subpoenas;</P>
            <P>(4) Appeals of a dismissal of an unfair labor practice charge; and</P>
            <P>(5) Other matters that are similar to those in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this section.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Julia Akins Clark,</NAME>
          <TITLE>General Counsel.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15462 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6727-01-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Agricultural Marketing Service</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>7 CFR Part 987</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Doc. No. AMS-FV-10-0025; FV10-987-1 FR]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, CA; Order Amending Marketing Order 987</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This final rule amends Marketing Agreement and Order No. 987 (order), which regulates the handling of domestic dates produced or packed in Riverside County, California. The amendments approved by producers in referendum were proposed by the California Date Administrative Committee (CDAC or committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments are intended to improve administration of and compliance with the order and reflect current industry practices. Two amendments proposed by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) were not approved in referendum.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective July 25, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Martin Engeler, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487-5110, Fax: (559) 487-5906, or Kathleen M. Finn, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email:<E T="03">Martin.Engeler@ams.usda.gov</E>or<E T="03">Kathy.Finn@ams.usda.gov.</E>
          </P>

          <P>Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Laurel May, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email:<E T="03">Laurel.May@ams.usda.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>This rule is issued under Marketing Agreement and Order No. 987, both as amended (7 CFR part 987), regulating the handling of domestic dates produced or packed in Riverside County, California, hereinafter referred to as the “order.” The order is effective under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as<PRTPAGE P="37763"/>amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the “Act.” The applicable rules of practice and procedure governing the formulation of marketing agreements and orders (7 CFR part 900) authorize amendment of the order through this informal rulemaking action.</P>
        <P>The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.</P>
        <P>This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect.</P>
        <P>The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted before parties may file suit in court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any handler subject to an order may file with USDA a petition stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance with law and request a modification of the order or to be exempted therefrom. A handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. After the hearing, USDA would rule on the petition. The Act provides that the district court of the United States in any district in which the handler is an inhabitant, or has his or her principal place of business, has jurisdiction to review USDA's ruling on the petition, provided an action is filed not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of the ruling.</P>
        <P>Section 1504 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 110-246) made changes to section 18c(17) of the Act, which in turn required the addition of supplemental rules of practice to 7 CFR part 900 (73 FR 49307; August 21, 2008). The additional supplemental rules of practice authorize the use of informal rulemaking (5 U.S.C. 553) to amend federal fruit, vegetable, and nut marketing agreements and orders if certain criteria are met.</P>
        <P>AMS has considered the nature and complexity of the proposed amendments, the potential regulatory and economic impacts on affected entities, and other relevant matters, and has determined that amending the order as proposed by the committee could appropriately be accomplished through informal rulemaking.</P>
        <P>The committee's proposed amendments were recommended following deliberations at public meetings on October 30, 2008; October 29, 2009; and February 25, 2010. The proposed amendments were first submitted to AMS on May 29, 2009. After further discussions with AMS, the committee submitted revised proposals to AMS on March 2, 2010.</P>

        <P>A proposed rule soliciting comments on the proposed amendments was issued on June 6, 2011, and published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on June 14, 2011 (76 FR 34618). No comments were received. A proposed rule and referendum order was issued on November 3, 2011, and published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on November 9, 2011 (76 FR 69678). This document directed that a referendum among date producers be conducted during the period January 16, 2012 through February 3, 2012, to determine whether they favor the proposed amendments to the order. To become effective, the amendments had to be approved by at least two-thirds of the producers voting, or two-thirds of the volume of dates represented by voters in the referendum. The amendments recommended by the committee were favored by more than 92 percent of those voting in the referendum and by more than 99 percent of the volume represented in the referendum.</P>
        <P>The amendments included in this final rule will: (1) Authorize the committee to recommend regulatory exemptions for certain date varieties if market conditions warrant such exemption; (2) Increase the terms of office for committee members and alternates from two to three years; (3) Authorize the committee to conduct business by means of telephone or video conference technologies; (4) Authorize the committee to collect interest charges and late fees on delinquent assessment payments; and (5) Authorize the committee to build and maintain an operating monetary reserve not to exceed one year's average expenses.</P>
        <P>An amended marketing agreement was subsequently provided to all date handlers in the production area for their approval. The marketing agreement was approved by handlers representing more than 50 percent of the volume of dates handled by all handlers covered under the order.</P>
        <P>Two amendments concerning periodic continuance referenda and committee member term limits recommend by AMS were not approved by producers in referendum.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis</HD>
        <P>Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has considered the economic impact of this action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final regulatory flexibility analysis.</P>
        <P>The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of business subject to such actions in order that small businesses will not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued pursuant to the Act, and rules issued thereunder, are unique in that they are brought about through group action of essentially small entities acting on their own behalf.</P>
        <P>There are approximately 79 producers of dates in the production area and 8 handlers subject to regulation under the marketing order. The Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.201) defines small agricultural producers as those having annual receipts of less than $750,000, and small agricultural service firms are defined as those having annual receipts of less than $7,000,000.</P>
        <P>According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the 2010 crop yield was approximately 7,080 pounds, or 3.54 tons, of dates per acre. NASS estimates that the 2010 grower price was approximately $0.585 per pound, or $1,170 per ton. Thus, the value of date production in 2010 averaged about $4,142 per acre (7,080 pounds per acre times $0.585 per pound). At that average price, a producer would have to farm over 181 acres to receive an annual income from dates of $750,000 ($750,000 divided by $4,142 per acre equals 181.1 acres). According to committee staff, the majority of California date producers farm fewer than 181 acres. Thus, it can be concluded that the majority of date producers could be considered small entities. According to data from the committee, the majority of handlers of California dates may also be considered small entities.</P>
        <P>The amendments will authorize the committee to recommend regulatory exemptions for dates by variety, provide for three years terms of office for committee members, provide for committee meetings by telephone and other means of communication, authorize an operating monetary reserve not to exceed one year's average expenses, and authorize the collection of interest and late payment charges on delinquent assessment payments.</P>
        <P>Conforming changes to the order's administrative rules and regulations will be made to facilitate implementation of the amendments approved by voters in the referendum. Specifically, the committee's nomination and polling procedures will be modified to require that balloting materials be provided to producers by June 15 of every third year.</P>

        <P>The amendments were unanimously recommended at public meetings held<PRTPAGE P="37764"/>on October 30, 2008; October 29, 2009; and February 25, 2010. The committee believes that each of their amendments will benefit producers and handlers of all sizes.</P>
        <P>The amendment granting authority to temporarily exempt certain date varieties from regulation will allow the committee to determine whether the costs of collecting assessments and reports on individual varieties are warranted. Handler burden related to those functions will be reduced for exempted varieties. Decreases in handler assessment obligation and reporting costs could be passed on to producers. Administrative costs related to enforcing regulatory compliance for those varieties will also be reduced.</P>
        <P>Producer and handler participation in committee nominations is expected to improve when member terms of office are extended from two to three years. Extending the terms of office will afford the committee more time to identify and develop potential new members between committee selections. Coordinating committee nomination periods with those of other industry programs is expected to reduce voter confusion and increase the number of ballots returned, thus improving producer and handler representation on the committee.</P>
        <P>Adding authority for alternative meeting formats is expected to improve participation in committee deliberations by industry members of all sizes. Using alternative meeting formats will minimize the time that committee members are required to be away from their individual businesses. Authorizing the chairperson to determine the format for each meeting will ensure that critical committee business is addressed appropriately. By providing greater flexibility for meeting attendance and participation, the committee hopes to benefit from the input of a greater number of interested persons whose perspectives and ideas could improve the marketing of California dates, which would in turn benefit both producers and handlers.</P>
        <P>Authorizing the committee to impose interest and late payment charges on delinquent assessments is intended to encourage handlers to make payments on a timely basis. There will be no additional cost to handlers who comply with the order's assessment requirements. Timely assessment payments allow the committee to make and keep financial obligations with regard to operation of its programs, including marketing and promotion, which are intended to benefit all producers and handlers.</P>
        <P>Adding authority to build and maintain an operating reserve equal to one year's average expenses is intended to allow the committee to recommend increases to their assessment rate in order to gradually build the reserve. During high production years, excess assessments could be added to the reserve until the fund's limit is reached. The larger operating reserve will help ensure that the committee has sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations and maintain critical marketing programs, even during short crop years. Such stability is expected to allow the committee to conduct programs that will benefit all entities, regardless of size.</P>
        <P>The changes to the order's nomination and polling regulations are intended to facilitate implementation of the proposed amendments.</P>
        <P>Where measurable, the costs outlined in this analysis are expected to be proportional to the size of business, so smaller businesses should not be unduly burdened. Benefits associated with improved efficiencies and greater representation on the committee should accrue to all entities, regardless of size.</P>
        <P>Alternatives to these proposals included making no changes at this time. However, the changes are necessary to update administration of the order to reflect current industry practices, provide consistent funding that will enable the committee to maintain valuable marketing programs, and provide greater opportunity for committee participation.</P>
        <P>In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the order's information collection requirements have been previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB No. 0581-0178, Vegetable and Specialty Crops. No changes in those requirements as a result of this proceeding are anticipated. Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to OMB for approval.</P>
        <P>As with all Federal marketing order programs, reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies.</P>
        <P>In addition, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this rule.</P>
        <P>AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes.</P>
        <P>The committee's meetings, at which these proposals were discussed, were widely publicized throughout the date industry. All interested persons were invited to attend the meetings and encouraged to participate in committee deliberations on all issues. Like all committee meetings, the meetings were public, and all entities, both large and small, were encouraged to express their views on these proposals.</P>
        <P>A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on June 14, 2011 (76 FR 34618). Copies of the rule were mailed or sent via facsimile to all committee members and date handlers. Finally, the rule was made available through the internet by USDA and the Office of the Federal Register. A 30-day comment period ending July 14, 2011, was provided to allow interested persons to respond to the proposal. No comments were received in response to the proposed order amendments. Further, no comments were received in response to the proposed conforming changes to the administrative regulations.</P>

        <P>A proposed rule and referendum order was then issued on November 3, 2011, and published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on November 9, 2011 (76 FR 69678). This document directed that a referendum among date producers be conducted during the period January 16, 2012, through February 3, 2012, to determine whether they favor the proposed amendments to the order. To become effective, the amendments had to be approved by at least two-thirds of the producers voting, or two-thirds of the volume of dates represented by voters in the referendum. All of the proposed amendments were favored by more than 92 percent of those voting in the referendum and by more than 99 percent of the volume represented in the referendum.</P>
        <P>An amended marketing agreement was subsequently provided to all date handlers in the production area for their approval. The marketing agreement was approved by handlers representing more than 50 percent of the volume of dates handled by all handlers covered under the order.</P>

        <P>A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at:<E T="03">www.ams.usda.gov/MarketingOrdersSmallBusinessGuide.</E>Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Laurel May at the previously mentioned address in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>section.<PRTPAGE P="37765"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California Findings and Determinations</HD>
        <P>(a)<E T="03">Findings and Determinations Upon the Basis of the Rulemaking Record.</E>
        </P>
        <P>The findings hereinafter set forth are supplementary to the findings and determinations which were previously made in connection with the issuance of the marketing agreement and order; and all said previous findings and determinations are hereby ratified and affirmed, except insofar as such findings and determinations may be in conflict with the findings and determinations set forth herein.</P>
        <P>1. The marketing agreement and order, as amended, and all of the terms and conditions thereof, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act;</P>
        <P>2. The marketing agreement and order, as amended, regulate the handling of dates produced or packed in the production area (Riverside County, California) in the same manner as, and are applicable only to, persons in the respective classes of commercial and industrial activity specified in the marketing agreement and order;</P>
        <P>3. The marketing agreement and order, as amended, are limited in application to the smallest regional production area which is practicable, consistent with carrying out the declared policy of the Act, and the issuance of several orders applicable to subdivisions of the production area would not effectively carry out the declared policy of the Act;</P>
        <P>4. The marketing agreement and order, as amended, prescribe, insofar as practicable, such different terms applicable to different parts of the production area as are necessary to give due recognition to the differences in the production and marketing of dates produced or packed in the production area; and</P>
        <P>5. All handling of dates produced or packed in the production area as defined in the marketing agreement and order is in the current of interstate or foreign commerce or directly burdens, obstructs, or affects such commerce.</P>
        <P>(b)<E T="03">Determinations.</E>It is hereby determined that:</P>
        <P>1. The “Marketing Agreement Regulating the Handling of Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California,” has been signed by handlers (excluding cooperative associations of producers who are not engaged in processing, distributing, or shipping dates covered under the order) who during the period October 1, 2010, through September 30, 2011, handled not less than 50 percent of the volume of such dates covered under the order; and</P>
        <P>2. The issuance of this amendatory order, amending the aforesaid order, is favored or approved by at least two-thirds of the producers who participated in a referendum on the question of approval and who, during the period of October 1, 2010, through September 30, 2011, have been engaged within the production area in the production of such dates, such producers having also produced for market at least two-thirds of the volume of such commodity represented in the referendum.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Order Relative to Handling</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">It is therefore ordered,</E>That on and after the effective date hereof, all handling of dates grown or packed in Riverside County, California, shall be in conformity to, and in compliance with, the terms and conditions of the said order as hereby proposed to be amended as follows:</P>

        <P>The provisions of Proposals Number 1 through 5 of the proposed marketing order amending the order contained in the proposed rule issued by the Administrator on November 5, 2011, and published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(76 FR 69678) on November 9, 2011, will be and are the terms and provisions of this order amending the order and are set forth in full herein.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 987</HD>
          <P>Dates, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Part 987 is amended as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 987—DOMESTIC DATES PRODUCED OR PACKED IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 987 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>7 U.S.C. 601-674.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <AMDPAR>2. Revise § 987.23 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 987.23</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Term of office.</SUBJECT>

            <P>The term of office for members and alternate members shall be three years beginning August 1, except that such term may be shorter if the Committee composition is changed in the interim pursuant to § 987.21.<E T="03">Provided,</E>That the terms of office of all members and alternates currently serving at the time of the amendment will end on July 31, 2014. Each member and alternate member shall, unless otherwise ordered by the Secretary, continue to serve until his or her successor has been selected and has qualified.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <AMDPAR>3. Revise paragraph (a) of § 987.24 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 987.24</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Nomination and selection.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a) Nomination for members and alternate members of the Committee shall be made not later than June 15 of every third year.</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <AMDPAR>4. Amend § 987.31 by revising paragraphs (d) and (e) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 987.31</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Procedure.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(d) At the discretion of the chairperson, Committee meetings may be assembled or conducted by means of teleconference, video conference, or other means of communication that may be developed. Assembled meetings may also allow for participation by means of teleconference or video conference or other communication methods, at the discretion of the chair. Members participating in meetings via any of these alternative means retain the same voting privileges that they would otherwise have.</P>
            <P>(e) The Committee may vote upon any proposition by mail, or by telephone when confirmed in writing within two weeks, upon due notice and full and identical explanation to all members, including alternates acting as members, but any such action shall not be considered valid unless unanimously approved.</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <AMDPAR>5. Amend § 987.52 by designating the existing text as paragraph (a) and by adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 987.52</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Exemption.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(b) The Committee may, with the approval of the Secretary, recommend that the handling of any date variety be exempted from regulations established pursuant to §§ 987.39 through 987.51 and §§ 987.61 through 987.72.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <AMDPAR>6. Amend § 987.72 by redesignating paragraphs (b) through (d) as paragraphs (c) through (e), respectively; by adding a new paragraph (b); and by revising redesignated paragraph (d) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 987.72</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Assessments.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Delinquent payments.</E>Any assessment not paid by a handler within a period of time prescribed by the Committee may be subject to an interest or late payment charge, or both. The period of time, rate of interest, and late payment charge shall be as<PRTPAGE P="37766"/>recommended by the Committee and approved by the Secretary.</P>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Operating reserve.</E>The Committee, with the approval of the Secretary, may establish and maintain during one or more crop years an operating monetary reserve in an amount not to exceed the average of one year's expenses incurred during the most recent five preceding crop years, except that an established reserve need not be reduced to conform to any recomputed average. Funds in reserve shall be available for use by the Committee for expenses authorized pursuant to § 987.71.</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="987" TITLE="7">
          <AMDPAR>7. Revise § 987.124(a) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 987.124</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Nomination and polling.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a) Date producers and producer-handlers shall be provided an opportunity to nominate and vote for individuals to serve on the Committee. For this purpose, the Committee shall, no later than June 15 of every third year, provide date producers and producer-handlers nomination and balloting material by mail or equivalent electronic means, upon which producers and producer-handlers may nominate candidates and cast their votes for members and alternate members of the Committee in accordance with the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, respectively. All ballots are subject to verification. Balloting material should be provided to voters at least two weeks before the due date and should contain, at least, the following information:</P>
            <P>(1) The names of incumbents who are willing and eligible to continue to serve on the Committee;</P>
            <P>(2) The names of other persons willing and eligible to serve;</P>
            <P>(3) Instructions on how voters may add write-in candidates;</P>
            <P>(4) The date on which the ballot is due to the Committee or its agent; and</P>
            <P>(5) How and where to return ballots.</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Ruihong Guo,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Administrator,Agricultural Marketing Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15428 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-02-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2011-1089; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-110-AD; Amendment 39-17097; AD 2012-12-17]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of deformation found at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assembly (CRA). This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain oxygen CRA is installed and the replacement of affected oxygen CRAs. We are issuing this AD to prevent elongation of the pressure regulator neck, which could result in rupture of the oxygen cylinder, and, in the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen not being available when required.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That SNPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on February 8, 2012 (77 FR 6525). The original NPRM (76 FR 64857, October 19, 2011) proposed to require an inspection to determine if a certain oxygen cylinder and regulator assembly (CRA) is installed and the replacement of affected oxygen CRAs. The SNPRM proposed to change the compliance time in paragraph (g) of the SNPRM.</P>
        <P>You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM (77 FR 6525, February 8, 2012), or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 79 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $29,145, or $255 per product.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>

        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.<PRTPAGE P="37767"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the SNPRM (77 FR 6525, February 8, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>(1) The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-17Bombardier, Inc.:</E>Amendment 39-17097. Docket No. FAA-2011-1089; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-110-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/N)s 20003 and subsequent.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35: Oxygen.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of deformation found at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assembly (CRA). We are issuing this AD to prevent elongation of the pressure regulator neck, which could result in rupture of the oxygen cylinder, and in the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen not being available when required.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Actions</HD>
            <P>For airplanes having S/Ns 20003 through 20291 inclusive: Within 750 flight hours, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect oxygen pressure regulators having part number (P/N) 806370-06 or 806370-14, to determine the serial number, in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011.</P>
            <P>(1) If the serial number of the oxygen pressure regulator is listed in table 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011, replace the affected oxygen CRA, in accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011.</P>
            <P>(2) If the serial number of the oxygen pressure regulator is not listed in table 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011, no further action is required by this paragraph.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Parts Installation</HD>
            <P>For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an oxygen pressure regulator (P/N 806370-06 or 806370-14) having any serial number listed in table 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011, on any airplane, unless a suffix “-A” is beside the serial number.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the ACO, send it to Attn: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-09, dated May 13, 2011; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011; for related information.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-35-05, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2011.</P>

            <P>(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email<E T="03">thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.bombardier.com.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <PRTPAGE P="37768"/>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kalene C. Yanamura,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14935 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0083; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-022-AD; Amendment 39-17077; AD 2012-11-13]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI), High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly (aft crosstube) installed on certain Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) and Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model helicopters as an approved Bell part installed during production or based on a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). This AD requires certain recurring visual, dimensional, and fluorescent penetrant inspections of each aft crosstube, and replacing any cracked crosstube. This AD also requires establishing a life limit and creating a component history card or equivalent record for one of the affected part-numbered aft crosstubes. This AD was prompted by three reports of failed crosstubes because of cracks. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contact Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee 37625-3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or 1-800-251-7094, fax (423) 538-8469 or at<E T="03">http://www.aero-access.com.</E>You may also get service information from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone (817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466, or at<E T="03">http://www.bellcustomer.com/files.</E>You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Examining the AD Docket:</E>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5170, email<E T="03">martin.r.crane@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>
        <P>On Feb. 3, 2012, at 77 FR 5420, the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>published our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to aft crosstube part number (P/N) 412-321-104 and P/N 412-321-304, installed on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP and Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require certain recurring visual, dimensional, and fluorescent penetrant inspections of each aft crosstube. If there is a crack, the NPRM proposed to require, before further flight, replacing any cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube. The NPRM also proposed to require establishing a life limit for one of the affected part-numbered aft crosstubes (as the later part-numbered aft crosstube already has limits established) and creating a component history card or equivalent record for aft crosstube part number (P/N) 412-321-304. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination</HD>
        <P>We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for minor editorial changes. These minor editorial changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Related Service Information</HD>
        <P>We have reviewed AAI Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AA-07109, dated April 3, 2008, which specifies recurring inspections and maintenance of each aft crosstube, P/N 412-321-104, installed as an approved part by Bell during production, and P/N 412-321-304, installed under STC SR01052AT, on Bell Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF and Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. This ASB specifies establishing a high aft crosstube, P/N 412-321-304, “takeoff/landing” life limit of 20,000. Also, this ASB specifies that operators should follow helicopter towing instructions to prevent crosstube damage or failure as a result of ground handling or towing.</P>
        <P>We have also reviewed Bell ASB No. 412-08-129, dated May 12, 2008, for Bell Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, serial numbers 33001 through 33213, 36001 and subsequent, with an aft crosstube P/N 412-321-104 installed. Bell issued its ASB “to achieve complete distribution of AA-07109 vendor bulletin to the current affected model distribution list.”</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 115 helicopters of U.S. Registry.</P>
        <P>We also estimate that the required actions will take about:</P>
        <P>• 1 hour to create a component history card or equivalent record and determine and record the number of accumulated takeoffs and landings for each affected aft crosstube;</P>
        <P>• 3 hours to prepare the area for a visual inspection;</P>
        <P>•<FR>1/2</FR>hour to do the repetitive visual inspections, assuming 14 repetitive visual inspections per year;</P>
        <P>• 1 hour to do a dimensional inspection of the skid gear, assuming 3 inspections per year;</P>
        <P>• 24 hours to prepare and fluorescent penetrant inspect the aft crosstube, assuming 2 inspections per year; and</P>

        <P>• 10 hours to replace an aft crosstube, if necessary, assuming 3 aft crosstubes are replaced.<PRTPAGE P="37769"/>
        </P>
        <P>The average labor rate is $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $9,315 per aft crosstube. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators to be $636,545.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and</P>
        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-11-13Aeronautical Accessories, Inc.:</E>Amendment 39-17077; Docket No. FAA-2012-0083; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-022-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly (aft crosstube) part number (P/N) 412-321-104 and P/N 412-321-304, installed on Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 and AB412EP and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracked aft crosstube. This condition could result in collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Required Actions</HD>
            <P>(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) establish a life limit of 20,000 takeoffs and landings for each aft crosstube P/N 412-321-304. For the purposes of this AD, a takeoff and landing is defined as the cycle from when the helicopter gets light on the skids (takeoff) unloading the aft crosstube and then settles on the skids again (landing) reloading the aft crosstubes. Either the number of landings or takeoffs may be counted.</P>
            <P>(i) Create a component history card or equivalent record.</P>
            <P>(ii) Determine and record on the history card or equivalent record the total number of takeoffs and landings for each aft crosstube. If the takeoff and landing information is unavailable, estimate the number by multiplying the airframe hours by 10.</P>
            <P>(2) Within the next 450 takeoffs and landings, if an aft crosstube has reached 20,000 or more takeoffs and landings, replace it with an airworthy aft crosstube.</P>
            <P>(3) Before reaching 2,500 takeoffs and landings or for an aft crosstube with 2,500 or more takeoffs and landings, within 50 hours TIS or within the next 250 takeoffs and landings, whichever occurs first, prepare the aft crosstube inspection areas as depicted in Figure 1 of Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI), Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-07109, dated April 3, 2008 (ASB), by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 1 through 4, of the ASB. Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the prepared areas of each aft crosstube for a crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube. If there are no cracks, after completing the aft crosstube inspection, prime and paint the inspection area by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 6 and 7, of the ASB.</P>
            <P>(4) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 450 takeoffs and landings, clean the inspection area. Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the clear-coated area of the aft crosstube for a crack.</P>
            <P>(5) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.</P>
            <P>(6) Within 30 days or before reaching 2,500 takeoffs and landings, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 takeoffs and landings or 12 months, whichever occurs first, determine the horizontal deflection of each aft crosstube from the centerline of the helicopter (BL 0.0) to the outside of the skid tubes by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part D, paragraphs 1 through 3, of the ASB. If the measured aft crosstube horizontal deflection depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB is less than 57 inches (1,448 mm) or greater than 59 inches (1,499 mm), replace the aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.</P>
            <P>(7) Within 3 months or on or before reaching 7,500 takeoffs and landings, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 takeoffs and landings:</P>
            <P>(i) Remove the aft crosstube assembly by removing the aft crosstube support beam assembly, P/N 604-030-001, and both aft crosstube clamp assemblies, P/N 604-027-002.</P>
            <P>(ii) Remove paint and sealant from the aft crosstube outboard of the upper center support to top of saddles, both sides, as depicted in Figure 3 of the ASB.</P>
            <P>(iii) Fluorescent penetrant inspect each aft crosstube outboard of the upper center support as depicted in Figure 3 of the ASB for a crack.</P>
            <P>(iv) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.</P>
            <P>(8) Revise the helicopter Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manuals or the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) by establishing a new retirement life of 20,000 takeoff and landings for aft crosstube P/N 412-321-304 by making pen and ink changes or inserting a copy of this AD into the maintenance manual or the ICAs.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5170, email<E T="03">martin.r.crane@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>

            <P>(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under<PRTPAGE P="37770"/>14 CFR part 119, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Additional Information</HD>

            <P>The FAA-accepted AAI Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Report Number AA-01136, and the Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 412-08-129, dated May 12, 2008, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about inspecting the aft crosstube for a crack. For the AAI service information, contact Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee 37625-3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or 1-800-251-7094, fax (423) 538-8469, or at<E T="03">http://www.aero-access.com.</E>For the Bell Helicopter Textron service information, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone (817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466, or at<E T="03">http://www.bellcustomer.com/files.</E>
            </P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 32: Landing Gear.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on July 10, 2012.</P>
            <P>(i) Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-07109, dated April 3, 2008.</P>

            <P>(4) For this service information, contact Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee 37625-3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or 1-800-251-7094, fax (423) 538-8469, or at<E T="03">http://www.aero-access.com.</E>
            </P>

            <P>(5) You may review a copy of this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137 or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 25, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Lance T. Gant,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15286 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0035; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-178-AD; Amendment 39-17094; AD 2012-12-14]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking, corrosion damage, and any other irregularity of the lower main sill inner chord and surrounding structure, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; email<E T="03">me.boecom@boeing.com</E>; Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email:<E T="03">berhane.alazar@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on January 23, 2012 (77 FR 3187). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracking, corrosion damage, and any other irregularity of the lower main sill inner chord and surrounding structure, and repair if necessary.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) and the FAA's response to each comment.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Clarify Terminating Action and Post-Repair Inspection Program</HD>
        <P>Boeing requested that we revise the wording in paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) to clarify that the AD terminates only the repetitive inspections required by the NPRM. Boeing also stated that the inspection area designated in the NPRM may be subject to other repetitive inspections following repairs done per another AD.</P>
        <P>All Nippon Airways (ANA) requested that we confirm that the post-repair inspection program is not mandatory.</P>

        <P>Delta Air Lines (Delta) requested that the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) be revised to include the use of the “proactive” doubler installations as a terminating action. Delta stated that paragraph (g) of the NPRM authorizes only the on-condition repair as a terminating action. Delta requested that we include a separate paragraph to define the terminating action provisions.<PRTPAGE P="37771"/>
        </P>
        <P>We agree that clarification is needed. Other ADs require inspections of certain structure covered by this AD. The certification basis of the airplane includes damage tolerance inspections for these repairs, and they are already available in the service repair manual (SRM). The required SRM repairs include post-repair inspections. These inspections are required by the regulations identified in the certification basis of the airplane and other operational rules, and not by this AD. We have clarified the terminating action for the inspections in this AD by revising paragraph (g) of this AD and adding paragraph (h) to this AD. To further clarify, the “proactive” doubler installation and the on-condition repair both terminate the inspections.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Clarify the Applicability Regarding the Installation of Winglets</HD>
        <P>American Airlines (American) requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) to clearly state how the compliance times for airplanes covered by the applicability of the NPRM are affected by the installation of winglets. American stated that many operators have affected airplanes by this AD which have been modified to have winglets.</P>
        <P>Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) stated it has reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, and the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) as it relates to the APB winglet supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01920SE and determined that the installation of the winglet STC does not affect this proposed rule. APB noted that data to support this comment is available from APB upon request from the FAA. We infer that APB is requesting that we clarify the effect of the STC on the proposed rule.</P>
        <P>We agree to clarify. The installation of winglets as specified in STC ST01920SE does not affect accomplishment of the requirements of this AD, and an AMOC is not necessary for a “change in product” AMOC approval request. We have therefore added this provision in new Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Allow Re-Sequencing of Steps</HD>
        <P>American requested that we revise the “Differences Between Proposed AD and the Service Information” paragraph of the preamble, and paragraph (h)(2) of the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) to allow re-sequencing of “open-up” and “close-up” steps only, while maintaining the sequence for inspection and repair. American stated that allowing re-sequencing of those steps would reduce the number of AMOC requests for tasks that do not address the unsafe condition.</P>
        <P>We partially agree with the request. Because the “Differences Between Proposed AD and the Service Information” paragraph is not restated in the final rule, we have not made any change to the AD in that regard. However, we have revised paragraph (i)(2) of this AD (referred to as paragraph (h)(2) in the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012)) to state that “open-up” and “close-up” steps may be done in any practical order.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Change to Paragraph (j)(3) of the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012)</HD>
        <P>We incorrectly included a reference to 14 CFR 25.571, Amendment 45 in paragraph (i)(3) of the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012). That reference has been removed from this AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:</P>
        <P>• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and</P>
        <P>• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 3187, January 23, 2012).</P>
        <P>We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD affects 377 airplanes of U.S. registry.</P>
        <P>We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r125,10C,r100,xs120" COLS="05" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimated Costs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Action</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Labor cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Parts cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost per product</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost on U.S. operators</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Inspection</ENT>
            <ENT>28 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,380 per inspection cycle</ENT>
            <ENT>$0</ENT>
            <ENT>$2,380 per inspection cycle</ENT>
            <ENT>$897,260 per inspection cycle.</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide a cost estimate for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,</P>
        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and</P>
        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37772"/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-14The Boeing Company:</E>Amendment 39-17094; Docket No. FAA-2012-0035; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-178-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011.</P>
            <NOTE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:</HD>
              <P>Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE (<E T="03">http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/082838ee177dbf62862576a4005cdfc0/$FILE/ST01920SE.pdf</E>) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is installed, a “change in product” alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.</P>
            </NOTE>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Repetitive Inspections and Repair</HD>
            <P>Within the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, except as provided by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD: Do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the lower main sill inner chord around body station (STA) 883.5; a detailed inspection for cracking, corrosion damage, and any other irregularity, of the lower main sill inner chord and surrounding structure around STA 883.5; and a detailed inspection for cracking, corrosion damage, or other irregularity, of the lower main sill inner chord and surrounding structure around STA 903.5; as applicable; and do all applicable repairs; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, except as required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable repairs before further flight. Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter within the applicable times and intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011. Doing a structural repair specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, terminates the inspections for that location only.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Optional Terminating Action</HD>
            <P>Doing a structural repair (doubler installation) in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that location only.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Exceptions</HD>
            <P>(1) If any cracking, corrosion damage, or other irregularity is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the cracking, corrosion damage, or other irregularity, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, specifies that the sequence of steps to do the actions can be changed, this AD does not allow the sequence of steps to be changed for the inspection and repair; however, the open-up and close-up steps may be done in any practical order.</P>
            <P>(3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011, specifies a compliance time “after the original issue date of this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time “after the effective date of this AD.”</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov</E>.</P>
            <P>(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.</P>
            <P>(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Related Information</HD>

            <P>For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email:<E T="03">berhane.alazar@faa.gov</E>.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1)You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:</P>
            <P>(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0228, dated July 28, 2011.</P>

            <P>(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; email<E T="03">me.boecom@boeing.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</E>.</P>
            <P>(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</E>.</P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michael Kaszycki,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14829 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37773"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0189; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-133-AD; Amendment 39-17102; AD 2012-12-22]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-hand sidewall well on the nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires performing a repetitive high frequency eddy current inspection of the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the NLG bay for cracks, and repair or replace the sidewall if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to the passengers.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on March 6, 2012 (77 FR 13230). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>During accomplishment of EASA AD 2007-0305 on an Avro 146-RJ85, a corner crack was found on the left hand Nose Landing Gear (NLG) sidewall well. The crack was located on one of the sidewall stiffeners adjacent to the area being inspected. In this instance, the cracking was severe enough to warrant replacement of the sidewall. Analysis has shown that these types of cracks are likely to exist or develop in other aeroplanes of the same design.</P>
          <P>This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the sidewall and consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to its occupants.</P>
          <P>For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive [high frequency eddy current] inspections of the stiffeners [for cracks] on the left hand NLG sidewall. This [EASA] AD also introduces an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>The corrective actions include repairing or replacing the sidewall with a new sidewall. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 13230, March 6, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $170.</P>
        <P>In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $8,850, for a cost of $9,020 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 13230, March 6, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>

        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,<PRTPAGE P="37774"/>the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-22BAE Systems (Operations) Limited:</E>Amendment 39-17102. Docket No. FAA-2012-0189; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-133-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers; on which the left-hand sidewall of the nose landing gear (NLG) bay has one of the following part numbers (P/N) installed: HC537L0002-000, -002, and -004; HC537H8021-000, -002, and -004; and HC537H8018-000.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-hand sidewall well on the NLG. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to the passengers.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Inspection</HD>
            <P>Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles or within 4,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a high frequency eddy current inspection of the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the NLG bay adjacent to the boss at the NLG retraction jack attachment pin hole, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight cycles, except as provided in paragraph (i) of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Repair</HD>
            <P>If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any crack is found in the sidewall stiffeners, before further flight repair the sidewall stiffeners, using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent); or do the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Optional Replacement</HD>
            <P>Replacement of the sidewall stiffeners, with sidewall P/N HC537L0002-006, on any airplane, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Parts Installation</HD>
            <P>As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install a sidewall stiffener with P/N HC537L0002-000, -002, or -004; HC537H8021-000, -002, or -004; or HC537H8018-000; on any airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Credit for Previous Actions</HD>
            <P>This paragraph provides credit for inspections and replacements, as specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, dated July 8, 2010.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov</E>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">(2) Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(m) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0097, dated May 25, 2011; and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010; for related information.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(n) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010.</P>
            <P>(3) If you accomplish the optional actions specified by this AD, you must use the following service information to perform those actions, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010.</P>

            <P>(4) For BAE Systems (Operations) Limited service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email<E T="03">RApublications@baesystems.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm</E>.</P>
            <P>(5) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(6) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</E>.</P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kalene C. Yanamura,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15169 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37775"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD; Amendment 39-17093; AD 2012-12-13]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire bottles that can be misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be cross-connected. This AD requires a general visual inspection of certain baggage bay fire bottles for correct connection and for the length of the wiring loom, modification of the wiring loom to certain squib connectors, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive wiring loom length and improper connection of the squib connecters, which in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishing agent being discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent damage to the airplane.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on February 8, 2012 (77 FR 6520). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>The baggage bay fire bottles of certain BAe 146 and AVRO 146-RJ aeroplanes can be misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be cross-connected. This has been caused by an error in the baggage bay fire bottle Component Manufacturer Manual (CMM) and by excessive wiring loom length.</P>
          <P>This condition, if not corrected and in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishant to be discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent potential damage to the aircraft * * *.</P>
          <P>In addition to the CMM revision, to address this unsafe condition, BAE Systems developed modifications to reroute the baggage bay fire bottle wiring looms and prevent crossed electrical connections.</P>
          <P>For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the implementation of modifications HCM36250A and HCM36250B to affected aeroplanes.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <FP>Required actions include general visual inspections of certain baggage bay fire bottles for correct connection and for the length of the wiring loom, modification of the wiring loom to certain squib connectors, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include reconnecting the squib connectors and modifying the loom to proper length. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Revised Heading and Wording for Credit Paragraph</HD>
        <P>We have revised the heading and wording for paragraph (h) of this AD. This change does not affect the intent of that paragraph.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously—except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:</P>
        <P>• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and</P>
        <P>• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 2012).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $170 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operator to be $680 per product.</P>
        <P>In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $170, for a cost of $425 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</P>

        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;<PRTPAGE P="37776"/>
        </P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-13BAE Systems (Operations) Limited:</E>Amendment 39-17093. Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers, on which modification HCM30480A, HCM30480B, HCM30480C, HCM30480D, HCM30480E, or HCM30480F are embodied.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26: Fire Protection.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire bottles that can be misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be cross-connected. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive wiring loom length and improper connection of the squib connecters, which in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishing agent being discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent damage to the airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Inspection/Modification</HD>
            <P>Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), (g)(5), and (g)(6) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(1) Do a general visual inspection of baggage bay fire bottle WB8 having part number (P/N) 473997-1 for correct connection of the squib connectors identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011. If any items are found improperly connected, before further flight, reconnect the squib connectors properly, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            <P>(i) Squib connector WB8P1 (S1446-004A) and cartridge P/N 446307.</P>
            <P>(ii) Squib connector WB8P2 (S1446-004D) and squib P/N 446290.</P>
            <P>(2) Do a general visual inspection of the length of the wiring loom at the squib connector WB8P2 for excessive length that could cause the connector to become cross-connected with squib connector WB8P1, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(4) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011. If excessive length is found, before further flight, modify the loom, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(4) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            <P>(3) Do a general visual inspection of baggage bay fire bottle WB7 having P/N 473996-1 for correct connection of squib connectors identified in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011. If any items are found improperly connected, before further flight, reconnect the squib connectors properly, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            <P>(i) Squib connector WB7P1 (S1446-004A) and cartridge P/N 446307.</P>
            <P>(ii) Squib connector WB7P2 (S1446-004D) and squib P/N 446290.</P>
            <P>(4) Modify the wiring loom to squib connector WB7P2, in accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(6)(a) and 2.C.(6)(c) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            <P>(5) Modify the wiring loom to squib connector WB7P1, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(6)(b) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            <P>(6) Install modification HCM36250B, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(7) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            <NOTE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:</HD>
              <P>Guidance for test and close-up procedures can be found in paragraphs 2.D. and 2.E. of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>
            </NOTE>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Credit for Previous Actions</HD>
            <P>This paragraph provides credit for installing the modification HCM36250A required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), and (g)(5) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(1) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A, dated September 4, 2009.</P>
            <P>(2) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A, Revision 1, dated September 11, 2009.</P>
            <P>(3) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 2, dated October 14, 2010.</P>
            <P>(4) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 3, dated November 23, 2010.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.<PRTPAGE P="37777"/>In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.</E>Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive2011-0065, dated April 7, 2011; and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011; for related information.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.</P>

            <P>(3) For BAE Systems (Operations) Limited service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email<E T="03">RApublications@baesystems.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michael Kaszycki,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14729 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0659; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-061-AD; Amendment 39-17101; AD 2012-12-21]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule; request for comments.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. That AD currently requires revising the “Emergency and Malfunction Procedures” and “Performance Data” sections of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting three temporary pages into the RFM to alert pilots to monitor the power display when a generator is deactivated and provides procedures to prevent failure of the remaining generator. Before we issued that AD, the manufacturer developed a procedure to modify the two “After Junction Boxes” by removing a diode from each box, which provides terminating action for our AD requirements. These actions are intended to require implementing this terminating action to prevent an electrical power system failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter and revising the RFM accordingly, by removing the temporary pages inserted to comply with the superseded AD.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 10, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of July 10, 2012.</P>
          <P>We must receive comments on this AD by August 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may send comments by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Docket:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax:</E>202-493-2251.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Deliver to the “Mail” address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Examining the AD Docket:</E>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, or at<E T="03">http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.</E>You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, email:<E T="03">george.schwab@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments Invited</HD>

        <P>This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. We will file<PRTPAGE P="37778"/>in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>
        <P>On September 29, 2011, we issued AD 2011-21-13 (76 FR 68299, November 4, 2011), for all ECD model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. Our AD 2011-21-13 was based on European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2010-0268-E, dated December 21, 2010 (EAD 2010-0268-E), requiring the introduction of additional RFM procedures to monitor the electrical power display generator amperes (GEN AMPS) on the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) during switching of the generator. EASA advised that some ECD MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters detected an excessive current flow when one generator was deactivated. This situation, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the generator, likely resulting in loss of electrical power and inducing loss of systems that are necessary for safe flight. To address this unsafe condition, AD 2011-21-13 requires revising the “Emergency and Malfunction Procedures” and the “Performance Data” sections of the RFM by inserting three temporary pages from ECD Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008, dated December 20, 2010 (MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008). Those pages require operators to insert pages into the RFM, which provide that pilots visually monitor the power display GEN AMPS on the VEMD for too high of a current when a generator is shut down, such as during the ENGINE POWER CHECK. These revised RFM provisions provide for switching off the two main electrical buses on the overhead panel to prevent the operating generator from being damaged when the other generator is shut down. We issued AD 2011-21-13 to prevent failure of a generator, which could result in loss of electrical power, loss of systems necessary for flight safety, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued</HD>
        <P>Before we issued AD 2011-21-13 (76 FR 68299, November 4, 2011), EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2011-0162, dated August 30, 2011 (AD 2011-0162). In AD 2011-0162, EASA states that ECD has developed a modification to prevent the possibility of too high current flow when a generator is deactivated, and updated the RFM procedures accordingly. This EASA AD requires the RFM changes introduced by EAD 2010-0268-E to be removed. The EASA AD also requires modification of the Generator Relay left-hand and right-hand After Junction Boxes by removing diodes, CR10007 and CR10008, respectively, on ECD MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9500. Through this AD action, the FAA is requiring this same modification to the After Junction Boxes in helicopters registered in the United States and removal of the same pages from the RFM that were introduced by AD 2011-21-13.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination</HD>
        <P>These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the FRG, EASA, their technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Related Service Information</HD>
        <P>We reviewed ECD ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2011. The ASB describes procedures for removing two diodes on the generator relays in the After Junction Boxes. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2011-0162 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">AD Requirements</HD>
        <P>This AD requires, within 30 days, removing temporary pages from the RFM that were inserted for AD 2011-21-13. This AD also requires modifying Generator Relay left-hand and right-hand After Junction Boxes by removing diodes, CR10007 and CR10008.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD</HD>
        <P>The EASA AD requires compliance by September 6, 2011; the FAA requires compliance within 30 days from the effective date of the AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD affects 232 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Removing the diodes from the after junction boxes will require 2 work hours at an average labor cost of $85 per hour and incorporating the changes into the RFM will require .5 work hour for a total cost per operator of $213 and a cost to the entire U.S. fleet of $49,416.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date</HD>
        <P>Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the required corrective actions must be accomplished within 30 days.</P>
        <P>Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and contrary to the public interest and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>

        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;<PRTPAGE P="37779"/>
        </P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-16836 (76 FR 68299, November 4, 2011), and adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-21Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH:</E>Amendment 39-17101; Docket No. FAA-2012-0659; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-061-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessively high reverse current flow when switching off a generator during flight, which could make the remaining generator fail and result in a complete electrical power system failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Other Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>This AD supersedes AD 2011-21-13, Amendment 39-16836 (76 FR 68299, November 4, 2011).</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Required Action</HD>
            <P>Within 30 days:</P>
            <P>(1) Remove the specified temporary pages from the following sections of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) RFM BK 117 C-2:</P>
            <P>(i) “Emergency and Malfunction Procedures”: pages 3-3 and 3-4, and</P>
            <P>(ii) “Performance Data”: page 5-7.</P>
            <P>(2) Remove diodes CR10007 and CR10008 from the generator relays in the left-hand and right-hand After Junction Boxes, respectively, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.(a) through 3.B.2.(d), and as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008 Revision 1, dated August 29, 2011.</P>
            <P>(3) Test the DC Power system for proper operation.</P>
            <P>(4) Do not install an After Junction Box on any helicopter, unless the After Junction Box has been modified in accordance with the requirements of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone (817) 222-5114, email:<E T="03">george.schwab@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Additional Information</HD>
            <P>The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2011-0162, dated August 30, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2435: Starter Generator.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008 Revision 1, dated August 29, 2011.</P>
            <P>(ii) Reserved.</P>

            <P>(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, or at<E T="03">http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also view this service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 14, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Lance T. Gant,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15325 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0013; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-043-AD; Amendment 39-17090; AD 2012-12-10]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain generator control unit (GCU), to require replacing each affected GCU with an airworthy GCU. This AD was prompted by laboratory tests which revealed a potential fault in the overvoltage protection on a certain part-numbered GCU. The actions are intended to prevent failure of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and distribution systems, a fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta Westland, Customer Support &amp; Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39-0331-711133; fax 39 0331 711180; or at<E T="03">http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins.</E>You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Examining the AD Docket:</E>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet<PRTPAGE P="37780"/>at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Mark Wiley, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5134; fax (817) 222-5961; email<E T="03">mark.wiley@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>
        <P>On January 20, 2012, at 77 FR 2926, the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>published our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, with a GCU, part-number (P/N) 1152550-3, installed. That NPRM proposed to require, within 6 months, removing the No. 1 and No. 2 GCU, P/N 1152550-3, modifying the electrical connectors A13P1 and A14P1 by installing wiring to the power distribution panel, and installing a No. 1 and No. 2 GCU with P/N 1152550-4 or 1152550-5. Both GCUs must have identical P/Ns on the same helicopter. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and distribution systems, a fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        <P>The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2009-0042, dated February 25, 2009 (AD 2009-0042), to correct an unsafe condition for the Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, all serial numbers (S/Ns) except S/Ns 31002, 31003, 31004, and 31007. EASA advises that laboratory tests performed on a new GCU model under development have shown a potential fault in the overvoltage protection of currently installed GCUs, P/N 1152550-3. EASA also advises that this condition, if not corrected, could adversely affect the helicopter's electrical power generation and distribution system functionalities.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination</HD>
        <P>These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, the EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by the EASA and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. We have determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed, except for a typographical correction in the Related Service Information paragraph of the NPRM, which referred to the EASA AD as “2009-0048” instead of “2009-0042.” This change is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD</HD>
        <P>The EASA AD does not apply to certain serial-numbered Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, whereas this AD applies to all serial-numbered Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Related Service Information</HD>
        <P>Agusta S.p.A. issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-133, Rev. A, dated March 17, 2009 (BT), for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, S/Ns 31005 up to S/N 31143, except for S/Ns 31007, 31037, 31038, 31094; S/N 31112; S/Ns 31146 up to S/N 31148; S/N 31155; S/Ns 31201 up to S/N 31218; and S/Ns 41001 up to S/N 41022, except S/N 41007; with a GCU, P/N 1152550-3. This BT specifies, within 6 months from receipt of the BT, removing GCU, P/N 1152550-3, modifying electrical connector A13P1 and A14P1, and replacing each GCU with an airworthy GCU, P/N 1152550-4 or 1152550-5, to improve electrical power generation and distribution system functionalities. EASA classified this BT as mandatory and issued AD 2009-0042 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 72 helicopters of U.S. Registry.</P>
        <P>We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. We estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours to perform the required actions of this AD per helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, and required parts will cost about $42,384 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost to be $42,724 per helicopter and the total cost impact of the AD for U.S. operators to be $3,076,128.</P>
        <P>According to the Agusta service information some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Agusta. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and</P>

        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities<PRTPAGE P="37781"/>under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-10Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters:</E>Amendment 39-17090; Docket No. FAA-2012-0013; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-043-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, with a generator control unit (GCU), part-number (P/N) 1152550-3 installed; certificated in any category.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD defines the unsafe condition as a potential fault in the overvoltage protection in GCUs currently installed on Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This condition could result in failure of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and distribution systems, or  fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Required Actions</HD>
            <P>(1) Remove the No. 1 and No. 2 GCU, P/N 1152550-3. Do not install GCU, P/N 1152550-3, on any helicopter.</P>
            <P>(2) Modify the electrical connector A13P1 (GCU No. 1) and A14P1 (GCU No. 2) by installing the wiring to the power distribution panel (PDP) for your serial-numbered helicopter as depicted in Figure 1 of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-133, Rev. A, dated March 17, 2009.</P>
            <P>(3) Using either GCU P/N 1152550-4 or GCU P/N 1152550-5, install a No. 1 and No. 2 GCU that has the same part number. Having different part-numbered GCUs on the same helicopter is not approved.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Mark Wiley, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5134; fax (817) 222-5961; email<E T="03">mark.wiley@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Additional Information</HD>
            <P>The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2009-0042, dated February 25, 2009.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2430, DC generating system.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on July 10, 2012.</P>
            <P>(i) Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-133, Rev. A, dated March 17, 2009.</P>

            <P>(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta Westland, Customer Support &amp; Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, Attn: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39-0331-711133; fax 39 0331 711180; or at<E T="03">http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins.</E>
            </P>

            <P>(5) You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137 or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</E>.</P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kim Smith,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14797 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2011-1412; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-158-AD; Amendment 39-17088; AD 2012-12-08]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing gear to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into position under high dynamic loads. This AD requires an inspection for the part number of the fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</E>. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and<PRTPAGE P="37782"/>other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6533; fax: 425-917-6590; email:<E T="03">james.sutherland@faa.gov</E>.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on December 30, 2011 (76 FR 82210). That NPRM proposed to require an inspection for the part number of the fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (76 FR 82210, December 30, 2011) and the FAA's response to each comment.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Revise the Compliance Time and Include Revised Service Information</HD>
        <P>Boeing and United Airlines requested that we revise the NPRM (76 FR 82210, December 30, 2011) to refer to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2 (not yet released). Boeing stated that it had performed a new risk-based assessment and found that 18 months is adequate to mitigate the remaining fleet risk. Boeing requested the compliance time be changed to 18 months from the date of the service bulletin. Also, Boeing requested that we provide credit for actions accomplished in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.</P>
        <P>We partially agree. We agree to update the compliance time to 18 months based on the new risk-based safety assessment. We revised paragraphs (g), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD to reflect an initial compliance time of 18 months. We disagree with delaying issuance of the final rule to reference Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2, because that service information is not published at this time. Operators may request approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) once Revision 2 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083 is released.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:</P>
        <P>• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 82210, December 30, 2011) for correcting the unsafe condition; and</P>
        <P>• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 82210, December 30, 2011).</P>
        <P>We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this proposed AD affects 35 airplanes of U.S. registry.</P>
        <P>We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,10C,10C,12C" COLS="5" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimated Costs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Action</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Labor cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Parts cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost per<LI>product</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost on U.S.<LI>operators</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Inspection</ENT>
            <ENT>4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340</ENT>
            <ENT>$0</ENT>
            <ENT>$340</ENT>
            <ENT>$11,900</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>We estimate the following costs to do any necessary pin replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,r50,xs52" COLS="4" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>On-Condition Costs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Action</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Labor cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Parts cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost per<LI>product</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Pin replacement</ENT>
            <ENT>1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per pin</ENT>
            <ENT>$769 per pin</ENT>
            <ENT>$854 per pin.</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,</P>

        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and<PRTPAGE P="37783"/>Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and</P>
        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-08The Boeing Company:</E>Amendment 39-17088; Docket No. FAA-2011-1412; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-158-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -S300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Main landing gear.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of cracked retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing gear (MLG) to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into position under high dynamic loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Inspection of Retract Actuator Fuse Pin</HD>
            <P>Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the part number of the fuse pins of the left and right MLG retract actuators, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the installed actuator fuse pin can be conclusively determined from that review.</P>
            <P>(1) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769-3 is found installed, no further action is required by this paragraph for that fuse pin.</P>
            <P>(2) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769-1 is found installed and the pin has accumulated more than 10,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the fuse pin with a new part number 112W1769-3 fuse pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.</P>
            <P>(3) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769-1 is found installed and the pin has accumulated 8,000 or more total flight cycles, but fewer than or equal to 10,000 total flight cycles, as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles on the pin, or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the fuse pin with a new part number 112W1769-3 fuse pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.</P>
            <P>(4) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769-1 is found installed and the pin has accumulated fewer than 8,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles on the pin, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the fuse pin with a new part number 112W1769-3 fuse pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Parts Installation</HD>
            <P>As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769-1 on any airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Credit for Previous Actions</HD>
            <P>This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, dated February 5, 2009.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov</E>.</P>
            <P>(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.</P>
            <P>(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Related Information</HD>

            <P>For more information about this AD, contact James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6533; fax: 425-917-6590; email:<E T="03">james.sutherland@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.</P>

            <P>(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</E>.</P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michael Kaszycki,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14544 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37784"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0300; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-276-AD; Amendment 39-17086; AD 2012-12-06]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design review which revealed the absence of electrical insulation material between a wing or integral center wing tank (ICWT) fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) probe and the bottom of the tank structure. This AD requires for all airplanes, applying sealant below the FQIS probes in the wing tanks; and for certain airplanes, applying sealant below the FQIS probes in the ICWT. This AD also requires revising the aircraft maintenance program by revising the fuel airworthiness limitations and incorporating critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs). We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the tank vapor space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on March 27, 2012 (77 FR 18141). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>[T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The design review conducted by Fokker Services on the Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 in response to these regulations revealed that the absence of electrical insulation material between a wing or Integral Center Wing Tank (ICWT) Fuel Quantity Indication System (FQIS) probe and the bottom of the tank structure could, under certain conditions, result in an ignition source in the tank vapour space.</P>
          <P>This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.</P>
          <P>For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the application of sealant below the FQIS probes in the wing tanks and below the FQIS probes in the ICWT, as applicable to aeroplane configuration. * * *</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <FP>The corrective actions also include revising the aircraft maintenance program by revising the fuel airworthiness limitations and incorporating CDCCLs. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 18141, March 27, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:</P>
        <P>• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 18141, March 27, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and</P>
        <P>• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 18141, March 27, 2012).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 4 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $2,720, or $680 per product.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://<PRTPAGE P="37785"/>www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 18141, March 27, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-06Fokker Services B.V.:</E>Amendment 39-17086. Docket No. FAA-2012-0300; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-276-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>(1) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.</P>
            <P>(2) This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and/or critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with these actions and/or CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by a design review which revealed the absence of electrical insulation material between a wing or integral center wing tank (ICWT) fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) probe and the bottom of the tank structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the tank vapor space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Sealant Application</HD>
            <P>Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.</P>
            <P>(1) For all airplanes: At a scheduled opening of the fuel tanks, but not later than 84 months after the effective date of this AD, apply sealant below the probes in the wing tanks, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-067, dated September 2, 2011, including Fokker Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Documentation MCNM-F100-144, dated September 2, 2011.</P>
            <P>(2) For airplanes having serial numbers 11442 through 11585 inclusive, and equipped with an ICWT: At a scheduled opening of the fuel tanks, but not later than 84 months after the effective date of this AD, apply sealant below the probes in the ICWT, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-067, dated September 2, 2011, including Fokker Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Documentation MCNM-F100-144, dated September 2, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Maintenance Program Revision</HD>
            <P>Before further flight after doing any action required by paragraph (g) of this AD, revise the aircraft maintenance program by incorporating the fuel airworthiness limitation and the CDCCL specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(c) of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-067, dated September 2, 2011, including Fokker Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Documentation MCNM-F100-144, dated September 2, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs</HD>
            <P>After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.</E>Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011-0227, dated December 6, 2011; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-067, dated September 2, 2011, including Fokker Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Documentation MCNM-F100-144, dated September 2, 2011; for related information.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-067, dated September 2, 2011, including Fokker Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Documentation MCNM-F100-144, dated September 2, 2011.</P>

            <P>(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax +31 (0)252-627-211; email<E T="03">technicalservices.fokkerservices@stork.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <PRTPAGE P="37786"/>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michael Kaszycki,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14547 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0298; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-072-AD; Amendment 39-17096; AD 2012-12-16]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of certain fuel access panels of the outer wing. This AD requires an external inspection, and if necessary an internal inspection, to determine if certain fuel access panels are installed, and replacement if necessary; optional repetitive inspections for cracking of the fuel access panels, and replacement if necessary, would defer the internal inspection; and eventual replacement of affected fuel access panels with new panels. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of fuel access panels, which could result in arcing and ignition of fuel vapor in the outer wing fuel tank during a lightning strike.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 40, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7329; fax (516) 794-5531.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on March 27, 2012 (77 FR 18135). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>[Canadian] Airworthiness Directive (AD) CF-2005-37 was issued on 11 October 2005 to address cracking of the outer wing fuel access panel, Part Number (P/N) 85714230-001. Similar cracking on an outer wing fuel access panel, P/N 85714231-001, has been reported. Further investigation revealed that certain fuel access panels may have seal grooves manufactured with non-conforming fillet radii which could lead to cracking. Cracking of the fuel access panel, if not corrected, could result in arcing and ignition of fuel vapor in the outer wing fuel tank during a lightning strike.</P>
          <P>This [TCCA] directive mandates the inspection and replacement of the affected fuel access panels.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <FP>Required actions include an external detailed inspection of the outer wing access panels for rivets of the identification plate, and an internal inspection of panels without rivets to determine if the identification plate is installed, and replacing the fuel access panel if necessary. As an option, this AD allows repetitive external detailed inspections for cracking of the fuel access panels and, replacing if necessary, until the internal inspection is done. This AD also requires eventually replacing the affected fuel access panels with new fuel access panels. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 18135, March 27, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 74 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 36 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $33,632 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $2,715,208, or $36,692 per product.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://<PRTPAGE P="37787"/>www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 18135, March 27, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-16Bombardier, Inc.:</E>Amendment 39-17096. Docket No. FAA-2012-0298; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-072-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4106 inclusive.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of certain fuel access panels of the outer wing. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of fuel access panels, which could result in arcing and ignition of fuel vapor in the outer wing fuel tank during a lightning strike.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Inspection and Replacement of Part Number (P/N) 85714231-001</HD>
            <P>Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do an external detailed inspection of the outer wing access panels having P/N 85714231-001 to locate the rivets of the identification plates, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011. If the rivets of the identification plate are found, no further action is required by this paragraph for that fuel access panel. If the rivets of the identification plate cannot be found: Before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(1) Remove fuel access panels having P/N 85714231-001 and inspect the panels to determine if the identification plate is installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011. If the identification plate is found: No further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that fuel access panel.</P>
            <P>(i) If the identification plate cannot be found, and the job detail number stamped on the underside of the access panel does not match any of those listed in table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011: No further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that fuel access panel.</P>
            <P>(ii) If the identification plate cannot be found, and the job detail number stamped on the underside of the fuel access panel does match any of those specified in table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011: Before further flight, replace the fuel access panel with a new fuel access panel having P/N 85714231-003, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011.</P>
            <P>(2) Do an external detailed inspection on fuel access panels having P/N 85714231-001 for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011. If no cracking is found: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, or the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, is done.</P>
            <P>(i) If the fuel access panel is found cracked during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, replace the fuel access panel with a new fuel access panel having P/N 85714231-003, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011.</P>
            <P>(ii) Within 6,000 flight hours after the initial inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, do the actions specified by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, unless the replacement required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD is done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Inspection and Replacement of P/N 85714232-001</HD>
            <P>Within 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do an external detailed inspection of the outer wing access panels having P/N 85714232-001 to locate the rivets of the identification plates, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011. If the rivets of the identification plate are found: No further action is required by this paragraph for that fuel access panel. If the rivets of the identification plate cannot be found: Before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(1) Remove fuel access panels having P/N 85714232-001 and inspect the panels to determine if the identification plate is installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011. If the identification plate is found: No further action is required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that fuel access panel.</P>
            <P>(i) If the identification plate cannot be found, and the job detail number stamped on the underside of the access panel does not match any of those specified in table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011: No further action is required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that fuel access panel.</P>
            <P>(ii) If the identification plate cannot be found, and the job detail number stamped on the underside of the fuel access panel does match any of those specified in table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011: Before further flight, replace the fuel access panel with a new fuel access panel having P/N 85714232-003, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011.</P>
            <P>(2) Do an external detailed inspection on fuel access panels having P/N 85714232-001 for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011. If no cracking is found: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD, or the inspection specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, is done.</P>
            <P>(i) If the fuel access panel is found cracked during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, replace the fuel access panel with a new fuel access panel having P/N 85714232-003, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011.</P>
            <P>(ii) Within 12,000 flight hours after the initial inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, unless the replacement required by paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD is done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Parts Installation</HD>

            <P>As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a fuel access panel having P/N 85714231-001 and a job detail number listed in table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16,<PRTPAGE P="37788"/>2011; or having P/N 85714232-001 and a job detail number listed in table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011; on any airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Credit for Previous Actions</HD>
            <P>This paragraph provides credit for inspections and fuel access panel replacements required by this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision A, dated December 9, 2010; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision A, dated December 9, 2010; as applicable.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-22, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011.</P>
            <P>(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-23, Revision B, dated February 16, 2011.</P>

            <P>(3) For Bombardier, Inc. service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-4539; email<E T="03">thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.bombardier.com.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For informationon the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kalene C. Yanamura,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14916 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0039; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-144-AD; Amendment 39-17087; AD 2012-12-07]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives;  Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks underneath the passenger door in a butt-joint on the forward fuselage of a Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplane. This AD requires repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections of the forward fuselage butt-joints for cracks, and if necessary, a temporary repair followed by a permanent repair. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the butt-joint on the forward fuselage, which could result in explosive decompression and consequent loss of control of the airplane.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on February 6, 2012 (77 FR 5724). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>A report has been received of a crack, detected in a butt-joint on the forward fuselage of an F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, underneath the passenger door.</P>
          <P>Investigations revealed that, depending on the configuration of the aeroplane, one or two butt-joints in the forward fuselage can be affected.</P>
          <P>This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to explosive decompression and consequent loss of the aeroplane.</P>
          <P>For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive [low frequency eddy current] inspections of the forward fuselage butt joints for cracks and, when a crack is detected, accomplishment of a temporary repair. This [EASA] AD also requires reporting any cracks found to Fokker Services to enable the development of a modification and the determination of an interval for a repetitive inspection task, to be incorporated in the ALI [airworthiness limitations instructions] section of the MRB [maintenance review board] document. This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim measure and further AD action is likely.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <FP>Required actions include a permanent repair of the forward fuselage butt-joints.You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 5724, February 6, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed—except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:</P>

        <P>• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 5724, February 6, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and<PRTPAGE P="37789"/>
        </P>
        <P>• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 5724, February 6, 2012).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 4 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,020, or $255 per product.</P>
        <P>In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 40 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $3,400 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 5724, February 6, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-07Fokker Services B.V.:</E>Amendment 39-17087. Docket No. FAA-2012-0039; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-144-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, as identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-115, dated June 16, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of cracks underneath the passenger door in a butt-joint on the forward fuselage of a Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the butt-joint on the forward fuselage, which could result in explosive decompression and consequent loss of control of the airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Inspection</HD>
            <P>Before the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles, or within 180 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a low frequency eddy current inspection of the forward fuselage butt-joints for cracks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-115, datedJune 16, 2011. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. Doing the temporary repair in paragraph (h) of this AD is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph. The temporary repair can also be accomplished if no cracking is found.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Temporary Repair</HD>
            <P>If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do a temporary repair, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-115, dated June 16, 2011. Doing the temporary repair is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Permanent Repair</HD>
            <P>Within 10,000 flight cycles after installing the temporary repair, as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, install a permanent repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Reporting</HD>
            <P>Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative), to Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands, using the reports form of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-115, dated June 16, 2011, of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.</P>
            <P>(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance</E>(<E T="03">AMOCs</E>): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local<PRTPAGE P="37790"/>Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to Attn: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.</E>Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Reporting Requirements:</E>A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011-0115, dated June 17, 2011; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-115, dated June 16, 2011; for related information.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(m) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-115, dated June 16, 2011.</P>

            <P>(3) For Fokker service information identified in this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax +31 (0)252-627-211; email<E T="03">technicalservices.fokkerservices@stork.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.myfokkerfleet.com</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michael Kaszycki,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14546 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0566; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-008-AD; Amendment 39-17065; AD 2012-11-02]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule; request for comments.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that supersedes an existing Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for certain Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. The existing EAD, which was previously sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of ECD Model EC135 helicopters and not made generally effective by publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, currently requires inspecting the ring frame between the rear structure tube (tailboom) and the tail rotor fenestron housing (fenestron housing) for a crack before the first flight of each day and replacing any cracked ring frame with an airworthy ring frame. Since we issued that EAD, we have determined that a pre-flight pilot check in conjunction with a recurring 25-hour inspection is sufficient for determining the airworthiness of the ring frame. Additionally, ECD has developed a modification that is terminating action for the requirements of that EAD. This superseding AD revises the inspection requirements of the EAD to allow an owner/operator to perform the pre-flight pilot check, adds a recurring inspection of the ring frame, and allows for installation of a ring frame reinforcement as an optional terminating action for the AD requirements. The actions are intended to detect a crack in the ring frame which could result in loss of the fenestron structure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 10, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of July 10, 2012.</P>
          <P>We must receive comments on this AD by August 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may send comments by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Docket:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax:</E>202-493-2251.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Deliver to the “Mail” address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Examining the AD Docket:</E>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, or at<E T="03">http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.</E>You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; phone (817) 222-5110; email:<E T="03">sharon.y.miles@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <PRTPAGE P="37791"/>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments Invited</HD>
        <P>This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>
        <P>The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA EAD No.: 2008-0190-E, dated October 13, 2008 (EAD 2008-0190-E), to correct an unsafe condition for EC135 and EC635 model helicopters. EASA advises that, during a recent pre-flight check on an EC 135 helicopter, a crack was detected on the ring frame that connects the tail rotor fenestron housing to the rear structure tube (tailboom). EASA states that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack propagation remaining undetected, possibly resulting in loss of the fenestron structure and loss of control of the helicopter. EAD 2008-0190-E requires accomplishing a pilot pre-flight check of the rear structure tube for cracks before each first flight of the day; amending the flight manual to reflect the pilot pre-flight check; within 25 flight hours, having the rear structure tube inspected for cracks by a mechanic; and, if any cracks are detected contacting ECD for approved corrective actions.</P>
        <P>On October 16, 2008, we issued EAD No. 2008-22-51 (EAD 2008-22-51) for the ECD Model EC135 helicopter. That EAD requires, before further flight and thereafter before the first flight of each day, visually inspecting the ring frame between the tailboom and fenestron housing for a crack, and replacing the ring frame with an airworthy ring frame if there is a crack. That EAD resulted from two reports of cracks on the ring frame connecting the tail rotor fenestron housing to the tailboom. The first crack was discovered in Germany and is discussed in EAD 2008-0190-E. The second crack, which was 9 inches long, was discovered in the U.S. and was in the same area as the first reported crack. We issued EAD 2008-22-51 to detect a crack in the ring frame, which could result in loss of the fenestron structure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Actions Since Existing EAD Was Issued</HD>
        <P>Since we issued EAD 2008-22-51, EASA issued AD No.: 2009-0065, dated March 13, 2009 (AD 2009-0065), which supersedes EAD 2008-0190-E. AD 2009-0065 retains the requirements of EAD 2008-0190-E, expands the applicability to EC 135 helicopters manufactured in Spain, and adds a repetitive 100-hour inspection of the rear fuselage structure area for cracks.</P>
        <P>EASA next issued AD No.: 2009-0065R1, dated September 8, 2009 (AD 2009-0065R1), which revises AD 2009-0065. EASA advises that ECD has developed a modification (reinforcement) of the aft ring frame, including a part number (P/N) change, for both production and in-service application. Consequently, AD 2009-0065R1 retains the inspection requirements of AD 2009-0065 but limits its applicability to helicopters without the reinforced aft ring frame installed, and allows installation of the reinforced aft ring frame as an optional terminating action for the repetitive checks and inspections.</P>
        <P>EASA then issued AD No.: 2010-0254, dated December 20, 2010 (AD 2010-0254), which supersedes AD 2009-0065R1. AD 2010-0254 retains the repetitive inspection requirements of AD 2009-0065R1, but reduces the interval of the visual inspection from 100 hours to 25 hours and requires installation of the reinforced aft ring frame within 12 months as terminating action for the repetitive checks and inspections.</P>
        <P>Since we issued EAD 2008-22-51, we have determined that a pre-flight pilot check in conjunction with a recurring 25-hour inspection is sufficient for determining the airworthiness of the ring frame. Therefore, we are issuing this AD to revise the inspection requirements, as well as allow for the optional terminating action developed by ECD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination</HD>
        <P>These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, their technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Related Service Information</HD>
        <P>We reviewed ECD Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-53A-022, Revision 02, dated November 30, 2010 (ASB EC135-53A-022). ASB EC135-53A-022 describes procedures for a pilot check of the ring frame during the preflight check. ASB EC135-53A-022 additionally prescribes a recurring inspection of the ring frame every 25 flight hours and accomplishment of ECD Service Bulletin EC135-53-023, as corrected November 13, 2009 (SB EC135-53-023), which describes procedures to attach a frame reinforcement to the ring frame. The correction coversheet attached to SB EC135-53-023 is dated November 13, 2009; it describes the correction on page 6 of the service bulletin. All pages of the corrected service bulletin show the original issue date of August 19, 2009; the date has been underlined on page 6 of the corrected service bulletin. Accomplishment of SB EC135-53-023 constitutes terminating action for the visual inspection requirements of ASB EC135-53A-022.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">AD Requirements</HD>
        <P>This AD supersedes EAD 2008-22-51 and requires the following:</P>
        <P>• Before further flight, and thereafter at each preflight check, performing a visual check of the ring frame which connects the tail rotor Fenestron housing to the tailboom for a crack. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform this check because it involves only a visual check for a crack in the ring frame and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic.</P>
        <P>• Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), and every 25 hours TIS thereafter, removing the tail rotor drive shaft paneling and inspecting the ring frame for a crack.</P>

        <P>• As an optional terminating action for the requirements of this AD, installing a frame reinforcement to the ring frame and re-identifying the ring frame by following specified portions of the manufacturer's service bulletin.<PRTPAGE P="37792"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD</HD>
        <P>This AD differs from the EASA AD as follows:</P>
        <P>• The EASA AD requires amendment of the Flight Manual with a page from ASB EC135-53A-022. Following issuance of the EASA AD, a revision has been published for the Flight Manuals and the amended pages are no longer issued with ASB EC135-53A-022. Therefore, this AD does not require this.</P>
        <P>• The EASA AD requires modification of the aft ring frame within 12 months as terminating action; this AD provides it as an optional terminating action.</P>
        <P>• The EASA AD applies to the Model EC 635 helicopter, and this AD does not include this model because it does not have an FAA-issued type certificate.</P>
        <P>• The EASA AD includes a “tolerance” range for accomplishment of the pilot check and visual inspections. This AD does not allow this.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Interim Action</HD>
        <P>We consider this AD interim action. We are currently considering requiring the installation of the ECD-developed ring frame modification as terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. However, the planned compliance time for the installation of the modification would allow enough time to provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the modification.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 226 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting the ring frame requires .5 work-hour at an average labor rate of $85 per hour, for a cost per inspection cycle of $42.50 per helicopter, and a cost to the fleet of $9,605. Replacing a cracked ring frame will require about 8 work hours at an average labor rate of $85 per hour, and a parts cost of $7,425, for a total cost per helicopter of $8,105. Modifying and re-identifying the ring frame requires 17 work-hours and a parts cost of $1,320, for a total cost per helicopter of $2,765 and the cost to the fleet is $624,890.</P>
        <P>According to the manufacturer, they will cover all parts costs for a cracked ring frame, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected persons. However, as we do not control such coverage by the manufacturer, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date</HD>
        <P>Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because some of the required checks and inspections must be accomplished before further flight.</P>
        <P>Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:</P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-11-02Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH:</E>Amendment 39-17065; Docket No. FAA-2012-0566; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-008-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Model EC135 helicopters with a ring frame, part number (P/N) L535A3501230, installed, certificated in any category.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the ring frame connecting the rear structure tube (tailboom) and the tail rotor fenestron housing. This condition could result in loss of the fenestron structure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Other Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>This AD supersedes Emergency AD 2008-22-51, dated October 16, 2008.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This AD becomes effective July 10, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Required Actions</HD>

            <P>(1) Before further flight, and thereafter at before the first flight of the day, visually check the ring frame that connects the tail rotor fenestron housing to the tailboom for a crack. This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.173, 121.380, or 135.439.<PRTPAGE P="37793"/>
            </P>
            <P>(2) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, remove the tail rotor driveshaft paneling and visually inspect the ring frame for a crack.</P>
            <P>(3) While performing a check or an inspection as required in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, paint cracks around the rivet heads and in the transition area between the tailboom and ring frame or between the ring frame and fenestron housing may be present and do not create an unsafe condition. If you are unable to determine whether a crack is on the paint or on the ring frame, you must remove the paint to do an accurate inspection.</P>
            <P>(4) If there is a crack in the ring frame, before further flight, replace it with an airworthy ring frame.</P>
            <P>(5) As an optional terminating action for the requirements of this AD, you may install a frame reinforcement to the ring frame and re-identify the ring frame in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B. of Eurocopter EC135 Service Bulletin EC135-53-023, as corrected on November 13, 2009, except you are not required to contact ECD as noted under paragraphs 3.B.(3) Caution and 3.B.(8).</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Special Flight Permits</HD>
            <P>Special flight permits are prohibited.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; phone (817) 222-5110; email:<E T="03">sharon.y.miles@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Additional Information</HD>

            <P>(1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-53A-022, Revision 02, dated November 30, 2010, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, or at<E T="03">http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.</E>You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>
            <P>(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2010-0254, dated December 20, 2010.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302: Rotorcraft Tailboom.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Eurocopter EC135 Service Bulletin EC135-53-023, as corrected on November 13, 2009. The correction coversheet attached to this document is dated November 13, 2009; it describes the correction on page 6 of the service bulletin. All pages of the corrected service bulletin show the original issue date of August 19, 2009. On page 6 of the corrected service bulletin the date has been underlined.</P>
            <P>(ii) Reserved.</P>

            <P>(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, or at<E T="03">http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also view this service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 22, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Lance T. Gant,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15290 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2011-1257; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-124-AD; Amendment 39-17099; AD 2012-12-19]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, and -300ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report from the manufacturer indicating that the lowered ceiling support structure of Section 41, in airplanes incorporating the overhead space utilization (OSU) option, was found to be under-strength when subjected to a 9.0 g forward load. This AD requires installing new structural members, tie rod(s), and attach fittings on the left and right sides of the lowered ceiling support structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent the forward lowered ceiling panels and support structure from becoming dislodged during a 9.0 g forward load and consequent injury to personnel or interference with an emergency evacuation.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>For service information identified in this AD, contactBoeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone (206) 544-5000, extension 1; fax (206) 766-5680; email<E T="03">me.boecom@boeing.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Ana Martinez Hueto, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6592; fax: (425) 917-6591; email:<E T="03">ana.m.hueto@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>
          <PRTPAGE P="37794"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on November 30, 2011 (76 FR 74012). That NPRM proposed to require installing new structural members in and new tie rod(s) and attach fittings on the left and right sides of the lowered ceiling support structure.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (76 FR 74012, November 30, 2011) and the FAA's response to each comment.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request to Include Latest Revision of Service Information</HD>
        <P>United Airlines, Air France, and Boeing requested that we revise the proposed rule (76 FR 74012, November 30, 2011) to reflect the latest revision of the service information in this AD.</P>
        <P>We agree. Boeing has issued Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2012. This service bulletin was revised due to minor changes to correct hardware and location for its installation. We have changed this final rule to reference Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2012, and changed total task hours in the Costs of Compliance section of this AD from 19 hours to 23 hours to account for the revised labor hours. Paragraph (h) of this final rule has also been added to give credit for actions performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, dated February 24, 2011.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:</P>
        <P>• Αre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 74012, November 30, 2011) for correcting the unsafe condition; and</P>
        <P>• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 74012, November 30, 2011).</P>
        <P>We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.</P>
        <P>We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,12C,12C,12C" COLS="5" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimated Costs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Action</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Labor cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Parts cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost per<LI>product</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost on U.S. operators</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Install ceiling support structure members, fittings, and tie rods</ENT>
            <ENT>23 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,955</ENT>
            <ENT>$13,329</ENT>
            <ENT>$15,284</ENT>
            <ENT>$61,136</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for this Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,</P>
        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and</P>
        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-19The Boeing Company:</E>Amendment 39-17099; Docket No. FAA-2011-1257; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-124-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This AD is effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>

            <P>(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, and -300ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2012.<PRTPAGE P="37795"/>
            </P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: Equipment/Furnishings.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Unsafe Condition</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by a report from the manufacturer indicating that the lowered ceiling support structure of Section 41, in airplanes incorporating the overhead space utilization (OSU) option, were found to be under-strength when subjected to a 9.0 g forward load. We are issuing this AD to prevent the forward lowered ceiling panels and support structure from becoming dislodged during a 9.0 g forward load and consequent injury to personnel or interference with an emergency evacuation.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Installation of Lowered Ceiling Support Structure</HD>
            <P>Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install new structural members and new tie rod(s) and attach fittings on the left and right sides of the lowered ceiling support structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Credit for Previous Actions</HD>
            <P>This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, dated February 24, 2011.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

            <P>(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.</P>
            <P>(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization ODA that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Related Information</HD>

            <P>(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ana Martinez Hueto, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6592; fax: 425-917-6591; email:<E T="03">ana.m.hueto@faa.gov.</E>
            </P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:</P>
            <P>(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0482, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2012.</P>

            <P>(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; email<E T="03">me.boecom@boeing.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kalene C. Yanamura,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15100 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0265; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-216-AD; Amendment 39-17098; AD 2012-12-18]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Abnormal Procedures and Limitations sections of the Dassault F7X Airplane Flight Manual. This new AD requires a test of the power distribution control units (PDCU) cards and generator control units (GCU) cards to detect faulty components, and if any faulty components are found, replacing any affected PDCU or GCU card. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional actions are necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a leakage failure mode of transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes used on PDCU cards or GCU cards in the primary power distribution boxes (PPDB), which, in combination with other system failures, could lead to loss of controllability of the airplane.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on March 15, 2012 (77 FR 15293), and proposed to supersede AD AD 2010-18-03, Amendment 39-16416 (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010).</P>

        <P>On August 11, 2010, we issued AD 2010-18-03, Amendment 39-16416 (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. The preamble of AD 2010-18-03 explains that we consider the requirements of that AD “interim action” and are considering further rulemaking to mandate inspection (testing) of the PDCU and GCU cards and replacement of faulty cards, as required by European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2010-0073, dated April 15,<PRTPAGE P="37796"/>2010. The planned compliance time for those actions would allow enough time for prior public comment on the merits of those actions. This proposed AD follows from that determination.</P>
        <P>The unsafe condition is a leakage failure mode of TVS diodes used on PDCU or GCU cards in the PPDB, which, in combination with other system failures, could lead to loss of controllability of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 15293, March 15, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect about 9 products of U.S. registry.</P>
        <P>The actions that are required by AD 2010-18-03, Amendment 39-16416 (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010), and retained in this AD take about 4 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions is $340 per product.</P>
        <P>We estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $3,060, or $340 per product.</P>
        <P>We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</E>
        </P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness AD 2010-18-03, Amendment 39-16416 (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010), and adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-18Dassault Aviation:</E>Amendment 39-17098. Docket No. FAA-2012-0265; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-216-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>This AD supersedes AD 2010-18-03, Amendment 39-16416 (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010).</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
            <P>This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers except those on which Dassault Aviation Modification M724 is embodied.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: Electrical Power.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by a determination that additional actions are necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a leakage failure mode of transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes used on power distribution control units (PDCU) cards or generator control units (GCU) cards in the primary power distribution boxes, which, in combination with other system failures, could lead to loss of controllability of the airplane.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision</HD>
            <P>This AFM revision is retained from AD 2010-18-03, Amendment 39-16416 (75 FR 51931, August 24, 2010): Within 30 days after September 8, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-18-03, revise the Abnormal Procedures and Limitations sections of the Dassault F7X AFM to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting copies of this AD into the AFM Limitations section and Abnormal Procedures section.</P>
            
            <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Upon display of ELEC:BUS MISCONFIG TIED in Crew Alerting System (Abnormal procedure 3-190-20), land atnearest suitable airport</FP>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Upon display of ELEC:LH ESS PWR LO or ELEC:LH ESS NO PWR (Abnormal procedure 3-190-40), land at nearest suitable airport</FP>

            <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Upon display of ELEC:RH ESS PWR LO and ELEC:RH ESS NO PWR (Abnormal procedure 3-190-45), land at nearest suitable airport<PRTPAGE P="37797"/>
            </FP>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Upon display of HYD:BACKUP PUMP HI TEMP (Abnormal procedure 3-250-15), set off the pump and if the backup pump is still rotating (green) in hydraulic synoptic, descend to a safe altitude or below 15,000 ft</FP>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Caution: These temporary amendments take precedence over the same procedures displayed through the Electronic Check List (ECL) in the aeroplane.</FP>
            <NOTE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:</HD>
              <P>When a statement identical to that in paragraph (g) of this AD has been included in the Limitations section and Abnormal Procedures section in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed.</P>
            </NOTE>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) New Requirements of This AD: Test the PDCU and GCU Cards</HD>
            <P>For airplanes identified in Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-133, dated December 4, 2009: Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a test of the PDCU and GCU cards to detect faulty components, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-133, dated December 4, 2009. If any faulty components are found, before further flight, replace any affected PDCU or GCU card, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-133, dated December 4, 2009.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Optional Method of Compliance</HD>
            <P>For airplanes identified in Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-133, dated December 4, 2009: Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with the service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.</P>
            <P>(1) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232190-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <P>(2) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232191-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <P>(3) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232192-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.</E>Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2010-0073, dated April 15, 2010, and the service bulletins specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(4) of this AD, for related information.</P>
            <P>(1) Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-133, dated December 4, 2009.</P>
            <P>(2) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232190-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <P>(3) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232191-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <P>(4) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232192-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin 7X-133, dated December 4, 2009.</P>
            <P>(3) If you accomplish the optional actions specified by this AD, you must use the following service information to perform those actions, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232190-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <P>(ii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232191-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>
            <P>(iii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 80232192-24-01, dated August 13, 2009.</P>

            <P>(4) For Dassault service information identified in this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet<E T="03">http://www.dassaultfalcon.com.</E>For Goodrich service information identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Power Systems, 1555 Corporate Woods Parkway, Uniontown, Ohio 44685-8799; telephone 330-487-2007; fax 330-487-1902; email<E T="03">twinsburg.techpubs@goodrich.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(5) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(6) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</E>.</P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kalene C. Yanamura,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15066 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0152; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-059-AD; Amendment 39-17092; AD 2012-12-12]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes; Airbus Model A340-200 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of sheared fasteners located on the outside skin of the forward cargo door and cracks on the frame fork ends, as well as cracks of the aft cargo door frame 64A. This AD requires performing a detailed inspection of the outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends of the forward and aft cargo door for sheared, loose, and missing rivets; repairing the outer skin rivets, if necessary; and performing repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct sheared, loose, or missing fasteners on the forward and aft cargo door frame, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward and aft cargo door.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
          <P>The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 30, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140,<PRTPAGE P="37798"/>1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on February 23, 2012 (77 FR 10691). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>Two operators have reported cases of some sheared fasteners on the outside skin of the forward cargo door, detected during walk around checks. Further inspections revealed crack findings on the frame (FR) fork ends.</P>
          <P>In addition, during a scheduled maintenance check, the aft cargo door frame 64A of an aeroplane has been found cracked for a length of more than 3 inches. Outer skin rivets were also found sheared. At time of findings the aeroplane had accumulated 10564 flight cycles (FC), i.e. below the 12000 FC threshold defined in DGAC [Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile] France AD F-2001-124(B) and DGAC France AD F-2001-126(B) [which corresponds with FAA AD 2001-16-01, Amendment 39-12369 (66 FR 40874, August 6, 2001], which require a special detailed inspection of the aft cargo compartment door.</P>
          <P>In case of cracked or ruptured (forward or aft) cargo door frame, the loads will be transferred to the remaining structural elements. Such second load path is able to sustain the loads for a limited number of flight cycles only. Rupture of two vertical frames could result in the loss of the structural integrity of the forward or aft cargo door.</P>
          <P>For the above described reasons, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections of the aft and forward cargo doors outer skin for sheared, loose or missing rivets at all frame fork ends and the accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions [repair if necessary].</P>
          <P>This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action, further actions might be required to revise/supersede the above mentioned DGAC France ADs.</P>
          <P>This [EASA] AD is revised in order to recognize that aeroplanes on which Airbus modification 44852 has been embodied in production are not affected by the repetitive inspection requirements of this [EASA] AD on the Aft Cargo Compartment Door.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <FP>You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 10691, February 23, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Clarification of the Repetitive Inspections</HD>
        <P>For clarification purposes, we changed the interval for the repetitive inspections in paragraph (g) of this AD to the following: “* * * at intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles.” The repetitive interval was stated incorrectly in the NPRM (77 FR 10691, February 23, 2012) as 800 “total” flight cycles.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this AD will affect 55 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $4,675, or $85 per product.</P>
        <P>We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:</P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 10691, February 23, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="39" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:</AMDPAR>
          
          <EXTRACT>
            <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
              <E T="04">2012-12-12Airbus:</E>Amendment 39-17092. Docket No. FAA-2012-0152; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-059-AD.</FP>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Effective Date</HD>
            <P>This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 2012.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
            <P>None.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>

            <P>This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F,<PRTPAGE P="37799"/>-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
            <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52: Doors.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
            <P>This AD was prompted by reports of sheared fasteners located on the outside skin of the forward cargo door and cracks on the frame fork ends, as well as cracks of the aft cargo door frame 64A. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct sheared, loose or missing fasteners on the forward and aft cargo door frame, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward and aft cargo door.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
            <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Forward Cargo Compartment Door</HD>
            <P>Before the accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane or within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed inspection of the outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends between FR20B and FR25 of the forward cargo door for sheared, loose, and missing rivets, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-52A3085, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-52A4092, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes). Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Aft Cargo Compartment Door</HD>
            <P>For all airplanes, except those on which Airbus Modification 44854 or Modification 44852 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3044 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4054 has been embodied in service: Before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, or within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed inspection of outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends between FR60 and FR64A of the aft cargo door for sheared, loose or missing rivets, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-52A3084, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-52A4091, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes). Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 400 flight cycles.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Corrective Action</HD>
            <P>If any sheared, loose, or missing rivets are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA; or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
            <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov</E>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(k) Related Information</HD>
            <P>Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011-0007R1, dated February 14, 2011, and the service information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(4) of this AD, for related information.</P>
            <P>(1) Airbus AOT A330-52A3085, dated December 20, 2010.</P>
            <P>(2) Airbus AOT A340-52A4092, dated December 20, 2010.</P>
            <P>(3) Airbus AOT A330-52A3084, dated December 20, 2010.</P>
            <P>(4) Airbus AOT A340-52A4091, dated December 20, 2010.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">(l) Material Incorporated by Reference</HD>
            <P>(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.</P>
            <P>(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, unless the AD specifies otherwise.</P>
            <P>(i) Airbus AOT A330-52A3085, dated December 20, 2010. The document number and date are identified only on the first page of this document.</P>
            <P>(ii) Airbus AOT A340-52A4092, dated December 20, 2010. The document number and date are identified only on the first page of this document.</P>
            <P>(iii) Airbus AOT A330-52A3084, dated December 20, 2010. The document number and date are identified only on the first page of this document.</P>
            <P>(iv) Airbus AOT A340-52A4091, dated December 20, 2010. The document number and date are identified only on the first page of this document.</P>

            <P>(3) For Airbus service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email<E T="03">airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.airbus.com.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>

            <P>(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
            </P>
          </EXTRACT>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michael Kaszycki,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14730 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 97</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. 30847; Amdt. No. 3483]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <PRTPAGE P="37800"/>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective June 25, 2012. The compliance date for each SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums, and ODP is specified in the amendatory provisions.</P>
          <P>The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 25, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Availability of matter incorporated by reference in the amendment is as follows:</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">For Examination—</E>
          </P>
          <P>1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;</P>
          <P>2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located;</P>
          <P>3. The National Flight Procedures Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169; or</P>

          <P>4. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
          </P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Availability</E>—All SIAPs are available online free of charge. Visit<E T="03">nfdc.faa.gov</E>to register. Additionally, individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from:</P>
          <P>1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA-200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; or</P>
          <P>2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Richard A. Dunham III, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AFS-420) Flight Technologies and Programs Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125) telephone: (405) 954-4164.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>This rule amends Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97) by amending the referenced SIAPs. The complete regulatory description of each SIAP is listed on the appropriate FAA Form 8260, as modified by the National Flight Data Center (FDC)/Permanent Notice to Airmen (P-NOTAM), and is incorporated by reference in the amendment under 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and § 97.20 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.</P>

        <P>The large number of SIAPs, their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>expensive and impractical. Further, airmen do not use the regulatory text of the SIAPs, but refer to their graphic depiction on charts printed by publishers of aeronautical materials. Thus, the advantages of incorporation by reference are realized and publication of the complete description of each SIAP contained in FAA form documents is unnecessary. This amendment provides the affected CFR sections and specifies the types of SIAP and the corresponding effective dates. This amendment also identifies the airport and its location, the procedure and the amendment number.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">The Rule</HD>
        <P>This amendment to 14 CFR part 97 is effective upon publication of each separate SIAP as amended in the transmittal. For safety and timeliness of change considerations, this amendment incorporates only specific changes contained for each SIAP as modified by FDC/P-NOTAMs.</P>
        <P>The SIAPs, as modified by FDC P-NOTAM, and contained in this amendment are based on the criteria contained in the U.S. Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS). In developing these changes to SIAPs, the TERPS criteria were applied only to specific conditions existing at the affected airports. All SIAP amendments in this rule have been previously issued by the FAA in a FDC NOTAM as an emergency action of immediate flight safety relating directly to published aeronautical charts. The circumstances which created the need for all these SIAP amendments requires making them effective in less than 30 days.</P>
        <P>Because of the close and immediate relationship between these SIAPs and safety in air commerce, I find that notice and public procedure before adopting these SIAPs are impracticable and contrary to the public interest and, where applicable, that good cause exists for making these SIAPs effective in less than 30 days.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore—(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under DOT regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. For the same reason, the FAA certifies that this amendment will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 97</HD>
          <P>Air traffic control, Airports, Incorporation by reference, and Navigation (air).</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Washington, DC, on June 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>John Duncan,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97, 14 CFR part 97, is amended by amending Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, effective at 0901 UTC on the dates specified, as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="97" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 97—STANDARD INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 97 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40106, 40113, 40114, 40120, 44502, 44514, 44701, 44719, 44721-44722.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="97" TITLE="14">
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§§ 97.23, 97.25, 97.27, 97.29, 97.31, 97.33, 97.35</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
          </SECTION>
          <AMDPAR>2. Part 97 is amended to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <P>By amending: § 97.23 VOR, VOR/DME, VOR or TACAN, and VOR/DME or TACAN; § 97.25 LOC, LOC/DME, LDA, LDA/DME, SDF, SDF/DME; § 97.27 NDB, NDB/DME; § 97.29 ILS, ILS/DME, MLS, MLS/DME, MLS/RNAV; § 97.31 RADAR SIAPs; § 97.33 RNAV SIAPs; and § 97.35 COPTER SIAPs, Identified as follows:</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD2">* * * Effective Upon Publication</HD>
          <GPOTABLE CDEF="xs48,xls24,r50,r50,10,10,r50" COLS="7" OPTS="L2,tp0,i1">
            <TTITLE/>
            <BOXHD>
              <CHED H="1">AIRAC date</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">State</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">City</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">Airport</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">FDC No.</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">FDC date</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">Subject</CHED>
            </BOXHD>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="01">26-Jul-12</ENT>
              <ENT>IA</ENT>
              <ENT>Des Moines</ENT>
              <ENT>Des Moines Intl</ENT>
              <ENT>2/6965</ENT>
              <ENT>5/8/12</ENT>
              <ENT>ILS OR LOC RWY 31, Amdt 23</ENT>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <PRTPAGE P="37801"/>
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="s">
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="22"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT/>
              <ENT O="xl"/>
            </ROW>
          </GPOTABLE>
        </REGTEXT>
        
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14863 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 97</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. 30846; Amdt. No. 3482]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective June 25, 2012. The compliance date for each SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums, and ODP is specified in the amendatory provisions.</P>
          <P>The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 25, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Availability of matters incorporated by reference in the amendment is as follows:</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">For Examination</E>—</P>
          <P>1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;</P>
          <P>2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located;</P>
          <P>3. The National Flight Procedures Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or</P>

          <P>4. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:<E T="03">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.</E>
          </P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Availability</E>—All SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and ODPs are available online free of charge. Visit<E T="03">http://www.nfdc.faa.gov</E>to register. Additionally, individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from:</P>
          <P>1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA-200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; or</P>
          <P>2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Richard A. Dunham III, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AFS-420), Flight Technologies and Programs Divisions, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK. 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125) Telephone: (405) 954-4164.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>This rule amends Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97), by establishing, amending, suspending, or revoking SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums and/or ODPS. The complete regulators description of each SIAP and its associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP for an identified airport is listed on FAA form documents which are incorporated by reference in this amendment under 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14 CFR 97.20. The applicable FAA Forms are FAA Forms 8260-3, 8260-4, 8260-5, 8260-15A, and 8260-15B when required by an entry on 8260-15A.</P>

        <P>The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums and ODPs, in addition to their complex nature and the need for a special format make publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>expensive and impractical. Furthermore, airmen do not use the regulatory text of the SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums or ODPs, but instead refer to their depiction on charts printed by publishers of aeronautical materials. The advantages of incorporation by reference are realized and publication of the complete description of each SIAP, Takeoff Minimums and ODP listed on FAA forms is unnecessary. This<PRTPAGE P="37802"/>amendment provides the affected CFR sections and specifies the types of SIAPs and the effective dates of the, associated Takeoff Minimums and ODPs. This amendment also identifies the airport and its location, the procedure, and the amendment number.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">The Rule</HD>
        <P>This amendment to 14 CFR part 97 is effective upon publication of each separate SIAP, Takeoff Minimums and ODP as contained in the transmittal. Some SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and textual ODP amendments may have been issued previously by the FAA in a Flight Data Center (FDC) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) as an emergency action of immediate flight safety relating directly to published aeronautical charts. The circumstances which created the need for some SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP amendments may require making them effective in less than 30 days. For the remaining SIAPS and Takeoff Minimums and ODPS, an effective date at least 30 days after publication is provided.</P>
        <P>Further, the SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and ODPS contained in this amendment are based on the criteria contained in the U.S. Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS). In developing these SIAPS and Takeoff Minimums and ODPs, the TERPS criteria were applied to the conditions existing or anticipated at the affected airports. Because of the close and immediate relationship between these SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums and ODPs, and safety in air commerce, I find that notice and public procedures before adopting these SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums and ODPs are impracticable and contrary to the public interest and, where applicable, that good cause exists for making some SIAPs effective in less than 30 days.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Conclusion</HD>
        <P>The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore—(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule ” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26,1979) ; and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. For the same reason, the FAA certifies that this amendment will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 97</HD>
          <P>Air traffic control, Airports, Incorporation by reference, and Navigation (air).</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Washington, DC on June 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>John Duncan,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Adoption of the Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97) is amended by establishing, amending, suspending, or revoking Standard Instrument Approach Procedures and/or Takeoff Minimums and/or Obstacle Departure Procedures effective at 0902 UTC on the dates specified, as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="97" TITLE="14">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 97—STANDARD INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 97 continues to read asfollows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40106, 40113, 40114, 40120, 44502, 44514, 44701, 44719, 44721-44722.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="97" TITLE="14">
          <AMDPAR>2. Part 97 is amended to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">* * * Effective July 26, 2012</HD>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Sand Point, AK, Sand Point, RAYMD (RNAV) ONE Graphic DP</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Sand Point, AK, Sand Point, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, ILS OR LOC RWY 14, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, ILS OR LOC RWY 32, Amdt 9</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 14, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 18, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 32, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Dothan, AL, Dothan Rgnl, VOR OR TACAN-A, Amdt 13</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, ILS OR LOC RWY 14, Amdt 31</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, ILS OR LOC RWY 32, Amdt 7</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, NDB RWY 14, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, RADAR-1, Amdt 5</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 14, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 18, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 32, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Mobile, AL, Mobile Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Paragould, AR, Kirk Field, NDB RWY 22, Amdt 1A, CANCELED</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Douglas Bisbee, AZ, Bisbee Douglas Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 17, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Douglas Bisbee, AZ, Bisbee Douglas Intl, VOR RWY 17, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Douglas Bisbee, AZ, Bisbee Douglas Intl, VOR/DME RWY 17, Amdt 6</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Fort Huachuca Sierra Vista, AZ, Sierra Vista Muni-Libby AAF, ILS OR LOC RWY 26, Amdt 4</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Fort Huachuca Sierra Vista, AZ, Sierra Vista Muni-Libby AAF, VOR RWY 26, Amdt 5</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Willcox, AZ, Cochise County, RNAV (GPS) RWY 3, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Willcox, AZ, Cochise County, RNAV (GPS) RWY 21, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Little River, CA, Little River, RNAV (GPS) RWY 29, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Santa Maria, CA, Santa Maria Pub/Capt G Allan Hancock Fld, ILS OR LOC RWY 12, Amdt 10</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Van Nuys, CA, Van Nuys, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 5</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Washington, DC, Washington Dulles Intl, RNAV (RNP) Z RWY 1C, Orig-E</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Washington, DC, Washington Dulles Intl, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Orlando, FL, Orlando Intl, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Wauchula, FL, Wauchula Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 18, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Wauchula, FL, Wauchula Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Clinton, IA, Clinton Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 14, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Clinton, IA, Clinton Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 21, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Cairo, IL, Cairo Rgnl, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Moline, IL, Quad City Intl, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Pittsfield, IL, Pittsfield Penstone Muni, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Washington, KS, Washington County Memorial, NDB-A, Amdt 1, CANCELED</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Louisville, KY, Louisville Intl-Standiford Field, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 5</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Paducah, KY, Barkley Rgnl, VOR/DME RWY 22, Amdt 6</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Portland, ME, Portland Intl Jetport, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 6</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Eldon, MO, Eldon Model Airpark, RNAV (GPS) RWY 18, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Eldon, MO, Eldon Model Airpark, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Eldon, MO, Eldon Model Airpark, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Starkville, MS, George M Bryan, LOC/DME RWY 36, Amdt 1</FP>

          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Starkville, MS, George M Bryan, NDB-C, Admt 3, CANCELED<PRTPAGE P="37803"/>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Starkville, MS, George M Bryan, RNAV (GPS) RWY 18, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Starkville, MS, George M Bryan, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Newark, NJ, Newark Liberty Intl, RNAV (RNP) Y RWY 29, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, ILS OR LOC RWY 5, Amdt 15</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, ILS OR LOC RWY 23, Amdt 30</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 32, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 5, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 14 Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 23, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 32, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Niagara Intl, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 6</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Cleveland, OH, Cleveland-Hopkins Intl, CONVERGING ILS RWY 24R, Amdt 1, CANCELLED</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Cleveland, OH, Cleveland-Hopkins Intl, CONVERGING ILS RWY 28, Orig-B, CANCELED</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Cleveland, OH, Cleveland-Hopkins Intl, ILS OR LOC RWY 28, Amdt 24A</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Wapakoneta, OH, Neil Armstrong, VOR-A, Amdt 8</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Towanda, PA, Bradford County, RNAV (GPS)-A, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Towanda, PA, Bradford County, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach Intl, ILS OR LOC RWY 18, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach Intl, ILS OR LOC RWY 36, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 18, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Amdt 3</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach Intl, VOR/DME-A, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Winnsboro, SC, Fairfield County, NDB RWY 4, Amdt 4</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Winnsboro, SC, Fairfield County, RNAV (GPS) RWY 4, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Winnsboro, SC, Fairfield County, RNAV (GPS) RWY 22, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Brenham, TX, Brenham Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 16, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Brenham, TX, Brenham Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 34, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Coleman, TX, Coleman Muni, GPS RWY 15, Orig-A, CANCELLED</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Coleman, TX, Coleman Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 15, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Eagle Lake, TX, Eagle Lake, RNAV (GPS) RWY 17, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Eagle Lake, TX, Eagle Lake, RNAV (GPS) RWY 35, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">La Grange, TX, Fayette Rgnl Air Center, RNAV (GPS) RWY 16, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">La Grange, TX, Fayette Rgnl Air Center, RNAV (GPS) RWY 34, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">LA Porte, TX, La Porte Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 30, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Preston Smith Intl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 8, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Preston Smith Intl, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Preston Smith Intl, VOR/DME OR TACAN RWY 26, Amdt 11</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Marion/Wytheville, VA, Mountain Empire, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Intl, ILS OR LOC RWY 16, ILS RWY 16 (SA CAT I), Amdt 6</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Intl, RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 16, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Intl, RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 34, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Intl, RNAV (RNP) Z RWY 16, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Intl, RNAV (RNP) Z RWY 34, Orig</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Chehalis, WA, Chehalis-Centralia, RNAV (GPS) RWY 16, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Chehalis, WA, Chehalis-Centralia, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 1</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Eastsound, WA, Orcas Island, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Friday Harbor, WA, Friday Harbor, RNAV (GPS) RWY 34, Amdt 2</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Yakima, WA, Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field, ZILLA THREE Graphic DP</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Prairie Du Chien, WI, Prairie Du Chien Muni, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 4</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Tomahawk, WI, Tomahawk Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 9, Amdt 2A</FP>
        </REGTEXT>
        
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14866 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <CFR>17 CFR Part 38</CFR>
        <RIN>RIN 3038-0092, -0094</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Customer Clearing Documentation, Timing of Acceptance for Clearing, and Clearing Member Risk Management; Core Principles and Other Requirements for Designated Contract Markets; Correction</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Commodity Futures Trading Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule; Correction.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This document corrects incorrect text published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>of April 9, 2012, and June 19, 2012, regarding Customer Clearing Documentation, Timing of Acceptance for Clearing, and Clearing Member Risk Management, and Core Principles and Other Requirements for Designated Contract Markets.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The corrections to FR Doc. 2012-7477 are effective October 1, 2012. The corrections to FR Doc. 2012-12746 are effective August 20, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>John C. Lawton, Deputy Director, 202-418-5480,<E T="03">jlawton@cftc.gov,</E>and Christopher A. Hower, Attorney-Advisor, 202-418-6703,<E T="03">chower@cftc.gov,</E>Division of Clearing and Risk, and Camden Nunery, Economist, 202-418-5723, Office of the Chief Economist, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581; and Hugh J. Rooney, Assistant Director, 312-596-0574,<E T="03">hrooney@cftc.gov,</E>Division of Clearing and Risk, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 525 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>In FR Doc. 2012-7477 appearing on page 21278 in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>issue of Monday, April 9, 2012, the following corrections are made:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="38" TITLE="17">
          <AMDPAR>1. On page 21309, in the left column, amendatory instruction 16 is removed.</AMDPAR>
          <AMDPAR>2. On page 21309, in the middle column, amendatory instruction 17 and subpart L (consisting of §§ 38.600 through 38.606) are removed.</AMDPAR>
          <AMDPAR>3. On page 21309, in the middle column, amendatory instructions 18 and 19 are redesignated as amendatory instructions 16 and 17.</AMDPAR>
          <P>In FR Doc. 2012-12746 appearing on page 36612 in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>issue of Tuesday, June 19, 2012, the following correction is made:</P>
          <AMDPAR>4. On page 36705, in the left column, add paragraph (b) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 38.601</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Mandatory clearing.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(b) A designated contract market must coordinate with each derivatives clearing organization to which it submits transactions for clearing, in the development of rules and procedures to facilitate prompt and efficient transaction processing in accordance with the requirements of § 39.12(b)(7) of this chapter.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>David A. Stawick,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary of the Commission.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14655 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37804"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <CFR>19 CFR Part 206</CFR>
        <SUBJECT>Rules for Investigations Relating to Global and Bilateral Safeguard Actions, Market Disruption, Trade Diversion, and Review of Relief Actions</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>United States International Trade Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The United States International Trade Commission (Commission) is adopting as a final rule, with changes to correct three typographical errors, the interim rule amending its Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules) that was published on January 26, 2012. The rule concerns the conduct of safeguard investigations under statutory provisions that implement bilateral safeguard provisions in free trade agreements that the United States has negotiated with Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and five Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. With the exception of the free trade agreement with Panama, all of the aforementioned free trade agreements have entered into force. The free trade agreement with Panama is expected to enter into force imminently. The interim rule amended and expanded upon rules previously in effect that pertained to the conduct of bilateral safeguard investigations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act with respect to imports from Canada and Mexico.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Effective date:</E>June 25, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Lisa R. Barton, Acting Secretary, telephone (202) 205-2000, or William Gearhart, Esquire, Office of the General Counsel, United States International Trade Commission, telephone (202) 205-3091. Hearing-impaired individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal at 202-205-1810. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Web site at<E T="03">http://www.usitc.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The preamble below is designed to assist readers in understanding these amendments to the Commission's Rules. This preamble provides background information and a regulatory analysis of the amendments.</P>
        <P>These amendments are being promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) (APA), and will be codified in 19 CFR part 206.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>

        <P>Section 335 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1335) authorizes the Commission to adopt such reasonable procedures, rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out its functions and duties. The Commission is adopting as a final rule, with three changes to correct typographical errors, the interim rule published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on January 26, 2012 (77 FR 3922) governing investigations relating to global and bilateral safeguard actions, market disruption, trade diversion, and review of relief actions (part 206 of its Rules). The final rule principally concerns subpart D of part 206, Investigations Relating to Bilateral Safeguard Actions, but also includes several technical and conforming changes to the general rules in subpart A of part 206. Prior to publication of the interim rule, the rules in subpart D applied only to Commission investigations under the bilateral safeguard provision in the NAFTA Implementation Act with respect to imports from Canada and Mexico. The Commission adopted the interim rule in response to legislation enacted by Congress in recent years that implements bilateral safeguard provisions in several additional free trade agreements (FTAs), including legislation approved on October 21, 2011, that implements FTAs with Colombia, Korea, and Panama. The implementing legislation for each of those FTAs directs the Commission, upon receipt of a petition, to conduct an investigation and determine whether, as a result of the reduction or elimination of a duty under the agreement, an article is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities, in absolute terms or relative to domestic production, and under such conditions that imports of such article constitute a substantial cause of serious injury or the threat thereof to the domestic industry producing an article that is like or directly competitive with the imported article. If the Commission makes an affirmative determination, it must recommend a remedy to the President; the President makes the final decision on remedy.</P>

        <P>More specifically, in addition to the NAFTA Implementation Act, the Commission is required to conduct bilateral safeguard investigations and make determinations under section 311(b) of the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 211(b) of the United States-Jordan Free Trade Area Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, section 311(b) of the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, and section 311(b) of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. For U.S. Code citations to the respective implementation acts, see the text of interim rule section 206.31 published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on January 26, 2012 (77 FR 3922).</P>
        <P>These amendments expand upon previous rules in Subpart D of Part 206 that provide for investigations and determinations under the NAFTA Implementation Act. Each of the statutory provisions listed above contains requirements that are similar both substantively and procedurally to the provision in the NAFTA Implementation Act. These amended rules identify the types of entities that may file a petition, describe the information that must be included in a petition, indicate the time for Commission determinations and reporting, and establish procedures for the limited disclosure of confidential business information under administrative protective order in those instances in which the Commission is authorized to make such disclosure.</P>
        <P>In its notice of the interim rule published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on January 26, 2012, the Commission invited interested parties to submit written comments and asked that they be received within 60 days of publication in the notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. The Commission received one written comment from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (Korea), Washington, DC, on February 13, 2012. In its written comment, Korea stated<PRTPAGE P="37805"/>that, in the case of the bilateral safeguard provision in the FTA with Korea, the interim rule either did not properly incorporate or did not fully elaborate on (1) The obligation to notify the other Party in writing and consult on the initiation of an investigation within 30 days after it applies a safeguard measure; (2) the obligation to give interested parties a period of at least 20 days to submit comments after the publication of the notice; and (3) the obligation not to apply a provisional measure until at least 45 days after the initiation of investigation. In a footnote, Korea stated that the obligation to notify in writing and consult on the initiation of an investigation is usually fulfilled by the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government.</P>
        <P>The Commission carefully reviewed the written comment of Korea and in so doing considered whether it should make any changes to the rule to address the concerns raised by Korea. Based on that review, the Commission concluded that no change is necessary and that the interim rule should be adopted as a final rule without change (other than to correct typographical errors). The Commission considered each of the concerns raised by Korea. With respect to the obligation to notify and consult, the Commission notes, and Korea appears to agree, that obligations to notify and consult under the FTAs are generally fulfilled by executive branch agencies other than the Commission, which is an independent agency. In the Commission's view it would be inappropriate for the Commission to issue a rule that states how or when another executive branch agency should notify and/or consult with Korea in a bilateral safeguard matter.</P>
        <P>With respect to the obligation to provide interested parties with a period of at least 20 days to submit comments after publication of the notice, the Commission is of the view that this obligation can be readily satisfied within the statutory time period for making an injury determination and is more properly addressed in the notice announcing institution of the investigation. The U.S. implementing statute provides that the Commission must make its injury determination within 120 days (180 days if critical circumstances are alleged) after the date on which the investigation is initiated.</P>
        <P>With respect to the obligation not to apply a provisional measure until at least 45 days after initiation of an investigation, the Commission notes that decisions regarding whether and when to apply a provisional measure are made by the President, not the Commission. Accordingly, in the Commission's view it would be inappropriate for the Commission to promulgate a rule that addresses the period in time at which the President might apply a measure. Moreover, the Commission notes that when critical circumstances are alleged in a petition, U.S. legislation gives the Commission more than 45 days (up to 60 days from the day on which a request for provisional relief is filed) to make and transmit a determination and provisional relief recommendation to the President. When the request involves a perishable agricultural product, U.S. legislation allows the Commission to conduct an expedited investigation and recommend provisional relief with respect to a perishable agricultural product only if the Commission has, for at least 90 days prior to receipt of the petition containing the request, monitored and investigated imports of the product concerned under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)). The Commission conducts such monitoring investigations at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative.</P>
        <P>The three typographical errors are in sections 206.1 and 206.32 of the rule. The first two errors are in section 206.1, which is amended to add the word “sections” before the list of statutory sections cited, and to substitute the symbol “§ ” for the word “section” so as to refer to “§ 206.31” of the rule to conform with standard rule writing format. The third error corrected is in section 206.32(a), which concerns the definition of “substantial cause,” to add the word “in” before the word “section.”</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Analysis</HD>
        <P>The Commission has determined that this action adopting a final rule does not meet the criteria described in section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and thus does not constitute a significant regulatory action for purposes of the Executive Order.</P>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601<E T="03">et seq.</E>) is inapplicable to this rulemaking because it is not one for which a notice of final rulemaking is required under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) or any other statute.</P>
        <P>This final rule does not contain federalism implications warranting the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement pursuant to Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 4, 1999).</P>

        <P>No actions are necessary under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1501<E T="03">et seq.</E>) because this final rule will not result in the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in any one year, and will not significantly or uniquely affect small governments.</P>

        <P>The final rule is not a major rule as defined by section 804 of the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801<E T="03">et seq.</E>). Moreover, it is exempt from the reporting requirements of that Act because it contains rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice that do not substantially affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties.</P>

        <P>The amendments are not subject to section 3504(h) of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>), since they do not contain any new information collection requirements.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 206</HD>
          <P>Administrative practice and procedure, Australia, Bahrain, Business and industry, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Imports, Investigations, Jordan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, Singapore, Trade agreements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>Accordingly, the interim rule amending 19 CFR part 206 which was published at 77 FR 3922 on January 26, 2012, is adopted as a final rule with the following changes:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="206" TITLE="19">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 206—INVESTIGATIONS RELATING TO GLOBAL AND BILATERAL SAFEGUARG ACTIONS, MARKET DISRUPTION, TRADE DIVERSION, AND REVIEW OF RELIEF ACTIONS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 206 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>19 U.S.C. 1335, 2112 note, 2251-2254, 2436, 2451-2451a, 3351-3382, 3805 note, 4051-4065, and 4101.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="206" TITLE="19">
          <AMDPAR>2. Revise § 206.1 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 206.1</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Applicability of part.</SUBJECT>
            <P>Part 206 applies to proceedings of the Commission under sections 201-202, 204, 406, and 421-422 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (2251-2252, 2254, 2436, 2451-2451a), sections 301-317 of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3351-3382) (hereinafter NAFTA Implementation Act), and the statutory provisions listed in § 206.31 of this part 206 that implement bilateral safeguard provisions in other free trade agreements into which the United States has entered.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="206" TITLE="19">
          <AMDPAR>3. Amend § 206.32 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <PRTPAGE P="37806"/>
            <SECTNO>§ 206.32</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Definitions applicable to subpart D.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(a) The term<E T="03">substantial cause</E>has the same meaning as in section 202(b)(1)(B) of the Trade Act.</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued: June 18, 2012.</DATED>
          
          <P>By order of the Commission.</P>
          <NAME>William R. Bishop,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Secretary to the Commission.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15346 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 7020-02-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Internal Revenue Service</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>26 CFR Parts 1 and 301</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[TD 9596]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1545-BK39</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Disregarded Entities and the Indoor Tanning Services Excise Tax</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final and temporary regulations.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>This document contains final and temporary regulations relating to disregarded entities (including qualified subchapter S subsidiaries) and the indoor tanning services excise tax. These regulations affect disregarded entities responsible for collecting the indoor tanning services excise tax and owners of those disregarded entities. The text of these temporary regulations serves as the text of proposed regulations (REG-125570-11) published in the Proposed Rules section in this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Effective Date:</E>These regulations are effective on June 25, 2012.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Applicability Date:</E>For dates of applicability, see §§ 1.1361-4T(a)(8)(iii)(B) and 301.7701-2T(e)(9)(i).</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Michael H. Beker, (202) 622-3130 (not a toll-free number).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background and Explanation of Provisions</HD>
        <P>This document contains amendments to the Income Tax Regulations (26 CFR part 1) under section 1361 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and the Procedure and Administration Regulations (26 CFR part 301) under section 7701 of the Code.</P>
        <P>Since January 1, 2008, §§ 1.1361-4(a)(8) and 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v) have treated a qualified subchapter S subsidiary (QSub) and a single-owner eligible entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under § 301.7701-2 (collectively, a disregarded entity) as a separate entity for purposes of excise taxes imposed by Chapters 31, 32 (other than section 4181), 33, 34, 35, 36 (other than section 4461), and 38 of the Code, and any floor stocks tax imposed on articles subject to any of these taxes.</P>
        <P>Effective July 1, 2010, section 10907 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148 (124 Stat. 119 (2010)), added new Chapter 49 to the Code, which imposes an excise tax on amounts paid for indoor tanning services under section 5000B.</P>
        <P>Consistent with existing §§ 1.1361-4(a)(8) and 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v), these temporary regulations add Chapter 49 to the list of excise taxes for which disregarded entities are treated as separate entities. Accordingly, effective for taxes imposed on amounts paid on or after July 1, 2012, these temporary regulations treat a disregarded entity as a separate entity for purposes of the indoor tanning services excise tax under section 5000B. These temporary regulations also treat a single-owner eligible entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under § 301.7701-2 as a corporation with respect to the indoor tanning services excise tax.</P>
        <P>The indoor tanning services excise tax is reported on Form 720 “Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return”. As a result of these temporary regulations, a Form 720 reporting indoor tanning services excise taxes imposed on amounts paid on or after July 1, 2012, must be filed under the name and employer identification number (EIN) of the entity rather than under the name and EIN of the disregarded entity's owner. Thus, this rule affects returns of this tax that are due on or after October 31, 2012.</P>
        <P>For taxes imposed under section 5000B on amounts paid before July 1, 2012, the IRS will treat payments made by a disregarded entity, or other actions taken by a disregarded entity, with respect to the indoor tanning services excise tax as having been made or taken by the owner of that entity. Thus, for such periods, the owner of a disregarded entity will be treated as satisfying its obligations with respect to the indoor tanning services excise tax if those obligations are satisfied either: (i) By the owner itself or (ii) by the disregarded entity on behalf of the owner.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Special Analyses</HD>

        <P>It has been determined that this Treasury decision is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations. For applicability of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6), please refer to the Special Analyses section of the preamble to the cross-reference notice of proposed rulemaking published elsewhere in this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, this regulation has been submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Drafting Information</HD>
        <P>The principal author of these regulations is Michael H. Beker, Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries). However, other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Department participated in their development.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects</HD>
          <CFR>26 CFR Part 1</CFR>
          <P>Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
          <CFR>26 CFR Part 301</CFR>
          <P>Employment taxes, Estate taxes, Excise taxes, Gift taxes, Income taxes, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Amendments to the Regulations</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 301 are amended as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="1" TITLE="26">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 1—INCOME TAX</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>
            <E T="04">Paragraph 1.</E>The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in part as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="1" TITLE="26">
          <AMDPAR>
            <E T="04">Par. 2.</E>Section 1.1361-4 is amended by adding paragraph (a)(8)(iii) to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1.1361-4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Effect of QSub election.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a) * * *</P>
            <P>(8) * * *</P>
            <P>(iii) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 1.1361-4T(a)(8)(iii).</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="1" TITLE="26">
          <AMDPAR>
            <E T="04">Par. 3.</E>Section 1.1361-4T is added to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1.1361-4T</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Effect of QSub election (temporary).</SUBJECT>

            <P>(a)(1) through (a)(8)(ii) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 1.1361-4(a)(1) through (a)(8)(ii).<PRTPAGE P="37807"/>
            </P>
            <P>(iii)<E T="03">Rule for Chapter 49 tax liabilities</E>—(A)<E T="03">In general.</E>A qualified subchapter S subsidiary (QSub) is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of—</P>
            <P>(<E T="03">1</E>) Federal tax liabilities imposed by Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code;</P>
            <P>(<E T="03">2</E>) Collection of tax imposed by Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code; and</P>
            <P>(<E T="03">3</E>) Claims of a credit or refund related to the tax imposed by Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code.</P>
            <P>(B)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date for Chapter 49 liabilities.</E>Paragraph (a)(8)(iii)(A) of this section applies to taxes imposed on amounts paid on or after July 1, 2012.</P>
            <P>(C)<E T="03">Expiration date.</E>The applicability of paragraph (a)(8)(iii) of this section expires on June 22, 2015 or such earlier date as may be determined under amendments to the regulations issued after June 22, 2012.</P>
            <P>(a)(9) through (d) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 1.1361-4(a)(9) through (d).</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="301" TITLE="26">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>
            <E T="04">Par. 4.</E>The authority citation for part 301 continues to read in part as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="301" TITLE="26">
          <AMDPAR>
            <E T="04">Par. 5.</E>Section 301.7701-2 is amended by adding new paragraphs (c)(2)(vi) and (e)(9), and adding and reserving paragraph (e)(8), to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7701-2</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Business entities; definitions.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(c) * * *</P>
            <P>(2) * * *</P>
            <P>(vi) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 301.7701-2T(c)(2)(vi).</P>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(e) * * *</P>
            <P>(8) [Reserved]</P>
            <P>(9) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 301.7701-2T(e)(9).</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="301" TITLE="26">
          <AMDPAR>
            <E T="04">Par. 6.</E>Section 301.7701-2T is amended as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <P>1. Paragraphs (a) through (e)(4) are revised.</P>
          <P>2. Paragraph (e)(9) is added.</P>
          <P>The revisions and addition read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7701-2T</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Business entities; definitions (temporary).</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a) through (c)(2)(v) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 301.7701-2(a) through (c)(2)(v).</P>
            <P>(vi)<E T="03">Tax liabilities with respect to the indoor tanning services excise tax</E>—(A)<E T="03">In general.</E>Notwithstanding any other provision of § 301.7701-2, § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(i) (relating to certain wholly owned entities) does not apply for purposes of—</P>
            <P>(<E T="03">1</E>) Federal tax liabilities imposed by Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code;</P>
            <P>(<E T="03">2</E>) Collection of tax imposed by Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code; and</P>
            <P>(<E T="03">3</E>) Claims of a credit or refund related to the tax imposed by Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code.</P>
            <P>(B)<E T="03">Treatment of entity.</E>An entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under § 301.7701-2 is treated as a corporation with respect to items described in paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(A) of this section.</P>
            <P>(d) through (e)(4) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 301.7701-2(d) through (e)(4).</P>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(9)<E T="03">Indoor tanning services excise tax</E>—(i)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date.</E>Paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section applies to taxes imposed on amounts paid on or after July 1, 2012.</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Expiration date.</E>The applicability of paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section expires on or before June 22, 2015 or such earlier date as may be determined under amendments to the regulations issued after June 22, 2012.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Steven T. Miller,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.</TITLE>
          <DATED>Approved: June 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Emily S. McMahon,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy).</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15422 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4830-01-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 100</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. USCG-2012-0572]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Regattas and Marine Parades; Great Lakes Annual Marine Events</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of enforcement of regulation.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard will enforce various special local regulations for annual regattas and marine parades in the Captain of the Port Detroit zone from 9 a.m. on June 22, 2012 through 6 p.m. on July 29, 2012. This action is necessary and intended to ensure safety of life on the navigable waters immediately prior to, during, and immediately after regattas or marine parades. Enforcement of these special local regulations rule will establish restrictions upon, and control movement of, vessels in specified areas immediately prior to, during, and immediately after regattas or marine parades. During the enforcement periods, no person or vessel may enter the regulated areas without permission of the Captain of the Port.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The regulations in 33 CFR 100.914, 100.915, 100.919, and 100.920 will be enforced at various times between June 22, 2012 and July 29, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this notice, call or email LT Adrian Palomeque, Prevention Department, Sector Detroit, Coast Guard; telephone (313) 568-9508, email<E T="03">Adrian.F.Palomeque@uscg.mil.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard will enforce the following special local regulations at the following times:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Section 100.914Trenton Rotary Roar on the River, Trenton, MI</HD>
        <P>This special local regulation will be enforced from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 20, 2012 and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 21 and 22, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Section 100.915St. Clair River Classic Offshore Race, St. Clair, MI</HD>
        <P>This special local regulation will be enforced from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 27, 28 and 29, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Section 100.919International Bay City River Roar, Bay City, MI</HD>
        <P>This special local regulation will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 22, 23, and 24, 2012. In the case of inclement weather on June 24, 2012, this special local regulation will also be enforced from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 25, 2011.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Section 100.920Tug Across the River, Detroit, MI</HD>
        <P>This special local regulation will be enforced from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 13, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulations</HD>
        <P>(1) In accordance with the general regulations in 33 CFR 100.901, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within these regulated areas is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit, or his designated on-scene representative.</P>

        <P>(2) These regulated areas are closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the Captain of the Port<PRTPAGE P="37808"/>Detroit or his designated on-scene representative.</P>
        <P>(3) The “designated on-scene representative” of the Captain of the Port is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been designated by the Captain of the Port to act on his behalf. The designated on-scene representative of the Captain of the Port will be aboard either a Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel. The Captain of the Port or his designated on scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16.</P>
        <P>(4) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the regulated area shall contact the Captain of the Port Detroit or his designated on-scene representative to obtain permission.</P>
        <P>(5) Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the regulated area must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of the Port or his designated on-scene representative.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>J.E. Ogden,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Detroit.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15513 Filed 6-21-12; 11:15 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 100</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. USCG-2012-0556]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA08</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Special Local Regulation; East Tawas Offshore Gran Prix, Tawas Bay; East Tawas, MI</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Temporary final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard is establishing a special local regulation on Tawas Bay, Michigan. This action is necessary and intended to ensure safety of life on the navigable waters immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the East Tawas Offshore Gran Prix boat race. This special local regulation will establish restrictions upon, and control movement of, vessels in a portion of Tawas Bay. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the regulated area without permission of the Captain of the Port.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket [USCG-2012-0556]. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box, and click “Search.” You may visit the Docket Management Facility, Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this temporary rule, call or email LT Adrian Palomeque, Prevention Department, Sector Detroit, Coast Guard; telephone (313) 568-9508, email<E T="03">Adrian.F.Palomeque@uscg.mil.</E>If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Acronyms</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">DHSDepartment of Homeland Security</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">FR<E T="04">Federal Register</E>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Regulatory History and Information</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because doing so would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest. The final details for this event were not known to the Coast Guard until there was insufficient time remaining before the event to publish an NPRM. Thus, delaying the effective date of this rule to wait for a comment period to run would be both impracticable and contrary to the public interest because it would inhibit the Coast Guard's ability to protect spectators, participants and vessels from the hazards associated with power boat races, which are discussed further below.</P>

        <P>Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. For the same reasons discussed in the preceding paragraph, waiting for 30 day notice period run would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Basis and Purpose</HD>
        <P>Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 2012 the OPA Racing LLC is holding an offshore powerboat race that will require the immediate area to be clear of all vessel traffic. The Captain of the Port Detroit has determined powerboat races in close proximity to watercraft and infrastructure pose significant risk to public safety and property. The likely combination of large numbers of recreation vessels, powerboats traveling at high speeds, and large numbers of spectators in close proximity to the water could easily result in serious injuries or fatalities.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Discussion of Rule</HD>
        <P>With the aforementioned hazards in mind, the Captain of the Port Detroit has determined that a special local regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of spectators, vessels, and participants. This special local regulation will be effective and enforced from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 2012. This regulated area will encompass all waters of Tawas Bay, beginning at a point on land at 44°14′53″ N, 83°27′34″ W; extending west to a point on land at position 44°15′33″ N, 83°31′30″ W. All geographic coordinates are North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).</P>
        <P>Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the regulated area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit or his designated on scene representative. The Captain of the Port or his designated on scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Regulatory Analyses</HD>
        <P>We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>

        <P>This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Orders. It is not “significant” under the regulatory policies and procedures of<PRTPAGE P="37809"/>the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We conclude that this rule is not a significant regulatory action because we anticipate that it will have minimal impact on the economy, will not interfere with other agencies, will not adversely alter the budget of any grant or loan recipients, and will not raise any novel legal or policy issues. The regulated navigation area created by this rule will be relatively small and enforced for relatively short time. Also, the regulated navigation area is designed to minimize its impact on navigable waters. Furthermore, the regulated navigation area has been designed to allow vessels to transit around it. Thus, restrictions on vessel movement within that particular area are expected to be minimal. Under certain conditions, moreover, vessels may still transit through the regulated navigation area when permitted by the Captain of the Port.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Impact on Small Entities</HD>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.</P>
        <P>This rule will affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in a portion of the Tawas Bay near East Tawas, MI on June 24, 2012.</P>
        <P>This special local regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: This regulated area would be activated, and thus subject to enforcement, for only six hours in the day. Traffic may be allowed to pass through the zone with the permission of the Captain of the Port. The Captain of the Port can be reached via VHF channel 16. Before the activation of the zone, we would issue local Broadcast Notice to Mariners.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Assistance for Small Entities</HD>

        <P>Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the person listed in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>section above.</P>
        <P>Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">5. Federalism</HD>
        <P>A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">6. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">7. Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">8. Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">9. Protection of Children</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">10. Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">11. Energy Effects</HD>
        <P>This action is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">12. Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">13. Environment</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a special local regulation and, therefore it is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph (34)(h) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100</HD>
          <P>Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waterways.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <PRTPAGE P="37810"/>
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 100 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="100" TITLE="33">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 100—SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 1233.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="100" TITLE="33">
          <AMDPAR>2. Add § 100.T09-0556 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 100.T09-0556</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Special Local Regulation; East Tawas Offshore Gran Prix, East Tawas, MI.</SUBJECT>
            <P>
              <E T="03">(a) Location.</E>The regulated area will encompass all waters of Tawas Bay, East Tawas, Michigan, beginning at a point on land at 44°14′53″ N, 83°27′34″ W; extending west to a point on land at position 44°15′33″ N, 83°31′30″ W. All geographic coordinates are North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">(b) Enforcement Period.</E>This regulation will be enforced on June 24, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">(c) Regulations.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 100.901 of this part, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit or his designated on-scene representative.</P>
            <P>(2) This regulated navigation area is closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the Captain of the Detroit or his designated on-scene representative.</P>
            <P>(3) The “on-scene representative” of the Captain of the Port Detroit is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been designated by the Captain of the Port Buffalo to act on his behalf.</P>
            <P>(4) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the safety zone shall contact the Captain of the Port Detroit or his on-scene representative to obtain permission to do so. The Captain of the Port Detroit or his on-scene representative may be contacted via VHF Channel 16. Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of the Port Detroit, or his on-scene representative.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>J.E. Ogden,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Detroit.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15511 Filed 6-21-12; 11:15 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 100</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. USCG-2012-0201]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA08</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Special Local Regulations; ODBA Draggin' on the Waccamaw, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Bucksport, SC</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Temporary final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard is establishing special local regulations on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Bucksport, South Carolina during the ODBA Draggin' on the Waccamaw, a series of high-speed boat races. The event will take place on Saturday, June 23, 2012 and Sunday, June 24, 2012. Approximately 40 high-speed race boats are anticipated to participate in the races. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life and property on navigable waters of the United States during the event. These special local regulations will temporarily restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Persons and vessels that are not participating in the races will be prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective from 11:30 a.m. on June 23, 2012 through 7:30 p.m. on June 24, 2012. This rule will be enforced daily from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on June 23, 2012 through June 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0201 and are available online by going to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>inserting USCG-2012-0201 in the “Keyword” box, and then clicking “Search.” This material is also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this temporary rule, call or email Ensign John R. Santorum, Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard; telephone (843) 740-3184, email<E T="03">John.R.Santorum@uscg.mil.</E>If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Information</HD>

        <P>On April 24, 2012, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled Special Local Regulations; ODBA Draggin' on the Waccamaw, Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, Bucksport, SC in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(76 FR 79571). We received no comments on the proposed rule. No public meeting was requested, and none was held.</P>

        <P>Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. Delaying the effective date of this rule would be impracticable and contrary to public interest. The Coast Guard published an NPRM for this event, but did not have sufficient time to publish a Final Rule more than 30 days prior to the event. Rescheduling the event to accommodate the delayed effective date would be contrary to the public interest of the event organizers, sponsors and participants who expect the event to take place as scheduled.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Basis and Purpose</HD>
        <P>The legal basis for the rule is the Coast Guard's authority to establish special local regulations: 33 U.S.C. 1233. The purpose of the rule is to ensure safety of life and property on navigable waters of the United States during the ODBA Draggin' on the Waccamaw boat races.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion of Rule</HD>
        <P>On Saturday, June 23, 2012 and Sunday, June 24, 2012, the Outboard Drag Boat Association (ODBA) will host Draggin' on the Waccamaw, a series of high-speed boat races. The event will be held on a portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Bucksport, South Carolina. Approximately 40 high-speed race boats are anticipated to participate in the races.</P>

        <P>The special local regulations encompass certain waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Bucksport, South Carolina. The special local regulations will be enforced daily from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on June 23, 2012 through June 24, 2012. The special local regulations consist of a regulated area around vessels participating in the event. The regulated area is as follows: All waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway encompassed within an<PRTPAGE P="37811"/>Imaginary line connecting the following points; starting at point 1 in position 33°39′11.46″ N 079°05′36.78″ W; thence west to point 2 in position 33°39′12.18″ N 079°05′47.76″ W; thence south to point 3 in position 33°38′39.48″ N 079°05′37.44″ W; thence east to point 4 in position 33°38′42.3″ N 079°05′30.6″ W; thence north back to origin. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative. Persons and vessels may request authorization to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area by contacting the Captain of the Port Charleston by telephone at (843) 740-7050, or a designated representative via VHF radio on channel 16 to seek authorization. If authorization to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area is granted by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative, all persons and vessels receiving such permission must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative. The Coast Guard will provide notice of the regulated areas by Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and on-scene designated representatives.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Analyses</HD>
        <P>We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>Executive Orders 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.</P>
        <P>The economic impact of this rule is not significant for the following reasons: (1) The special local regulations will be in enforced for only sixteen hours over a two-day period; (2) although persons and vessels will not be able to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area without authorization from the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative, they may operate in the surrounding area during the effective period; (3) persons and vessels may still enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area if authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative; and (4) the Coast Guard will provide advance notification of the regulated area to the local maritime community by Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Small Entities</HD>
        <P>Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.</P>
        <P>The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule may affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within that portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway encompassed within the regulated area from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on June 23, 2012 and June 24, 2012. For the reasons discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review section above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Assistance for Small Entities</HD>
        <P>Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offer to assist small entities in understanding the rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process.</P>
        <P>Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Federalism</HD>
        <P>A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b) (2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Protection of Children</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to<PRTPAGE P="37812"/>health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">
          <E T="03">Indian Tribal Governments</E>
        </HD>
        <P>This rule does not have Tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Energy Effects</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a “significant energy action” under that order because it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.</P>
        <P>This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Environment</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34) (h), of the Instruction. This rule involves special local regulations issued in conjunction a regatta or marine parade. Under figure 2-1, paragraph (34) (h), of the instruction, an environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in the docket where indicated under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100</HD>
          <P>Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waterways.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 100 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="100" TITLE="33">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 100—SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS</HD>
          </PART>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="100" TITLE="33">
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 1233.</P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        
        <REGTEXT PART="100" TITLE="33">
          <AMDPAR>2. Add a temporary § 100.35T07-0201 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 100.35T07-0201</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Special Local Regulations; ODBA Draggin' on the Waccamaw, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Bucksport, SC.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Regulated Area.</E>The following regulated area is established as a special local regulation: All waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway encompassed within an Imaginary line connecting the following points; starting at point 1 in position 33°39′11.46″ N 079°05′36.78″ W; thence west to point 2 in position 33°39′12.18″ N 079°05′47.76″ W; thence south to point 3 in position 33°38′39.48″ N 079°05′37.44″ W; thence east to point 4 in position 33°38′42.3″ N 079°05′30.6″ W; thence north back to origin. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Definition.</E>The term “designated representative” means Coast Guard Patrol Commanders, including Coast Guard coxswains, petty officers, and other officers operating Coast Guard vessels, and federal, state, and local officers designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port Charleston in the enforcement of the regulated area.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Regulations.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(1) All persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated areas unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.</P>
            <P>(2) Persons and vessels desiring to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area may contact the Captain of the Port Charleston by telephone at (843) 740-7050, or a designated representative via VHF radio on channel 16 to seek authorization. If authorization to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area is granted by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative, all persons and vessels receiving such permission must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.</P>
            <P>(3) The Coast Guard will provide notice of the regulated area by Broadcast Notice to Mariners, Local Notice to Mariners, and on-scene designated representatives.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Enforcement Period.</E>This rule will be enforced daily from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on June 23, 2012 through June 24, 2012.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 6, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>M.F. White,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Charleston.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15512 Filed 6-21-12; 11:15 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>40 CFR Part 52</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177; FRL-9689-5]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; South Carolina; Emissions Statements</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Direct final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>EPA is taking direct final action to approve a portion of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted on April 29, 2010, by the State of South Carolina, through the Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), to meet the emissions statements requirement for the York County portion of the bi-state Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, North Carolina-South Carolina 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. The Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, North Carolina-South Carolina 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the “bi-state Charlotte Area”) is comprised of Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union and a portion of Iredell (Davidson and Coddle Creek Townships) Counties in North Carolina;<PRTPAGE P="37813"/>and a portion of York County (i.e., the boundary for the Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study) in South Carolina. EPA is addressing the emissions statements requirement for the North Carolina portion of this Area in a separate action. This action is being taken pursuant to section 110 and section 182 of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>

          <P>This direct final rule is effective August 24, 2012 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by July 25, 2012. If EPA receives such comments, it will publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final rule in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and inform the public that the rule will not take effect.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number, “EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177,” by one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>1.<E T="03">www.regulations.gov:</E>Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>2.<E T="03">Email: R4-RDS@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <P>3.<E T="03">Fax:</E>404-562-9019.</P>
          <P>4.<E T="03">Mail:</E>“EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177,” Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960.</P>
          <P>5.<E T="03">Hand Delivery or Courier:</E>Ms. Lynorae Benjamin, Chief, Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Instructions:</E>Direct your comments to Docket ID Number, “EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177.” EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or email, information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected. The<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>Web site is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA without going through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov,</E>your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.</E>
          </P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Docket:</E>All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or in hard copy at the Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the person listed in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Ms. Sara Waterson of the Regulatory Development Section, in the Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. The telephone number is (404) 562-9061. Ms. Sara Waterson can be reached via electronic mail at<E T="03">waterson.sara@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Contents</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. What is the background for EPA's action?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. What is EPA's analysis of the emissions statements for South Carolina?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. Final Action</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. What is the background for EPA's action?</HD>
        <P>On July 18, 1997, EPA promulgated a revised national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or standard) for ozone, setting the standard at 0.08 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour time frame.<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>This revised standard was established based on scientific evidence demonstrating that ozone causes adverse health effects at lower ozone concentrations and over longer periods of time.<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>EPA notes that the Agency issued a revised 8-hour ozone standard on March 27, 2008 (73 FR 16436). Today's action, however, relates to the 1997 ozone standard. The designation and implementation process for the 2008 standard does not relate to this action.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>When the pre-existing 1-hour ozone standard was promulgated (62 FR 38856), the risks associated with exposure to lower concentrations of ozone over longer periods of time was less understood.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>On April 30, 2004, EPA published designations and classifications for the revised 1997 8-hour ozone standard (69 FR 23858). These actions became effective on June 15, 2004. South Carolina was required to develop nonattainment SIP revisions addressing the CAA requirements for its nonattainment areas. Among other things, South Carolina was required to address the emissions statements requirement pursuant to CAA section 182(a)(3)(B).</P>

        <P>Section 182(a)(3)(B)(i) of the CAA, requires states with areas designated nonattainment for the ozone NAAQS (under subpart 2 of the Act) to submit within 2 years of designations a SIP revision to require emissions statements to be submitted annually by nitrous oxides (NO<E T="52">X</E>) and volatile organic compound (VOC) sources to the state within that nonattainment area. Section 182(a)(3)(B)(ii) provides criteria for waiving the application of clause (i) to sources which emit less than 25 tons per year of NO<E T="52">X</E>or VOC.</P>
        <P>In a March 14, 2006, memorandum from Thomas C. Curran, Director Air Quality Assessment Division to EPA Regional Air Division Directors (Curran Memo),<SU>3</SU>

          <FTREF/>EPA clarified that the emissions statements requirement under CAA section 182(a)(3)(B), is applicable to all areas designated nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS and classified marginal or higher under subpart 2, part D, title I of the CAA. Consistent with EPA's interpretation of<PRTPAGE P="37814"/>the submission period for other subpart 2 obligations, the Curran Memo provides that the 2-year submission period for the emissions statements rule for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard will run from the date an area was designated nonattainment and classified under subpart 2 for the 8-hour standard. Thus, states were required to submit their emissions statements rule by June 15, 2006, and the rule is required to provide that sources submit their first emissions statements to the state by no later than June 15, 2007 (for the 2006 calendar year). The Curran Memo further provides that if an area has a previously approved emissions statements rule for the 1-hour standard that covers all portions of the designated 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area, such rule will generally be sufficient for purposes of the emissions statements requirement for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>The March 14, 2006, Curran Memo can be found at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/eidocs/eiguid/8hourozone_naaqs_031406.pdf.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>On April 29, 2010, South Carolina submitted an attainment demonstration<SU>4</SU>

          <FTREF/>and associated reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, emissions statement, a 2002 base year emissions inventory and other planning SIP revisions related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for its portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area. On November 15, 2011, EPA determined the bi-state Charlotte Area attained the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS; and subsequently, on March 7, 2012, EPA determined that the bi-state Charlotte Area attained the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS by the applicable attainment date.<E T="03">See</E>76 FR 70656, and 77 FR 13493, respectively. Therefore, on January 12, 2012, South Carolina withdrew its portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area's attainment demonstration (the RFP, emissions statements, and the emissions inventory submittals, however, were not withdrawn) pursuant to 40 CFR 51.918. In today's action, EPA is approving the emissions statements portion of the attainment demonstration submitted by the State of South Carolina on April 29, 2010, as required by section 182(a)(3)(B). EPA will take action on the RFP and emissions inventory of South Carolina's April 29, 2010, SIP revision in separate actions.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>South Carolina withdrew an August 31, 2007, attainment demonstration SIP for its portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area on December 22, 2008. On April 29, 2010, South Carolina resubmitted the attainment demonstration SIP for its portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. What is EPA's analysis of the emissions statements for South Carolina?</HD>

        <P>The April 29, 2010, SIP revision states that South Carolina has the authority to require annual emissions statements and is taking specific actions to comply with the emissions statements requirements for any class or category of stationary sources that emits 25 tons per year or more of VOCs or NO<E T="52">X</E>. Section VI.<E T="03">Moderate Nonattainment Requirements</E>of the April 29, 2010, SIP revision states that the South Carolina portion of the moderate nonattainment area shall make submissions prescribed under the CAA section 182(a) and will comply with these mandates. Furthermore, South Carolina “has and is requiring, receiving, and archiving” emissions statements. SC DHEC has created a Web site at<E T="03">http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/OzoneNonattainmentReporting/</E>to assist in this effort. SC DHEC provided a letter to EPA on May 4, 2012, to further clarify the State's emissions statements requirements. The May 4, 2012, letter can be found in the docket for today's action. EPA has evaluated South Carolina's April 29, 2010, SIP revision as it relates to the emissions statements requirement and has made the determination that it meets the requirements of CAA section 182(a)(3)(B).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Final Action</HD>
        <P>EPA is taking direct final action to approve a portion of a SIP revision, submitted on April 29, 2010, by the State of South Carolina, through the SC DHEC, to meet the emissions statements requirement for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This action is being taken pursuant to section 110 and section 182 of the CAA.</P>

        <P>EPA is publishing this rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a non-controversial revision and anticipates no adverse comments. However, in the proposed rules section of this<E T="04">Federal Register</E>publication, EPA is publishing a separate document that will serve as the proposal to approve the SIP revision should adverse comment be filed. This rule will be effective on August 24, 2012 without further notice unless the Agency receives adverse comment by July 25, 2012. If EPA receives such comments, then EPA will publish a document withdrawing the final rule and informing the public that the rule will not take effect. All public comments received will then be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on the proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time. If no such comments are received, the public is advised this rule will be effective on August 24, 2012 and no further action will be taken on the proposed rule.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</HD>
        <P>Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this action merely approves state law as meeting federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this final action:</P>
        <P>• Is not a “significant regulatory action” subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);</P>

        <P>• Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>);</P>

        <P>• Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601<E T="03">et seq.</E>);</P>
        <P>• Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);</P>
        <P>• Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);</P>
        <P>• Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);</P>
        <P>• Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);</P>
        <P>• Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and</P>

        <P>• Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).<PRTPAGE P="37815"/>
        </P>

        <P>In addition, this 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS emissions statement's final approval for the bi-state Charlotte Area does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the determination does not have substantial direct effects on an Indian Tribe. The Catawba Indian Nation Reservation is located within the South Carolina portion of the bi-state Charlotte Area. Generally SIPs do not apply in Indian country throughout the United States. However, for purposes of the Catawba Indian Nation Reservation in Rock Hill, the South Carolina SIP does apply within the Reservation. Pursuant to the Catawba Indian Claims Settlement Act, S.C. Code Ann. 27-16-120, “all state and local environmental laws and regulations apply to the Catawba Indian Nation and Reservation and are fully enforceable by all relevant state and local agencies and authorities.” Pursuant to Executive Order 13175 and the EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, in a letter dated October 13, 2011, EPA extended the opportunity for consultation between EPA and Catawba. Consultation with the Catawba Tribe began on October 14, 2011, and ended on October 31, 2011. The views and concerns raised by the Catawba Indian Nation during consultation have been taken into account in this final rule. Furthermore, EPA notes today's action will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801<E T="03">et seq.,</E>as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. This action is not a “major rule” as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).</P>

        <P>Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by August 24, 2012. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. Parties with objections to this direct final rule are encouraged to file a comment in response to the parallel notice of proposed rulemaking for this action published in the proposed rules section of today's<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, rather than file an immediate petition for judicial review of this direct final rule, so that EPA can withdraw this direct final rule and address the comment in the proposed rulemaking. This action may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements.<E T="03">See</E>section 307(b)(2).</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52</HD>
          <P>Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Volatile organic compounds.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <AUTH>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
          <P>42 U.S.C. 7401<E T="03">et seq.</E>
          </P>
        </AUTH>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>A. Stanley Meiburg,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        
        <P>40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="52" TITLE="40">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 52—[AMENDED]</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>42 U.S.C. 7401<E T="03">et seq.</E>
            </P>
          </AUTH>
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="52" TITLE="40">
          <SUBPART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Subpart PP—South Carolina</HD>
          </SUBPART>
          <AMDPAR>2. Section 52.2120(e), is amended by adding a new entry for “South Carolina portion of bi-state Charlotte; 1997 8-Hour Ozone Emissions Statement” at the end of the table to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 52.2120</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Identification of plan.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(e) * * *</P>
            <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,14C,r50,r50" COLS="4" OPTS="L1,i1">
              <TTITLE>EPA-Approved South Carolina Non-Regulatory Provisions</TTITLE>
              <BOXHD>
                <CHED H="1">Provision</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">State effective date</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">EPA approval date</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">Explanation</CHED>
              </BOXHD>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="22"/>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="28">*******</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">South Carolina portion of bi-state Charlotte; 1997 8-Hour Ozone Emissions Statement</ENT>
                <ENT>04/29/2010</ENT>
                <ENT>6/25/2012 [Insert citation of publication]</ENT>
                <ENT>Applicable to the 1997 8-hour Ozone boundary in York County only (Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization Area).</ENT>
              </ROW>
            </GPOTABLE>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14955 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P<PRTPAGE P="37816"/>
      </BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>50 CFR Part 648</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. 120109034-2153-02]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 0648-BB62</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Revisions to Framework Adjustment 47 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and Sector Annual Catch Entitlements; Updated Annual Catch Limits for Sectors and the Common Pool for Fishing Year 2012</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Temporary final rule; adjustment to specifications.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Based on the final Northeast multispecies sector rosters submitted as of May 1, 2012, NMFS is adjusting the fishing year 2012 specification of annual catch limits for commercial groundfish vessels as well as sector annual catch entitlements for groundfish stocks. This revision to fishing year 2012 catch levels is necessary to account for changes in the number of participants electing to fish in either sectors or the common pool fishery.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Effective June 22, 2012, through April 30, 2013.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>William Whitmore, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281-9182.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The New England Fishery Management Council (the Council) developed Amendment 16 to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to establish a process for setting groundfish annual catch limits (also referred to as ACLs or catch limits) and accountability measures. The Council has a biennial review process to develop catch limits and revise management measures. Framework Adjustment (FW) 47 set annual catch limits for nine groundfish stocks and three jointly managed U.S./Canada stocks for FY 2012-2014. We recently approved FW 47, which became effective on May 1, 2012 (77 FR 26104).</P>
        <P>While the Council was working on FW 47, a new benchmark stock assessment for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod was finalized in January 2012. The perception of the stock biomass changed dramatically as a result of this assessment. The Council initially intended to include catch limit alternatives based on these updated results in FW 47. However, after the results were finalized, the Council elected not to recommend final measures for GOM cod and requested that NMFS, acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, use the interim rulemaking authority provided at section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to implement measures designed to reduce, but not end, overfishing in fishing year (FY) 2012. We published an emergency action for GOM cod on May 1, 2012 (77 FR 25623), consistent with the Council's request. The common pool and sector GOM cod catch limits are based on this emergency action.</P>
        <P>Along with FW 47 and the emergency GOM cod rule, we recently approved FY 2012 sector operations plans and allocations (77 FR 26129, May 2, 2012) (the“sector rule”). A sector receives an allocation of each stock, or annual catch entitlement (referred to as ACE, or allocation), based on its members' catch histories. State-operated permit banks also receive an allocation that can be transferred to qualifying sector vessels (for more information, see Amendment 17, 77 FR 16942, March 23, 2012). The sum of all sector and state-operated permit bank allocations is referred to as the sector sub-ACL in the management plan. Whatever groundfish allocation remains after sectors and state-operated permit banks receive their allocations is then provided to vessels not enrolled in a sector (referred to as the common pool). This allocation is also referred to as the common pool sub-ACL.</P>
        <P>Changes in sector membership require ACL and ACE adjustments. This rule adjusts the FY 2012 sector and common pool allocations based on final sector membership as of May 1, 2012. Permitted vessels that wish to fish in a sector must enroll by December 1 of each year, with the fishing year beginning the following May 1 and lasting until April 30 of the next year. However, due to concern over the reduced GOM cod allocation (see the emergency action cited above), we provided additional flexibility to NE multispecies permitted vessels by allowing vessels to enroll in a sector for fishing year 2012 up through April 30, 2012. In addition, vessels had until April 30 (the day before the beginning of the fishing year) to drop out of a sector and fish in the common pool. If the sector allocation increases as a result of sector membership changes, the common pool allocation decreases—the opposite is true as well. Because sector membership has changed since the December 1, 2011, date used in the FW 47 and sector proposed and final rules, we need to update the allocations to all sectors and to the common pool.</P>
        <P>The final number of permits enrolled in a sector or state-operated permit bank for FY 2012 is 850 (an increase of 5 permits since the December 1, 2011, roster submission). All sector allocations assume that each NE multispecies vessel enrolled in a sector has a valid permit for FY 2012. Tables 1, 2, and 3 (below) explain the revised FY 2012 allocations as a percentage and absolute amount (in metric tons and pounds).</P>
        <P>Table 4 compares the preliminary FY 2012 allocations published in the FW 47 final rule, with the revised allocations based on the final sector and state-operated permit bank rosters as of May 1, 2012. The table shows that changes in sector allocations due to updated rosters range from a decrease of 0.14 percent of GOM winter flounder, to an increase of 2.53 percent of Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) yellowtail flounder. Common pool allocation adjustments range between a 43.18-percent decrease in Georges Bank (GB) haddock, to a 4.17-percent increase in GOM winter flounder. The changes in the common-pool allocations are greater because the common-pool has a significantly lower allocation for all stocks, so even small changes appear large when viewed as a percentage increase or decrease.</P>
        <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-22-P</BILCOD>
        <GPH DEEP="640" SPAN="3">
          <PRTPAGE P="37817"/>
          <GID>ER25JN12.004</GID>
        </GPH>
        <GPH DEEP="640" SPAN="3">
          <PRTPAGE P="37818"/>
          <GID>ER25JN12.005</GID>
        </GPH>
        <GPH DEEP="640" SPAN="3">
          <PRTPAGE P="37819"/>
          <GID>ER25JN12.006</GID>
        </GPH>
        <GPH DEEP="640" SPAN="3">
          <PRTPAGE P="37820"/>
          <GID>ER25JN12.007</GID>
        </GPH>
        <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-22-C</BILCOD>
        <PRTPAGE P="37821"/>
        <P>It is important to point out that this is only a temporary final rule. After we finish reconciling differences in catch accounting between our data and each sector manager's data, each sector will have 2 weeks to trade FY 2011 ACE to account for any overharvesting during that period. After that 2-week trading window, a sector that still has exceeded its FY 2011 allocation will have its FY 2012 allocation reduced. Because data reconciliation and the 2-week trading window take place after the new fishing year has begun, we reserve 20 percent of each sector's FY 2012 allocation until FY 2011 catch data are reconciled. This reserve is held to ensure that each sector has sufficient ACE to balance any overages from the previous fishing year. Sectors are also able to carry over up to 10 percent of their initial allocation of most stocks to the next fishing year. We will publish a final follow-up rule detailing any carryover of FY 2011 sector allocation or reduction in FY 2012 allocation resulting from sectors under or overharvesting their allocations.</P>
        <P>FW 47 also specifies incidental catch limits (or incidental total allowable catches, “TACs”) applicable to the NE multispecies Special Management Programs for FY 2012-2014. Special Management Programs are designed to allow fishing for healthy stocks that can support additional fishing effort without undermining the other goals of the management plan. Incidental catch limits are specified to limit catch of certain stocks of concern for common pool vessels fishing in the Special Management Programs. Because these incidental catch limits are based on the changed common pool allocation, they also must be revised (Tables 5 and 6).</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,16,16,14.2" COLS="4" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 5—Incidental Catch TACs by Stock for FY 2012 (mt)</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Stock</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Percentage of<LI>Sub-ACL</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Final rule 2012<LI>incidental catch TAC</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Revised 2012<LI>incidental catch TAC</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GB cod</ENT>
            <ENT>2</ENT>
            <ENT>1.6</ENT>
            <ENT>1.6</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GOM cod</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>0.81</ENT>
            <ENT>0.8</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GB yellowtail flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>2</ENT>
            <ENT>0.1</ENT>
            <ENT>0.05</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">CC/GOM yellowtail flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>0.3</ENT>
            <ENT>0.3</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SNE/MA yellowtail flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>1.7</ENT>
            <ENT>1.5</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">American plaice</ENT>
            <ENT>5</ENT>
            <ENT>2.9</ENT>
            <ENT>2.7</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Witch flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>5</ENT>
            <ENT>1.4</ENT>
            <ENT>1.1</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GB winter flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>0.4</ENT>
            <ENT>0.4</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SNE/MA winter flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>2</ENT>
            <ENT>3.0</ENT>
            <ENT>3.0</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">White hake</ENT>
            <ENT>2</ENT>
            <ENT>0.9</ENT>
            <ENT>0.5</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,10.2,9.3,12,12,10.2,9.3" COLS="7" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 6—Incidental Catch TACs for Special Management Programs by Stock for FY 2012 (mt)</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Stock</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Regular B DAS program</CHED>
            <CHED H="2">Final rule<LI>2012</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="2">Revised<LI>2012</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Closed Area I hook gear<LI>haddock SAP</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="2">Final rule<LI>2012</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="2">Revised<LI>2012</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Eastern U.S./Canada haddock SAP</CHED>
            <CHED H="2">Final rule<LI>2012</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="2">Revised<LI>2012</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GB cod</ENT>
            <ENT>0.8</ENT>
            <ENT>0.8</ENT>
            <ENT>0.3</ENT>
            <ENT>0.3</ENT>
            <ENT>0.5</ENT>
            <ENT>0.6</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GOM cod</ENT>
            <ENT>0.81</ENT>
            <ENT>0.8</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GB yellowtail flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>0.03</ENT>
            <ENT>0.025</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT>0.03</ENT>
            <ENT>0.025</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">CC/GOM yellowtail flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>0.3</ENT>
            <ENT>0.3</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SNE/MA yellowtail flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>1.7</ENT>
            <ENT>1.5</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">American plaice</ENT>
            <ENT>2.9</ENT>
            <ENT>2.7</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Witch flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>1.2</ENT>
            <ENT>1.1</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">GB winter flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>0.2</ENT>
            <ENT>0.2</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT>0.2</ENT>
            <ENT>0.2</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SNE/MA winter flounder</ENT>
            <ENT>3.0</ENT>
            <ENT>3.0</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">White hake</ENT>
            <ENT>0.5</ENT>
            <ENT>0.5</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Classification</HD>
        <P>Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this final rule is consistent with the NE Multispecies FMP, other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law.</P>
        <P>This final rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Orders 12866.</P>
        <P>Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b) and (d)(3), we find good cause to waive prior public notice and opportunity for public comment on the catch limit and allocation adjustments because notice, comment, and a delayed effectiveness is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. Also, for the same reasons, we find good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), so that this final rule may become effective upon filing.</P>
        <P>Notice and comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest. We explained the need to adjust sector and common pool allocations based on final sector rosters in the proposed and final rules for fishing year 2012 sector operations plans and contracts. We receive no comments on this issue. These adjustments provide a more accurate accounting of a sector's or common pool's allocation. If this rule is not effective immediately, the public and the fishery will have incorrect information on the catch limits for each stock for sectors and the common pool. Accurate allocations will prevent potential adverse economic consequences that would result from vessels unknowingly fishing in excess of one's allocation. For the same reasons, we find good cause to waive the 30-day delay period of this rule's effectiveness.</P>

        <P>Delaying this rule's effectiveness to allow for public comment or delaying its effectiveness for 30 days could cause negative economic impacts to both sectors and the common pool. A delay keeps management measures in place that are not based on the best available information. If the sector and common pool allocations are not adjusted immediately, groundfish vessels will operate under incorrect catch limits and<PRTPAGE P="37822"/>allocations until the adjustments are implemented. This could adversely affect fishermen, depending on the size of the allocation, the degree of change in the allocation, and the catch rate of a particular stock. Further, a delay—either to allow comments or pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)—would potentially impair achieving the management plan's objectives of preventing overfishing and achieving optimum yield by staying within staying within ACLs or allocations.</P>
        <P>Making this regulatory change effective immediately allows harvesting in a manner that prevents catch limits of species from being exceeded in fisheries that are important to coastal communities. Until the final stock allocations are made, the affected fishing entities will not know how many fish of a particular stock they can catch without going over their ultimate limits. Fishermen may make both short- and long-term business decisions based on the catch limits in a given sector or the common pool. Any delays in adjusting these limits may cause the affected fishing entities to slow down, or speed up, their fishing activities during the interim period before this rule becomes effective. Both of these reactions could negatively affect the fishery and the businesses and communities that depend on them. The fishing industry and the communities it supports could be affected by potentially reducing harvests and delaying profits. Lastly, the catch limit and allocation adjustments are not controversial. Therefore, it is important to implement adjusted catch limits and allocations as soon as possible. For these reasons, we are waiving the public comment period and delay in effectiveness for this rule, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b) and (d).</P>
        <AUTH>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
          <P>16 U.S.C. 1801<E T="03">et seq.</E>
          </P>
        </AUTH>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Samuel D. Rauch III,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15448 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-22-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
  </RULES>
  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>122</NO>
  <DATE>Monday, June 25, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Proposed Rules</UNITNAME>
  <PRORULES>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37823"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="F">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>7 CFR Part 20</CFR>
        <RIN>RIN 0551-AA81</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Export Sales Reporting Requirements</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Office of the Secretary, USDA.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This proposed rule would add reporting for pork (fresh, chilled, and frozen box/primal cuts) and distillers dried grain (DDG) to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements. Under this proposed rule, all exporters of U.S. pork and DDG would be required to report on a weekly basis, information on the export sales of pork and DDG to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Submit comments on or before August 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Address all comments concerning this proposed rule to Peter W. Burr, Branch Chief, Export Sales Reporting Branch, Import Policies and Export Reporting Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-1021, STOP 1021; or by email at<E T="03">Pete.Burr@fas.usda.gov;</E>or by telephone at (202) 720-3274; or fax to (202) 720-0876.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Peter W. Burr, Branch Chief, Export Sales Reporting Branch, Import Policies and Export Reporting Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-1021, STOP 1021; or by email at<E T="03">Pete.Burr@fas.usda.gov;</E>or by telephone on (202) 720-3274; or by fax (202) 720-0876. Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments also will become a matter of public record.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>
          <P>In 1973, Congress mandated an export sales reporting requirement to ensure that all parties involved in the production and export of U.S. grain have access to up-to-date export information. There was concern that large grain companies had an advantage because they had more information than the public on future prices and grain trade trends. Prior to the establishment of the export sales reporting requirements, it was difficult for the public to obtain information on exports until such commodities were actually shipped.</P>
          <P>Authorized under Section 602 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended (7 U.S.C. 5712), the Export Sales Reporting Requirements mandate that exporters of wheat and wheat flour, feed grains, oil seeds, cotton, pork, beef and products thereof, and other commodities that the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) may designate to report each week all of their export sales, regardless of the quantity, to the Secretary. The Export Sales Reporting Requirements regulation at 7 CFR 20.2 provides that the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administer the requirements and delegates authority to the FAS Administrator to promulgate amendments and revisions to the regulation. There are 39 commodities that are currently covered. This proposed rule would add reporting for pork (fresh, chilled, and frozen box/primal cuts) and DDG to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements.</P>
          <P>In recent years, USDA has received numerous requests from the U.S. pork and DDG industries to add those commodities to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements. An internal review conducted by USDA supported the claim made by these industries that the addition of pork and DDG to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements would facilitate market transparency and enable the U.S. commodity markets and the U.S. industries to conduct more accurate and timely analysis on U.S. market conditions. More recently the Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-239) mandates that pork be added to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements.</P>
          <P>Reporting under the Export Sales Reporting Requirements is mandatory. All exporters of U.S. commodities are required to report all sales, regardless of the size of the sale, of wheat (by class), wheat products, barley, corn, grain sorghum, oats, rye, soybeans, soybean cake and meal, soybean oil, flaxseed, linseed oil, cotton (by type), sunflowerseed oil, cottonseed, cottonseed cake and meal, cottonseed oil, rice (by class), cattle hides and skins (cattle, calf, and kip), wet blues (grain, unsplit, and split), and beef. The reporting period is Friday through Thursday each week.</P>
          <P>Exporters provide information on the quantity of the sale transaction, the type and class of commodity, the marketing year of shipment, the export amount, and the destination. They also report any change of previously reported information, such as cancellations and changes in destination. A weekly summary of the export sales activity is published every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. eastern time, unless a change of time is announced. The “U.S. Export Sales” report does not provide data on individual firms, only a compilation of activity by commodity. Any person (exporter) who knowingly fails to make a report could be fined up to $25,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.</P>
          <P>Additional “daily” sales reporting is required for wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans, soybean cake and meal, and soybean oil. Daily sales reporting is required when sales of 100,000 metric tons (20,000 metric tons for soybean oil), or more, are made by a single exporter in one calendar day to one destination. In addition, sales totaling 200,000 metric tons (40,000 metric tons for soybean oil) made during the reporting week, excluding any previously reported daily sale, are also required to be reported under the daily sales reporting requirement. Daily sales are required to be reported to USDA by 3 p.m. eastern time no later than one day after the sale is made. Daily sales are summarized and released to the general public through a press announcement at 9:00 a.m. eastern time on the following business day and appear in the weekly report.</P>

          <P>The “U.S. Export Sales Reports” are available electronically on the<PRTPAGE P="37824"/>INTERNET through the FAS Home Page<E T="03">http://www.fas.usda.gov/export-sales/esrd1.html.</E>A paper copy is also available by subscription from the National Technical Information Service at<E T="03">http://www.ntis.gov/products/usda-fas.aspx.</E>
          </P>

          <P>Under this proposed rule, all exporters of U.S. pork and DDG would be required to report weekly information with respect to the export sales of pork and DDG to the Export Sales Reporting Branch, Office of Trade Programs, FAS, USDA. Required reportable information includes the quantity, destination, and marketing year of all pork and DDG export sales, changes in sales, and shipments per parameters identified in Appendix 1. A summary of the “U.S. Export Sales Reports” is published on FAS' Web site at<E T="03">http://www.fas.usda.gov/export-sales/esrd1.html,</E>each Thursday at 8:30 a.m. eastern time. This change would not alter the current reporting schedule and would be undertaken using existing staff at no additional cost to the agency.</P>
          <P>Adding pork and DDG to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements would provide an early indicator of export sales levels for these products thus improving market transparency and enabling commodity markets to better adjust to changing export activity. This proposed rule would allow for information on the total volume of sales and shipments to be available within two weeks of the export sale and shipment, rather than the nearly two-month delay experienced under the current system operated by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, which only reports actual exports.</P>
          <P>With the pork and DDG export markets continuing to grow, the need for market transparency is becoming increasingly important. The current two-month lag in export data as available from the U.S. Bureau of the Census provides a window of opportunity for foreign buyers to buy quantities of U.S. product at prices that may be lower than if current market conditions were known. Export Sales Reporting data is released the week after the export sale takes place, thus providing a timelier indicator of current market conditions.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 12866</HD>
          <P>The proposed rule has been determined to be significant under Executive Order 12866 and has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Flexibility Act</HD>
          <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act ensures that regulatory and information requirements are tailored to the size and nature of small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. This proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on small businesses.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 12372</HD>
          <P>Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” requires consultation with state and local officials. The objectives of the Executive Order are to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism, by relying on state and local processes for state and local government coordination and review of proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development. This rule neither provides federal financial assistance nor direct federal development; it does not provide either grants or cooperative agreements. Therefore this program is not subject to Executive Order 12372.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 12988</HD>
          <P>This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988. The provisions of this proposed rule would not have a preemptive effect with respect to any state or local laws, regulations, or policies which conflict with such provision or which otherwise impede their full implementation. The proposed rule would not have a retroactive effect. Before any judicial action may be brought forward regarding this proposed rule, all administrative remedies must be exhausted.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 13132</HD>
          <P>The policies contained in this rule would not have any substantial direct effect on states, on the relationship between the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor would this rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on state and local governments. Therefore, consultation with the states is not required.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 13175</HD>
          <P>This rule has been reviewed for compliance with Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments.” This Executive Order imposes requirements on the development of regulatory policies that have Tribal implications or preempt tribal laws. The policies contained in this rule do not preempt Tribal law.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">National Environmental Policy Act</HD>
          <P>The Administrator has determined that this action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. Therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for this proposed rule.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (Pub. L. 104-4)</HD>
          <P>Public Law 104-4 requires consultation with state and local officials and Indian tribal governments. This proposed rule does not impose an unfunded mandate or any other requirement on state, local, or tribal governments. Accordingly, these requirements are not subject to the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Order 12630</HD>
          <P>This Order requires careful evaluation of governmental actions that interfere with constitutionally protected property rights. This proposed rule would not interfere with any property rights and, therefore, does not need to be evaluated on the basis of the criteria outlined in Executive Order 12630.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD1">Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995</HD>
          <P>In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Secretary of Agriculture is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a proposed revision to the currently approved information collection for this program. This revision includes the proposed change in information collection activities related to the regulatory changes in this proposed rule.</P>
        </FURINF>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments on this notice must be received by August 24, 2012 to be assured of consideration.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Additional Information or Comments:</E>Peter W. Burr, Office of Trade Programs/Import Policies and Export Reporting Division/Export Sales Reporting Branch, FAS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, Stop 1025, SW., Washington, DC 20520-1025; or by email at:<E T="03">esr@fas.usda.gov;</E>or to the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503.</P>
        </DATES>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Export Sales (Reporting Program) of U.S. Agricultural Commodities.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>0551-0007.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Expiration Date of Approval:</E>January 31, 2014.<PRTPAGE P="37825"/>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Request:</E>Revision of a currently approved information collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Abstract:</E>Section 602 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 5712) requires the reporting of information pertaining to contracts for export sale of certain specified agricultural commodities and other commodities that may be designated by the Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to add other commodities to this list. This proposed rule would add reporting for pork and DDG to the Export Sales Reporting Requirements. Regulations at 7 CFR part 20 implement the reporting requirements, and prescribe a system for reporting information pertaining to contracts for export sales.</P>
        <P>USDA's Export Sales Reporting System was created after the large unexpected purchase of U.S. wheat and corn by the Soviet Union in 1972. To make sure that all parties involved in the production and export of U.S. grain have access to up-to-date export information, the U.S. Congress mandated an export sales reporting requirement in 1973. Prior to the establishment of the Export Sales Reporting System, it was difficult for the public to obtain information on export sales activity until the actual shipments had taken place.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimate of Burden:</E>The average burden, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data needed, completing forms, and record keeping is estimated to be 30 minutes.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Respondents:</E>All exporters of wheat and wheat flour, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, cattle hides and skins, beef, pork, and any products thereof, and other commodities that the Secretary may designate as produced in the United States.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated number of respondents:</E>360.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:</E>252.37.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:</E>45,427.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Requests for Comments:</E>Send comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">E-Government Act Compliance</HD>
        <P>FAS is committed to compliance with the E-Government Act, which requires Government agencies, in general, to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Title 7—Agriculture</HD>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 20</HD>
          <P>Agricultural commodities, Exports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Part 20 is proposed to be amended as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 20—EXPORT SALES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 20 would continue to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>7 U.S.C. 5712.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <P>2. Section 20.4 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 20.4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Definitions.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Commodity.</E>Wheat and wheat flour, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, cattle hides and skins, beef, pork, and any products thereof, and any other agricultural commodity the Secretary may designate. “Commodity” shall also mean a commodity having identifying characteristics as described in any announcement issued pursuant to § 20.5 such as class(es) of wheat and rice, or staple length(s) of cotton. Mixed wheat shall be considered to be the predominant wheat class of the blend. This definition excludes commodities to be used for seed which have been treated in such a manner that their use is limited to seed for planting purposes or on which a certificate has been issued by a recognized seed testing laboratory setting forth variety, germination and purity.</P>
            <STARS/>
            <P>3. Appendix 1 to Part 20 is revised to read as follows:</P>
            <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,r60,r60,r60" COLS="4" OPTS="L2,i1">
              <TTITLE>Appendix 1 to Part 20—Commodities Subject to Reporting, Units of Measure To Be Used in Reporting, and Beginning and Ending Dates of Marketing Years</TTITLE>
              <BOXHD>
                <CHED H="1">Commodity to be reported</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">Unit of measure to be used in reporting</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">Beginning of marketing year</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">End of marketing year</CHED>
              </BOXHD>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Wheat—Hard red winter</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Wheat—Soft red winter</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Wheat—Hard red spring</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Wheat—White (incl. Hard and soft white)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Wheat—Durum</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Wheat—Products—All  wheat flours (including clears) bulgur,  semolina, farina, and rolled, cracked and crushed wheat</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Barley—Unmilled (including feed and hull-less waxy barley)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Corn—Unmilled (including waxy, cracked—if 50% whole kernels)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Distillers Dried Grain</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rye—Unmilled</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Oats—Unmilled</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Grain Sorghum—Unmilled</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Soybeans</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Soybean Cake and Meal</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Oct. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 30.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <PRTPAGE P="37826"/>
                <ENT I="01">Soybean Oil—including:   crude (including degummed), once refined, soybean salad oil (including refined and further processed by bleaching, deodorizing or winterizing), hydrogenated, packaged oil</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Oct. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 30.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Flaxseed</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Linseed Oil—including  raw, boiled</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>June 1</ENT>
                <ENT>May 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cottonseed</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cottonseed Cake and Meal</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Oct. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 30.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cottonseed Oil—including  crude, once refined, cottonseed salad oil(refined and further processed by bleaching, deodorizing or winterizing), hydrogenated</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Oct. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 30.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Sunflowerseed Oil crude, once refined, sunflowerseed salad oil (refined and further processed by bleaching, deodorizing or winterizing), hydrogenated</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Oct. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Sept. 30.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cotton—American Pima—Raw, extra long staple</ENT>
                <ENT>Running Bales</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cotton—Upland—Raw,  staple length 1<SU>1/16</SU>inches and over</ENT>
                <ENT>Running Bales</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cotton—Upland—Raw,  staple length 1 inch up to 1<SU>1/16</SU>inches</ENT>
                <ENT>Running Bales</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cotton—Upland—Raw, staple length under 1 inch</ENT>
                <ENT>Running Bales</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rice—Long grain, rough (including parboiled)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rice—Medium, short and  other classes, rough (including parboiled)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rice—Long grain, brown (including parboiled)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rice—Medium, short and  other classes, brown (including parboiled)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rice—Long grain, milled (including parboiled)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Rice—Medium, short and  other classes, milled (including parboiled,brewer's rice)</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric Tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Aug. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>July 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle Hides and Skins—Whole cattle hides (excluding wet blues)</ENT>
                <ENT>Pieces</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle Hides and Skins—Whole calf skins (excluding wet blues)</ENT>
                <ENT>Pieces</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle Hides and Skins—Whole kip skins (excluding wet blues)</ENT>
                <ENT>Pieces</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle Hides and Skins—Cattle, calf, and kip cut into croupons, crops,dossets, sides, butts and butt bend (hide equivalent) (excluding wet blues)</ENT>
                <ENT>Number</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle Hides and Skins—Cattle, calf and kip, in cuts not otherwisespecified; pickled/limed (excluding wet blues)</ENT>
                <ENT>Pounds</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle, calf and kip,  Wet blues—unsplit (whole or sided) hide equivalent</ENT>
                <ENT>Number</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle, calf and kip,  Wet blues—grain splits (whole or sided) hide equivalent</ENT>
                <ENT>Number</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Cattle, calf and kip,  Wet blues—splits (excluding grain splits)</ENT>
                <ENT>Pounds</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Beef—fresh, chilled or frozen  muscle cuts/whether or not boxed</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">Pork—fresh, chilled or frozen muscle cuts/whether or not boxed</ENT>
                <ENT>Metric tons</ENT>
                <ENT>Jan. 1</ENT>
                <ENT>Dec. 31.</ENT>
              </ROW>
            </GPOTABLE>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <PRTPAGE P="37827"/>
            <DATED>Dated: June 14, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Suzanne Heinen,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15437 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-10-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0644; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-011-AD]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of direct current (DC) generator overvoltage events. This proposed AD would require replacing the auxiliary power unit (APU) generator control unit (GCU). We are proposing this AD to prevent DC generator overvoltage events, which could result in subsequent smoke in the cockpit and loss of avionics and electrical systems.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 9, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax:</E>202-493-2251.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>

          <P>For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone 316-517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; email<E T="03">citationpubs@cessna.textron.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Christine Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics Branch, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4165; fax: 316-946-4107; email:<E T="03">christine.abraham@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments Invited</HD>

        <P>We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2012-0644; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-011-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments.</P>
        <P>We will post all comments we receive, without change, to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>
        <P>We have received reports of direct current (DC) generator overvoltage events. The GCU overvoltage protection circuit can become damaged and allow high voltage to pass through to the airplane systems and electrical components. This condition, if not corrected, could result in smoke in the cockpit and loss of avionics and electrical systems.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Relevant Service Information</HD>
        <P>We reviewed Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-24-30, dated December 5, 2011. The service information describes procedures for replacing the APU GCU having part number (P/N) 9914752-2 with one having P/N 9914752-6.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Other Relevant Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>On January 28, 2011, we issued AD 2011-03-16, Amendment 39-16600 (76 FR 8607, February 15, 2011), for Model 750 airplanes. That AD requires an inspection to determine the serial numbers of the APU generator and the left and right engine DC generators, and corrective actions if necessary. That AD also requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM). That AD was prompted by a report of a DC generator overvoltage event, which caused smoke in the cockpit and damage to numerous avionics and electrical components. In that AD, we noted that additional rulemaking might be necessary. The replacement proposed in this AD is necessary in addition to the actions required by AD 2011-03-16, in order to address the identified unsafe condition.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination</HD>
        <P>We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed AD Requirements</HD>
        <P>This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under “Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information.”</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information</HD>
        <P>Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-24-30, dated December 5, 2011, state that operators must return the GCU having P/N 9914752-2 to the manufacturer, this proposed AD would not include that requirement.</P>
        <P>Operators should also note that, although the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-24-30, dated December 5, 2011, describe procedures for submitting a sheet recording compliance with that service bulletin, this proposed AD would not include that requirement.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>

        <P>We estimate that this proposed AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S. registry.<PRTPAGE P="37828"/>
        </P>
        <P>We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,12C,12C,12C" COLS="5" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimated Costs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Action</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Labor cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Parts cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost per<LI>product</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost on U.S. operators</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Replacement</ENT>
            <ENT>2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170</ENT>
            <ENT>$2,400</ENT>
            <ENT>$2,570</ENT>
            <ENT>$149,060</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:</P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,</P>
        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and</P>
        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">The Proposed Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
            <P>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</P>
            
            <EXTRACT>
              <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
                <E T="04">The Cessna Aircraft Company:</E>Docket No. FAA-2012-0644; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-011-AD.</FP>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Comments Due Date</HD>
              <P>We must receive comments by August 9, 2012.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
              <P>None.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
              <P>This AD applies to The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750 airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial numbers -0222, -0225 through -0306 inclusive, and -0308.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
              <P>Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical power.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Unsafe Condition</HD>
              <P>This AD was prompted by reports of direct current (DC) generator overvoltage events. We are issuing this AD to prevent DC generator overvoltage, which could result in smoke in the cockpit and loss of avionics and electrical systems.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
              <P>Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Replacement</HD>
              <P>Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the auxiliary power unit generator control unit (GCU) having part number (P/N) 9914752-2 with one having P/N 9914752-6, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-24-30, dated December 5, 2011.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Exceptions</HD>
              <P>(1) Where the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-24-30, dated December 5, 2011, state that operators must return the GCU having P/N 9914752-2 to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.</P>
              <P>(2) Where the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-24-30, dated December 5, 2011, state that the operator must record that the service bulletin has been completed, this AD does not require that action.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>
              <P>(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.</P>
              <P>(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(j) Related Information</HD>

              <P>(1) For more information about this AD, contact Christine Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics Branch, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4165; fax: 316-946-4107; email:<E T="03">christine.abraham@faa.gov.</E>
              </P>

              <P>(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone 316-517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; email<E T="03">citationpubs@cessna.textron.com</E>; Internet<E T="03">https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
            </EXTRACT>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <PRTPAGE P="37829"/>
            <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 18, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>John P. Piccola,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15451 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2012-0671; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-096-AD]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342 and -343 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires modifying certain cowl assemblies of the left- and right-hand thrust reversers. Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has issued new life limits on certain thrust reverser C-duct assemblies. This proposed AD would require removing certain C-duct assemblies of the left- and right-hand thrust reversers from service at certain designated life limits, and would also add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the hinges integrated into the 12 o'clock beam of the thrust reversers, which could result in separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 9, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may send comments by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>• Fax: (202) 493-2251.</P>
          <P>• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
          <P>• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>

          <P>For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email<E T="03">airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.airbus.com.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax(425) 227-1149.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments Invited</HD>

        <P>We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2012-0671; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-096-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.</P>
        <P>We will post all comments we receive, without change, to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>
        <P>On December 2, 2005, we issued AD 2005-25-21, Amendment 39-14414 (70 FR 73919, December 14, 2005). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211 TRENT 700 engines.</P>
        <P>Since we issued AD 2005-25-21, Amendment 39-14414 (70 FR 73919,December 14, 2005), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0018, dated February 3, 2011 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI has added Model A330-243F airplanes to the applicability. The MCAI states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>The life limits of the thrust reversers C-ducts are not addressed by the definition of the structural life limits of Safe Life items as defined in the A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section—ALS Part 1. As a result, these life limits are covered by an Airworthiness Directive (AD).</P>
          <P>These life limits are due to unexpected high fatigue loads (measured during certification tests) on the hinges integrated into the 12 o'clock beam, which forms the upper extreme edge of the thrust reverser C-Duct of Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines.</P>
          <P>The aim of the [Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile] (DGAC) France AD F-2001-528 was to mandate the life limits, depending of the modifications applied to the C-duct.</P>
          <P>Revision 1 of the DGAC France AD F-2001-528 deferred the accomplishment threshold of the modification to be applied in-service from 6,000 flight cycles (FC) to 6,500 FC.</P>
          <P>Revision 2 of DGAC France AD F-2001-528 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2005-25-21, Amendment 39-14414 (70 FR 73919, December 14, 2005)] was issued to update again the accomplishment threshold from 6,500 FC to 7,200 FC.</P>
          <P>This [EASA] AD retains the requirements of DGAC France AD F-2001-528 R2, which is superseded, and adds [certain] life limits.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <FP>The action required in this proposed AD is removing certain C-duct assemblies of the left- and right-hand thrust reversers from service at certain designated life limits. This proposed AD also adds Model A330-243F airplanes to the applicability and revises the applicability to include all airplanes of the affected models. The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking of the hinges integrated into the 12 o'clock beam of the thrust reversers, which could result in separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Relevant Service Information</HD>

        <P>Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3010, Revision 03, dated April 28, 2004. The actions<PRTPAGE P="37830"/>described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD</HD>
        <P>This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 17 products of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take up to 48 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $69,360, or $4,080 per product.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:</P>
        <P>1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;</P>
        <P>2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);</P>
        <P>3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and</P>
        <P>4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <P>We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">The Proposed Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
            <P>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2005-25-21, Amendment 39-14414 (70 FR 73919, December 14, 2005), and adding the following new AD:</P>
            
            <EXTRACT>
              <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
                <E T="04">Airbus:</E>Docket No. FAA-2012-0671; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-096-AD.</FP>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Comments Due Date</HD>
              <P>We must receive comments by August 9, 2012.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
              <P>This AD supersedes AD 2005-25-21, Amendment 39-14414 (70 FR 73919, December 14, 2005).</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
              <P>This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342 and -343 airplanes, certificated in any category.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
              <P>Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine Exhaust.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Reason</HD>
              <P>This AD was prompted by new life limits on certain thrust reverser C-duct assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the hinges integrated into the 12 o'clock beam of the thrust reversers, which could result in separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
              <P>You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) C-Duct Assembly Removal</HD>
              <P>At the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 of this AD: Remove the applicable C-duct assemblies of the left- and right-hand thrust reversers, in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). Thereafter, for any C-duct assembly of the left- and right-hand thrust reversers installed after the effective date of this AD, before the accumulation of the applicable total flight cycles specified in table 1 of this AD: Remove the C-duct assembly, in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent).</P>
              <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,r100,r50" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,p1,8/9,i1">
                <TTITLE>Table 1—Part Removal Thresholds</TTITLE>
                <BOXHD>
                  <CHED H="1"/>
                  <CHED H="1"/>
                  <CHED H="1"/>
                </BOXHD>
                <ROW RUL="s">
                  <ENT I="22" O="L">Part No.—</ENT>
                  <ENT A="L01">Compliance times at the later of the times specified—</ENT>
                </ROW>
                <ROW>
                  <ENT I="01">HDTR3410L, HDTR3410R, HDTR3411L, HDTR3411R, HDTR3412R, HDTR3413R</ENT>
                  <ENT>Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles since the first installation of C-duct on the airplane</ENT>
                  <ENT>Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.</ENT>
                </ROW>
                <ROW>
                  <ENT I="01">HDTR3414L, HDTR3416R, HDTR3417R that have been modified in service as specified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3010, or Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin RB.211-78-C899, at 7,200 total flight cycles or more since first installation on an airplane</ENT>
                  <ENT>Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles since the first installation of C-duct on the airplane</ENT>
                  <ENT>Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.</ENT>
                </ROW>
                <ROW>
                  <PRTPAGE P="37831"/>
                  <ENT I="01">HDTR3414L, HDTR3416R, HDTR3417R that have been modified in production by Airbus Modification 47316; or modified in service as specified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3010, or Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin RB.211-78-C899, before the accumulation of 7,200 total flight cycles since first installation on an airplane</ENT>
                  <ENT>Before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles since the first installation of C-duct on the airplane</ENT>
                  <ENT>Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.</ENT>
                </ROW>
                <ROW>
                  <ENT I="01">HDTR3412L, HDTR3416L, HDTR3417L, HDTR3414R, HDTR3419R, HDTR3420R</ENT>
                  <ENT>Before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles since the first installation of C-duct on the airplane</ENT>
                  <ENT>Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.</ENT>
                </ROW>
                <ROW>
                  <ENT I="01">HDTR3413L, HDTR3415R, HDTR3415L, HDTR3418R</ENT>
                  <ENT>Before the accumulation of 40,000 total flight cycles since the C-duct was new</ENT>
                  <ENT>Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.</ENT>
                </ROW>
              </GPOTABLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Other FAA AD Provisions</HD>
              <P>The following provisions also apply to this AD:</P>
              <P>
                <E T="03">(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):</E>The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.</E>Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.</P>
              <P>
                <E T="03">(2) Airworthy Product:</E>For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Related Information</HD>
              <P>(1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0018, dated February 3, 2011; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3010, Revision 03, dated April 28, 2004; for related information.</P>

              <P>(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email<E T="03">airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;</E>Internet<E T="03">http://www.airbus.com.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
            </EXTRACT>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Kalene C. Yanamura,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15461 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2008-0617; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-354-AD]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by a report of an in-service occurrence of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This action revises that NPRM by proposing to require repetitive operational tests, and other related testing and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to detect and correct loss of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.</P>
          <P>Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the previous NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by August 9, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax:</E>202-493-2251.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>

          <P>For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Examining the AD Docket</HD>
        <P>You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The<PRTPAGE P="37832"/>street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email:<E T="03">suzanne.lucier@faa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments Invited</HD>

        <P>We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2008-0617; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-354-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments.</P>
        <P>We will post all comments we receive, without change, to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Discussion</HD>

        <P>We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on June 6, 2008 (73 FR 32255). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing if necessary.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Actions Since Previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008) Was Issued</HD>
        <P>Since we issued the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008), we have received comments from operators indicating a high level of difficulty performing the actions in the previous NPRM during maintenance operations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Relevant Service Information</HD>
        <P>We reviewed Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D626A001-CMR, Revision August 2011, of the Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900/900ER Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document. Among other things, Section 9 describes AWL No. 28-AWL-101, Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test, of Section E., AWLS—Fuel Systems, which provides procedures for performing repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>
        <P>We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008). The following presents the comments received on the previous NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Requests To Change Approved Method of Compliance for Operational Test</HD>
        <P>Continental Airlines (CAL), Airlines for America (A4A) on behalf of its member American Airlines (AAL), and Sun Country Airlines asked that the approved method of compliance specified in paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008) be changed to refer to the airplane maintenance manual (AMM) instead of requiring the repetitive tasks.</P>
        <P>CAL and AAL recommended that certain language in paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008) be changed to require incorporation of the operational test into the operator's maintenance program in the same manner as the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA).</P>
        <P>AAL stated that since there is no modification or terminating action for the actions specified in the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008), the AD need not mandate the task itself. AAL noted that operators should be required to incorporate into their respective maintenance programs a mandatory task, as specified in CMRs, AWLs, or airworthiness limitation items. AAL stated that this approach would be consistent with the processes utilized by operators for the SFAR 88 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001) requirements.</P>
        <P>We agree with the requests to refer to the AMM. AWL No. 28-AWL-101 refers to the AMM. We have replaced paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008), with a new paragraph (g) in this supplemental NPRM that would require the operational tests as specified in the MPD.</P>
        <P>Sun Country Airlines stated that related AMM tasks are equivalent procedures for performing the operational test referred to in paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008). This commenter stated that clarification should be provided as to whether using the procedures specified in AMM Task 28-22-00-710-801 meets the intent of paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM. This commenter also noted that, because the AMM task is already contained in Task Card 28-050-00-01, and has a repetitive interval identified in the MPD, the repetitive action should be removed from the previous NPRM and addressed as a CMR.</P>
        <P>We disagree with the commenter's request. The manifold test (Task 28-22-00-710-801) is not equivalent to the operational test (Task 28-22-00-710-802) for the purposes of this proposed action. The positive internal fuel line pressure applied during the manifold test does not simulate the same conditions encountered during fuel suction feed (i.e., vacuum), and may mask a failure. We have not changed the supplemental NPRM in this regard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Requests To Clarify if Engine Fuel Suction Feed Test Is Allowed in Lieu of the Operational Test</HD>
        <P>KLM, A4A on behalf of its member DAL, and Sun Country Airlines asked that we clarify the engine fuel suction feed test procedure in the AMM as an option to performing the operational test. KLM suggested that we consider the test procedure done per AMM Task 28-22-15-710-801 as an alternative test. KLM added that this alternative test is allowed by MPD 28-050-00, and is mentioned in Task Card 28-050-00-01. KLM noted that the advantage of this alternative test is that it can be performed without fuel in the tank; therefore, if the tanks are still open during the test and the test fails, easy access is gained to the damaged area. DAL stated that the intention of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008) seems to be performing an engine fuel suction feed test, so paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM should be clarified to include that test as an option. The commenters stated that the engine fuel suction feed test in the AMM and the operational test in the previous NPRM are equivalent tests and are allowed per Task Card 28-050-00-01.</P>
        <P>We agree to provide clarification. As noted previously, the manifold test (Task 28-22-00-710-801) is not equivalent to the operational test (Task 28-22-00-710-802) for the purposes of this proposed action. The positive internal fuel line pressure applied during the manifold test does not simulate the same conditions encountered during fuel suction feed (i.e., vacuum), and may mask a failure. Therefore, we have not changed the supplemental NPRM in this regard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Include Corrective Action</HD>

        <P>Boeing and CAL asked that corrective action be included in the proposed requirements of the previous NPRM (73<PRTPAGE P="37833"/>FR 32255, June 6, 2008). CAL recommended that paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM be changed to also “correct any discrepancy identified as necessary, before further flight. Refer to 737NG FIM 28-22 task 819.” CAL noted that the fault isolation manual (FIM) should be considered as an ICA that is an approved method by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Boeing stated that the requirement in the preamble of the previous NPRM (FAA's Conclusions) for additional testing would be better described as performing corrective action in case the engine suction feed operational test is not successful.</P>
        <P>We agree with the requests to include corrective action for this supplemental NPRM. Since the current revision of the AWL does not include the corrective action, paragraph (g) of this supplemental NPRM specifies that corrective action for findings from the operational tests be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Requests To Revise Repetitive Interval</HD>
        <P>CAL, Qantas Airways Ltd (Qantas), and Boeing asked that we revise the compliance time for the repetitive operational test proposed by paragraph (f) of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008).</P>
        <P>CAL asked that the interval be extended from 7,500 flight hours to 2C-check or 12,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first. As justification for extending the repetitive interval, CAL stated that fleet history revealed no reported engine flameout events or related operational discrepancies.</P>
        <P>Qantas and Boeing asked that the repetitive interval be changed to 7,500 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first. Qantas and Boeing stated that, for low-utilization airplanes, it would take more than 10 years of operation before an operational test would be necessary.</P>
        <P>We agree to revise the compliance times. We have added new paragraph (g) to this supplemental NPRM to include an initial test within 7,500 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first after the maintenance program is revised. We have also included a repetitive interval of 7,500 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Include Warning Information</HD>
        <P>CAL suggested that the Boeing service manuals include a critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCL) warning identification statement to alert maintenance personnel of the importance of regulatory compliance, as well as the configuration control requirement of the task. CAL did not include any justification for this request.</P>
        <P>We agree that a CDCCL warning statement would serve as direct communication to maintenance personnel that there is an AD associated with certain maintenance actions, but do not find this additional measure necessary to adequately address the unsafe condition. We have made no change to the supplemental NPRM in this regard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Clarify the Reason for the Unsafe Condition</HD>
        <P>Boeing asked that we clarify the unsafe condition identified in the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008) by specifying that the AD results from a report of an in-service occurrence of total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine.</P>
        <P>We agree to clarify the unsafe condition. We have revised the Summary section and paragraph (e) of this supplemental NPRM accordingly.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request To Revise Costs of Compliance Section</HD>
        <P>A4A, on behalf of its member DAL, asked that the cost estimate be changed. DAL stated that the cost estimate specified in the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008) is too low, and asked that it be changed. DAL noted that $80 per product based on 1 work hour per product does not include the cost of fuel. DAL estimated that the cost of fuel alone would be $83 per test occurrence; for the 71 airplanes in its fleet, this translates to a cost of $5,893 per test cycle.</P>
        <P>We do not agree that the cost estimate should be changed. ADs, which require specific actions to address specific unsafe conditions, appear to impose costs that would not otherwise be borne by operators. However, because of the general obligation of operators to maintain and operate their airplanes in an airworthy condition, this appearance is deceptive. Attributing those fuel costs solely to the issuance of this AD is unrealistic because, in the interest of maintaining and operating safe airplanes, prudent operators would accomplish the required actions even if they were not required to do so by the AD. In any case, we have determined that direct and incidental costs are still outweighed by the safety benefits of the AD. Except for updating the hourly labor rate to $85, we have made no further change to the cost estimates provided in this supplemental NPRM.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FAA's Determination</HD>
        <P>We are proposing this supplemental NPRM because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the original NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008). As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this supplemental NPRM.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM</HD>
        <P>This supplemental NPRM revises the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008); by proposing to require repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and would require other related testing and corrective action if necessary.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Explanation of Change to Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>Since issuance of the previous NPRM (73 FR 32255, June 6, 2008), we have increased the labor rate used in the Costs of Compliance from $80 per work-hour to $85 per work-hour. The Costs of Compliance information, below, reflects this increase in the specified labor rate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Costs of Compliance</HD>
        <P>We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,080 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,12C,12C" COLS="4" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimated Costs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Action</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Labor cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost per<LI>product</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Cost on U.S. operators</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Operational Test</ENT>
            <ENT>1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85</ENT>
            <ENT>$85</ENT>
            <ENT>$91,800</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <PRTPAGE P="37834"/>
        <P>We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide a cost estimate for the on-condition actions or the optional terminating action specified in this AD.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Authority for This Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.</P>
        <P>We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Findings</HD>
        <P>We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.</P>
        <P>For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:</P>
        <P>(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,</P>
        <P>(2) Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),</P>
        <P>(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and</P>
        <P>(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39</HD>
          <P>Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">The Proposed Amendment</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 39.13</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
            <P>2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):</P>
            
            <EXTRACT>
              <FP SOURCE="FP-2">
                <E T="04">The Boeing Company:</E>Docket No. FAA-2008-0617; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-354-AD.</FP>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Comments Due Date</HD>
              <P>We must receive comments by August 9, 2012.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Affected ADs</HD>
              <P>None.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Applicability</HD>
              <P>This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, with a date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness before March 22, 2011.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Subject</HD>
              <P>Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel System.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(e) Unsafe Condition</HD>
              <P>This AD was prompted by a report of an in-service occurrence of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loss of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(f) Compliance</HD>
              <P>Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(g) Initial/Repetitive Operational Tests</HD>
              <P>Within 7,500 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the initial operational test identified in AWL No. 28-AWL-101, Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test, of Section E., AWLS—Fuel Systems of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D626A001-CMR, Revision August 2011, of Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900/900ER Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document. Repeat the test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,500 flight hours or 36 months, whichever is earlier. If the test is not considered successful, as specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-101, before further flight, perform all related testing and corrective actions, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative procedure or repeat test intervals will be allowed.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)</HD>

              <P>(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to:<E T="03">9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.</E>
              </P>
              <P>(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.</P>
              <HD SOURCE="HD1">(i) Related Information</HD>

              <P>(1) For more information about this AD, contact Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email:<E T="03">suzanne.lucier@faa.gov.</E>
              </P>

              <P>(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &amp; Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet<E T="03">https://www.myboeingfleet.com.</E>You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.</P>
            </EXTRACT>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 18, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>John P. Piccola,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15469 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4910-13-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. CPSC-2012-0035]</DEPDOC>
        <CFR>16 CFR Part 1500</CFR>
        <SUBJECT>Revocation of Certain Requirements Pertaining to Caps Intended for Use With Toy Guns and Toy Guns Not Intended for Use With Caps</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Consumer Product Safety Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>Section 106 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) considers the provisions of ASTM International<PRTPAGE P="37835"/>Standard F 963, “Standard Consumer Safety Specifications for Toy Safety” (“ASTM F 963”), to be consumer product safety standards issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”). Among other things, ASTM F 963 contains provisions regarding sound-producing toys. The ASTM F 963 provisions for sound-producing toys allow manufacturers to use more options with readily available test equipment for sound measurement to determine compliance than our existing regulations pertaining to caps intended for use with toy guns and toy guns not intended for use with caps, which were included in the regulations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (“FHSA”) that were transferred to the Commission's jurisdiction in 1973. The test methodology also refers to obsolete equipment. Consequently, we are proposing to revoke our existing banning regulations pertaining to caps intended for use with toy guns and toy guns not intended for use with caps because they are obsolete and have been superseded by the requirements of ASTM F 963.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received by August 24, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC-2012-0035, may be submitted by any of the following methods:</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Electronic Submissions</HD>
        <P>Submit electronic comments in the following way:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the instructions for submitting comments.</P>

        <P>To ensure timely processing of comments, the Commission is no longer accepting comments submitted by electronic mail (email) except through<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Written Submissions</HD>
        <P>Submit written submissions in the following way:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions), preferably in five copies, to:</E>Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504-7923.</P>

        <P>Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this proposed rulemaking. All comments received may be posted without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Do not submit confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information electronically. Such information should be submitted in writing.</P>

        <P>Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Richard McCallion, Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850; telephone: (301) 987-2222; email:<E T="03">rmccallion@cpsc.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Revocation of Certain Regulations Pertaining to Toy Caps and Toy Guns Not Intended for Use With Caps</HD>

        <P>In September 1973, the FHSA and its implementing regulations, which included provisions pertaining to caps for use with toy guns and toy guns not intended for use with caps, were transferred from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to the CPSC.<E T="03">See</E>38 FR 27012 (September 27, 1973). One of the transferred regulations includes a ban on caps intended for use with toy guns and toy guns not intended for use with caps “if such caps when so used or such toy guns produce impulse-type sound at a peak pressure level at or above 138 decibels. * * *”<E T="03">See</E>16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5).</P>
        <P>Another transferred regulation, 16 CFR 1500.86(a)(6), contains provisions for exemptions from the classification of a banned toy under 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5) for toy caps with a sound level from 138 decibels up to a maximum decibel level of 158. Manufacturers participating in this decibel-reduction program are required to report their intention to participate in the program, include a specific warning statement on the product packaging, and report quarterly on the progress regarding the production of caps with a maximum noise level of 138 decibels. This exemption is included in the revocation because there are no manufacturers participating in this program. Additionally, a third transferred regulation, 16 CFR 1500.47, provides the test method for determining the sound pressure level produced by toy caps and toy guns. The method specifies the use of certain equipment, such as a microphone, preamplifier, and two types of oscilloscopes with specific response and calibration ranges, and it also addresses the manner in which one would measure peak sound pressure levels.</P>
        <P>Section 106 of the CPSIA considers the provisions of ASTM International Standard F 963, “Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety,” to be consumer product safety standards issued by the Commission under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (“CPSA”). References to ASTM F 963 in this document refer to ASTM F 963-11, which became effective on June 12, 2012. Section 4.5 of ASTM F 963 establishes requirements for “sound-producing toys,” and section 8.19 of ASTM F 963 establishes “Tests for Toys Which Produce Noise.” In general, the ASTM F 963 requirements for sound-producing toys are at least equivalent to, and more reflective of potential damage to human hearing, than 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5) and 1500.47. For example, section 4.5.1.5 of ASTM F 963 states that the peak sound pressure level of impulsive sounds produced by a toy using percussion caps or other explosive action “shall not exceed 125” decibels at 50 centimeters, whereas, 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5) imposes a ban at or above 138 decibels at 25 centimeters. As another example, section 8.19.2.4 of ASTM F 963 uses a weighted scale based on human hearing damage from the type of impulse noise being generated by the toy, whereas, 16 CFR 1500.47 uses an unweighted scale for measuring pressure level generated by impulse-type sound.</P>
        <P>Additionally, the ASTM F 963 test method involves the use of modern equipment (microphones meeting a particular specification), whereas, 16 CFR 1500.47 specifies the use of a microphone, a preamplifier (if required), and an oscilloscope. The equipment specifications in 16 CFR 1500.47 have never been updated.</P>
        <P>Consequently, because section 106 of the CPSIA mandates the provisions of ASTM F 963 to be consumer product safety standards, and because we believe that the provisions of ASTM F 963, with respect to paper or plastic caps intended for use with toy guns, are at least equivalent to 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5), we propose to revoke 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5). Similarly, because ASTM F 963 establishes a test method for toys that produce sound, and because our existing regulation refers to obsolete or unnecessary test equipment, we propose to revoke 16 CFR 1500.47. Finally, because we are proposing the revocation of 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5), we are also proposing the revocation of the exemptions from the requirements of 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5) contained in 16 CFR 1500.86(a)(6).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Paperwork Reduction Act</HD>

        <P>This rule would not impose any information collection requirements. Accordingly, this rule is not subject to<PRTPAGE P="37836"/>the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Regulatory Flexibility Act</HD>
        <P>We have examined the impacts of the proposed rule under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to analyze regulatory options that would minimize any significant impact of a rule on small entities. Because the proposed rule would revoke outdated regulatory requirements, the Commission certifies that the proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Environmental Considerations</HD>
        <P>This rule falls within the scope of the Commission's environmental review regulation at 16 CFR 1021.5(c)(1), which provides a categorical exclusion from any requirement for the agency to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement for rules that revoke product safety standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">E. Executive Order 12988</HD>
        <P>According to Executive Order 12988 (February 5, 1996), agencies must state in clear language the preemptive effect, if any, of new regulations. The preemptive effect of regulations such as this proposal is stated in section 18 of the FHSA. 15 U.S.C. 1261n.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">F. Effective Date</HD>

        <P>The Commission is proposing that the rule revoking 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(5), 1500.47, and 1500.86(a)(6) would become effective 30 days after publication of the final rule in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1500</HD>
          <P>Consumer protection, Hazardous substances, Imports, Infants and children, Labeling, Law enforcement, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Toys.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons stated in the preamble, and under the authority of 15 U.S.C. 1261-1262 and 5 U.S.C. 553, the Consumer Product Safety Commission proposes to amend 16 CFR part 1500 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 1500—HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND ARTICLES; ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for 16 CFR part 1500 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>15 U.S.C. 1261-1278.</P>
          </AUTH>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1500.18</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
            <P>2. Section 1500.18 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (a)(5).</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1500.47</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Removed]</SUBJECT>
            <P>3. Section 1500.47 is removed entirely.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1500.86</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
            <P>4. Section 1500.86 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (a)(6).</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Dated: June 20, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Todd A. Stevenson,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15409 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6355-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <CFR>16 CFR Chapter II</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. CPSC-2012-0034]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Petition Requesting Commission Action Regarding Crib Bumpers</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Petition for rulemaking.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission”) has received a petition (CPSC-2012-0034), requesting that the Commission initiate rulemaking to distinguish and regulate “hazardous pillow-like” crib bumpers from “non-hazardous traditional” crib bumpers under sections 7 and 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (“CPSA”). The Commission invites written comments concerning the petition.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The Office of the Secretary must receive comments on the petition by August 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC-2012-0034, by any of the following methods:</P>
        </ADD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Electronic Submissions</HD>
        <P>Submit electronic comments in the following way:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the instructions for submitting comments.</P>

        <P>To ensure timely processing of comments, the Commission is no longer accepting comments submitted by electronic mail (email), except through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Written Submissions</HD>
        <P>Submit written submissions in the following way:</P>
        <P>Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions), preferably in five copies, to: Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504-7923.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Instructions:</E>All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. All comments received may be posted without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to:<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Do not submit confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information electronically. Such information should be submitted in writing.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket:</E>For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to:<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Rockelle Hammond, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301)  504-6833.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The Commission has received correspondence from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), (“petitioner”), dated May 9, 2012, requesting that the Commission initiate rulemaking to distinguish and regulate “hazardous pillow-like” crib bumpers from “non-hazardous traditional” crib bumpers under sections 7 and 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (“CPSA”). The Commission is docketing this request as a petition under the Consumer Product Safety Act. 15 U.S.C. 2056 and 2058. Petitioner states that, despite information to the contrary regarding the safety of traditional crib bumpers, some are advocating banning bumpers altogether from the marketplace. Petitioner believes that banning traditional crib bumpers may lead to caregivers adding unsafe soft bedding to cribs to serve as a protective barrier from the tight dimensions and hard wooden surface of the crib slats. Petitioner includes a third party review of previous studies of crib bumper pads as support of the fact that claims of increased risk to infants from traditional crib bumper use are unfounded. Petitioner also includes a copy of proposed ASTM performance requirements that petitioner believes provide a reasonable basis for a mandatory crib bumper performance standard.</P>

        <P>By this notice, the Commission seeks comments concerning this petition. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the petition by writing or calling the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer<PRTPAGE P="37837"/>Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504-7923. A copy of the petition also will be made available for viewing under “Supporting and Related Materials” in<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>under this docket number.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 18, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Todd A. Stevenson,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15328 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6355-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Internal Revenue Service</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>26 CFR Part 1</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[REG-134935-11]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1545-BK55</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Overall Foreign Loss Recapture on Property Dispositions</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>These proposed regulations provide guidance regarding the coordination of the rules for determining high-taxed income with capital gains adjustments and the allocation and recapture of overall foreign losses and overall domestic losses, as well as the coordination of the recapture of overall foreign losses on certain dispositions of property and other rules concerning overall foreign losses and overall domestic losses. These regulations affect individuals and corporations claiming foreign tax credits.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by August 24, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Send submissions to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-134935-11), room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-134935-11), Courier's desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20044, or sent electronically, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>(IRS REG-134935-11).</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Concerning the regulations, Jeffrey L. Parry, (202) 622-3850; concerning submissions of comments, Oluwafunmilayo (Funmi) Taylor, (202) 622-7180 (not toll-free numbers).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background and Explanation of Provisions</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. High-Taxed Income</HD>
        <P>Section 904(d)(2)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) provides that certain high-taxed income that would otherwise be passive income will be treated as general category income if the foreign taxes paid or accrued, and deemed paid or accrued, with respect to such income exceed the highest rate of tax specified in section 1 or section 11, whichever applies, multiplied by the amount of such income. Section 1.904-4(c) provides detailed rules for determining whether income is high-taxed, including rules for testing income based on subgroups within passive income and allocating expenses, losses and other deductions to that income.</P>
        <P>Questions have arisen regarding the coordination of these rules with the capital gains adjustments under section 904(b) and loss allocations and loss account recapture under section 904(f) and (g). The proposed regulations at § 1.904-4(c) clarify that the determination as to whether income is high-taxed is made before taking into account any adjustments under section 904(b) or any allocation of losses or recapture of loss accounts under section 904(f) and (g). The Treasury Department and the IRS believe these ordering rules are consistent with the use in section 904(d)(2)(F) of the highest statutory U.S. tax rate, rather than the taxpayer's pre-credit effective U.S. tax rate, to determine whether income is high-taxed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Dispositions of Property Under Section 904(f)(3)</HD>
        <P>Section 904(f)(3) provides that if a taxpayer disposes of certain property used or held for use predominantly without the United States in a trade or business, gain is recognized on that disposition and treated as foreign source income, regardless of whether the gain would otherwise be recognized, to the extent of any overall foreign loss account in the separate category of foreign source taxable income generated by the property. Section 1.904(f)-2(d) provides separate rules for dispositions in which gain is recognized irrespective of section 904(f)(3) and dispositions in which the gain would not otherwise be recognized.</P>
        <P>Questions have arisen regarding the coordination of overall foreign loss recapture under section 904(f)(3) with other provisions of section 904(f) and (g). Accordingly, these proposed regulations revise the ordering rules under § 1.904(g)-3 that generally provide for the coordination of section 904(f) and (g) to include specific references for taking into account overall foreign loss recapture under section 904(f)(3).</P>
        <P>In the case of dispositions in which gain is recognized irrespective of section 904(f)(3), the overall foreign loss recapture is included in Step Five along with other general overall foreign loss recapture.</P>
        <P>Dispositions in which the gain would not otherwise be recognized are addressed separately. Section 1.904(f)-2(d)(4)(i) provides, in part, that where gain would not otherwise be recognized on a disposition, the amount of gain that will be recognized under section 904(f)(3) is equal to the balance in the applicable foreign loss account after taking into account any amounts recaptured from the account from other recognized income for the year (as well as certain other adjustments). In other words, the additional amount of income to be recognized can only be determined after the first seven steps of the ordering rules in § 1.904(g)-3 have been completed. Accordingly, a new Step Eight is added to those ordering rules to address the recognition of the additional income under section 904(f)(3) and the corresponding recapture of the applicable overall foreign loss account. New Step Eight also provides that if the additional recognition of gain increases the allowable amount of the net operating loss deduction, then the recapture of the overall foreign loss account occurs first before the additional net operating loss carryover is taken into account to offset all or a portion of that gain. The Treasury Department and the IRS believe priority should be given to the additional recapture of the overall foreign loss account pursuant to section 904(f)(3) before any net operating loss carryover reduces that gain. This is because the primary reason for recognizing the otherwise unrecognized gain is to recapture the overall foreign loss account.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Effective Date</HD>

        <P>The regulations, as proposed, will apply to any taxable year ending on or after the date of publication of a Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Special Analyses</HD>

        <P>It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a<PRTPAGE P="37838"/>significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because the regulations do not impose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, these regulations have been submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments and Requests for Public Hearing</HD>

        <P>Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, consideration will be given to any electronic or written comments (a signed original and eight (8) copies) that are submitted timely to the IRS. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on all aspects of the proposed rules. All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. A public hearing will be scheduled if requested in writing by any person that timely submits comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the public hearing will be published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Drafting Information</HD>
        <P>The principal author of these regulations is Jeffrey L. Parry of the Office of Chief Counsel (International). However, other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Department participated in their development.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 1</HD>
          <P>Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Amendments to the Regulations</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is proposed to be amended as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 1—INCOME TAXES</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="04">Paragraph 1.</E>The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in part as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <P>
            <E T="04">Par. 2.</E>Section 1.904-4 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(2)(iii) and by adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (n) to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1.904-4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Separate application of section 904 with respect to certain categories of income.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(c) * * *</P>
            <P>(2) * * *</P>
            <P>(iii)<E T="03">Coordination with section 904(b), (f) and (g).</E>The determination of whether foreign-source passive income is high-taxed is made before taking into account any adjustments under section 904(b) or any allocation or recapture of a separate limitation loss, overall foreign loss or overall domestic loss under section 904(f) and (g).</P>
            <STARS/>

            <P>(n) * * * Paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section applies to taxable years ending on or after the date of publication of a Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="04">Par. 3.</E>Section 1.904(g)-3 is amended by revising paragraph (f), adding paragraph (i) and adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (k) to read as follows:</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1.904(g)-3</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Ordering rules for the allocation of net operating losses, net capital losses, U.S. source losses, and separate limitation losses, and for the recapture of separate limitation losses, overall foreign losses, and overall domestic losses.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Step Five: Recapture of overall foreign loss accounts.</E>If the taxpayer's separate limitation income for the taxable year (reduced by any losses carried over under paragraph (b) of this section) exceeds the sum of the taxpayer's U.S. source loss and separate limitation losses for the year, so that the taxpayer has separate limitation income remaining after the application of paragraphs (d)(1) and (e) of this section, then the taxpayer shall recapture prior year overall foreign losses, if any, in accordance with § 1.904(f)-2, and reduce overall foreign loss accounts in accordance with § 1.904(f)-2. Such recapture shall include amounts determined under § 1.904(f)-2(c) and (d)(3) but not § 1.904(f)-2(d)(4).</P>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(i)<E T="03">Step Eight: Dispositions under section 904(f)(3) in which gain would not otherwise be recognized.</E>The taxpayer shall determine the amount of gain that would otherwise not be recognized but that must be recognized in accordance with § 1.904(f)-2(d)(4) (not exceeding the taxpayer's applicable overall foreign loss account) and then apply § 1.904(f)-2(a) and (b) to recapture overall foreign loss accounts in an amount equal to the gain recognized. To the extent this recognition of gain in a taxable year increases the amount of a net operating loss carryover to that taxable year, paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section shall be applied to determine the allocation of the additional net operating loss, but only after the applicable overall foreign loss account has been recaptured as provided in this paragraph (i).</P>

            <P>(k) * * * Paragraphs (f) and (i) of this section apply to taxable years ending on or after the date of publication of a Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <NAME>Steven T. Miller,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15443 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4830-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Internal Revenue Service</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>26 CFR Parts 1 and 301</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[REG-125570-11]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1545-BK38</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Disregarded Entities and the Indoor Tanning Services Excise Tax</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking by cross-reference to temporary regulations.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In the Rules and Regulations section of this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, the IRS is issuing temporary regulations relating to disregarded entities (including qualified subchapter S subsidiaries) and the indoor tanning services excise tax. These regulations affect disregarded entities responsible for collecting the indoor tanning services excise tax and owners of those disregarded entities. The text of the temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regulations.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by September 24, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-125570-11), Room 5205, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand-delivered to: CC:PA:LPD:PR Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-125570-11), Courier's Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC, or sent electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>(IRS REG-125570-11).</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Concerning the proposed regulations,<PRTPAGE P="37839"/>Michael H. Beker, (202) 622-3130; concerning submissions of comments and requests for a public hearing, Oluwafunmilayo Taylor, (202) 622-7180 (not toll-free numbers).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>

        <P>This document contains proposed amendments to the Income Tax Regulations (26 CFR part 1) under section 1361 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and the Procedure and Administration Regulations (26 CFR part 301) under section 7701 of the Code. The text of temporary regulations published in this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>also serves as the text of these proposed regulations. The preamble to the temporary regulations explains the temporary regulations and these proposed regulations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Special Analyses</HD>
        <P>It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because these regulations do not impose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this regulation has been submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing</HD>

        <P>Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, consideration will be given to any comments that are submitted timely to the IRS as prescribed in this preamble under the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>heading. The IRS and the Treasury Department request comments on all aspects of the proposed rules. All comments will be available at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or upon request. A public hearing will be scheduled if requested in writing by any person that timely submits written comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the public hearing will be published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Drafting Information</HD>
        <P>The principal author of these regulations is Michael H. Beker, Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries). However, other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Department participated in their development.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects</HD>
          <CFR>26 CFR Part 1</CFR>
          <P>Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
          <CFR>26 CFR Part 301</CFR>
          <P>Employment taxes, Estate taxes, Excise taxes, Gift taxes, Income taxes, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Amendments to the Regulations</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 301 are proposed to be amended as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 1—INCOME TAX</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="04">Paragraph 1.</E>The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in part as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <P>
            <E T="04">Par. 2.</E>Section 1.1361-4 is amended by adding paragraph (a)(8)(iii) to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 1.1361-4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Effect of QSub election.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a) * * *</P>
            <P>(8) * * *</P>

            <P>(iii) [The text of proposed § 1.1361-4(a)(8)(iii) is the same as the text of § 1.1361-4T(a)(8)(iii)(A) and (B) published elsewhere in this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>].</P>
            <STARS/>
          </SECTION>
        </PART>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="04">Par. 3.</E>The authority citation for part 301 continues to read in part as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <P>
            <E T="04">Par. 4.</E>Section 301.7701-2 is amended by adding new paragraphs (c)(2)(vi) and (e)(9) to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7701-2</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Business entities; definitions.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(c) * * *</P>
            <P>(2) * * *</P>

            <P>(vi) [The text of proposed § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(vi) is the same as the text of § 301.7701-2T(c)(2)(vi) published elsewhere in this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>].</P>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(e) * * *</P>

            <P>(9) [The text of proposed § 301.7701-2(e)(9) is the same as the text of § 301.7701-2T(e)(9)(i) published elsewhere in this issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>].</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <NAME>Steven T. Miller,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15421 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4830-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS</AGENCY>
        <CFR>38 CFR Part 9</CFR>
        <RIN>RIN 2900-AO24</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) No-Health Period Extension</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Department of Veterans Affairs.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations governing eligibility for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to extend to 240 days the current 120-day “no-health” period during which veterans can apply for VGLI without proving that they are in good health for insurance purposes. The purpose of this proposed rule is to increase the opportunities for disabled veterans to enroll in VGLI, some of who would not qualify for VGLI coverage under existing provisions.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received by VA on or before July 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments may be submitted through<E T="03">http://www.Regulations.gov;</E>by mail or hand delivery to Director, Regulations Management (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273-9026. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to “RIN 2900-AO24—Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) No-Health Period Extension.” Copies of comments received will be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Room 1063B, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 461-4902 for an appointment. (This is not a toll-free number.) In addition, during the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at<E T="03">http://www.Regulations.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Monica Keitt, Attorney/Advisor, Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center (310/290B), 5000 Wissahickon Avenue, P.O. Box<PRTPAGE P="37840"/>8079, Philadelphia, PA 19101, (215) 842-2000, ext. 2905. (This is not a toll-free number.)</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has authority to prescribe regulations that are necessary or appropriate to carry out the laws administered by VA and that are consistent with those laws. 38 U.S.C. 501(a). Section 1977 of title 38, United States Code, authorizes the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program, which provides servicemembers separating from service with the option of converting existing Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage into renewable, 5-year term group life insurance coverage. 38 U.S.C. 1968(b)(1)(A);<E T="03">see</E>38 U.S.C. 1977(b). Furthermore, section 1977(b)(5) authorizes VA to impose reasonable and practicable terms and conditions on the provision of VGLI. VA has exercised that authority by providing, in 38 CFR 9.2(b), effective dates of VGLI coverage, provided that the administrative office has received an application and the initial premium within certain specified periods, usually within 120 days following termination of duty.</P>
        <P>Section 9.2(c) provides an exception to the imposition of those limitation periods. If either an application or the initial premium has not been received by the administrative office within the applicable period specified in § 9.2(b), VGLI coverage may still be granted if the administrative office receives an application, the initial premium, and “evidence of insurability” within 1 year and 120 days following termination of duty. Thus, evidence of insurability is not required if a veteran submits to the administrative office an application and the initial premium within the period required by § 9.2(b), but evidence of insurability is required if a veteran utilizes the 1-year grace period provided by § 9.2(c). This proposed rule would extend the period during which no evidence of insurability is needed from 120 days to 240 days.</P>
        <P>VA proposes to amend § 9.2(c) to extend the “no-health” period during which veterans can apply for VGLI without the need to provide “evidence of insurability” demonstrating good health that is normally necessary to obtain life insurance. Under § 9.2(c), a veteran has an eligibility period of “1 year and 120 days following termination of duty” to apply for VGLI. Currently, during the initial 120 days following termination of duty, veterans can qualify for VGLI without the need to prove that they are “insurable.” This proposed rule would extend the VGLI “no-health” period from 120 days to 240 days; it would make no change to the 1 year and 120-day VGLI eligibility period following termination of duty except to extend the period during which no evidence of insurability is needed.</P>
        <P>VA is proposing to extend the 120-day “no-health” period to 240 days to increase the opportunity for disabled veterans to apply for VGLI. VA has found that during the initial 120-day adjustment period following termination of duty, many veterans have not had time to assess their life insurance needs. An expanded “no-health” period would also provide VA Insurance outreach services with an increased opportunity to discuss insurance coverage with these veterans while they are still in the “no-health” period. By amending § 9.2(c), VA would ensure that veterans with service-connected disabilities have ample opportunity to provide life insurance protection for their families and loved ones.</P>
        <P>In addition to changes made to the length of the “no-health” period, this amendment of § 9.2(c) would also include removal of the words “Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance or,” which refers to Retired Reservist SGLI, which was discontinued by Public Law 104-275 as an independent program on October 9, 1996, because the program was merged into the VGLI program and extended VGLI to members of the Ready Reserves. As a result, reference to SGLI in § 9.2(c) is no longer applicable.</P>
        <P>Finally, VA is proposing to amend § 9.2 by revising the authority citation that follows § 9.2(b)(4) to read “(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1977)” instead of “(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1977(e)).” This amendment will reflect the proper legal authority under which VGLI provisions apply, as it relates to this regulation, instead of just paragraph (e), which is not broad enough to provide the proper authority for VGLI provisions provided under § 9.2.</P>
        <P>VA estimates that there would be no additional costs to the Government as a result of this proposed rule. We anticipate that the final rule will be effective in early fall 2012, and apply to veterans released from service on or after the effective date.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comment Period</HD>

        <P>Although under the rulemaking guidelines in Executive Order 12866, VA ordinarily provides a 60-day comment period, the Secretary has determined that there is good cause to limit the public comment period on this proposed rule to 30 days. VA does not expect to receive a large number of comments on this proposed rule, particularly comments that are negative or that oppose this rule, because this rule would increase the opportunity for veterans to obtain valuable insurance coverage that is needed to help ensure financial security for their families, while placing no additional burdens on veterans or their families. Lastly, VA believes that implementation of this regulation is particularly urgent because by extending the VGLI “no-health” eligibility period, it will enable some of the most disabled veterans to obtain insurance coverage when eligibility for commercial insurance is not possible due to their disabilities. The 30-day review and comment period will not result in any additional cost or cause any negative impacts on the program, but will make the extended “no-health” period available to disabled veterans sooner. Accordingly, the Secretary has determined that it is unnecessary, impracticable, and contrary to the public interest to provide for a longer comment period, and VA has provided that comments must be received within 30 days of publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Unfunded Mandates</HD>
        <P>The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule that may result in an expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any year. This proposed rule would have no such effect on State, local, and tribal governments or on the private sector.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Paperwork Reduction Act</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule contains no provisions constituting a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Executive Orders 12866 and 13563</HD>

        <P>Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) defines a “significant<PRTPAGE P="37841"/>regulatory action,” which requires review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as “any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.”</P>
        <P>The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this regulatory action have been examined and it has been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Flexibility Act</HD>
        <P>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs hereby certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. This proposed rule would directly affect only individuals and will not directly affect any small entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this proposed rule is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of sections 603 and 604.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Title</HD>
        <P>The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title for the program affected by this document is 64.103, Life Insurance for Veterans.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Signing Authority</HD>
        <P>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. John R. Gingrich, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on June 20, 2012, for publication.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 9</HD>
          <P>Life insurance, Military personnel, Veterans.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Robert C. McFetridge,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Director, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        
        <P>For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend 38 CFR part 9 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 9—SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>38 U.S.C. 501, 1965-1980A, unless otherwise noted.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <P>2. Amend § 9.2 by:</P>
          <P>a. Revising the authority citation at the end of paragraph (b).</P>
          <P>b. Revising paragraph (c).</P>
          <P>c. Adding an authority citation at the end of the section.</P>
          <P>The revisions and addition read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 9.2</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Effective date; applications.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(b) * * *</P>
            <SECAUTH>(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1977)</SECAUTH>
            
            <P>(c) If either an application or the initial premium has not been received by the administrative office within the time limits set forth above, Veterans' Group Life Insurance coverage may still be granted if an application, the initial premium, and evidence of insurability are received by the administrative office within 1 year and 120 days following termination of duty, except that evidence of insurability is not required during the initial 240 days following termination of duty.</P>
            <STARS/>
            <SECAUTH>(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 1967, 1968, 1977)</SECAUTH>
            
          </SECTION>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15420 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8320-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>40 CFR Part 52</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177; FRL-9689-4]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; South Carolina; Emissions Statements</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>EPA is proposing to approve a portion of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted on April 29, 2010, by the State of South Carolina, through the Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), to meet the emissions statements requirement for the York County portion of the bi-state Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, North Carolina-South Carolina 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. The Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, North Carolina-South Carolina 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area is comprised of Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union and a portion of Iredell (Davidson and Coddle Creek Townships) Counties in North Carolina; and a portion of York County (i.e., the boundary for the Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study) in South Carolina. EPA is addressing the emissions statements requirement for the North Carolina portion of this Area in a separate action. This proposed action is being taken pursuant to section 110 and section 182 of the Clean Air Act.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments must be received on or before July 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number, “EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177,” by one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>1.<E T="03">www.regulations.gov:</E>Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>2.<E T="03">Email: R4-RDS@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <P>3.<E T="03">Fax:</E>404-562-9019.</P>
          <P>4.<E T="03">Mail:</E>“EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0177,” Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960.</P>
          <P>5.<E T="03">Hand Delivery or Courier:</E>Ms. Lynorae Benjamin, Chief, Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.</P>

          <P>Please see the direct final rule which is located in the Rules section of this<E T="04">Federal Register</E>for detailed instructions on how to submit comments.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Ms. Sara Waterson of the Regulatory Development Section, in the Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,<PRTPAGE P="37842"/>Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. The telephone number is (404) 562-9061. Ms. Sara Waterson can be reached via electronic mail at<E T="03">waterson.sara@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>On March 12, 2008, EPA issued a revised ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).<E T="03">See</E>73 FR 16436. The current action, however, is being taken to address requirements under the 1997 ozone NAAQS. For additional information see the direct final rule which is published in the Rules Section of this<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. In the Final Rules Section of this<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, EPA is approving the State's implementation plan revision as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse comments are received in response to this rule, no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. EPA will not institute a second comment period on this document. Any parties interested in commenting on this document should do so at this time.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>A. Stanley Meiburg,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Regional Administrator, Region 4.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14953 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>40 CFR Part 52</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-R02-OAR-2012-0457, FRL-9691-4]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; United States Virgin Islands; Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>EPA is proposing to promulgate a Federal Implementation Plan (the Plan) to address regional haze in the Territory of the United States Virgin Islands. EPA proposes to determine that the Plan meets the requirements of the Clean Air Act and EPA's rules concerning reasonable progress towards the national goal of preventing any future and remedying any existing man-made impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I areas (also referred to as the “regional haze program”). The proposed Plan protects and improves visibility levels in the Virgin Islands Class I area, namely the Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John. The Plan for the Virgin Islands will address Reasonable Progress toward improving visibility and evaluation of Best Available Retrofit Control Technology. The reader is referred to the Regional Haze Virgin Islands Federal Implementation Plan found in the Docket for this action, which contains a complete description of all of the elements to address regional haze. EPA is taking comments on this proposal and plans to follow with a final action.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Comments:</E>Comments must be received on or before August 24, 2012.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Public Hearing:</E>If you wish to request a hearing and present testimony, you should notify Mr. Geoffrey Garrison on or before July 6, 2012, and indicate the nature of the issues you wish to provide oral testimony during the hearing. Mr. Garrison's contact information is found in<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.</E>
          </P>
          <P>Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes per person. The hearing will be strictly limited to the subject matter of this proposal, the scope of which is discussed below. EPA will not respond to comments during the public hearing. EPA will not be providing equipment for commenters to show overhead slides or make computerized slide presentations. A verbatim transcript of the hearing and written statements will be made available for copying during normal working hours at the address listed for inspection of documents, and also included in the Docket. Any member of the public may file a written statement by the close of the comment period. Written statements (duplicate copies preferred) should be submitted to Docket Number EPA-R2-OAR-2012-0457, at the address listed for submitting comments. Note that any written comments and supporting information submitted during the comment period will be considered with the same weight as any oral comments presented at the public hearing. If no requests for a public hearing are received by close of business on July 6, 2012, a hearing will not be held; please contact Mr. Garrison to find out if the hearing will actually be held or will be cancelled for lack of any request to speak.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Public Hearing:</E>A public hearing, if requested, will be held at Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, St. Thomas Office, Cyril E. King Airport, Terminal Building, St. Thomas, VI 00802, on July 17, 2012, beginning at 6:00 p.m.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Comments:</E>Submit your comments, identified by Docket Number EPA-R02-OAR-2012-0457, by one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Email:</E>
            <E T="03">Werner.Raymond@epa.gov</E>.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax:</E>212-637-3901.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>Raymond Werner, Chief, Air Programs Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Raymond Werner, Chief, Air Programs Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 excluding Federal holidays. Hand Delivery of comments will also be accepted by Mr. Jim Casey, Virgin Islands Coordinator, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Virgin Islands Field Office, Tunick Building, Suite 102, 1336 Beltjen Road, St. Thomas, VI 00801, 340-714-2333.</P>
          
          <P>
            <E T="03">Instructions:</E>Direct your comments to Docket Number EPA-R02-OAR-2012-0457. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or email. The<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>Web site is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA without going through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA<PRTPAGE P="37843"/>cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/air/docket.html</E>.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Docket:</E>All documents in the docket are listed in the<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or in hard copy at:</P>
          <P>• Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Office, Air Programs Branch, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866.</P>
          <P>• Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Virgin Islands Field Office, Tunick Building, Suite 102, 1336 Beltjen Road, St. Thomas, VI 00801.</P>
          <P>• Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, St. Croix Public Affairs Office, 4200 Estate St. John #4237, Christiansted, VI 00820.</P>
          

          <FP>EPA requests, if at all possible, that you contact the individual listed in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>section to view the hard copy of the docket. You may view the hard copy of the docket Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.</FP>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P SOURCE="NPAR">• Robert F. Kelly, State Implementation Planning Section, Air Programs Branch, EPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, New York, New York 10007-1866. The telephone number is (212) 637-4249. Mr. Kelly can also be reached via electronic mail at<E T="03">kelly.bob@epa.gov</E>.</P>

          <P>• Geoffrey M. Garrison, Community Involvement Coordinator, Public Affairs Division, U.S. EPA Region 2, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, BB: 340-201-5328, Email:<E T="03">garrison.geoffrey@epa.gov</E>.</P>

          <P>• Jim Casey, Virgin Islands Coordinator, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Virgin Islands Field Office, Tunick Building, Suite 102, 1336 Beltjen Road, St. Thomas, VI 00801, 340-714-2333, Email:<E T="03">casey.jim@epa.gov</E>.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Throughout this document, wherever “Agency,” “we,” “us,” or “our” is used, we mean the EPA.In most cases in this document, where we use the term “state” when discussing requirements or recommendations under the Clean Air Act or Agency guidance, this includes the Territory of the Virgin Islands.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Contents</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. What action is EPA proposing?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. What is the background for EPA's proposed action?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. What are the requirements for Regional Haze SIPs?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. The Act and the Regional Haze Rule (RHR)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Determination of Baseline, Natural, and Current Visibility Conditions</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Determination of Reasonable Progress Goals (RPGs)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BART)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Long-Term Strategy (LTS)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">F. Coordinating Regional Haze and Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">G. Monitoring Strategy and Other Implementation Plan Requirements</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">H. Consultation With States and Federal Land Managers (FLMs)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. What is the proposed implementation plan to address regional haze in the Virgin Islands?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Affected Class I Areas</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. Relative Contributions of Pollutants to Visibility Impairment</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Long-Term Strategy/Strategies (LTS)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. Emissions Inventory for 2018 With Federal and Territory Control Requirements</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">2. Reasonable Progress Goals</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">i. Identification of Pollutants for Reasonable Progress</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">ii. Determining Reasonable Progress Through Island-Specific Emissions Inventories</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">iii. Reasonable Progress Goals—2018 Visibility Projections</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">iv. Visibility Improvement Compared to URP</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">v. Interstate Consultation Requirement</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">vi. Identification of Anthropogenic Sources of Visibility Impairment</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">vii. Emissions Reductions Due to Ongoing Air Pollution Programs</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">3. BART</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">i. BART-Eligible Sources in the Virgin Islands</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">ii. Sources Subject to BART</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">iii. BART Evaluations for Sources Identified as Subject to BART by EPA</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Consultation With Federal Land Managers</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Periodic SIP Revisions and Five-Year Progress Reports</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Coordinating Regional Haze and Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI) LTS</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">F. Agricultural and Forestry Smoke Management Techniques</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">G. Monitoring Strategy and Other Implementation Plan Requirements</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">V. What action is EPA proposing to take?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Paperwork Reduction Act</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Regulatory Flexibility Act</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. What action is EPA proposing?</HD>
        <P>EPA is proposing a plan to address regional haze in the Virgin Islands under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) sections 301(a) and 110(k)(3). EPA proposes a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) which includes measures that will reduce emissions that contribute to regional haze in the Virgin Islands and make progress toward the Reasonable Progress Goal (RPG) for 2018, as determined by EPA. RPGs are interim visibility goals towards meeting the Act's national visibility goal of no man-made contribution to visibility reduction. In addition, EPA proposes Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) control determinations for sources in the Virgin Islands that may be subject to BART. This proposed action and the accompanying FIP documents that are available in the Docket explain the basis for EPA's proposed actions on the Virgin Islands Regional Haze FIP.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">EPA's Authority To Promulgate a FIP</HD>
        <P>The Act requires each state to develop plans to meet various air quality requirements, including protection of visibility. (CAA sections 110(a), 169A, and 169B). The plans developed by a state or Territory are referred to as State Implementation Plans or SIPs. A state must submit its SIPs and SIP revisions to us for approval. Once approved, a SIP is federally enforceable, that is enforceable by EPA and citizens under the Act. If a state fails to make a required SIP submittal or if we find that a state's required submittal is incomplete or unapprovable, then we must promulgate a FIP to fill this regulatory gap. (CAA section 110(c)(1)).</P>

        <P>EPA made a finding of failure to submit on January 15, 2009 (74 FR 2392), determining that the U.S. Virgin Islands failed to submit a SIP that addressed any of the required regional haze SIP elements of 40 CFR 51.308.<PRTPAGE P="37844"/>Under section 110(c) of the Act, whenever we find that a state has failed to make a required submission we are required to promulgate a FIP. Specifically, section 110(c) provides:</P>
        <P>(1) The Administrator shall promulgate a Federal implementation plan at any time within 2 years after the Administrator—</P>
        <P>(A) finds that a state has failed to make a required submission or finds that the plan or plan revision submitted by the state does not satisfy the minimum criteria established under [section 110(k)(1)(A)], or</P>
        <P>(B) disapproves a state implementation plan submission in whole or in part, unless the state corrects the deficiency, and the Administrator approves the plan or plan revision, before the Administrator promulgates such Federal implementation plan.</P>
        <P>Section 302(y) defines the term “Federal implementation plan” in pertinent part, as:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>[A] plan (or portion thereof) promulgated by the Administrator to fill all or a portion of a gap or otherwise correct all or a portion of an inadequacy in a State implementation plan, and which includes enforceable emission limitations or other control measures, means or techniques (including economic incentives, such as marketable permits or auctions or emissions allowances) * * *.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>Thus, because we determined that the Virgin Islands failed to submit a Regional Haze SIP, we are required to promulgate a Regional Haze FIP.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. What is the background for EPA's proposed action?</HD>

        <P>Regional haze is visibility impairment that is produced by many sources and activities which are located across a broad geographic area and emit fine particles and their precursors (e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and in some cases, ammonia and volatile organic compounds). Fine particle precursors react in the atmosphere to form fine particulate matter (PM<E T="52">2.5</E>) (e.g., sulfates, nitrates, organic carbon, elemental carbon, and soil dust), which also impairs visibility by scattering and absorbing light. Visibility impairment reduces the clarity, color, and visible distance that one can see. Visibility impairment caused by air pollution occurs virtually all the time at most national parks and wilderness areas, many of which are also referred to as Federal Class I areas. (CAA section 162(a)).</P>
        <P>In the 1977 Amendments to the CAA, Congress initiated a program for protecting visibility in the nation's national parks and wilderness areas. Section 169A(a)(1) of the Act establishes as a national goal the “prevention of any future, and the remedying of any existing, impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I Federal areas which impairment results from manmade air pollution.” In 1990 Congress added section 169B to the Act to address regional haze issues. On July 1, 1999, EPA promulgated the Regional Haze Rule (RHR) (64 FR 35714, July 1, 1999). The requirement to submit a Regional Haze SIP applies to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. 40 CFR 51.308(b) of the RHR required states to submit the first implementation plan addressing regional haze visibility impairment no later than December 17, 2007.</P>
        <P>On January 15, 2009, EPA issued a finding that the Virgin Islands had failed to submit the Regional Haze SIP (74 FR 2392, January 15, 2009). EPA's January 15, 2009 finding established a two-year deadline of January 15, 2011 for EPA to either approve a Regional Haze SIP for the Virgin Islands, or adopt a FIP. This proposed action is intended to address the January 15, 2009 finding. EPA continues to work with the Virgin Islands Government to develop a State Implementation Plan for Regional Haze.</P>
        <P>Because the pollutants that lead to regional haze can originate from sources located across broad geographic areas, EPA has encouraged the states and tribes across the United States to address visibility impairment from a regional perspective. Five regional planning organizations (RPOs) were developed to address regional haze and related issues. The Virgin Islands National Park is sufficiently far from the continental United States, therefore there was no need for the Virgin Islands government to participate in any of these RPOs.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. What are the requirements for regional haze SIPs?</HD>
        <P>The following is a basic explanation of the RHR. See 40 CFR 51.308 for a complete listing of the regulations under which this FIP was developed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. The Act and the Regional Haze Rule (RHR)</HD>
        <P>Regional haze SIPs must assure reasonable progress towards the national goal of achieving natural visibility conditions in Class I areas. Section 169A of the Act and EPA's implementing regulations require states to establish long-term strategies for making reasonable progress toward meeting this goal. Implementation plans must also give specific attention to certain stationary sources that were in existence on August 7, 1977, but were not in operation before August 7, 1962, and require these sources, where appropriate, to install BART controls for the purpose of eliminating or reducing visibility impairment. The specific regional haze SIP requirements are discussed in further detail below.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Determination of Baseline, Natural, and Current Visibility Conditions</HD>
        <P>The RHR establishes the deciview or “dv” as the principal metric for measuring visibility. This visibility metric expresses uniform changes in haziness in terms of common increments across the entire range of visibility conditions, from pristine to extremely hazy conditions. Visibility is determined by measuring the visual range, which is the greatest distance, in kilometers or miles, at which a dark object can be viewed against the sky. The dv is calculated from visibility measurements. Each dv change is an equal incremental change in visibility perceived by the human eye. For this reason, EPA believes it is a useful measure for tracking progress in improving visibility. Most people can detect a change in visibility at one dv. The preamble to the RHR provides additional details about the deciview (64 FR 35725, July 1, 1999).</P>
        <P>The dv is used in expressing RPGs (which are interim visibility goals towards meeting the national visibility goal), defining baseline, current, and natural conditions, and tracking changes in visibility. The regional haze SIPs must contain measures that ensure “reasonable progress” toward the national goal of preventing and remedying visibility impairment in Class I areas caused by manmade air pollution by reducing anthropogenic emissions that cause regional haze. The national goal is a return to natural conditions, i.e., manmade sources of air pollution would no longer impair visibility in Class I areas.</P>

        <P>To track changes in visibility over time at each of the 156 Class I areas covered by the visibility program (40 CFR 81.401-437) and as part of the process for determining reasonable progress, the RHR requires states to calculate the degree of existing visibility impairment at each Class I area at the time of each regional haze SIP submittal and review progress midway through each 10-year planning period. To do this, the RHR requires states to determine the degree of impairment (in dv) for the average of the 20 percent least impaired (“best”) and 20 percent most impaired (“worst”) visibility days over a specified time period at each of their Class I areas. In addition, the RHR requires states to develop an estimate of<PRTPAGE P="37845"/>natural visibility conditions for the purposes of comparing progress toward the national goal. Natural visibility is determined by estimating the natural concentrations of pollutants that cause visibility impairment and then calculating total light extinction based on those estimates. EPA has provided guidance to states regarding how to calculate baseline, natural and current visibility conditions.<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>
            <E T="03">Guidance for Estimating Natural Visibility conditions under the Regional Haze Rule,</E>September 2003, (EPA-454/B-03-005 located at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/ttncaaa1/t1/memoranda/rh_envcurhr_gd.pdf</E>), (hereinafter referred to as<E T="03"/>“EPA's 2003 Natural Visibility Guidance”), and<E T="03">Guidance for Tracking Progress Under the Regional Haze Rule</E>(EPA-454/B-03-004 September 2003 at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/ttncaaa1/t1/memoranda/rh_tpurhr_gd.pdf</E>)), (hereinafter referred to as “EPA's 2003 Tracking Progress Guidance”).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>For the initial regional haze SIPs that were due by December 17, 2007, baseline visibility conditions were used as the starting points for assessing current visibility impairment. Baseline visibility conditions represent the degree of impairment for the 20 percent least impaired days and 20 percent most impaired days at the time the regional haze program was established. Using monitoring data for 2000 through 2004, the RHR required states to calculate the average degree of visibility impairment for each Class I area, based on the average of annual values over the five year period. The comparison of initial baseline visibility conditions to natural visibility conditions indicates the amount of improvement necessary to attain natural visibility, while the future comparison of baseline conditions to the then current conditions will indicate the amount of progress made. In general, the 2000-2004 baseline period is considered the time from which improvement in visibility is measured.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Determination of Reasonable Progress Goals (RPGs)</HD>
        <P>The submission of a series of regional haze SIPs from the states that establish RPGs for Class I areas for each (approximately) 10-year planning period is the vehicle for ensuring continuing progress towards achieving the natural visibility goal. The RHR does not mandate specific milestones or rates of progress, but instead calls for states to establish goals that provide for “reasonable progress” toward achieving natural (i.e., “background”) visibility conditions. In setting RPGs, states must provide for an improvement in visibility for the most impaired days over the (approximately) 10-year period of the SIP, and ensure no degradation in visibility for the least impaired days over the same period.</P>
        <P>States, and in this case, the Virgin Islands government, have significant discretion in establishing RPGs, but are required to consider the following factors established in the Act and in EPA's RHR: (1) The costs of compliance; (2) the time necessary for compliance; (3) the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance; and (4) the remaining useful life of any potentially affected sources. States must demonstrate in their SIPs how these factors are considered when selecting the RPGs for the best and worst days for each applicable Class I area. (See 40 CFR 51.308(d)(1)(i)(A)). States have considerable flexibility in how they take these factors into consideration, as noted in our Reasonable Progress guidance.<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>In setting the RPGs, states must also consider the rate of progress needed to reach natural visibility conditions by 2064 (referred to as the “uniform rate of progress” or the “glidepath”) and the emission reduction measures needed to achieve that rate of progress over the 10-year period of the SIP. In setting RPGs, each state with one or more Class I areas (“Class I State”) must also consult with potentially “contributing states,” i.e., other nearby states with emission sources that may be affecting visibility impairment at the Class I State's areas. (40 CFR 51.308(d)(1)(iv)).</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>
            <E T="03">Guidance for Setting Reasonable Progress Goals under the Regional Haze Program,</E>(“EPA's Reasonable Progress Guidance”), July 1, 2007, memorandum from William L. Wehrum, Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, to EPA Regional Administrators, EPA Regions 1-10 (pp. 4-2, 5-1).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BART)</HD>
        <P>Section 169A of the Act directs states to evaluate the use of retrofit controls at certain larger, often uncontrolled, older stationary sources in order to address visibility impacts from these sources. Specifically, the Act requires states to revise their SIPs to contain such measures as may be necessary to make reasonable progress towards the natural visibility goal, including a requirement that certain categories of existing stationary sources<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>built between 1962 and 1977 procure, install, and operate the “Best Available Retrofit Control Technology” as determined by the state. (CAA 169A(b)(2)(A)). States are directed to conduct BART determinations for such sources that may be anticipated to cause or contribute to any visibility impairment in a Class I area. Rather than requiring source-specific BART controls, states also have the flexibility to adopt an emissions trading program or other alternative program as long as the alternative provides equal or greater reasonable progress towards improving visibility than BART.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>The set of “major stationary sources” potentially subject to BART are listed in CAA section 169A(g)(7).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>On July 6, 2005, EPA published the<E T="03">Guidelines for BART Determinations Under the Regional Haze Rule</E>at 40 CFR part 51, Appendix Y (hereinafter referred to as the “BART Guidelines”) to assist states in determining which of their sources should be subject to the BART requirements and in determining appropriate emission limits for each applicable source. The BART Guidelines require states to use the approach set forth in the BART Guidelines in making a BART applicability determination for a fossil fuel-fired electric generating plant with a total generating capacity in excess of 750 megawatts. The BART Guidelines encourage, but do not require states to follow the BART Guidelines in making BART determinations for other types of sources.</P>

        <P>The BART Guidelines recommend that states address all visibility impairing pollutants emitted by a source in the BART determination process. The most significant visibility impairing pollutants are sulfur dioxide (SO<E T="52">2</E>), nitrogen oxides (NO<E T="52">X</E>), and PM. The BART Guidelines direct states to use their best judgment in determining whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or ammonia (NH<E T="52">3</E>) and ammonia compounds impair visibility in Class I areas.</P>
        <P>In their SIPs, states must identify potential BART sources, described as “BART-eligible sources” in the RHR, and document their BART control determination analyses. In making BART determinations, section 169A(g)(2) of the Act requires that states consider the following factors: (1) The costs of compliance, (2) the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance, (3) any existing pollution control technology in use at the source, (4) the remaining useful life of the source, and (5) the degree of improvement in visibility which may reasonably be anticipated to result from the use of such technology. States are free to determine the weight and significance to be assigned to each factor. (70 FR 39170, July 6, 2005).</P>

        <P>A regional haze SIP must include source-specific BART emission limits and compliance schedules for each source subject to BART. Once a state has made its BART determination, the BART controls must be installed and in operation as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than five years after the date of EPA approval of the<PRTPAGE P="37846"/>regional haze SIP, as required by the Act (section 169A(g)(4)) and by the RHR (40 CFR 51.308(e)(1)(iv)). In addition to what is required by the RHR, general SIP requirements mandate that the SIP must also include all regulatory requirements related to monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting for the BART controls on the source. States have the flexibility to choose the type of control measures they will use to meet the requirements of BART.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">E. Long-Term Strategy (LTS)</HD>
        <P>Consistent with the requirement in section 169A(b) of the Act, that states include in their regional haze SIP a 10 to 15 year strategy for making reasonable progress, section 51.308(d)(3) of the RHR requires that states include a Long-Term Strategy (LTS) in their SIPs. The LTS is the compilation of all control measures a state will use to meet any applicable RPGs. The LTS must include “enforceable emissions limitations, compliance schedules, and other measures as necessary to achieve the reasonable progress goals” for all Class I areas within, or affected by emissions from, the state. (40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)).</P>
        <P>When a state's emissions are reasonably anticipated to cause or contribute to visibility impairment in a Class I area located in another state, the RHR requires the impacted state to coordinate with the contributing states in order to develop coordinated emissions management strategies. (40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(i)). Since sources in the Virgin Islands do not affect visibility in any other states' Class I areas, this particular LTS requirement does not apply.</P>
        <P>States should consider all types of anthropogenic sources of visibility impairment in developing their LTS, including stationary, minor, mobile, and area sources. At a minimum, states must describe how each of the seven factors listed below is taken into account in developing their LTS: (1) Emission reductions due to ongoing air pollution control programs, including measures to address Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI); (2) measures to mitigate the impacts of construction activities; (3) emissions limitations and schedules for compliance to achieve the RPG; (4) source retirement and replacement schedules; (5) smoke management techniques for agricultural and forestry management purposes including plans as currently exist within the state for these purposes; (6) enforceability of emissions limitations and control measures; (7) the anticipated net effect on visibility due to projected changes in point, area, and mobile source emissions over the period addressed by the LTS. (40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(v)).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">F. Coordinating Regional Haze and Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI)</HD>
        <P>As part of the RHR, EPA revised 40 CFR 51.306(c) regarding the LTS for states with Class I areas to require that the RAVI plan must provide for a periodic review and SIP revision not less frequently than every three years until the date of submission of the state's first plan addressing regional haze visibility impairment, which was due December 17, 2007, in accordance with 51.308(b) and (c). On or before this date, the state must revise its plan to provide for review and revision of a coordinated LTS for addressing reasonably attributable and regional haze visibility impairment, and the state must submit the first such coordinated LTS with its first regional haze SIP revision. Future coordinated LTSs, and periodic progress reports evaluating progress towards RPGs, must be submitted consistent with the schedule for SIP submission and periodic progress reports set forth in 40 CFR 51.308(f) and 51.308(g), respectively. The periodic reviews of a state's LTS must report on both regional haze and RAVI impairment and must be submitted to EPA as a SIP revision, in accordance with 40 CFR 51.308.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">G. Monitoring Strategy and Other Implementation Plan Requirements</HD>
        <P>If a state has a Class I Federal Area in the state, the requirements in section 51.308(d)(4) of the RHR must be met. These requirements include a monitoring strategy for measuring, characterizing, and reporting of regional haze visibility impairment that is representative of all mandatory Class I Federal areas within the state and this strategy must be coordinated with the monitoring strategy required in section 51.305 for RAVI. Compliance with this requirement may be met through participation in the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environment (IMPROVE) network. The monitoring strategy is due with the first regional haze SIP, and it must be reviewed every five years. Note that section 51.308(d)(4) contains a list of additional items the implementation plan must address.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">H. Consultation With States and Federal Land Managers (FLMs)</HD>
        <P>The RHR requires that states consult with FLMs before adopting and submitting their SIPs. (40 CFR 51.308(i)). States must provide FLMs an opportunity for consultation, in person and at least 60 days prior to holding any public hearing on the SIP. This consultation must include the opportunity for the FLMs to discuss their assessment of impairment of visibility in any Class I area and to offer recommendations on the development of the RPGs and on the development and implementation of strategies to address visibility impairment. Further, a state must include in its SIP a description of how it addressed any comments provided by the FLMs. Finally, a SIP must provide procedures for continuing consultation between the state and FLMs regarding the state's visibility protection program, including development and review of SIP revisions, five-year progress reports, and the implementation of other programs having the potential to contribute to impairment of visibility in Class I areas.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. What is the proposed implementation plan to address regional haze in the Virgin Islands?</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Affected Class I Areas</HD>
        <P>In accordance with 40 CFR 51.308(d), we have indentified one Class I area in the Territory of the Virgin Islands: The Virgin Islands National Park, where the FLM—the National Park Service—has identified visual impairment as an important value that must be addressed in regional haze plans. Thus, the Virgin Islands, and in this case, EPA consulting with the Government of the Territory of the Virgin Islands, must develop a Regional Haze Plan that addresses the causes of visibility impairment in the Class I area, that describes the long-term emission strategy, the consultation processes, and other requirements in EPA's regional haze regulations. Because the Virgin Islands are home to a Class I area, we will address the following Regional Haze Plan elements: (a) Calculation of baseline and natural visibility conditions, (b) establishment of RPGs, (c) monitoring requirements, and (d) RAVI requirements as required by EPA's RHR. These elements will constitute a FIP, developed in consultation with the FLM and the involvement of the Virgin Islands Government and its environmental agency, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">1. Relative Contributions of Pollutants to Visibility Impairment</HD>

        <P>An important step toward identifying reasonable progress measures is to identify the key pollutants contributing to visibility impairment at each Class I area. To understand the relative benefit<PRTPAGE P="37847"/>of further reducing emissions from different pollutants, EPA evaluated data from the IMPROVE air quality station, located in the Virgin Islands National Park near Cruz Bay, on the western end of the island of St. John. On the days with the worst visibility, the following table lists the particulate species that contribute to reduced visibility.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,xls60,12" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,p1,8/9,i1,">
          <TTITLE>Table 1—Visibility Reduction From Particulates on the Worst 20% of Days in 2004</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1"/>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Coarse Particulates</ENT>
            <ENT>17.6 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>36.4%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Sea Salt</ENT>
            <ENT>9.88 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>20.5%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Sulfates</ENT>
            <ENT>9.29 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>19.2%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Fine Soil</ENT>
            <ENT>6.68 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>13.8%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Nitrates</ENT>
            <ENT>2.59 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>5.4%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Elemental Carbon</ENT>
            <ENT>1.40 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>2.9%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Organic Carbon</ENT>
            <ENT>0.90 Mm<E T="51">−</E>
              <E T="0731">1</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>1.9%</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <TNOTE>Megameters<E T="51">−</E>
            <E T="0731">1</E>(Mm<E T="51">−</E>
            <E T="0731">1</E>) are a unit of visibility impairment. Larger values are greater amounts of interference with visibility.</TNOTE>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>The size of particulates from Saharan Dust range from 2 to 5 microns, so Saharan Dust is a major contributor to both fine (less than 2.5 microns) soil and coarse matter (greater than 2.5 microns). As shown in research studies and ongoing satellite data, Saharan Dust is transported in large quantities across the Atlantic Ocean and mixed in the surface air where it reduces visibility. This effect is most often seen, and recorded in particulate samples from the IMPROVE monitor, in the early summer months as tropical waves move from Africa across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and beyond. Since fine soil in the air is often largely Saharan Dust, and increases in fine soil and coarse particulate are found during documented Sahara Dust events, it is likely that all or most of the fine soil and coarse particulate found on days with impaired visibility is a result of Saharan Dust.</P>
        <P>EPA commissioned a microinventory of emissions on St. John to determine if other sources, particularly local sources of fine or coarse dust, could be contributing to the large amount of fine soil and coarse particulate found on the IMPROVE filters and contributing to high impairment of visibility on St. John. The largest anthropogenic sources of particles found in the microinventory were dirt from the roadways and some dust from construction activities.</P>
        <P>Other potential sources of particulates that reduce visibility are combustion sources on the Virgin Islands, including the HOVENSA refinery on St. Croix, ships that serve St. John and miscellaneous combustion sources on St. John.</P>
        <P>Trajectory analysis conducted by EPA for days with the highest contributions to visibility impairment showed that fine soil and coarse dust, which are major contributors to Virgin Islands haze episodes, match with long range transport from Africa. Also, sulfates and nitrates, which were at lower concentrations than found in the continental United States, did not correspond to a group of particular sources on days with higher sulfate and nitrate concentrations. Combustion products are often found on days when the trajectories began in the distant continental United States up to two weeks earlier and when air patterns are looping though the Caribbean region in general. There was no obvious or consistent source for days high in combustion products.</P>
        <P>These results support the hypothesis that the major contributor to visibility impairment in the Virgin Islands National Park is Saharan Dust. Though on some days, sulfate is a significant contributor to visibility impairment (but still a small contributor compared to continental United States monitoring sites). The Docket contains the results of the modeling using trajectories and using photochemical dispersion models.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Long-Term Strategy/Strategies (LTS)</HD>
        <P>As described above, the Long Term Strategy (LTS) is a compilation of control measures relied on to support the RPGs for the Virgin Islands National Park. The LTS for the Virgin Islands for the first implementation period will address the emissions reductions from Federal, territorial and local controls that take effect in the Territory from the baseline period starting in 2000 until 2018.</P>
        <P>EPA has reviewed potential strategies to improve visibility in the Virgin Islands and determined that the following strategies are reasonably available for application in the Virgin Islands: Reductions in sulfur in fuel from ferries and cruise ships, the Federal motor vehicle control program, and the consent decree for the HOVENSA refinery on St. Croix. In this action, EPA proposes these controls that we determined are likely to have the largest impacts currently on visibility at the Virgin Islands National Park. EPA estimated emissions reductions for 2018, based on all controls required under Federal and Territory regulations for the 2000-2018 period (including BART), and comparing projected visibility improvement with the uniform rate of progress for the Virgin Islands National Park Class I area. While the LTS for the Virgin Islands does not reach the reasonable progress goal for 2018 for the Virgin Islands, reducing other emissions is not feasible due to the Virgin Islands' unique circumstances and lack of major emission sources, as discussed further in this proposal.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">1. Emissions Inventory for 2018 With Federal and Territory Control Requirements</HD>
        <P>The emissions inventory used to determine the impact of sources in the Virgin Islands on visibility in the Class I area and the impact of planned emission controls is based on an emission inventory developed by an EPA contractor for the island of St. John, an inventory of significant sources in recent major source permit applications, additional information collected from the HOVENSA refinery on St. Croix and estimated emissions from other islands surrounding St. John, not included in the Territory of the United States Virgin Islands. The emissions reductions used to determine the effects on improving visibility in the National Park were based on projections of Federal and Territorial emission control programs, and other emission reductions specific to the Virgin Islands. EPA has determined that the major effect on visibility impairment in the Virgin Islands National Park is long-range transport of Saharan Dust.<SU>4</SU>

          <FTREF/>However, EPA has also determined that anthropogenic emissions of sulfates, nitrates, particulate carbon and other fine and coarse particulates are significant to PM mass and visibility impairment in the Virgin Islands National Park. The BART guidelines direct states to exercise judgment in deciding whether volatile organic<PRTPAGE P="37848"/>compounds and ammonia impair visibility in their Class I area(s) and whether their emissions can be addressed at this time. Total ammonia emissions in the region are extremely small and will not be addressed at this time. As for volatile organic compounds, they do not directly affect visibility, but can form particulate compounds in the presence of nitrogen oxides and radicals. The development of an emission inventory for volatile organic compounds emitted in the Virgin Islands is in its early stages, so EPA proposes to defer evaluation of the impact of these emissions to visibility reduction to the next round of visibility plans, covering 2018 to 2028.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>Please refer to the Virgin Islands Regional Haze FIP contained in the Docket for this action, for additional information regarding Saharan Dust.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The island of St. John has an inventory that is complete for particulate matter, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. The compiled inventory for other portions of the Virgin Islands included major point sources, since these would have the greatest influence on visibility on St. John. The proposed FIP has calculated changes in emissions from two source groups in the Virgin Islands: The HOVENSA refinery on St. Croix and marine vessels that travel to and from St. John. Reasonable controls are not available for other sources in the Virgin Islands because their impact on visibility in the National Park is very small or the prospective emission reductions are not cost effective based on the EPA's guidelines. While other sources, like motor vehicles, may have fewer emissions by 2018, the EPA has not calculated changes in emissions because the Islands' remote location makes national defaults for changes like vehicle turnover problematic for estimating future emissions in the Virgin Islands.</P>
        <P>For the proposed Haze FIP for the Virgin Islands, the official inventory will be the inventory for the island of St. John. Reductions by 2018 are from the use of lower sulfur fuels and nitrogen oxide controls on marine vessels as part of the Emissions Control Area (ECA) covering the portions of the United States in the Caribbean.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,15,15" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 2—Sulfur Oxides Emissions From Point, Area and Mobile Sources on St. John, Virgin Islands</TTITLE>
          <TDESC>[Tons per year]</TDESC>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Source sector</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Baseline 2002</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">2018<LI>(With measures</LI>
              <LI>for RPG)</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Point</ENT>
            <ENT>43.11</ENT>
            <ENT>43.11</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Area</ENT>
            <ENT>0.05</ENT>
            <ENT>0.05</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Non-Road Mobile</ENT>
            <ENT>17.89</ENT>
            <ENT>17.89</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">On-Road Mobile</ENT>
            <ENT>1.61</ENT>
            <ENT>1.61</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">Marine Vessels</ENT>
            <ENT>94.06</ENT>
            <ENT>14.11</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Total</ENT>
            <ENT>156.72</ENT>
            <ENT>76.77</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,15,15" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 3—Nitrogen Oxide Emissions From Point, Area and Mobile Sources on St. John, Virgin Islands</TTITLE>
          <TDESC>[Tons per year]</TDESC>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Source sector</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Baseline 2002</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">2018<LI>(With measures</LI>
              <LI>for RPG)</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Point</ENT>
            <ENT>477.66</ENT>
            <ENT>477.66</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Area</ENT>
            <ENT>3.69</ENT>
            <ENT>3.69</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Non-Road Mobile</ENT>
            <ENT>2.07</ENT>
            <ENT>2.07</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">On-Road Mobile</ENT>
            <ENT>25.03</ENT>
            <ENT>25.03</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">Marine Vessels</ENT>
            <ENT>318.23</ENT>
            <ENT>63.65</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Total</ENT>
            <ENT>826.68</ENT>
            <ENT>572.1</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,15,15" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 4—Direct Emissions of Particulate Matter From Point, Area and Mobile Sources on St. John, Virgin Islands</TTITLE>
          <TDESC>[Tons per year]</TDESC>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Source sector</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Baseline 2002</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">2018<LI>(With measures</LI>
              <LI>for RPG)</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Point</ENT>
            <ENT>34.33</ENT>
            <ENT>34.33</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Area</ENT>
            <ENT>38.32</ENT>
            <ENT>38.32</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Non-Road Mobile</ENT>
            <ENT>1.93</ENT>
            <ENT>1.93</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">On-Road Mobile</ENT>
            <ENT>0.73</ENT>
            <ENT>0.73</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">Marine Vessels</ENT>
            <ENT>8.57</ENT>
            <ENT>1.28</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Total</ENT>
            <ENT>83.88</ENT>
            <ENT>76.59</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>

        <P>Other emission changes in the FIP are from the effects of the consent decree with HOVENSA, whose impact is in the following table:<PRTPAGE P="37849"/>
        </P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,15,15,15" COLS="4" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 5—Emissions From HOVENSA in Tons per Year</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">Sulfur oxides</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Nitrogen oxides</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Particulate<LI>matter</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">HOVENSA Base 2002</ENT>
            <ENT>12,778</ENT>
            <ENT>26,362</ENT>
            <ENT>2,207</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">HOVENSA Future 2018</ENT>
            <ENT>9,318</ENT>
            <ENT>21,331</ENT>
            <ENT>2,192</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>EPA used emission changes in Tables 2 through 5 with air quality models to project that 2018 visibility on the 20% worst days in the Virgin Islands National Park Class I area would be improved by 0.16 dv based on application of these controls. The uniform rate of progress goal is 1.48 dv for the period ending in 2018. As a result, these measures are likely to fall short of achieving the reasonable progress goal for 2018 in the Virgin Islands National Park. However, since a large portion of the reductions needed to meet the calculated background visibility in 2064 includes the impact of Saharan Dust and sea salt, which cannot be controlled under this program, the difficulty of achieving interim reasonable progress goals is apparent. EPA proposes that the reasonable measures will help improve visibility in the Virgin Islands National Park Class I area for the first round of the regional haze plan for the Virgin Islands.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">2. Reasonable Progress Goals</HD>
        <P>In determining if reasonable progress is being made, states, or EPA in the case of this FIP, are required to consider the following factors established in section 169A of the Act and in our Regional Haze Rule at 40 CFR 51.308(d)(1)(i)(A): (1) The costs of compliance; (2) the time necessary for compliance; (3) the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance; and (4) the remaining useful life of any potentially affected sources (“the four RP factors”). Once these factors have been considered, the typical method for determining if a state is making reasonable progress is to use meteorological and air quality computer models to predict the visibility at Class I areas for the end of the planning period (2018). Those modeling results are then assessed to ensure that visibility is not degrading on the best days and that it is improving on the worst days at a reasonable rate, taking into consideration the relevant statutory factors, as well as the base period visibility conditions and the goal of zero anthropogenic visibility impairment by 2064.</P>
        <P>In the case of the Virgin Islands, though, a different method of determining reasonable progress is required. As explained in this proposal, the dominant cause of visibility impairment at the Virgin Islands' Class I area is international transport of Saharan Dust and volcanic ash from Montserrat. However, because the Saharan Dust and volcanic eruptions vary greatly from year to year with no discernible pattern, it is impossible to predict future emissions. As a result, there is little value in attempting to model visibility at the Class I area in 2018. The goal of this FIP therefore is to evaluate and remedy the causes of reduced visibility due to human sources.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">i. Identification of Pollutants for Reasonable Progress</HD>
        <P>EPA has evaluated the particulate pollutants (ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), fine soil, coarse mass (CM), and sea salt) that contribute to visibility impairment at the Virgin Islands Class I Federal area. The largest contributor to haze in the Virgin Islands is coarse mass where all particles are larger than 2.5 microns, which accounts for 36 percent of total interference with visibility on the twenty percent haziest days at the Virgin Islands National Park. The next largest contributor is sea salt at 20 percent; then sulfate at 19 percent; soils were the fourth largest contributor at 13 percent.</P>

        <P>There is nothing to be done about the portion of light extinction attributable to sea salt, as it is entirely from sea spray generated by wave action and winds. The days with the highest contributions to reduced visibility have the highest amounts of coarse particulates and fine soil, which indicate the presence of Saharan Dust. The sources of coarse mass are difficult to document because of emission inventory limitations associated with natural sources and uncertainty of fugitive (windblown) emissions. Because of the difficulty in attributing the sources of visibility impairment for this pollutant, EPA has determined that it is not reasonable in this planning period to recommend emission control measures for coarse mass. Similarly, because fine soil appears to be primarily attributable to international transport of Saharan Dust, EPA has determined that it is not reasonable in this planning period to recommend emission control measures for fine soil. Contributions of coarse mass and fine soil to visibility impairment, and their emissions sources, and potential control measures, should be addressed in future Regional Haze plan updates. Based on the above evaluation, EPA has determined that the first Regional Haze Plan RP evaluation should focus primarily on significant human sources of SO<E T="52">2</E>(sulfate precursor) and NO<E T="52">X</E>(nitrate precursor).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">ii. Determining Reasonable Progress Through Island-Specific Emissions Inventories</HD>

        <P>Due to the difficulty of modeling to project visibility at the Virgin Islands Class I area in 2018, EPA is focusing its reasonable progress analysis on reducing anthropogenic emissions of visibility-impairing pollution. The key anthropogenic pollutants of concern are SO<E T="52">2</E>, PM, and NO<E T="52">X</E>. We looked at trends in emissions of anthropogenic SO<E T="52">2</E>and NO<E T="52">X</E>in order to judge if reasonable progress is being achieved.</P>
        <P>Rather than use a full statewide inventory to judge reasonable progress, we focused on the inventory for the island of St. John, where the Class I area is located, and other major sources located in the Virgin Islands. As discussed in this proposal, our analysis indicates that most emissions do not significantly impair visibility at the Class I areas due to the prevailing winds. Prevailing winds at St. John are from the east to the west. The Class I area is east and north of St. Thomas and St. Croix, respectively. Therefore, these trade winds tend to transport pollution from St. Thomas and St. Croix away from the Class I area. In addition, modeling performed to estimate the visibility impact of currently operating individual sources of pollution indicates that even very large sources in the Virgin Islands have relatively small visibility impacts on the Class I area.</P>

        <P>In developing the 2018 reasonable progress goal, and determining emission reductions that would help reduce emissions that impair visibility, EPA reviewed present and potential actions that would reduce visibility-impairing emissions between 2000 and 2018. Based on EPA's review, we are proposing to use the following reasonable measures to improve<PRTPAGE P="37850"/>visibility in the Virgin Islands National Park Class I area:</P>
        <P>• U.S. Caribbean Emission Control Area for use of lower-sulfur oil in ocean vessels and large ships.</P>
        <P>• Emission reductions from the HOVENSA Consent Decree.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">U.S. Caribbean Emission Control Area</HD>

        <P>The United States Government, together with Canada and France, established the North America Emission Control Area (ECA) under the auspices of Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Annex VI), a treaty developed by the International Maritime Organization. The ECA was amended to include the designated waters around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This ECA will require use of lower sulfur fuels in ships operating within 50 nautical miles from the territorial sea baselines of the included islands. Beginning in 2015, fuel used by all vessels operating in these areas cannot exceed 0.1 percent fuel sulfur (1,000 ppm). This requirement is expected to reduce PM and SO<E T="52">X</E>emissions by more than 85 percent. Beginning in 2016, new engines on vessels operating in these areas must use emission controls that achieve an 80 percent reduction in NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions. While these reductions are not enforceable as part of this FIP, EPA expects them to occur and they will be included in the reductions expected in the period through 2018.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">HOVENSA Consent Decree</HD>

        <P>As discussed in greater detail in the section which discusses the BART determinations, HOVENSA, L.L.C. (HOVENSA) is a petroleum refinery located in St. Croix. In June 2011, EPA and HOVENSA entered into a Consent Decree (CD) to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at the refinery. The CD requires HOVENSA, among other things, to achieve emission limits and install new pollution controls pursuant to a schedule for compliance. The measures required by the CD are expected to reduce emissions of NO<E T="52">X</E>by 5,031 tons per year (tpy) and SO<E T="52">2</E>by 3,460 tpy.</P>
        <P>In January 2012, HOVENSA announced the refinery would shut down operations and become an oil storage terminal. At this time, HOVENSA has retained its air permits and remains subject to the CD. Since HOVENSA has retained its permits, EPA proposes to determine the emission limitations, pollution controls, schedules for compliance, reporting, and recordkeeping provisions of the HOVENSA CD constitute a long term strategy and, therefore, can be used to address the reasonable progress provisions of 40 CFR 51.308(d)(1). While EPA's modeling analysis to estimate the visibility impact of currently operating individual sources of pollution indicates that even very large sources in the Virgin Islands have relatively small visibility impacts on the Class I area, HOVENSA's modeled impact of more than 1 deciview indicates that HOVENSA impairs visibility in the Class I area on St. John, which leads us to determine that the HOVENSA CD contains existing reasonable measures that can assist in improving visibility at the Class I area. Should the existing federally enforceable HOVENSA CD be modified, EPA will reevaluate, and if necessary, revise the FIP after public notice and comment.</P>
        <P>In addition, EPA is proposing to require HOVENSA to notify EPA 60 days in advance of startup and resumption of operation of refinery process units at the HOVENSA, St. Croix, Virgin Islands facility. EPA proposes that HOVENSA also provide a complete analysis of reasonable measures, consistent with EPA's Regional Haze requirements, if it resumes refinery operations. EPA will revise the FIP as necessary, after public notice and comment, in accordance with regional haze requirements including the “reasonable progress” provisions in 40 CFR 51.308(d)(1).</P>
        <P>EPA proposes to determine that these measures are the reasonably available measures that can assist in improving visibility in the Virgin Islands National Park Class I area.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">iii. Reasonable Progress Goals—2018 Visibility Projections</HD>
        <P>As explained above, there is no modeling available for this planning period that can reliably predict the change in visibility by 2018 due to changes in the emission inventory for all sources (shipping, mobile sources, point sources, etc.) in the Virgin Islands.<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>In the absence of reliable visibility modeling for 2018, EPA is using the island-specific inventories and a post-control emission inventory to judge whether reasonable progress is being made.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>As described above, there is acceptable modeling for point sources for the BART and the reasonable progress analysis for point sources.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>In order to show how the future emission changes may affect the aerosol levels in the Virgin Islands National Park Class I area, EPA estimated the effect that the changes in the island-specific inventories for NO<E T="52">X,</E>SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM will have on the visibility in the National Park. The details of this analysis are discussed in the FIP and the modeling is described in the contractor's report in the Docket.</P>
        <P>At the Virgin Islands National Park, the projected visibility for 2018 post control case is slightly better due to the emission reductions anticipated by EPA. Visibility on the worst twenty percent days is improved by 0.16 dv and there is no change in visibility on the twenty percent best days.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">iv. Visibility Improvement Compared to URP</HD>
        <P>The amount of improvement needed to achieve the URP for 2018 at the Virgin Islands National Park is 1.46 dv. Based on the projections of visibility, discussed above, the amount of improvement by 2018 would be 0.16 dv. Therefore, the URP will not be met in the Virgin Islands National Park. Based on our decision on the lack of other reasonable emission controls available for the Regional Haze FIP, we propose to determine that the amount of controls EPA is anticipating by 2018 is the reasonable progress that can be attained in the Virgin Islands.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">v. Interstate Consultation Requirement</HD>
        <P>Pursuant to 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(i), if a state has emissions that are reasonably anticipated to contribute to visibility impairment in any mandatory Class I Federal area located in another state or states, each of the relevant states must consult with the other(s). Since the Virgin Islands are about 1,200 miles from the next nearest Class I area—the Everglades in Florida—we propose to determine that emissions from the Virgin Islands are not reasonably anticipated to contribute to visibility impairment in any mandatory Class I Federal area located in another state or states. Because of the distance from the continental United States and the lack of impact modeled from a representative major source in Puerto Rico, we also propose to determine that no emissions from any other state are reasonably anticipated to contribute to visibility impairment in the Virgin Islands' mandatory Class I Federal area.</P>

        <P>The Regional Haze Rule also requires any state that has participated in a regional planning process, to “ensure it has included all measures needed to achieve its apportionment of emission reduction obligations agreed upon through that process” and to demonstrate the technical basis for this apportionment. 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(ii) and (iii). Since the Virgin Islands was not included in any regional planning organizations, there is no obligation for<PRTPAGE P="37851"/>emission reductions on the part of the Virgin Islands. Therefore, we propose to determine that no additional emissions reductions are necessary in the Virgin Islands to meet the progress goal for any mandatory Class I Federal area outside of the Virgin Islands.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">vi. Identification of Anthropogenic Sources of Visibility Impairment</HD>
        <P>Pursuant to 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(iv), states are required to identify all anthropogenic sources of visibility impairment considered in developing the long-term strategy, including major and minor stationary sources, mobile sources, and area sources. As explained in section III.C above, we have considered each of these categories in developing our long-term strategy.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">vii. Emissions Reductions Due to Ongoing Air Pollution Programs</HD>
        <P>Our LTS incorporates emission reductions due to ongoing air pollution control programs.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Prevention of Significant Deterioration Rules</HD>
        <P>One of the primary regulatory tools for addressing visibility impairment from industrial sources under the Act is the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. The PSD requirements apply to new major sources and major sources making a major modification in attainment areas. Among other things, the PSD permit program is designed to protect air quality and visibility in Class I Areas by requiring best available control technology and involving the public in permit decisions. EPA has promulgated a PSD FIP for the Virgin Islands to address the Act's PSD requirements (40 CFR 52.2779(b)). EPA does new source permitting for the Virgin Islands, according to the procedures in the PSD FIP, including implementing requirements for input from the relevant FLM and considering potential visibility impacts to Class I areas from new major stationary sources or major modifications of existing major stationary sources. See 40 CFR 52.21(p)(1).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment Rules</HD>
        <P>EPA has promulgated a FIP for the Virgin Islands, which incorporates the provisions of 40 CFR 52.26, 52.29, to address RAVI in the Virgin Islands. See 40 CFR 52.2781. As part of its review of new sources for impairment of visibility at the Class I area in the Virgin Islands, EPA is responsible for determining if sources have a reasonably attributable impairment to visibility in the Class I area.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">On-going Implementation of Federal Mobile Source Rules</HD>
        <P>Mobile source NO<E T="52">X</E>and SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions are expected to decrease in Virgin Islands from 2000 to 2018, due to several existing Federal mobile source regulations. However, we have not quantified these reductions due to uncertainties in the composition of the fleet, use of fuels and vehicle turnover, as compared to EPA's assumptions in our mobile emissions models.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Measures To Mitigate the Impacts of Construction Activities</HD>

        <P>Potential sources of emissions from construction activities include exhaust from fuel-burning equipment on the site; vehicles working on the site, delivering materials, and hauling away excavate; employee vehicles; and fugitive dust from exposed earth, material stockpiles, and vehicles on roadways, especially unpaved site accesses. These activities can result in emissions of NO<E T="52">X</E>, SO<E T="52">2</E>, particulate matter (PM<E T="52">10</E>and PM<E T="52">2.5</E>from engine exhaust and as fugitive dust from roadways and material handling), and primary organic aerosols.</P>
        <P>The VIDPNR regulates emissions of air pollutants, including construction emissions, and EPA will work with the VIDPNR to determine if local regulations and enforcement can help reduce pollutants that contribute to regional haze in the National Park.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,14,14,14,14" COLS="5" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 6—Reasonable Progress Goals and Projected Future Visibility for the Virgin Islands National Park</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">Baseline visibility (2000-2004)</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Natural<LI>background</LI>
              <LI>conditions for 2064</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Improvement to reach reasonable progress goal for 2018</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">2018 Projected improvement</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">20% Worst Days</ENT>
            <ENT>17.02</ENT>
            <ENT>10.68</ENT>
            <ENT>1.48</ENT>
            <ENT>0.16</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">20% Best Days</ENT>
            <ENT>8.54</ENT>
            <ENT>4.41</ENT>
            <ENT>0.96</ENT>
            <ENT>0.00</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <TNOTE>(All values expressed as deciviews—lower deciviews means better visibility.)</TNOTE>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">3. BART</HD>
        <P>BART is an element of EPA's LTS, as well as a requirement to evaluate controls for older sources that affect Class I areas, for the first implementation period. The BART regional haze requirement consists of three steps: (a) Identification of all the BART-eligible sources; (b) an assessment of whether the BART-eligible sources are subject to BART; and (c) the determination of the BART controls.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">i. BART-Eligible Sources in the Virgin Islands</HD>
        <P>The first component of a BART evaluation is to identify all the BART eligible sources within the United States Virgin Islands (“Virgin Islands” or “Territory”). While the Virgin Islands' Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR), the Territory's environmental agency, did not submit a SIP, EPA's evaluation process of identifying BART-eligible sources included a review of Title V permits, a review of Title V applications received from VIDPNR, and direct communications with HOVENSA, LLC, one of the BART-eligible sources. To establish which facilities are BART-eligible, EPA evaluated eligibility criteria for combustion and other process units at the following eight sources throughout the Territory:</P>
        <P>• HOVENSA, LLC (St. Croix)</P>
        <P>• Three of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VI WAPA) facilities—one on each of the islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John)</P>
        <P>• St. Croix Renaissance Group, LLLP (St. Croix)</P>
        <P>• Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Club &amp; Resort (St. Thomas)</P>
        <P>• Divi Carina Bay Hotel (St. Croix)</P>
        <P>• Buccaneer Hotel (St. Croix)</P>
        

        <FP>EPA identified three of the eight sources, including multiple combustion or process units at each source, as BART-eligible. The three BART-eligible sources identified by EPA as potentially impacting the Class I area, summarized in Table 7, met the following criteria to be classified as BART-eligible:<PRTPAGE P="37852"/>
        </FP>
        <P>• One or more emissions units at the facility are within one of the 26 categories listed in the BART Guidelines (70 FR 39104, 39158; July 6, 2005);</P>
        <P>• The emission unit(s) began operation after August 6, 1962, and were still in existence on August 7, 1977;</P>
        <P>• Potential emissions of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>, and PM<E T="52">10</E>from subject units are 250 tons or more per year.</P>
        
        <FP>These criteria are in section 169A(b)(2)(A) of the Act, codified in 40 CFR part 51, Appendix Y. None of the remaining five sources met these criteria and therefore were removed from consideration for BART review.</FP>
        <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P</BILCOD>
        <GPH DEEP="562" SPAN="3">
          <GID>EP25JN12.008</GID>
        </GPH>
        <PRTPAGE P="37853"/>
        <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-C</BILCOD>
        <P>The BART Guidelines recommend addressing SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>, and PM<E T="52">10</E>as visibility-impairment pollutants. The Guidelines note that states can decide whether to evaluate VOC or ammonia emissions. EPA is not developing additional strategies for VOC or ammonia emissions in its FIP. EPA proposes to determine that the lack of tools available to estimate emissions and subsequently model VOC and ammonia effects on visibility inhibits EPA from addressing BART for these pollutants and that SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>, PM<E T="52">10</E>, and PM<E T="52">2.5</E>are the pollutants reasonably anticipated to contribute to visibility impairment to target under BART.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">ii. Sources Subject to BART</HD>
        <P>The second component of the BART evaluation is to identify those BART eligible sources that may reasonably be anticipated to cause or contribute to visibility impairment at any Class I area, i.e., those sources that are subject to BART. The BART Guidelines allow us to consider exempting some BART-eligible sources from further BART review because a source may not reasonably be anticipated to cause or contribute to any visibility impairment in a Class I area. Consistent with the BART Guidelines, the EPA, through the use of a contractor, performed dispersion modeling to assess the extent of each BART-eligible source's contribution to visibility impairment at the Class I area and we propose to rely on that modeling described below.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Modeling Methodology</HD>
        <P>The BART Guidelines provide that we may use the CALPUFF<SU>6</SU>

          <FTREF/>modeling system or another appropriate model to predict the visibility impacts from a single source on a Class I area and to, therefore, determine whether an individual source is anticipated to cause or contribute to impairment of visibility in Class I areas,<E T="03">i.e.,</E>“is subject to BART.” The Guidelines state that we find CALPUFF is the best regulatory modeling application currently available for predicting a single source's contribution to visibility impairment (70 FR 39162, July 6, 2005). The BART Guidelines also recommend that a modeling protocol be developed for making individual source attributions, which in this case is the EPA-approved workplan developed by the contractor. To determine whether each BART-eligible source has a significant impact on visibility, we propose to use the CALPUFF modeling to estimate daily visibility impacts above estimated natural conditions at the Class I area, which is the Virgin Islands National Park, covering much of St. John as well as Hassel Island near St. Thomas. There are no other Class I areas within 300 kilometers (km) of any BART-eligible facility in the Virgin Islands. Emissions were modeled with four years worth of meteorological data, from 2007 through 2010. We used these years because more meteorological data were available and the output provided from the modeling was closer to the actual monitored data than the period 2001 to 2004. The modeling evaluated the impact of three BART sources on the Class I area. EPA believes that this modeling provides a reasonable estimate of daily visibility impacts above estimated natural conditions at the Class I area. Therefore, we propose to use the results of this CALPUFF modeling to determine whether each BART-eligible source has a significant impact on visibility.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>6</SU>Note that our reference to CALPUFF encompasses the entire CALPUFF modeling system, which includes the CALMET, CALPUFF, and CALPOST models and other pre and post processors. The different versions of CALPUFF have corresponding versions of CALMET, CALPOST, etc. which may not be compatible with previous versions (e.g., the output from a newer version of CALMET may not be compatible with an older version of CALPUFF). The different versions of the CALPUFF modeling system are available from the model developer at<E T="03">http://www.src.com/calpuff/calpuff1.htm.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Contribution Threshold</HD>

        <P>For the modeling to determine the applicability of BART to single sources, the BART Guidelines note that the first step is to set a contribution threshold to assess whether the impact of a single source is sufficient to cause or contribute to visibility impairment at a Class I area. The BART Guidelines state that, “[a] single source that is responsible for a 1.0 deciview change or more should be considered to `cause' visibility impairment” (70 FR 39161, July 6, 2005). The BART Guidelines also state that “the appropriate threshold for determining whether a source contributes to visibility impairment may reasonably differ across states,” but, “[a]s a general matter, any threshold that you use for determining whether a source `contributes' to visibility impairment should not be higher than 0.5 deciviews.”<E T="03">Id.</E>Further, in setting a contribution threshold, states or EPA should “consider the number of emissions sources affecting the Class I areas at issue and the magnitude of the individual sources' impacts.”<E T="03">Id.</E>The Guidelines affirm that states and EPA are free to use a lower threshold if it can be concluded that the location of a large number of BART-eligible sources in proximity to a Class I area justifies this approach.</P>
        <P>EPA proposes to follow the BART Guidelines for determining which sources are subject to BART for the Virgin Islands FIP. EPA took into consideration that the Virgin Islands BART sources only affect one Class I area, so numerous small impacts at many Class I areas will not occur. With only three BART sources, the situation is much different than in the eastern United States where over one hundred sources can have overlapping plumes that make a larger impact on several Class I areas (70 FR 39121, July 6, 2005). As shown in Table 8, EPA proposes to exempt two of the three BART-eligible sources in the Territory from further review under the BART requirements. The visibility impacts attributable to each of the VIWAPA sources is very low (at or less than 0.1 deciviews). Our proposed approach to contribution is to capture any source responsible for a major visibility impact, while excluding other sources with very small impacts.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Sources Identified by EPA as BART-Eligible and Subject to BART</HD>
        <P>The results of the CALPUFF modeling are summarized in Table 8. EPA is proposing that the VIWAPA facilities not be subject to BART because the demonstrated impacts are very low at all Class I area receptors. EPA proposes that the HOVENSA facility is subject to BART because of the high demonstrated impacts at receptors in the Class I area.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,14,xs64" COLS="4" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 8—Individual BART-eligible Source Visibility Impacts on Virgin Islands Class I Area</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Facility and location</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Class I area and locations of modeling receptor</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Average 4-year 98th percentile visibility impact<LI>(deciviews)</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Subject to BART?</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">VI WAPA</ENT>
            <ENT>St. John</ENT>
            <ENT>0.06</ENT>
            <ENT>No.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">St Thomas</ENT>
            <ENT>Hassel Island, St. Thomas</ENT>
            <ENT>0.04</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <PRTPAGE P="37854"/>
            <ENT I="01">VI WAPA</ENT>
            <ENT>St. John</ENT>
            <ENT>0.09</ENT>
            <ENT>No.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">St. Croix</ENT>
            <ENT>Hassel Island, St. Thomas</ENT>
            <ENT>0.10</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">HOVENSA</ENT>
            <ENT>St. John</ENT>
            <ENT>1.91</ENT>
            <ENT>Yes.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">St. Croix</ENT>
            <ENT>Hassel Island, St. Thomas</ENT>
            <ENT>2.35</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">iii. BART Evaluations for Sources Identified as Subject to BART by EPA</HD>
        <P>The third and final component of a BART evaluation is making BART determinations for all BART subject sources. In making BART determinations, section 169A(g)(2) of the Act requires that states consider the following factors: (1) The costs of compliance; (2) the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance; (3) any existing pollution control technology in use at the source; (4) the remaining useful life of the source; and (5) the degree of improvement in visibility that may reasonably be anticipated to result from the use of such technology. However, a source that implements the maximum feasible level of control for its emissions has met the BART requirements, and no further analysis is needed. Conversely, a source that limits its emissions via an enforceable permit limit, or shuts down and surrenders its permits, no longer needs to be subject to BART review.</P>

        <P>EPA determined that HOVENSA is subject to BART review. The following summarizes EPA's BART analyses and evaluation for each of the HOVENSA units listed in Table 7 that are subject to BART. For further details the reader is referred to EPA's BART analyses contained in the FIP, located in the docket for this proposal at EPA's Web site at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">BART Determinations for HOVENSA</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">a. Facility Description and Current Status</HD>
        <P>HOVENSA is a petroleum refinery located in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Operations began in 1966 but in October 1998, the Amerada Hess Corporation and Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. formed a new corporation, HOVENSA, L.L.C. (HOVENSA) which acquired ownership and operational control of the St. Croix refinery. HOVENSA has a design capacity of 545,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the majority of which is received from Venezuela.</P>

        <P>In June 2011, EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) entered into a consent decree (CD) requiring HOVENSA to pay a civil penalty and requiring the implementation of new pollution controls that would help protect the public health and resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at the St. Croix refinery. The alleged violations cover emissions of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>, VOCs and benzene from the Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU), refinery heaters, boilers, generating combustion turbines, compressor engines, flares, sulfur recovery units and process units related to VOC and benzene emissions. EPA estimates that for the affected process heaters, boilers, generating turbines, and compressor engines, the cumulative reduction in NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions, attributable to the CD, which are defined there as “Qualifying Controls” are as follows: 1,079 tpy by June 2015, 3,663 tpy by June 2016 and 4,744 tpy by June 2019.<SU>7</SU>

          <FTREF/>Also, EPA estimates that for the affected FCCU, FCCU catalytic regenerator, boilers, process heaters, generating combustion turbines, sulfur recovery plants, and flares, the reduction in SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions, attributable to the CD is 3,460 tpy. The CD requires SO<E T="52">2</E>reductions from the flares within the 2018-2021 timeframe whereas SO<E T="52">2</E>reductions for other units are to be implemented within the period of 2011-2014. A copy of the CD is included in the Docket. For further information the reader is referred to<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/hovensa.html.</E>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>7</SU>See Appendix A of the CD for a list of affected sources: heaters and boilers greater than 40 mm BTU/hour, generating turbines and compressor engines.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>On January 18, 2012, HOVENSA announced the refinery on St. Croix would shut down operations and become an oil storage terminal. Currently, HOVENSA has shutdown all refinery operations except for some process unit cleanout operations. HOVENSA is still finalizing intermediate and long term plans for operation of the bulk storage terminal to determine what utilities will continue to be needed. In the meantime, HOVENSA has retained its air permits and remains subject to the CD. Since HOVENSA has retained its permits, EPA evaluated BART for HOVENSA's BART-eligible sources.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">b. BART Analysis</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Eight Boilers</HD>

        <P>HOVENSA owns and operates nine steam boilers that are capable of combusting either refinery fuel gas (RFG) or No. 6 fuel oil and the heat input to the boilers is in the range of 205 to 405 mm BTU/hr. One of the boilers (Boiler 10) was constructed in 1999 and therefore is not BART-eligible. EPA has determined there are eight boilers subject to BART. SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions are controlled by a permit limiting the sulfur content of No. 6 fuel oil to 0.50% or 1.0% depending upon wind conditions as defined in the permit. In addition, the June 2011 CD will lower SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions by requiring that the combustion of RFG by the boilers, containing hydrogen sulfide (H<E T="52">2</E>S), meet the requirements of the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) part 60, Subparts J and Ja. The June 2011 CD requires the facility to lower the sulfur content of No. 6 fuel oil to 0.55% maximum, 0.50% annually, and to a low limit of 0.30% depending upon wind conditions as defined in the CD. There are no existing controls for NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM emissions from the BART-eligible boilers.</P>
        <P>For control of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM emissions, based upon EPA's analysis, EPA is proposing that current operations represent BART for each of the boilers subject to BART. For SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM control, EPA's contractor evaluated Duct Injection and Fabric Filters (DIFF) using lime as the alkaline reagent. DIFF is a semi-wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process. The fabric filter is the PM control device. EPA has determined that the DIFF controls evaluated for the boilers subject to BART are not cost effective. EPA determined that the cost effectiveness for the eight boilers subject to BART varied from about $19,100 to $39,600 per ton of SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM reduced, which is too costly to be cost effective per ton of reduced emissions. In addition, it is EPA's opinion that if maximum controls had been evaluated, such as lime or<PRTPAGE P="37855"/>limestone wet FGD, the cost effectiveness would be even higher than for the DIFF controls evaluated. Therefore, EPA determines that for SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM controls, current operation is considered as BART.</P>
        <P>For control of NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions, EPA's contractor evaluated selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) using ammonia as the reagent. EPA has determined that implementation of SNCR controls for boilers subject to BART are cost effective. The actual cost effectiveness for the boilers is in the range of about $710 to $860 per ton of NO<E T="52">X</E>removed. As summarized in Table 8, the visibility impact (98th percentile, 4 year average) of all BART-eligible sources from HOVENSA in the Class I area at St. John is 1.91 dv for all pollutants. EPA further analyzed the contribution of various chemical species and components on the visibility impacts and has established that the contribution of NO<E T="52">X</E>compounds is about 5% which would be equivalent to 0.09 dv visibility impact at St. John from all HOVENSA units subject to BART, including the 8 boilers subject to BART. Since the visibility impact due to NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions from all HOVENSA units subject to BART is only about 0.09 dv, EPA proposes that the implementation of any NO<E T="52">X</E>controls (even SNCR or selective catalytic reduction (SCR)) would not have any significant visibility impact on the Class I area in the Virgin Islands and therefore EPA proposes to determine that current operation of the boilers subject to BART is considered BART for controlling NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions. Also, as discussed in the Reasonable Progress Goals section, EPA is proposing to require HOVENSA to provide a complete analysis of reasonable measures, if it resumes refinery operations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Combustion Turbines</HD>

        <P>HOVENSA owns and operates eleven combustion turbines that are capable of combusting two or more of the following fuel combinations: refinery fuel gas (RFG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and distillate oil. Two of the turbines were constructed in 1993 and 2009 and are therefore not BART-eligible. EPA has determined nine turbines are subject to BART. SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions are controlled by limiting the fuel sulfur content as follows: distillate oil has a permit sulfur limit of 0.20%; LPG does not contain any sulfur; RFG sulfur content will be limited by the CD that requires the combustion of RFG with limits on the H<E T="52">2</E>S content in accordance with the NSPS requirements at subpart J or Ja. For NO<E T="52">X</E>, only one turbine has implemented control technology (steam injection). For PM, none of the turbines subject to BART have any controls.</P>
        <P>For control of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM emissions, based upon EPA's analysis, EPA is proposing that current operations represent BART for each of the nine combustion turbines subject to BART. For SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM control, as with the boilers discussed above, EPA's contractor evaluated Duct Injection and Fabric Filters (DIFF) using lime as the alkaline reagent. Based upon this analysis, EPA has determined that the DIFF controls evaluated for the nine combustion turbines are not cost effective. EPA determined that the cost effectiveness for the nine combustion turbines varied from about $122,300 (8 turbines) to $359,186 (1 turbine) per ton of SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM reduced. The cost effectiveness values for the combustion turbines are much higher than for the boilers because the SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions from the boilers are much higher (by a factor of 2 to 4 times) than from the turbines. Therefore, EPA determines that for SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM controls, current operation is considered as BART.</P>
        <P>For control of NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions from the turbines (as discussed above for the boilers) EPA's contractor evaluated selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) using ammonia as the reagent. EPA has determined, except for one turbine, that implementation of SNCR controls for eight turbines are cost effective. The actual cost effectiveness for the turbines is from about $1,750 to $1,890 per ton of NO<E T="52">X</E>removed. The one turbine where control is not cost effectiveness had a value of $9,500/ton, because the NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions are much lower due to NO<E T="52">X</E>controls installed on the turbine. Even though controls on eight of the nine turbines are cost effective, EPA has determined, for the same reasons discussed above for the boilers, that the visibility impact due to NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions is only about 0.09 dv from HOVENSA units subject to BART, and therefore the implementation of any new NO<E T="52">X</E>controls (even SNCR or SCR) would not have any significant visibility impact on the Class I area in the Virgin Islands. Therefore, EPA is determining that current operations of the nine turbines subject to BART are considered BART for controlling NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Process Heaters</HD>
        <P>HOVENSA owns seventy process heaters of which twenty-one were shut down in early 2011. Of the seventy heaters, EPA has determined that sixty-four are subject to BART whereas the remaining six heaters were constructed after 1977 and are therefore not BART-eligible. Of the sixty-four process heaters subject to BART, fifteen are capable of combusting either RFG or No. 6 fuel oil whereas the remaining forty-nine heaters combust only RFG.</P>

        <P>For the fifteen heaters capable of combusting No. 6 fuel oil, SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions are controlled by permits limiting the sulfur content of No. 6 fuel oil to 0.50% or 1.0%. The June 2011 CD provides for lowering SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions by establishing lower sulfur content of No. 6 fuel oil. In addition, the CD requires process heaters to meet the NSPS at part 60, either subpart J or Ja. None of the process heaters subject to BART have any controls for either NO<E T="52">X</E>or PM.</P>
        <P>For control of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM emissions, based upon EPA's analysis, EPA is proposing that current operations represent BART for each of the sixty-four process heaters subject to BART. Although EPA's contractor determined cost effectiveness for only the boilers and combustion turbines, EPA has concluded that, for control of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM, there is sufficient information to make a determination that current operation represents BART for each of the process heaters subject to BART. For the SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM BART determination, EPA notes that the SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions, heat input and fuel type for each of the six largest process heaters is similar to that of most of the boilers which EPA determined BART control was not cost effective. It is EPA's judgment from this size comparison between the boilers and the six largest heaters that the cost effectiveness for the process heaters would be less than the cost effectiveness for the boilers, but still would result in determining additional controls as not being cost effective. The great majority of the remainder of the process heaters combust only RFG, have a smaller heat input (each by a factor of about 2.75 average) and have lower SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions (each by a factor of about 7.8 on average) than the six larger heaters. Based upon this comparison, EPA would expect that controls for the remaining smaller process heaters will not be cost effective. Therefore, for SO<E T="52">2</E>and PM emissions, EPA proposes to determine that the controls for all the process heaters subject to BART are not cost effective and that current operation is considered BART.</P>

        <P>As discussed above for the boilers and combustion turbines, EPA determined that implementation of controls on NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions from all BART units at HOVENSA have an insignificant visibility impact on the Class I area and EPA is proposing to determine this is also true for the process heaters. Therefore EPA proposes that current operation of the process heaters subject<PRTPAGE P="37856"/>to BART is considered as BART for controlling NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Other Significant HOVENSA Emission Units Subject to BART</HD>
        <P>HOVENSA owns and operates many other emission units that are subject to BART, including reciprocating gas compressors, tail gas treatment units, tail gas incinerators, flares, water intake pumps and a desalination water pump. For many of these units, actual emissions are negligible and PTE emissions are small. Also, the June 2011 CD contains additional compliance requirements for these units, such as meeting the NSPS emission limits under part 60 subparts J or Ja.</P>

        <P>In all cases, EPA is proposing that current operations represent BART control for SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM emissions for each of these sources subject to BART. It is EPA's judgment that any detailed cost analysis would conclude that implementation of any additional control technologies for controlling emissions of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>or PM would have resulted in higher cost effectiveness values. Also, for the same reasons discussed above for the boilers, turbines and process heaters, EPA proposes that any reduction in NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions will not significantly improve visibility at the Class I area in the Virgin Islands and therefore current operation of each source subject to BART (without any new controls) represents BART for controlling NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions.</P>
        <P>The reader is referred to the Regional Haze Virgin Islands FIP found in the Docket for this proposal, which contains a complete description of all of the HOVENSA emission units subject to BART, and the respective BART determinations.</P>

        <P>While there is uncertainty at this time regarding future operations at HOVENSA, the CD does contain emission reductions and emission limit requirements which allow us to project that should HOVENSA resume operating as a refinery, it may be at a lower capacity factor, with much less sulfur. Although these resulting reductions in sulfur emissions are not enforceable requirements under this action, they suggest that SO<E T="52">2</E>emissions from HOVENSA may decrease even in the absence of any BART requirements. This analysis also indicates that at least some of the units at HOVENSA may be coming to the end of their useful life and not operate again.</P>

        <P>In summary, EPA's BART evaluation of the boilers, turbines, process heaters, and several other source categories that are subject to BART has determined that no additional control is consistent with BART, given the unique situation with HOVENSA and the unique visibility conditions in the Virgin Islands, and is proposing that current operations represent BART for HOVENSA. As such, EPA's Federal plan includes the establishment of emission limits for SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>and PM equivalent to the potential to emit (PTE) for each unit subject to BART, as derived from HOVENSA's permit limit conditions. EPA's Federal plan includes these PTE limits in the spreadsheets found in the Attachments to the FIP.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Consultation With Federal Land Managers</HD>
        <P>Under section 169A(d) of the Act, we are required to consult with the appropriate FLM(s) before proposing the Virgin Islands Regional Haze FIP. We must also include a summary of the FLMs' conclusions and recommendations in this notice. EPA has consulted informally with the FLMs throughout the development of the Virgin Islands Regional Haze FIP, including periodic updates during national teleconferences between EPA and the FLMs for the past several years. EPA also had two formal discussions with the FLMs as part of the consultation process. On May 28, 2008, EPA Region 2 held a teleconference with representatives of the National Park Service to brief them about our technical findings regarding regional haze in the Virgin Islands. Most recently, on May 9, 2012, EPA Region 2 held discussions about our final plans for addressing regional haze in the Virgin Islands. Following that discussion, EPA provided the National Park Service with copies of the BART analysis for their comments. EPA provided the FLMs with a copy of the proposed FIP just prior to publishing this proposal and acknowledges, as does the FLM, that any formal comments by the FLMs will be provided to EPA during the public comment period for this proposal.</P>
        <P>In addition, 40 CFR 51.308(i)(4) specifies the regional haze FIP must provide procedures for continuing consultation with the FLMs on the implementation of the visibility protection program required by 40 CFR subpart P, including development and review of implementation plan revisions and 5-year progress reports, and on the implementation of other programs having the potential to contribute to impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I Federal areas. We intend to continue to consult with the FLMs regarding all aspects of the visibility protection program and we encourage the Virgin Islands government to do the same.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Periodic SIP Revisions and Five-Year Progress Reports</HD>
        <P>EPA commits to coordinate with the Virgin Islands government in order to revise and submit a regional haze implementation plan by July 31, 2018, to address the next ten years of progress toward the national goal in the Act of eliminating manmade haze by 2064, and to submit a plan every ten years thereafter, in accordance with the requirements listed in 40 CFR 51.308(f) of the Federal rule for regional haze. EPA's commitment includes continuing to consult with the FLMs on the implementation of section 51.308 and this FIP, including development and review of future SIP revisions and five-year progress reports, and on the implementation of other programs affecting the impairment of visibility in Class I areas. EPA commits to address the following in its Mid-Course Review report: address any uncertainties encountered during regional haze planning process; report on the progress of the BART analysis, determinations, and implementation; report on whether additional potential actions identified in its plan or through public comment, will be implemented and the status of those efforts. The reasonable progress report will evaluate the progress made towards the RPGs for the Virgin Islands National Park. EPA will work with the Virgin Islands territorial government to prepare and submit updates to the emission inventories, a mid-course review and a revised plan for the next ten-year period starting in 2018.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">E. Coordinating Regional Haze and Reasonably Attributable Visibility Impairment (RAVI) LTS</HD>

        <P>EPA is the reviewing agency for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program in the Virgin Islands and is responsible for preventing new and modified sources from significantly impacting visibility in the Class I area of the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John and Hassel Islands. EPA will review the impact of proposed sources on visibility under 40 CFR 52.26 and 52.28, by implementing the PSD permit requirements for new or modified major sources of air pollutants located within 100 kilometers of the Class I area, or within a larger radius on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with all applicable Federal rules for review of the impacts on Class I areas. We propose to find that the Regional Haze FIP appropriately supplements and augments EPA's FIP for RAVI visibility provisions by updating the monitoring and LTS provisions to address regional haze. We<PRTPAGE P="37857"/>discuss the relevant monitoring provisions further below.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">F. Agricultural and Forestry Smoke Management Techniques</HD>
        <P>40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(v)(E) requires the Virgin Islands to consider smoke management techniques for the purposes of agricultural and forestry management in developing reasonable progress goals. Smoke Management Programs are only required when smoke impacts from fires managed for resource benefits contribute significantly to regional haze. The results of the emissions inventory indicate that emissions from agricultural, managed, and prescribed burning are very minor source categories. It is unlikely that fires for agricultural or forestry management cause large impacts on visibility in the Virgin Islands National Park. On rare occasions, smoke from major fires degrades the air quality and visibility in the Virgin Islands. However, these fires are generally unwanted wildfires that are not subject to smoke management programs. Since there is no evidence of agricultural burning contributing to haze at Class I areas, we propose to determine that no further controls on agricultural burning or forest fires are reasonable at this time.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">G. Monitoring Strategy and Other Implementation Plan Requirements</HD>
        <P>40 CFR 51.308(d)(4) requires that the FIP contain a monitoring strategy for measuring, characterizing, and reporting regional haze visibility impairment that is representative of all mandatory Class I Federal areas within the state. This monitoring strategy must be coordinated with the monitoring strategy required in 40 CFR 51.305 for RAVI. As 40 CFR 51.308(d)(4) notes, compliance with this requirement may be met through participation in the IMPROVE network. Consistent with EPA's monitoring regulations for RAVI and regional haze, EPA will rely on the IMPROVE network for compliance purposes, in addition to any RAVI monitoring that may be needed in the future. Therefore, we propose to find that we have satisfied the requirements of 40 CFR 51.308(d)(4).</P>
        <P>The primary monitoring network for regional haze in the United States is the IMPROVE network. There is currently one IMPROVE site in the Virgin Islands, in the Virgin Islands National Park. IMPROVE monitoring data from 2000-2004 serves as the baseline for the regional haze program, and is relied upon in our proposed FIP. Data produced by the IMPROVE monitoring network are essential for the verification of the effects of changes in emissions on visibility in Class I areas and will be needed for preparing the 5-year progress reports and the 10-year SIP revisions, each of which relies on analysis of the preceding five years of data. EPA will continue to encourage the National Park Service to continue to operate and maintain the monitoring site in the Virgin Islands National Park, providing support as EPA deems appropriate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">V. What action is EPA proposing to take?</HD>
        <P>EPA is proposing a Federal Implementation Plan for Regional Haze for the Territory of the United States Virgin Islands. This FIP addresses progress toward reducing regional haze for the first implementation period ending in 2018. The proposed FIP includes emission reductions to begin the reasonable progress needed to achieve the overall objective of no man-made interference with visibility by 2064. The proposed FIP relies on emission reductions from existing emissions controls and programs currently in effect, and proposes to require HOVENSA to notify EPA in the event it resumes operation of the refinery process units and to provide an analysis for reasonable measures consistent with EPA's Regional Haze Guidelines. Thus, EPA is proposing a Regional Haze Plan to satisfy the requirements of the Act. EPA is taking this action pursuant to CAA sections 110(a), 301(a), 169A and 169B. EPA is soliciting public comments on the issues discussed in this document and will consider these comments before taking final action.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>This proposed action is not a “significant regulatory action” under the terms of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) and is therefore not subject to review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011). The proposed Virgin Islands Regional Haze FIP requires implementation of existing emissions controls and emission reduction strategies on one facility and is not a rule of general applicability.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Paperwork Reduction Act</HD>
        <P>This proposed action does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a “collection of information” is defined as a requirement for “answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements imposed on ten or more persons*  * *.”44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A). Because the proposed FIP applies to just one facility, the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply. See 5 CFR 1320(c).</P>
        <P>Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.</P>
        <P>An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control numbers for our regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Regulatory Flexibility Act</HD>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.</P>
        <P>For purposes of assessing the impacts of today's proposed rule on small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as defined by the Small Business Administration's (SBA) regulations at 13 CFR 121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government of a city, county, town, school district or special district with a population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field.</P>

        <P>After considering the economic impacts of this proposed action on small entities, I certify that this proposed action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Regional Haze FIP that EPA is proposing for<PRTPAGE P="37858"/>purposes of the regional haze program consists of imposing existing Federal controls to meet the BART requirement for SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>, and PM emissions on specific units at one facility in the Virgin Islands. The net result of this FIP action is that EPA is proposing existing direct emission controls on selected units at only one facility. The facility in question is a large petroleum refinery that is not owned by a small entity, and therefore is not a small entity.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)</HD>
        <P>This rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in expenditures that exceed the inflation-adjusted UMRA threshold of $100 million by State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector in any 1 year. Thus, this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 or 205 of UMRA.</P>
        <P>This rule is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 of UMRA because it contains no regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism</HD>
        <P>The proposed Virgin Islands Regional Haze FIP does not have federalism implications. This action will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132. In this action, EPA is fulfilling its statutory duty under CAA section 110(c) to promulgate a Regional Haze FIP following its finding that the Virgin Islands had failed to submit a regional haze SIP. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this action. In the spirit of Executive Order 13132, and consistent with EPA policy to promote communications between EPA and State and local governments, EPA specifically solicits comment on this proposed rule from State and local officials.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule does not have tribal implications, as specified in Executive Order 13175. It will not have substantial direct effects on tribal governments. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks</HD>

        <P>EPA interprets EO 13045 as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern health or safety risks, such that the analysis required under section 5-501 of the EO has the potential to influence the regulation. This action is not subject to EO 13045 because it implements specific standards established by Congress in statutes. However, to the extent this proposed rule will limit emissions of SO<E T="52">2</E>, NO<E T="52">X</E>, and PM the rule will have a beneficial effect on children's health by reducing air pollution.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use</HD>
        <P>This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001), because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act</HD>
        <P>Section 12 of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) of 1995 requires Federal agencies to evaluate existing technical standards when developing a new regulation. To comply with NTTAA, EPA must consider and use “voluntary consensus standards” (VCS) if available and applicable when developing programs and policies unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. EPA believes that VCS are inapplicable to this action. Today's action does not require the public to perform activities conducive to the use of VCS.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations</HD>
        <P>Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), establishes Federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision directs Federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the United States.</P>
        <P>We have determined that this proposed rule, if finalized, will not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations because it limits increases the level of environmental protection for all affected populations without having any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on any population, including any minority or low-income population.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52</HD>
          <P>Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 14, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Judith A. Enck,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Regional Administrator, Region 2.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        
        <P>Part 52, chapter I, title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed to be amended as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 52—[AMENDED]</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>42 U.S.C. 7401<E T="03">et seq.</E>
            </P>
          </AUTH>
          <SUBPART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Subpart CCC—Virgin Islands</HD>
          </SUBPART>
          <P>2. In § 52.2781, add paragraph (d) to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 52.2781</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Visibility protection.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Regional Haze Plan for Virgin Islands National Park.</E>
            </P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Applicability.</E>This section addresses Clean Air Act requirements and EPA's rules to prevent and remedy future and existing man-made impairment of visibility in the mandatory Class I area of the Virgin Islands National Park through a Regional Haze Program. This section applies to the owner and operator of HOVENSA L.L.C. (HOVENSA), a petroleum refinery located on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Definitions.</E>Terms not defined below shall have the meaning given them in the Clean Air Act or EPA's regulations implementing the Clean Air Act. For purposes of this section:</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">NO</E>
              <E T="54">X</E>means nitrogen oxides.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">Owner/operator</E>means any person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises a facility or source identified in paragraph (a) of this section.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">PM</E>means particulate matter.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">Process unit</E>means any collection of structures and/or equipment that processes, assembles, applies, blends, or otherwise uses material inputs to produce or store an intermediate or a completed product. A single stationary source may contain more than one process unit, and a process unit may<PRTPAGE P="37859"/>contain more than one emissions unit. For a petroleum refinery, there are several categories of process units that could include: those that separate and/or distill petroleum feedstocks; those that change molecular structures; petroleum treating processes; auxiliary facilities, such as steam generators and hydrogen production units; and those that load, unload, blend or store intermediate or completed products.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">SO</E>
              <E T="54">2</E>means sulfur dioxide.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="03">Startup</E>means the setting in operation of an affected facility for any purpose.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Reasonable Progress Measures.</E>On June 7, 2011, EPA and HOVENSA entered into a Consent Decree (CD) in the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at its St. Croix, Virgin Islands facility. The CD requires HOVENSA, among other things, to achieve emission limits and install new pollution controls pursuant to a schedule for compliance. The measures required by the CD are expected to reduce emissions of NO<E T="52">X</E>by 5,031 tons per year (tpy) and SO<E T="52">2</E>by 3,460 tpy. The emission limitations, pollution controls, schedules for compliance, reporting, and recordkeeping provisions of the HOVENSA CD constitute an element of the long term strategy and address the reasonable progress provisions of 40 CFR 51.308(d)(1). Should the existing federally enforceable HOVENSA CD be revised, EPA will reevaluate, and if necessary, revise the FIP after public notice and comment.</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">HOVENSA requirement for notification and four factor analysis.</E>HOVENSA must notify EPA 60 days in advance of startup and resumption of operation of refinery process units at the HOVENSA, St. Croix, Virgin Islands facility. HOVENSA shall submit such notice to the Director of the Clean Air and Sustainability Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, 290 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New York, 10007-1866. HOVENSA's notification to EPA that it intends to start up refinery process units must include a complete analysis of reasonable measures needed to comply with regional haze requirements. EPA will revise the FIP as necessary, after public notice and comment, in accordance with regional haze requirements including the “reasonable progress” provisions in 40 CFR 51.308(d)(1). HOVENSA will be required to install any controls that are required by the revised FIP as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than 5 years after the effective date of the revised FIP.</P>
            
          </SECTION>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15463 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>40 CFR Part 52</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-R08-OAR-2012-0168; FRL-9692-2]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Utah; Revisions to UAC Rule 401—Permit: New and Modified Sources</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>EPA is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Utah on April 17, 2008 and partially approve SIP revisions submitted by the State of Utah on September 15, 2006. The revisions contain new rules in Utah's Title 307 Rule 401 (Permit: New and Modified Sources). The intended effect of this action is to propose to approve the rules that are consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA.) This action is being taken under sections 110 and 112 of the CAA.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received on or before July 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R08-OAR-2012-0168, by one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Email: leone.kevin@epa.gov</E>.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax:</E>(303) 312-6064 (please alert the individual listed in<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>if you are faxing comments).</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>Carl Daly, Director, Air Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Carl Daly, Director, Air Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, Mailcode 8P-AR, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129. Such deliveries are only accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Federal holidays. Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Instructions:</E>Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R08-OAR-2012-0168. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or email. The<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>Web site is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA, without going through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov,</E>your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.</E>For additional instructions on submitting comments, go to Section I. General Information of the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section of this document.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Docket:</E>All documents in the docket are listed in the<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly-available docket materials are available either electronically in<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or in hard copy at the Air Program, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129. EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the individual listed in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>section to view the hard copy of the docket. You may view the hard copy of the docket Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <PRTPAGE P="37860"/>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Kevin Leone, Air Program, Mailcode 8P-AR, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202-1129, (303) 312-6227, or<E T="03">leone.kevin@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Contents</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. General Information</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. Background</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. What Authorities Apply to EPA's Proposed Action</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. EPA's Analysis and Proposed Action on SIP Revisions</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">V. Summary of Proposed Actions</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Definitions</HD>
        <P>For the purpose of this document, we are giving meaning to certain words or initials as follows:</P>
        <P>(i) The words or initials<E T="03">Act</E>or<E T="03">CAA</E>mean or refer to the Clean Air Act, unless the context indicates otherwise.</P>
        <P>(ii) The words<E T="03">EPA, we, us</E>or<E T="03">our</E>mean or refer to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.</P>
        <P>(iii) The initials<E T="03">HAP</E>mean or refer to Hazardous Air Pollutant.</P>
        <P>(iv) The initials<E T="03">MACT</E>mean or refer to Maximum Achievable Control Technology.</P>
        <P>(v) The initials<E T="03">NAAQS</E>mean or refer to National Ambient Air Quality Standards.</P>
        <P>(vi) The initials<E T="03">NSR</E>mean or refer to New Source Review.</P>
        <P>(vii) The initials<E T="03">SIP</E>mean or refer to State Implementation Plan.</P>
        <P>(viii) The words<E T="03">State</E>or<E T="03">Utah</E>mean the State of Utah, unless the context indicates otherwise.</P>
        <P>(ix) The initials<E T="03">UAC</E>mean or refer to the Utah Administrative Code.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. General Information</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?</HD>
        <P>1.<E T="03">Submitting CBI.</E>Do not submit this information to EPA through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.</P>
        <P>2.<E T="03">Tips for Preparing Your Comments.</E>When submitting comments, remember to:</P>

        <P>a. Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading,<E T="04">Federal Register</E>date and page number).</P>
        <P>b. Follow directions—The agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.</P>
        <P>c. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes.</P>
        <P>d. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used.</P>
        <P>e. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced.</P>
        <P>f. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives.</P>
        <P>g. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats.</P>
        <P>h. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Background</HD>
        <P>On September 20, 1999, the State of Utah submitted a renumbering and recodification of its Utah Administrative Code (UAC) rules within the Utah SIP. EPA took final action to approve portions of this submittal on February 13, 2006 (71 FR 7670). In that action EPA approved the recodification of R307-413-7 (Exemption from Notice of Intent Requirements for Used Oil Burned for Energy Recovery, previously found under R307-7-2 and 3). On September 15, 2006, the State of Utah again submitted a renumbering and recodification of its UAC rules within the Utah SIP which renumbered R307-413-7 to R307-401-14 (Used Oil Burned for Energy Recovery). We are proposing to approve this renumbering in this action.</P>
        <P>On April 17, 2008, the State of Utah submitted a revision to R307-401-14 which changed the definition of “Boiler.” We are proposing to approve this definition change in this action.</P>
        <P>On October 1, 1990, R307-6 (<E T="03">De minimis</E>Emissions from Air Strippers and Soil Venting Projects) was approved into the Utah SIP. On August 14, 1998, EPA approved revisions to R307-6 (63 FR 43624). On January 8, 1999, Utah submitted substantive revisions to R307-6, which also renumbered R307-6 to R307-413-8 and R307-413-9. EPA did not act on this submittal. On September 15, 2006, Utah submitted revisions which moved R307-413-8 and R307-413-9 to R307-401-15 (Air Strippers and Soil Venting Projects) and R307-401-16 (De minimis Emissions from Soil Aeration Projects). Utah's January 8, 1999, submittal is superceded by the September 15, 2006, submittal. EPA is proposing to conditionally approve R307-401-15 and approve R307-401-16 as submitted on September 15, 2006, in this action.</P>
        <P>All other portions of the September 15, 2006, submittal not addressed in this action will be addressed at a later date.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. What Authorities Apply to EPA's Proposed Action</HD>
        <P>Section 110(l) of the CAA states, “Each revision to an implementation plan submitted by a State under this Act shall be adopted by such State after reasonable notice and public hearing. The Administrator shall not approve a revision to a plan if the revision would interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment and reasonable further progress (as defined in section 171), or any other applicable requirement of this Act.”</P>
        <P>The states' obligation to comply with each of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) is considered as “any applicable requirement(s) concerning attainment.” A demonstration is necessary to show that this revision will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of the NAAQS, including those for ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, nitrogen oxides or any other requirement of the Act.</P>

        <P>The CAA at section 110(a)(2)(C) requires states to include a minor New Source Review (NSR) program in their SIP to regulate modifications and new construction of stationary sources within the area as necessary to assure the NAAQS are achieved. EPA's implementing regulations at 40 CFR 51.160-164 are intended to ensure that new source growth is consistent with maintenance of the NAAQS and 40 CFR 51.160(e) requires states to identify types and sizes of facilities which will be subject to review under their minor NSR program. For sources identified under 40 CFR 51.160(e), section 51.160(a) requires that the SIP include legally enforceable procedures that enable a state or local agency to determine whether construction or modification of a facility, building, structure or installation, or combination of these will result in a violation of applicable portions of the control strategy; or interference with attainment or maintenance of a national standard in the state in which the proposed source (or modification) is located or in a<PRTPAGE P="37861"/>neighboring state. Section 110(i) of the CAA specifically precludes states from changing the requirements of the SIP except through SIP revisions approved by EPA. SIP revisions will be approved by EPA only if they meet all requirements of section 110 of the CAA and the implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 51. See CAA section 110(l); 40 CFR 51.104.</P>

        <P>EPA recognizes that, under the applicable Federal regulations, states have broad discretion to determine the scope of their minor NSR programs as needed to attain and maintain the NAAQS. The states have significant discretion to tailor minor NSR requirements that are consistent with the requirements of 40 CFR part 51. States may also provide a rationale for why the rules are at least as stringent as the 40 CFR part 51 requirements where the revisions are different from those in 40 CFR part 51. For example, states may exempt from minor new source review certain categories of changes based on<E T="03">de minimis</E>or administrative necessity grounds in accordance with the criteria set out in<E T="03">Alabama Power Co.</E>v.<E T="03">Costle, 636 F.2d 323, 360-361</E>(D.C. Cir. 1979).<E T="03">De minimis</E>sources are presumed not to have an impact and their emissions would not prevent or interfere with attainment of the NAAQS, even within nonattainment areas.</P>
        <P>Since there are no ambient air quality standards for air toxics, the area's compliance with any applicable maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards, as well as any Federal mobile source control requirements under CAA sections 112 or 202(l) would constitute an acceptable demonstration of noninterference for air toxics. A revision to the SIP cannot interfere with any federally mandated program such as a MACT standard (or related section 112 requirements).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. EPA's Analysis and Proposed Action on SIP Revisions</HD>
        <P>In this proposed rulemaking, we are proposing to approve the renumbering of R307-413-7 to R307-401-14 (Used Oil Burned for Energy Recovery) as submitted by the State of Utah on September 15, 2006, because this provision had been previously approved into the Utah SIP (71 FR 7670) and the revision does not contain substantive changes to the rule. We are also clarifying that R307-401-14(3) refers to the owner or operator of a boiler as described in R307-401-14(1).</P>
        <P>We are proposing to approve changes to the definition of “Boiler” in R307-401-14(1) as submitted by the State of Utah on April 17, 2008, in this action. The current federally approved definition of “Boiler” in R307-413-7 references Utah's solid and hazardous waste definition of “Boiler” in R315-1-1 as it was defined in 40 CFR 260.10, as amended on July 1, 2002. Utah's current federally approved version of R315-1-1 incorporates by reference 40 CFR 260.10, as amended on July 1, 2008. Since there is no substantive difference between 40 CFR 260.10, as amended on July 1, 2002, and 40 CFR 260.10, as amended on July 1, 2008, we are proposing to approve this definition change in R307-401-14.</P>
        <P>We are proposing to conditionally approve R307-401-15 and approve R307-401-16 as submitted on September 15, 2006, in this action. We are proposing to conditionally approve R307-401-15 because R307-401-15(3) allows for “test or monitoring method approved by the executive secretary,” which is director's discretion. Utah submitted a letter to EPA on February 24, 2012, committing to revise R307-401-15(3) to remove the executive secretary's discretion to approve alternate test or monitoring methods (see docket). Utah must submit a SIP revision to change or remove this language not later than one year after the date of final publication of this rulemaking. If, however, Utah does not submit such a revision within this timeframe, EPA's conditional approval of R307-401-15(3) will revert to a disapproval.</P>

        <P>R307-401-15 and R307-401-16 allows all air stripper, soil venting and soil aeration projects to be exempt from notice of intent and approval order requirements if the estimated actual air emissions from volatile organic compounds from a given project are less than 5 tons per year (R307-401-9(1)(a)) and the level of any one hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or combination of HAPs is less than the levels listed in R307-410-4(1)(d) (Toxic Screening Levels and Averaging Periods). EPA has approved similar<E T="03">de minimis</E>thresholds for criteria pollutants in past rulemakings: The State of Idaho's permit to construct regulations, which were approved final on January 16, 2003 (68 FR 2217); and the State of Montana's exclusion for<E T="03">de minimis</E>changes, which were approved final on February 13, 2012 (77 FR 7531). R307-401-15 and R307-401-16 contain provisions which are smaller in nature and scope than the previously approved rulemakings, as they generally only apply to the remediation of underground storage tanks. EPA finds the revisions would not interfere with any applicable requirement concerning attainment of the NAAQS, rate of progress and reasonable further progress (as defined in section 171), or any other applicable requirement of this Act.</P>

        <P>A review of air stripper, soil venting and soil aeration projects from 2008-2010 which were exempted from notice of intent and approval order requirements under R307-401-15 and R307-401-16 show negligible criteria pollutant emissions (see docket). In addition, data from the Utah leaking underground storage tank program shows a significant decrease in the number of new cleanups initiated over the last 10 years (see docket). These provisions meet the requirements of 40 CFR 51.160 because they require prior written approval (R307-401-15(2), R307-401-16(1)) of the State and have testing requirements (R307-401-15(3)) to ensure that exempted projects do not exceed the<E T="03">de minimis</E>thresholds as described in R307-401-9.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">V. Summary of Proposed Actions</HD>
        <P>Based on the above discussion, EPA finds that the revisions are consistent with all CAA requirements. We are proposing to approve the renumbering of R307-413-7 to R307-401-14 (Used Oil Burned for Energy Recovery) as submitted by the State of Utah on September 15, 2006; changes to the definition of “Boiler” in R307-401-14(1), as submitted by the State of Utah on April 17, 2008; and conditionally approve R307-401-15 and approve R307-401-16 as submitted on September 15, 2006.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</HD>
        <P>Under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable Federal regulations 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the Clean Air Act. Accordingly, this proposed action merely approves state law as meeting Federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. For that reason, this action:</P>
        <P>• Is not a “significant regulatory action” subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);</P>

        <P>• Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>);</P>

        <P>• Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities<PRTPAGE P="37862"/>under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601<E T="03">et seq.</E>);</P>
        <P>• Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);</P>
        <P>• Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);</P>
        <P>• Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);</P>
        <P>• Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);</P>
        <P>• Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the Clean Air Act; and</P>
        <P>• Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).</P>
        <P>In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the State, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52</HD>
          <P>Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Howard M. Cantor,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Regional Administrator, Region 8.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15476 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES</AGENCY>
        <CFR>42 CFR Part 84</CFR>
        <RIN>RIN 0920-AA38</RIN>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. CDC-2012-0009; NIOSH-258]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Remaining Service-Life Indicator Performance Requirements</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>As a component of its ongoing update of respirator certification standards under Part 84 and in response to a petition to amend 42 CFR 84.83(F), HHS proposes a revision to the current requirement for open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (OC-SCBA) remaining service-life indicators (indicators), which are devices built into a respirator to alert the user that the breathing air provided by the respirator is close to depletion. HHS intends to revise the current standard, employed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) located within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to allow greater latitude in the setting of the indicator alarm to ensure that the alarm more effectively meets the different worker protection needs of different work operations. This revision sets a default service life at 25 percent of the rated service time and allows the indicator to be adjusted higher by the manufacturer, at the request of the purchaser.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received by August 24, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may submit comments, identified by HHS RIN 0920-AA38, by either of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket CDC-2012-0009.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>NIOSH Docket Office, Robert A. Taft Laboratories, MS-C34, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Instructions:</E>All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) for this rulemaking. All relevant comments received will be posted without change to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the “Public Participation” heading of the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section of this document.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Docket:</E>For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>or<E T="03">http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/review/docket258/default.html.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Jonathan Szalajda, NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), P.O. Box 18070, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, (412) 386-5200 (this is not a toll-free number).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The preamble to this notice of proposed rulemaking is organized as follows:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. Public Participation</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. Background</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Introduction</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Background and Significance</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Need for Rulemaking</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Public Meetings for Discussion and Comment</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. Summary of Proposed Rule</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. Regulatory Assessment Requirements</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Regulatory Flexibility Act</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Paperwork Reduction Act</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">F. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">G. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">H. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">I. Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">J. Plain Writing Act of 2010</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">V. Proposed Rule</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Public Participation</HD>
        <P>Interested persons or organizations are invited to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written views, arguments, recommendations, and data. Comments are invited on any topic related to this proposal. In addition, HHS invites comment specifically on the following question related to this rulemaking:</P>
        <P>1. HHS proposes that the remaining service-life indicator (indicator) be set at 25 percent of the rated service time of the respirator, as a default setting, with the option for the setting to be adjusted higher by the manufacturer, at the discretion of the purchaser. Is 25 percent of the rated service time of the respirator an appropriate default setting for the indicator?</P>

        <P>2. Should the rule specify an upper limit that would require that the indicator be set to alarm no earlier than a set amount, such as 50 percent of rated service time? Are there possible emergency or rescue scenarios for which<PRTPAGE P="37863"/>one would want an indicator to alarm at 50 percent or more of the rated service time?</P>

        <P>Comments submitted should be titled “Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Remaining Service-Life Indicator Performance Requirements, RIN 0920-AA38,” and should identify the author(s), return address, and a phone number, in case clarification is needed. Electronic comments can be submitted to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Printed comments can be sent to the NIOSH Docket Office at the address above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be fully considered by HHS.</P>

        <P>All relevant comments submitted will be available for examination in the rule docket (a publicly available repository of the documents associated with the rulemaking). A complete electronic docket containing all comments submitted will be available at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov;</E>comments will be available in writing by request. All comments received are included without change in the dockets, including any personal information provided.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Background</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Introduction</HD>
        <P>Under 42 CFR Part 84, “Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices” (Part 84), NIOSH approves respirators used by workers in mines and other workplaces for protection against hazardous atmospheres. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require U.S. employers to supply NIOSH-approved respirators to their employees whenever the employer requires the use of a respirator.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Background and Significance</HD>
        <P>Employers rely on NIOSH-approved respirators to protect their employees from airborne toxic contaminants and oxygen-deficient environments. More than 3.3 million private sector employees in the United States wear respirators for certain work tasks. The most effective and reliable means of protecting workers from oxygen-deficient environments is to prevent their causes or entry into them by workers. However, it is not technologically or economically feasible in all workplaces and operations to reduce airborne concentrations of contaminants to safe levels and to prevent exposure to oxygen-deficient environments. In such cases, workers depend on respirators to protect them from asphyxiation or airborne contaminants that are known or suspected to cause acute and chronic health effects, such as heavy metal poisoning, acid burns, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis, neurological disorders, and cancer.</P>
        <P>Open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus are used primarily by firefighters and other rescue workers to provide breathable air in an environment that may be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). These respirators are characterized by a cylinder of compressed breathing air, which is inhaled by the user and then exhaled out of the system. OC-SCBA are required by HHS regulations to have a “remaining service life indicator or warning device,”<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>which is intended to alert users when the breathing air supply has been depleted to a certain percentage of breathing air available for use. The remaining service life indicator, referred to as a “low-air alarm,” or “end-of-service-time indicator” by various industries, is relied upon by rescuers to warn when they have begun to utilize their reserve supply of breathing air. The current HHS regulation requires that the indicator alarms when the rated service time of the respirator is reduced to within 20 to 25 percent.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>42 CFR 84.71(a)(6).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Need for Rulemaking</HD>
        <P>In 2003, NIOSH received a petition from David Bernzweig of the Columbus (OH) Professional Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 67 requesting that the agency initiate rulemaking to change the provisions of paragraph § 84.83(f).<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>The current rule requires that the indicator alarm within the 20 to 25 percent range; stakeholders request that HHS eliminate the lower value (20 percent) and require the indicator to alarm no later than at 25 percent of rated service time. NIOSH considered the request and facilitated discussion among stakeholders (see Section II.D. below). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which sets standards for personal protective equipment used in the fire service, initiated an effort in 2008 to develop consensus on the matter and recently decided to propose amending NFPA 1981: Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>to require that the indicator alarm at 33 percent in its upcoming revision of the standard.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>2</SU>National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, transcript of public meeting held December 2, 2008. Available at<E T="03">http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/pdfs/NIOSH-034-A/0034-A-120208-Transcript.pdf.</E>Last accessed October 25, 2011.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>NFPA 1981: Standard on open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for emergency services, Chapter 4. 2007 Edition.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Studies conducted by NFPA have demonstrated that, while the number of structure fires in the United States has declined more than 50 percent between 1977 and 2002, the rate of traumatic firefighter deaths has increased in recent years.<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>A majority of those deaths (over 63 percent) are due to smoke inhalation or asphyxiation, and many are attributed to firefighters going deep into large structures, becoming caught, lost, or disoriented, and then subsequently running out of breathing air before being able to exit.<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training, requires that firefighters leave the IDLH atmosphere before the indicator alarms, that is, before the individual begins to consume the respirator's reserve breathing air supply. While modern practice is for firefighters to practice “air management,” or allocate enough breathing air for entry, work, and exit,<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>many find maintaining situational awareness difficult.<SU>7</SU>
          <FTREF/>Many still rely on the indicator alarm to tell them to begin their exit, which is problematic because fire departments are finding that allotting 20-25 percent of the breathing air supply to exit does not allow enough time for escape from a large structure.<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>If the firefighter becomes disoriented in the smoke, rescuers will have very little time to bring the individual out of the building unharmed.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>4</SU>National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, transcript of public meeting held December 2, 2008. Available at<E T="03">http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/pdfs/NIOSH-034-A/0034-A-120208-Transcript.pdf.</E>Last accessed October 25, 2011.</P>
          <P>Fahy F. U.S. Fire Service fatalities in structure fires, 1977-2009. National Fire Protection Association. June 2010.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>Fahy F. U.S. Fire Service fatalities in structure fires, 1977-2009. National Fire Protection Association. June 2010.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>6</SU>Bernocco S, Gagliano M, Phillips C, Jose P. Is your department complying with the NFPA 1404 air management policy? Fire Engineering 2008;161.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>7</SU>E.g. see, City of Charleston, Post incident assessment and review team. Firefighter fatality investigative report: Sofa Super Store, 1807 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC, June 18, 2007. Phase II Report. May 15, 2008.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>8</SU>Marino D. Air management: Know your air-consumption rate. Fire Engineering. October 1, 2006.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>OC-SCBA used in firefighting are certified by both NIOSH (under 42 CFR Part 84) and NFPA, under NFPA 1981: Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)<PRTPAGE P="37864"/>for Emergency Services.<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>NFPA is proposing to increase the indicator alarm time in the 2013 edition of NFPA 1981 in order to provide the user with more reserve breathing air for self- or assisted-escape from the IDLH environment. Current NFPA standards require that the indicator “meet the activation requirements of NIOSH certification,”<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>which may result in indicator notification at less than 25 percent of cylinder volume. As discussed above, this may not allow an early enough warning that the user has begun depleting the respirator's reserve breathing air. The NFPA has decided to amend its standard to increase the indicator setting to 33 percent (+5/−0).<SU>11</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>9</SU>NFPA 1981: Standard on open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for emergency services, Chapter 4. 2007 Edition.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>10</SU>NFPA 1981: 6.2.3 (2007).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>Fahy RF, Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association. “U.S. Fire Service fatalities in structure fires, 1977-2009.” June 2010.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>HHS finds that revising § 84.83(f) to allow greater latitude with regard to setting the indicator alarm would not reduce the amount of protection afforded to firefighters and other OC-SCBA users. In fact, HHS believes that specifying a default setting of 25 percent and allowing respiratory protection program managers to request the indicator to be set at a certain value will result in a more meaningful alarm that will reduce firefighter fatalities and may offer greater protection for users in other industries.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Public Meetings for Discussion and Comment</HD>

        <P>NIOSH held a public meeting to discuss underlying issues and technical matters addressed in this proposed rule on December 2, 2008, at the Pittsburgh Hyatt Regency, Pittsburgh International Airport (73 FR 65860, November 5, 2008). The official transcript of this meeting as well as public comments are available on NIOSH Docket 34-A (See<E T="03">http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/docket034A.html</E>). NIOSH had previously collected public comments on remaining service-life indicators in 2004 (See NIOSH Docket 34,<E T="03">http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/docket034.html</E>). Most comments were generally supportive of the need to modify the indicator requirement. Those opposed to changing the requirement generally recommended that efforts to improve training in air management techniques should be pursued instead of changing this indicator requirement.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Summary of Proposed Rule</HD>
        <P>This proposed change would establish a default setting of 25 percent, and allow purchasers to request that the manufacturer set the remaining service-life indicator alarm at a value appropriate for the purchaser's occupational needs. Although it is not required, purchasers may also have the indicator setting modified for already fielded OC-SCBA units by an authorized representative of the manufacturer. The amendment would also codify a long-standing NIOSH policy requiring the indicator to alarm continuously until the respirator's breathing air supply is depleted.</P>
        <P>HHS recognizes that not all OC-SCBA users find that the current standard places workers in jeopardy. Accordingly, HHS finds it prudent to retain the higher value (25 percent) established by the current regulation as a default setting, which would allow respiratory protection program managers who would prefer not to make any changes to the OC-SCBA used in their occupational setting to maintain their status quo. The proposed amendment to § 84.83(f) would, however, allow managers who have determined that a higher set-point is warranted for their application the latitude to request a different value. Allowing managers to establish an earlier indicator alarm level would enable firefighters and incident commanders at structure fires involving substantial exit challenges to rely on the indicator alarm in emergency circumstances to warn that the reserve breathing air supply is being utilized. Allowing respiratory protection program managers to request that manufacturers set the indicator alarm at a certain value may also benefit workers in other industries that rely on OC-SCBA.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Alternatives Considered</HD>
        <P>While developing the proposed rule, HHS did not identify any acceptable alternatives to lifting the restriction created by the current regulation. We did, however, consider the appropriate value for the alarm, and the necessity for a single value or a range in which the alarm should sound. As discussed above, many OC-SCBA are used in occupational settings for which the current remaining service-life indicator setting of 25 percent has been integrated into user protocols without concern or incident. Different emergency and rescue uses are likely to be best served by different indicator alarm settings. For this reason, we did not find it appropriate to adopt the proposed NFPA standard, 33 percent, as the minimum alarm setting for all uses.</P>
        <P>HHS also considered the possibility of allowing a “user-adjustable” alarm setting, but rejected that option because of the complexity of the remaining service-life indicator. Allowing respiratory program managers to adjust the settings in the field would require extensive training and due to the technical difficulties of this task would introduce a reliability (and hence safety) concern.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. Regulatory Assessment Requirements</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563</HD>
        <P>Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 directs agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity).</P>
        <P>This proposed rule is not being treated as a “significant” action under E.O. 12866. It would modify the settings for an indicator required by current regulation, as well as codify a long-standing policy of requiring that the indicator alarm continuously once it has begun. The current rule requires that a remaining service-life indicator alarm when the breathing air provided by an OC-SCBA reaches between 20 and 25 percent of its limit. The proposed rule would replace the range with a default value of 25 percent, which would allow facility managers to be able to request that the manufacturer set the indicator value at a higher limit than 25 percent of remaining breathing air. There are no costs and only benefits associated with this change: All approved OC-SCBA models have a remaining service-life indicator for which alarm limits are set during manufacturing; allowing respiratory protection program managers to specify that value (to be set by the manufacturer) if they find it necessary to do so will save lives by improving the respiratory protection of emergency personnel and other users and indirectly by increasing the likelihood that victims will be successfully rescued in emergency response operations.</P>
        <P>The rule does not interfere with State, local, or tribal governments in the exercise of their governmental functions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Regulatory Flexibility Act</HD>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601<E T="03">et seq.,</E>requires each<PRTPAGE P="37865"/>agency to consider the potential impact of its regulations on small entities, including small businesses, small governmental units, and small not-for-profit organizations. As discussed above, all OC-SCBA models are equipped with a remaining service-life indicator that will not require any expenditure of resources to set at the proposed alarm limit. This proposed rule will allow small organizations such as local fire departments to specify their desired indicator limit when purchasing new devices from the manufacturer. The Secretary of HHS has certified to the Chief Counsel, Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration, that this rule does not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, no regulatory impact analysis is required.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995</HD>
        <P>The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.,</E>requires an agency to invite public comment on and to obtain OMB approval of any regulation that requires 10 or more people to report information to the agency or to keep certain records. This rule does not contain any information collection requirements; thus HHS has determined that the PRA does not apply to this rule.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act</HD>

        <P>As required by Congress under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801<E T="03">et seq.</E>), HHS would report to Congress the promulgation of a final rule, once it is developed, prior to its taking effect. The report would state that HHS has concluded that the rule is not a “major rule” because it is not likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995</HD>

        <P>Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531<E T="03">et seq.</E>) directs agencies to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal governments, and the private sector “other than to the extent that such regulations incorporate requirements specifically set forth in law.” For purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, this proposed rule does not include any Federal mandate that may result in increased annual expenditures in excess of $100 million by state, local or tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, adjusted annually for inflation. For 2011, the inflation-adjusted threshold is $136 million.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">F. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice)</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, and will not unduly burden the Federal court system. The proposed amendment to an existing respirator approval standard would apply uniformly to all applicants. This proposed rule has been reviewed carefully to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguities.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">G. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)</HD>
        <P>HHS has reviewed this proposed rule in accordance with Executive Order 13132 regarding federalism, and has determined that it does not have “federalism implications.” The proposed rule does not “have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.”</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">H. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks)</HD>
        <P>In accordance with Executive Order 13045, HHS has evaluated the environmental health and safety effects of this proposed rule on children. HHS has determined that the proposed rule would have no effect on children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">I. Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)</HD>
        <P>In accordance with Executive Order 13211, HHS has evaluated the effects of this proposed rule on energy supply, distribution, or use and has determined that the rule will not have a significant adverse effect.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">J. Plain Writing Act of 2010</HD>
        <P>Under Public Law 111-274 (October 13, 2010), executive Departments and Agencies are required to use plain language in documents that explain to the public how to comply with a requirement the Federal Government administers or enforces. HHS has attempted to use plain language in promulgating the proposed rule consistent with the Federal Plain Writing Act guidelines.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">V. Proposed Rule</HD>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 42 CFR Part 84</HD>
          <P>Occupational safety and health, Personal protective equipment, Respirators.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Text of the Rule</HD>
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Department of Health and Human Services proposes to amend 42 CFR Part 84 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 84—APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for Part 84 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>29 U.S.C. 577a, 651 et seq., and 657(g); 30 U.S.C. 3, 5, 7, 811, 842(h), 844.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 84.83</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>[Amended]</SUBJECT>
            <P>2. Amend § 84.83 as follows:</P>
            <P>a. Revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 84.83</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Timers; elapsed time indicators; remaining service life indicators; minimum requirements.</SUBJECT>
            <STARS/>
            <P>(f) Each remaining service-life indicator or warning device shall give an alarm when the reserve capacity of the apparatus is reached, and shall alarm continuously until depletion of the breathing air supply. The remaining service-life indicator shall be set by the manufacturer at 25 percent rated service time unless requested by purchasers to set the indicator to alarm at a higher value. For deployed units, the remaining service-life indicator may be set by an authorized representative of the manufacturer.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Dated: June 11, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Kathleen Sebelius,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-14764 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4163-18-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD</AGENCY>
        <CFR>49 CFR Chapter VIII</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. NTSB-GC-2012-001]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Plan for Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Request for information.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>Pursuant to Executive Order 13579, “Regulation and Independent Regulatory Agencies,” issued July 11, 2011, the NTSB is announcing it is undertaking a review of all NTSB regulations. The purpose of Executive Order 13579 is to ensure all agencies adhere to the key principles found in Executive Order 13563, ”Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,”<PRTPAGE P="37866"/>issued January 18, 2011, which include promoting public participation in rulemaking, improving integration and innovation, promoting flexibility and freedom of choice, and ensuring scientific integrity during the rulemaking process in order to create a regulatory system that protects public health, welfare, safety, and the environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. The NTSB is committed to ensuring its regulations remain updated and comply with these principles, and in accordance with Executive Order 13579, will review all NTSB regulations to ensure adherence to the principles. This notice describes the plan of review the NTSB will undertake.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments should be received on or before August 24, 2012. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may submit written comments to Docket NTSB-GC-2012-001 by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Mail, Hand Delivery or Courier:</E>NTSB Office of General Counsel, 490 L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC 20594.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Fax:</E>(202) 314-6090.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>David Tochen, NTSB General Counsel, at (202) 314-6080.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Executive Order 13579</HD>
        <P>In order to ensure independent agencies' regulations are consistent with the key principles articulated in Executive Order 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), Executive Order 13579 (76 FR 41587, July 14, 2011) requests independent agencies issue public plans for periodic retrospective analysis of their existing “significant regulations.” The executive order further advises agencies to undertake such analyses to identify any significant regulations that may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and subsequently plan to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal them in order to achieve regulatory objective. Executive Order 13563 also emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent culture of retrospective review and analysis by agencies of their regulatory programs. In this regard, the executive order included a “look-back” requirement for agencies to develop preliminary plans under which they will periodically review existing significant regulations to determine whether any should be modified, streamlined, expanded or repealed in order to make the agency's regulations more effective and less burdensome.</P>
        <P>In a more recent Executive Order, the President directed Executive departments and agencies to allow for public participation in retrospective reviews; prioritize their reviews by first addressing the regulations that will provide the most significant monetary savings or in reductions in paperwork burdens; and regularly report the status of retrospective reviews to OIRA. Executive Order 13610, “Identifying and Reducing Regulatory Burdens,” issued May 10, 2012, (77 FR 28469, May 14, 2012).</P>
        <P>As described above, Executive Order 13579 encourages independent agencies to review “significant regulations”; however, the executive order does not define what agencies should consider to be “significant regulations.” The NTSB has therefore decided to utilize the definition of a “significant regulatory action” provided in Executive Order 12866 (“Regulatory Planning and Review”), which is the executive order that established the current regulatory review structure.<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>Consistent with the approach other independent agencies have taken, the NTSB also considered the definition of “major rules” in section 251 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA, 5 U.S.C. 801(e)(2)) to guide our review of what regulations might be “significant” under the executive order. In this regard, 5 U.S.C. 610(a) provides for a 10-year review of rules that have a “significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities.” The NTSB, however, has determined that a very limited number of the NTSB's rules are “major rules,” because they do not have a “significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities.” In addition, the NTSB is not primarily a regulatory agency; as a result, its regulations typically address procedures to further the agency's statutory responsibilities to investigate the facts, circumstances, and cause of transportation accidents or implement governmentwide statutes, such as the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act. This plan, therefore, describes only the NTSB regulations that could, when viewed in the broadest sense, have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993. Section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 defines “significant regulatory action” as one that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel, legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. The NTSB's Plan</HD>
        <P>The NTSB has recently taken action on some parts of its regulations. For example, the NTSB finalized a new version of 49 CFR part 801 (Public Availability of Information) in 2007 (72 FR 18915, April 16, 2007); rescinded out-of-date regulations in 49 CFR part 805 (Employee Responsibilities and Conduct) in 2011 (76 FR 71910, November 21, 2011); issued some changes and additions to two sections within 49 CFR part 830 (notification and reporting of aircraft incidents and accidents) (75 FR 927, January 7, 2010; 75 FR 35330, June 22, 2010); and, most recently, issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking subsequent to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking suggesting several changes to 49 CFR parts 821 (Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings) and 826 (Rules Implementing the Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980) (77 FR 6760, February 9, 2012). The NTSB undertook these rulemaking activities after noting many of the rules in the parts described above were out-of-date. None of these aforementioned parts, however, contain regulations that are “significant” under Executive Order 12866.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Review of 49 CFR Part 831</HD>

        <P>The NTSB has identified one regulatory portion that may contain “significant regulations” pursuant to the definition contemplated above: 49 CFR part 831. This part, entitled “Accident/Incident Investigation Procedures,” contains a set of 14 sections describing the NTSB's “party process.” This process involves the NTSB's invitation to outside entities to assist with an investigation as a “party.” The NTSB typically extends party status to those organizations that can provide the necessary technical assistance to the investigation. The investigator-in-charge (IIC), for example, often confers party status to the operator, aircraft, systems, and powerplant manufacturers, and labor organizations involved because of the accident circumstances. The IIC designates all other parties as participants, subject to the discretion of the IIC, with the exception of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). By statute, the FAA is automatically a<PRTPAGE P="37867"/>participant in Safety Board investigations. 49 U.S.C. 1132(c). The role of the FAA representatives is to support the Safety Board's investigation and determine if immediate regulatory action is necessary to prevent another accident. The NTSB directs FAA representatives to refrain from using their participation to develop information for punitive actions or issuing violations.</P>
        <P>The parties involved in NTSB investigations could be small entities, and, depending on the scope and circumstances of the investigation, the NTSB could request these small entities to be available for the on-scene portion of an investigation, as well as follow-up meetings and/or tasks. The NTSB does not reimburse investigation participants for the amount of time expended for an NTSB investigation, nor does the NTSB pay for any travel costs that arise out of such participation. As a result, it is remotely possible that a combination of NTSB investigations could result in costs that exceed $100 million.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Biennial Review</HD>
        <P>Although this interpretation of 49 CFR part 831 as containing “significant regulatory actions” is based on a broad reading of “significant,” and the NTSB has not yet overseen any investigations that singly or in combination exceed the aforementioned threshold, the NTSB nevertheless is committed to reviewing its regulations within 49 CFR part 831, in the interest of ensuring none are “outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome” under Executive Orders 13563 and 13579. In this regard, the NTSB herein proposes to review 49 CFR part 831 within the next 6 months to determine if any sections within part 831 could be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed, pursuant to the direction of Executive Order 13579. The NTSB's findings will form the basis for the NTSB's decision concerning whether the NTSB should make any changes to part 831. The NTSB is committed to issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within 6 months of the published findings, should the findings counsel in favor of changing any sections of part 831.</P>
        <P>After the conclusion of any rulemaking activity, the NTSB will undertake a biennial review of part 831 to ensure no regulations are outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome. If the NTSB determines no changes to part 831 are necessary, the NTSB will begin computing time for its biennial review following the date of its publication of findings. The NTSB believes review on a biennial basis is appropriate for the subject matter contained in part 831, as the NTSB's party process is familiar to regular party participants, and party participants have not articulated concerns with the process that would warrant a change in regulations.</P>
        <P>Following each biennial review, the NTSB will make its findings available for public comment, providing an opportunity for public input as to which of the regulations that are ripe for evaluation warrant a formal public review. This input, in addition to the NTSB's recommendation, will inform the NTSB's decision as to which regulations will be the subject of a formal public review. This public review could be initiated by a notice seeking public comment on whether the regulations continue to meet their original objectives or by a proposal of specific changes to the regulations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Cultural Change</HD>
        <P>As indicated by the number of recent rulemaking activities, the NTSB is committed to developing a strong culture of retrospective analysis of its existing regulations. The NTSB currently is undertaking a review of other regulations that would not be considered “significant,” in which it is examining regulations to ensure they continue to be appropriate to meet the goal of the regulations without imposing an undue burden. In addition, the NTSB will seek to expand its effort to conduct regulatory reform and to make suggestions to modify, improve, or repeal regulations that may further the purpose of Executive Orders 13563, 13579, and 13610. The NTSB also encourages public comment on any of its regulations in title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, chapter VIII, in addition to 49 CFR part 831, consistent with the objectives of these Executive Orders. The NTSB will also consider the spirit of these Executive Orders when evaluating possible new regulations. With this change in the overall outlook concerning its regulations, the NTSB believes it will achieve the general objectives of these Executive Orders with regard to every part of its regulations, notwithstanding the fact that the vast majority of them are not “significant” under Executive Order 12866.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Deborah A.P. Hersman,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Chairman.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15327 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 7533-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>50 CFR Part 226</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. 110207102-2084-02]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 0648-BA81</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rulemaking To Revise Critical Habitat for Hawaiian Monk Seals</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule; notice of 6-month extension of the deadline for a final critical habitat determination.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>We, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), published a proposed rule in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on June 2, 2011, proposing to revise critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and requesting information related to the proposed action. This document announces a 6-month extension of the deadline for a final determination on the proposed rule. Based on comments received during the public comment period, we find that substantial disagreement exists regarding the sufficiency and accuracy of the data and analyses used to support the scope of the proposed critical habitat designation in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Accordingly, we are extending the deadline for the final revision to critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal an additional 6 months to further analyze data and consider concerns raised by State, Federal, and other entities, and better inform our determinations for the final revision of Hawaiian monk seal critical habitat under the ESA.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>A final revision will be made no later than December 2, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>The proposed rule, maps, and other materials relating to this proposal can be found on the NFMS Pacific Island Region's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_critical_habitat.html.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Jean Higgins, NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional Office, (808) 944-2157; Lance Smith, NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional Office, (808) 944-2258; or Dwayne Meadows, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources (301) 427-8403.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:<PRTPAGE P="37868"/>
        </HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>

        <P>On June 2, 2011, we published a proposed rule to revise critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal (<E T="03">Monachus schauinslandi</E>) by extending the current designation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) out to the 500-meter (m) depth contour and including Sand Island at Midway Islands; and by designating six new areas in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (76 FR 32044; June 2, 2011). We received public comments in response to the proposed rule from June 2, 2011 through January 6, 2012. Comments were received, through electronic submissions, letters and oral testimonies from public hearings held in Kaunakakai, Molokai; Kihei, Maui; Lihue, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; Hilo, Hawaii; and in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.</P>
        <P>Several commenters, including the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; the State of Hawaii's House Committee on Water, Land, and Ocean Resources; and the State of Hawaii's Senate Committee on Water, Land, and Housing, have strongly criticized the scope of the proposed critical habitat designation. In particular comments focused on the sufficiency of the analysis and the accuracy of the description of the six physical or biological features that are identified as essential for the conservation of the species, as well as whether the areas proposed are appropriate for designation. Additionally, comments suggested that our identification of essential features and the science upon which they are based, did not rely on the best available science to support the delineation of the proposed designation. We have considered these comments, and we find that substantial disagreement exists over the identification of the essential features that support the scope of the proposed designation of critical habitat in the Main Hawaiian Islands, and whether these features are essential for the conservation of the species.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Extension of Critical Habitat Revision Determination</HD>
        <P>The ESA, section 4(b)(6), requires that we take one of three actions within 1 year of a proposed revision to critical habitat: (1) Finalize the proposed revision; (2) withdraw the proposed revision; or (3) extend the final revision to critical habitat by not more than 6 months. Section 4(b)(6)(B)(i) allows a 6-month extension of the 1-year deadline for a final revision if there is substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the revision for the purposes of soliciting additional data.</P>
        <P>We have received multiple comments on the scope of the designation and the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data used to support this proposed rulemaking. In particular, commenters raised questions regarding the foraging ecology of Hawaiian monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands and whether the areas proposed for designation address the foraging needs and preferences in this habitat. The State of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted a comment disagreeing with the identified physical and biological features and describing an alternative approach for considering foraging areas for this designation. We are presently working with the State to obtain further information regarding the data and analysis they used to support their evaluation of foraging areas. Additionally, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council submitted a comment disagreeing with the delineation of areas used by monk seals for foraging in the main Hawaiian Islands. NMFS has released just over 20 GPS-equipped cellular transmitter tags on seals in the main Hawaiian Islands in the past two years; we believe that further analysis of this data will provide additional information bearing on this dispute and may be sufficient to resolve it.</P>
        <P>As a result of these comments, NMFS is extending the final revision to critical habitat for 6 months pursuant to section 4(b)(6)(B)(i). An additional 6 months will allow us to further evaluate the data used by the State, as well as analyze information received from GPS-equipped cellular transmitter tags in the main Hawaiian Islands. To ensure that the final rule is based solely on the best available scientific information, it is essential to resolve the substantial disagreement regarding the identification and analysis of the essential features which support the scope of the designation; therefore, we conclude that a 6-month extension of the final revision to critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal is warranted.</P>
        <P>Although not a basis for the extension, we will also use this period to further evaluate all comments received regarding the potential economic impacts of the proposed designation.</P>
        <P>In consideration of the disagreement surrounding the scope of this proposed designation, we extend the timeline for the final designation for an additional 6 months (until December 2, 2012) to resolve the disagreement.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Classification</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866)</HD>

        <P>This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of E.O. 12866. A draft Economic Analysis report and draft ESA section 4(b)(2) report (NMFS, 2010b) were prepared to support the exclusion process under section 4(b)(2) of the ESA and our consideration of alternatives to this rulemaking as required under E.O. 12866. The draft Economic Analysis report (ECONorthwest, 2010) and draft ESA section 4(b)(2) report (NMFS, 2010b) are available on the Pacific Islands Region Web site at<E T="03">http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_critical_habitat.html.</E>
        </P>
        <AUTH>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
          <P>16 U.S.C. 1531<E T="03">et seq.</E>
          </P>
        </AUTH>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Samuel D. Rauch III,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15441 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-22-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
  </PRORULES>
  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>122</NO>
  <DATE>Monday, June 25, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Notices</UNITNAME>
  <NOTICES>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="37869"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="F">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>June 19, 2012.</DATE>

        <P>The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB),<E T="03">OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV</E>or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.</P>
        <P>An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Requirements of Recognizing the Animal Health Status of Foreign Regions.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E>0579-0219.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Summary of Collection:</E>The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) of 2002 is the primary Federal law governing the protection of animal health. The AHPA is contained in Title X, Subtitle E, Sections 10401-18, of Public Law 107-171, May 13, 2002, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for, among other things, protecting the health of our Nation's livestock and poultry populations by preventing the introduction and spread of serious diseases and pests of livestock and poultry and for eradicating such diseases and pests from the United States when feasible. The regulations in 9 CFR part 92, “Importation of Animals and Animal Products: Procedures for Requesting Recognition of Regions,” set out the process by which a foreign government may request recognition of the animal health status of a region or approval to export animals or animal products to the United States based on the risk associated with animals or animal products from that region. Each request must include information about the region.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Need and Use of the Information:</E>APHIS will collect information that might include: (1) The authority, organization, and infrastructure of the Veterinary Service Organization in the region; (2) disease status; (3) the status of adjacent regions with respect to the agent; (4) the extent of an active disease control program, if any, if the agent is known to exist in the region; (5) the vaccination status of the region, when was the last vaccination, what is the extent of vaccination if it is currently used, and what vaccine is being used; (6) the degree to which the region is separated from adjacent regions of higher risk through physical or other barriers; (7) the extent to which movement of animal and animal products is controlled from regions of higher risk, and the level of biosecurity regarding such movements; (8) livestock demographics and marketing practices in the region; (9) the type and extent of surveillance in the region, e.g., is it passive and/or active, what is the quantity and quality of sampling and testing; (10) diagnostic laboratory capabilities, and (11) policies and infrastructure for animal disease control in the region, i.e., emergency response capacity. Without the information the U.S. livestock and poultry industries could suffer serious economic losses as the result of such an incursion, as the value of their products would be diminished both domestically and internationally.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description of Respondents:</E>Federal Government.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Number of Respondents:</E>3.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Frequency of Responses:</E>Reporting: On occasion.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Burden Hours:</E>120.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Ruth Brown,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15454 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-34-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Food and Nutrition Service</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request—National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>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 revision of a currently approved collection for the National Hunger Clearinghouse.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments must be received on or before August 24, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be<PRTPAGE P="37870"/>collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>

          <P>Comments may be sent to: Raymond Magee, Program Analyst, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships, and Outreach, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1400, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via email to<E T="03">Raymond.Magee@fns.usda.gov.</E>Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically.</P>
          <P>All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1400 Alexandria, Virginia 22302.</P>
          <P>All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will be a matter of public record.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Raymond Magee, Program Analyst, at 703-305-2657.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <P SOURCE="NPAR">
          <E T="03">Title:</E>National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Form:</E>FNS 543.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>0584-0474.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Expiration Date:</E>8/31/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Request:</E>Revision of a currently approved collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Abstract:</E>Section 26(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g(d)) (the Act), which was added to the Act by section 123 of Public Law 103-448 on November 2, 1994, mandated that FNS enter into a contract with a non-governmental organization to establish and maintain an information clearinghouse (named “USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse” or “Clearinghouse”) for groups that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding nutrition assistance programs or other assistance. FNS awarded this contract to the national hunger advocacy organization World Hunger Year (WHY) of New York, NY. Section 26(d) was amended by section 112 of Public Law 105-336 on October 31, 1998, to extend funding for the Clearinghouse (now called “National Hunger Clearinghouse” or “Clearinghouse”) through fiscal year 2003. This Act was amended again by Public Law 108-265 on June 30, 2004, and provided increased funding for the Clearinghouse through fiscal year 2008. Section 26(d) of this Act was amended again by Public Law 110-246 on October 1, 2008, to extend funding for the Clearinghouse through fiscal year 2010 with the option for four one-year renewals.</P>

        <P>The Clearinghouse includes a database (FNS-543) of non-governmental, grassroots programs that work in the areas of hunger and nutrition, as well as a mailing list of relevant local governmental agencies. Under the original contract, Clearinghouse staff established the database by reviewing relevant programs of organizations contained in several existing mailing lists. Program and mailing information about organizations pulled from these lists were collected and entered into the database once each contract year via a mail survey with follow up to ensure high response rates. Surveys (FNS-543) are also completed on-line at<E T="03">http://www.whyhunger.org/joinTheNetwork/governmentInfo.</E>Survey questionnaires will continue to be sent out under the current contract. From this information collection, the following information was determined:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimate of the Burden:</E>Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average Ten (10) minutes to complete the survey (the survey includes one two-page instrument). There is no recordkeeping involved.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>Business or other for-profit, as well as non-profit organizations, and organizations providing nutrition assistance services to the public.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>1,750.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:</E>One (1) response per respondent.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Responses:</E>1,750.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Time per Respondent:</E>.167.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:</E>292.25 hours.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,12C,12C,12C,12C,12C" COLS="6" OPTS="L2,tp0,i1">
          <TTITLE/>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Affected public</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Est. number of respondents</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Frequency of response</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>estimated</LI>
              <LI>annual</LI>
              <LI>responses</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Estimated time per response</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>estimated burden hours</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Businesses and non-profits</ENT>
            <ENT>1,750</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>1,750</ENT>
            <ENT>.167</ENT>
            <ENT>292.25</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 18, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Audrey Rowe,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15387 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-30-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <P>The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Agency:</E>National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Computer and Internet Use Supplement to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (formerly Broadband Subscription and Usage Survey Supplement to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E>0660-0021.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Form Number(s):</E>None.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Request:</E>Regular submission (Reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>54,000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Time per Response:</E>3 minutes.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:</E>2,700.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Needs and Uses:</E>NTIA proposes to add 12 questions to the U.S. Census Bureau's October 2012 Current Population Survey (CPS) in order to gather reliable data on broadband (also known as high-speed Internet) use by U.S. households. President Obama has established a national goal of universal, affordable broadband access for all Americans (<E T="03">http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/20091217-recovery-act-investments-broadband.pdf</E>). To that end, the Administration is working with Congress, the Federal Communications<PRTPAGE P="37871"/>Commission (FCC), and other stakeholders to develop and advance economic and regulatory policies that foster broadband deployment and adoption. Collecting current, systematic, and comprehensive information on broadband use and non-use by U.S. households is critical to allow policymakers not only to gauge progress made to date, but also to identify problem areas with a specificity that permits carefully targeted and cost-effective responses.</P>
        <P>The Census Bureau (“the Bureau”) is widely regarded as a superior collector of data based on its centuries of experience and its scientific methods. Collection of NTIA's requested broadband usage data will occur in conjunction with the Bureau's scheduled October 2012 Current Population Survey (CPS), thereby significantly reducing the potential burden on surveyed households. Questions on broadband and Internet use have been included in ten previous CPS surveys.</P>
        <P>The modification the October CPS to include NTIA's requested broadband data will allow the Commerce Department and NTIA to respond to congressional concerns and directives.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>Individuals or households.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Frequency:</E>Once.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Respondent's Obligation:</E>Voluntary.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Desk Officer:</E>Nicholas Fraser, (202) 395-5887.</P>

        <P>Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, (202) 482-0336, Department of Commerce, Room 6612, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at<E T="03">JJessup@doc.gov</E>).</P>

        <P>Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Nicholas Fraser, OMB Desk Officer, via the Internet at<E T="03">Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov,</E>or by Fax at (202) 395-7285.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Gwellnar Banks,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15382 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-06-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>International Trade Administration</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Application 12-00005]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Export Trade Certificate of Review</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of Application for an Export Trade Certificate of Review from Colombia Rice Export Quota, Inc.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Export Trading Company Affairs (“ETCA”) unit, Office of Competition and Economic Analysis, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce, has received an application for an Export Trade Certificate of Review (“Certificate”). This notice summarizes the conduct for which certification is sought and requests comments relevant to whether the Certificate should be issued.</P>
        </SUM>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Joseph E. Flynn, Director, Office of Competition and Economic Analysis, International Trade Administration, by telephone at (202) 482-5131 (this is not a toll free number) or Email at<E T="03">etca@trade.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>Title III of the Export Trading Company Act of 1982 (15 U.S.C. 4001-21) authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue Export Trade Certificates of Review. An Export Trade Certificate of Review protects the holder and the members identified in the Certificate from state and federal government antitrust actions and from private, treble damage antitrust actions for the export conduct specified in the Certificate and carried out in compliance with its terms and conditions. Section 302(b)(1) of the Export Trading Company Act of 1982 and 15 CFR 325.6(a) require the Secretary to publish a notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, identifying the applicant and summarizing its proposed export conduct.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Request for Public Comments</HD>

        <P>Interested parties may submit written comments relevant to the determination whether a Certificate should be issued. If the comments include any privileged or confidential business information, it must be clearly marked and a nonconfidential version of the comments (identified as such) should be included. Any comments not marked “privileged” or “confidential business information” will be deemed to be nonconfidential. An original and five (5) copies, plus two (2) copies of the nonconfidential version, should be submitted no later than 20 days after the date of this notice to: Export Trading Company Affairs, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 7021X, Washington, DC 20230, or transmitted by Email at<E T="03">etca@trade.gov.</E>Information submitted by any person is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). However, nonconfidential versions of the comments will be made available to the applicant if necessary for determining whether or not to issue the Certificate. Comments should refer to this application as “Export Trade Certificate of Review, application number 12-00005.” A summary of the application follows.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Summary of the Application</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicant:</E>Colombia Rice Export Quota, Inc. (“COLOM-RICE”),</P>
        <P>1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Application No.:</E>12-00005.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Date Deemed Submitted:</E>June 5, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Members (in Addition to Applicant)</HD>
        <P>Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203-0031; California Rice Research Board, P.O. Box 507, Yuba City, CA 95992; Louisiana Rice Research Board, 1373 Caffey Road, Rayne, LA 70578; Mississippi Rice Promotion Board, 2538 Crosby Road, Marigold, MS 38759; Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, P.O. Box 77, Malden, MO 63863; Texas Rice Producers' Board, 301 W. Webb, El Campo, TX 77434; USA Rice, Merchants' Association, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3040; USA Rice Millers' Association, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3040; and Federación Nacional de Arroceros de Colombia (FEDEARROZ) Carrera 100 No. 25H—25, Bogotá—Colombia.</P>
        <P>COLOM-RICE seeks a Certificate to engage in the Export Trade Activities and Methods of Operation described below in the following Export Trade and Export Markets.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Export Trade</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Products</HD>

        <P>Rice classifiable for customs purposes under HTS Codes 1006.1090, 1006.2000, 1006.3000 and 1006.4000. The rice products as described in the Agricultural Tariff Schedule of the Republic of Colombia, as appended to the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (“TPA”), signed into law by the President on October 12, 2011, and including the following Colombian HTS Codes: 1006.1090—rice in hull, except for seed (<E T="03">arroz con cascara, excepto para siembra</E>); 1006.2000—hulled rice—<PRTPAGE P="37872"/>rough rice or brown rice (<E T="03">arroz descascarillado, arroz cargo o arroz pardo</E>); 1006.3000—rice semi-milled or milled, whether polished or glazed (<E T="03">arroz semiblanqueado o blanqueado, incluso pulido oglaseado</E>); 1006.4000—broken rice (<E T="03">arroz partido</E>).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Export Markets</HD>
        <P>Rice for which tariff-rate quotas (“TRQs”) awards will be made will be exported to the Republic of Colombia.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Export Trade Activities and Methods of Operation</HD>
        <P>1. Purpose.</P>
        <P>Colombia Rice Export Quota, Inc. (“COL-RICE”) will manage on an open tender basis the TRQs for rice products granted by the Republic of Colombia to the United States under the terms of the TPA, or any amended or successor agreement providing for Colombia TRQs for rice from the United States of America. Specifically, the TRQs for rice products are set forth at Paragraph 20 of Appendix I of the General Notes of Colombia, Annex 2.3 to the TPA. COL-RICE also will provide for distributions of the proceeds received from the tender process based on exports of rice (“the TRQ System”) to support the operation and administration of COL-RICE and to fund research projects for the benefit of the rice industry of the United States and to fund market development and/or competitiveness projects for the benefit of the rice production sector of the Republic of Colombia, as established by paragraph 6 of Article 5 of Decree No. 0728 of 2012, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia.</P>
        <P>2. Implementation.</P>
        <P>A.<E T="03">Administrator.</E>COL-RICE shall contract with a neutral third party Administrator (i.e., a party who is not engaged in the production, sale, distribution or export of rice or rice products) who shall bear responsibility for administering the TRQ System, subject to general supervision and oversight by the Board of Directors of COL-RICE.</P>
        <P>B.<E T="03">Membership.</E>COL-RICE's members under this certificate are: Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board; California Rice Research Board; Louisiana Rice Research Board; Mississippi Rice Promotion Board; Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council; Texas Rice Producers' Board; USA Rice Merchants' Association; and USA Rice Millers' Association on behalf of the U.S. rice industry; and Federación Nacional de Arroceros de Colombia (FEDEARROZ) on behalf of the rice production sector of the Republic of Colombia, as provided for in the letter of May 3, 2012, Radicado No. 20121100031363 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development according to paragraph 5 of Article 5 of Decree No.0728 of 2012, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia.</P>
        <P>C.<E T="03">Open Tender Process.</E>COL-RICE shall offer TRQ Certificates for duty-free shipments of U.S. rice to the Republic of Colombia solely and exclusively through an open tender process with certificates awarded to the highest bidders (“TRQ Certificates”). COL-RICE shall hold tenders in accordance with tranches at least once each year. The award of TRQ Certificates under the open tender process shall be determined solely and independently by the Administrator in accordance with Section I without any participation by the Members of COL-RICE or the COL-RICE Board of Directors.</P>
        <P>D.<E T="03">Persons or Entities Eligible to Bid.</E>Any person or entity incorporated or with a legal address in the United States of America shall be eligible to bid in the open tender process.</P>
        <P>E.<E T="03">Notice.</E>The Administrator shall publish notice (“Notice”) of each open tender process to be held to award TRQ Certificates in the<E T="03">Journal of Commerce</E>and, at the discretion of the Administrator, in other publications of general circulation within the U.S. rice industry; and in a publication of general circulation in Colombia. The Notice will invite independent bids and will specify (i) the total amount (in metric tons) that will be allocated pursuant to the applicable tender; (ii) the shipment period for which the TRQ Certificates will be valid; (iii) the date and time by which all bids must be received by the Administrator in order to be considered (the “Bid Date”); and (iv) a minimum bid amount per ton, as established by the Board of Directors, to ensure the costs of administering the auction are recovered. The Notice normally will be published not later than 30 business days prior to the first day of the shipment period and will specify a Bid Date that is at least 10 business days after the date of publication of the Notice. The Notice will specify the format for bid submissions. Bids must be received by the Administrator not later than 5:00 p.m. EST on the Bid Date.</P>
        <P>F.<E T="03">Contents of Bid.</E>The bid shall be in a format established by the Administrator and shall state (i) the name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers, and email address of the bidder; (ii) the quantity of rice bid, in an amount stated in metric tons, or fractions thereof; (iii) the bid price in U.S. dollars per metric ton; and (iv) the total value of the bid. The bid form shall contain a provision, that must be signed by the bidder, agreeing that (i) any dispute that may arise relating to the bidding process or to the award of TRQ Certificates shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules; and (ii) judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.</P>
        <P>G.<E T="03">Performance Security.</E>The bidder shall submit with each bid a performance bond, irrevocable letter of credit drawn on a U.S. bank, cashier's check, wire transfer or equivalent security, in a form approved and for the benefit of an account designated by the Administrator, in the amount of $50,000 or the total value of the bid, whichever is less. The bidder shall forfeit such performance security if the bidder fails to pay for any TRQ Certificates awarded within five (5) business days. The bidder may chose to apply the performance security to the price of any successful bid, or to retain the performance security for a subsequent open tender process. Promptly after the close of the open tender process, the Administrator shall return any unused or non-forfeited security to the bidder.</P>
        <P>H.<E T="03">Confidentiality of Bids.</E>The Administrator shall treat all bids and their contents as confidential. The Administrator shall disclose information about bids only to another neutral third party, or authorized government official of the United States or of the Republic of Colombia and only as necessary to ensure the effective operation of the TRQ System or where required by law. However, after the issuance of all TRQ Certificates from an open tender process, the Administrator shall notify all bidders and shall disclose publicly (i) the total tonnage for which TRQ Certificates were awarded, and (ii) the average price and lowest price per metric ton of all successful bids.</P>
        <P>I.<E T="03">Award of TRQ Certificates.</E>The Administrator shall award TRQ Certificates for the available tonnage to the bidders who have submitted the highest price conforming bids. If two or more bidders have submitted bids with identical prices, the Administrator shall divide the remaining available tonnage in proportion to the quantities of their bids, and offer each TRQ Certificates in the resulting tonnages. If any bidder declines all or part of the tonnage offered, the Administrator shall offer that tonnage first to the other tying bidders, and then to the next highest bidder.<PRTPAGE P="37873"/>
        </P>
        <P>J.<E T="03">Payment for TRQ Certificates.</E>Promptly after being notified of a TRQ award and within the time specified in the Notice, the bidder shall pay the full amount of the bid, either by wire transfer or by certified check, to an account designated by the Administrator. If the bidder fails to make payment within five (5) days, the Administrator shall revoke the award and award the tonnage to the next highest bidder(s).</P>
        <P>K.<E T="03">Delivery of TRQ Certificates.</E>The Administrator shall establish an account for each successful bidder in the amount of tonnage available for TRQ Certificates. Upon request, the Administrator will issue TRQ Certificates in the tonnage designated by the bidder, consistent with the balance in that account.</P>
        <P>L.<E T="03">Transferability.</E>TRQ Certificates shall be freely transferable except that (i) any TRQ Certificate holder who intends to sell, transfer or assign any rights under that Certificate shall publish such intention on a Web site maintained by the Administrator at least three (3) business days prior to any sale, transfer or assignment; and (ii) any TRQ holder that sells, transfers or assigns its rights under a TRQ Certificate shall provide the Administrator with notice and a copy of the sale, transfer or assignment within three (3) business days.</P>
        <P>M.<E T="03">Deposit of Proceeds:</E>The Administrator shall cause all proceeds of the open tender process to be deposited in interest-bearing accounts in a financial institution approved by the COL-RICE Board of Directors.</P>
        <P>N.<E T="03">Disposition of Proceeds.</E>The proceeds of the open tender process shall be applied and distributed as follows:</P>
        <P>i. The Administrator shall pay from tender proceeds, as they become available, all operating expenses of COL-RICE, including legal, accounting and administrative costs of establishing and operating the TRQ System, as authorized by the Board of Directors.</P>
        <P>ii. The legal, accounting and administrative expenses of the USA Rice Federation, the US Rice Producers Association, and FEDEARROZ directly related to establishing COL-RICE, shall be reimbursed from the proceeds of the COL-RICE as they become available and subject to the review of the Board.</P>
        <P>iii. Of the proceeds remaining at the end of each year of operations and after all costs described in (i) and (ii) above have been paid—1. In years one (1) through ten (10), fifty percent (50%) shall be distributed to each of the six (6) state chartered rice research boards named as members above on a pro rata basis, that share being each state's pro rata share of the average of the immediately preceding three (3) years U.S. rice production, to fund rice research projects as defined by each of the six (6) state chartered research boards to benefit the United States rice industry. The funds are to be used for direct research projects and not to be used for general administrative purposes.</P>
        <P>2. In years eleven (11) through eighteen (18), fifty percent (50%) shall be distributed to each of the six (6) state chartered rice research boards named as members above on a pro rata basis, that share being each state's pro rata share of the average of the immediately preceding three (3) years U.S. rice production, to fund research and promotion projects as defined by each of the six (6) state chartered research boards to benefit the United States rice industry as may be within the purview of each board. These funds are to be used for direct projects and are not to be used for general administrative purposes.</P>
        <P>3. In all years, fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds shall be distributed to the Colombian Member to fund market development and/or competitiveness projects for the benefit of the rice production sector of the Republic of Colombia, as established by paragraph 6 of Article 5 of Decree No. 0728 of 2012, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia.</P>
        <P>O.<E T="03">Arbitration of Disputes.</E>Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the TRQ System or the breach thereof shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.</P>
        <P>P.<E T="03">Confidential Information.</E>The Administrator shall maintain as confidential all export documentation or other business sensitive information submitted in connection with application for COL-RICE membership, bidding in the open tender process or requests for distribution of proceeds, where such documents or information has been marked “Confidential” by the person making the submission. The Administrator shall disclose such information only to another neutral third party or authorized government official of the Government of the United States of America or an official of the Government of the Republic of Colombia; and only where necessary to ensure the effective operation of the TRQ System or where required by law (including appropriate disclosure in connection with the arbitration of a dispute).</P>
        <P>Q.<E T="03">Annual Reports.</E>COL-RICE shall publish an annual report including a statement of its operating expenses and data on the distribution of proceeds, as reflected in the audited financial statement of the COL-RICE TRQ System. A copy of the certificate will be kept in the International Trade Administration's Freedom of Information Records Inspection Facility, Room 4100, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Joseph E. Flynn,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Director, Office of Competition and Economic Analysis.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15388 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>International Trade Administration</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[A-570-929]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Anticircumvention Inquiry</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In response to a request from SGL Carbon LLC and Superior Graphite Co. (the petitioners), the Department of Commerce (the Department) is initiating an anticircumvention inquiry pursuant to section 781(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), to determine under the minor alterations provision whether graphite electrodes with diameters larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches are products that are “altered in form or appearance in minor respects” from in-scope merchandise such that they may be considered subject to the antidumping duty order on small diameter graphite electrodes (SDGEs) from the People's Republic of China (PRC).<SU>1</SU>
            <FTREF/>
          </P>
          <FTNT>
            <P>
              <SU>1</SU>
              <E T="03">See Antidumping Duty Order: Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes from the People's Republic of China,</E>74 FR 8775 (February 26, 2009) (SDGE Order).</P>
          </FTNT>
          <P>In addition, in response to a request from the petitioners, the Department is also initiating an anticircumvention inquiry pursuant to section 781(d) of the Act to determine whether graphite electrodes with diameters larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches may be considered subject to the SDGE Order under the later-developed merchandise provision.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <PRTPAGE P="37874"/>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Effective Date:</E>June 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Thomas Schauer, AD/CVD Operations, Office 1, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-0410.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>
        <P>On April 5, 2012, the petitioners alleged that Chinese producers of graphite electrodes are engaged in circumvention of the SDGE Order by exporting graphite electrodes that have diameters that are larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches (alleged SDGEs) to the United States.<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners requested that the Department initiate an anticircumvention proceeding, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.225(i), to determine whether the importation from the PRC of alleged SDGEs constitutes circumvention of the SDGE Order, as defined in section 781(c) of the Act. The petitioners additionally requested that the Department initiate an anticircumvention proceeding, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.225(j), to determine whether the importation of alleged SDGEs from the PRC constitutes circumvention of the SDGE Order, as defined in section 781(d) of the Act.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Letter from the petitioners entitled, “Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes: Request for Scope/Circumvention Ruling,” dated April 5, 2012 (Initiation Request). As indicated in the “Scope of the Order” section, below, the maximum diameter specific in the scope of the SDGE Order is 16 inches.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>On April 24, 2012, the Department requested additional information from the petitioners.<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>On May 4, 2012, we received the petitioners' response.<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>On May 10, 2012, the petitioners submitted further evidence in support of their claims.<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>the Department's Letter to the petitioners dated April 24, 2012.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Letter from the petitioners dated May 4, 2012 (SQR).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Letter from the petitioners dated May 10, 2012 (SQR2).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Scope of the Order</HD>
        <P>The merchandise covered by the order includes all small diameter graphite electrodes of any length, whether or not finished, of a kind used in furnaces, with a nominal or actual diameter of 400 millimeters (16 inches) or less, and whether or not attached to a graphite pin joining system or any other type of joining system or hardware. The merchandise covered by the order also includes graphite pin joining systems for small diameter graphite electrodes, of any length, whether or not finished, of a kind used in furnaces, and whether or not the graphite pin joining system is attached to, sold with, or sold separately from, the small diameter graphite electrode. Small diameter graphite electrodes and graphite pin joining systems for small diameter graphite electrodes are most commonly used in primary melting, ladle metallurgy, and specialty furnace applications in industries including foundries, smelters, and steel refining operations. Small diameter graphite electrodes and graphite pin joining systems for small diameter graphite electrodes that are subject to the order are currently classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 8545.11.0010.<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>The HTSUS number is provided for convenience and customs purposes, but the written description of the scope is dispositive.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>6</SU>The scope described in the SDGE Order refers to the HTSUS subheading 8545.11.0000. In their Initiation Request, the petitioners have informed the Department that, starting in 2010, imports of SDGEs are classified in the HTSUS under subheading 8545.11.0010 and imports of large diameter graphite electrodes are classified under subheading 8545.11.0020.<E T="03">See</E>Initiation Request at 5.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Initiation of Minor Alterations Anticircumvention Proceeding</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Statutory Criteria for Initiation of Anticircumvention Proceeding Under Section 781(c) of the Act</HD>

        <P>Section 781(c) of the Act provides that the Department may find circumvention of an antidumping duty (AD) order when products which are of the class or kind of merchandise subject to an AD order have been “altered in form or appearance in minor respects * * * whether or not included in the same tariff classification.” While the statute is silent as to what factors to consider in determining whether alterations are properly considered “minor,” the legislative history of this provision indicates that there are certain factors which should be considered before reaching a circumvention determination. In conducting a circumvention inquiry under section 781(c) of the Act, the Department has generally relied upon “such criteria as the overall physical characteristics of the merchandise, the expectations of the ultimate users, the use of the merchandise, the channels of marketing and the cost of any modification relative to the total value of the imported products.”<E T="03">See</E>S. Rep. No.71, 100th Cong., 1st Sess. 100 (1987) (“In applying this provision, the Commerce Department should apply practical measurements regarding minor alterations, so that circumvention can be dealt with effectively, even where such alterations to an article technically transform it into a differently designated article.”).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">The Petitioners' Request for Initiation of an Anticircumvention Proceeding Under Section 781(c) of the Act</HD>

        <P>The petitioners claim that prior to imposition of the SDGE Order, no U.S. or Chinese producer manufactured 17-inch SDGEs or other non-even sizes (<E T="03">e.g.,</E>16<FR>1/2</FR>inch); rather, standard sizes of SDGEs above 10 inches were produced only in even inch sizes (<E T="03">i.e.,</E>10, 12, 14, 16). Thus, according to the petitioners, SDGEs with a nominal or actual diameter of 16 inches or less represented the complete range of all SDGE production in both the United States and the PRC at the time of the imposition of the SDGE Order. The petitioners assert that certain Chinese producers are now exporting to the United States SDGEs with diameters that are slightly larger in diameter than the 16-inch maximum specified in the scope of the SDGE Order in order to evade payment of ADs.<SU>7</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners provide import data to support their claim that the alleged SDGEs from the PRC spiked significantly during calendar years 2010 and 2011 after imposition of the SDGE Order.<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>According to the petitioners, there is no significant commercial or technological reason for this alteration by the Chinese producers other than to circumvent ADs. The petitioners provide declarations from members of the U.S. SDGE industry to support these allegations.<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>7</SU>Specifically, the petitioners identified Sinosteel Jilin Carbon Co., Ltd. and its exporting affiliate Jilin Carbon Import and Export Company (collectively, Jilin Carbon), as companies engaging in this practice.<E T="03">See</E>SQR at 2. The petitioners also asserted that Beijing Fangda Carbon-Tech Co., Ltd., Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd., and Fushun Jinly Petrochemical Carbon may be exporting alleged SDGEs to the United States.<E T="03">Id.</E>at 3-4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>8</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Initiation Request at Exhibit 2 and SQR at Exhibit 6.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>9</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Initiation Request at Exhibit 1, SQR at Exhibit 2, and SQR2 at Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Concerning the allegation of minor alteration under section 781(c) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(i), the Department examines such factors as: (1) Overall physical characteristics; (2) expectations of ultimate users; (3) use of merchandise; (4) channels of marketing; and (5) cost of any modification relative to the value of the imported products.<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>
          <PRTPAGE P="37875"/>Each case is highly dependent on the facts on the record, and must be analyzed in light of those specific facts. Thus, although not specified in the Act, the Department has also included additional factors in its analysis, such as commercial availability of the product at issue prior to the issuance of the order as well as the circumstances under which the products at issue entered the United States, the timing and quantity of said entries during the circumvention review period, and the input of consumers in the design phase of the product at issue.<E T="03">See,</E>
          <E T="03">e.g.,</E>
          <E T="03">CTL Plate from the PRC,</E>74 FR at 33992-33993.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>10</SU>
            <E T="03">See, e.g.,</E>
            <E T="03">Affirmative Preliminary Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Cut-to-Length Steel Plate from the People's Republic of China,</E>74 FR 33991, 33992 (July 14, 2009) (<E T="03">CTL Plate from the PRC</E>) (unchanged in<E T="03">Affirmative Final Determination of Circumvention of the<PRTPAGE/>Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate From the People's Republic of China;</E>74 FR 40565 (August 12, 2009)).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>In the Initiation Request, the petitioners presented the following evidence with respect to each of the aforementioned criteria:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Overall Physical Characteristics</HD>
        <P>The petitioners contend that alleged SDGEs exported to the United States have the same physical characteristics as those subject to the SDGE Order with the exception of the diameter. According to the petitioners, alleged SDGEs are produced in the same process as subject SDGEs and the slight increase of the diameter does not significantly change the SDGE's bulk density, specific electrical resistance, coefficient of thermal expansion, or flexural strength.<SU>11</SU>
          <FTREF/>Moreover, the petitioners contend that alleged SDGEs are sold and purchased as SDGEs as direct substitutes for, and are interchangeable with, 16-inch SDGEs.<SU>12</SU>
          <FTREF/>In support, the petitioners provide declarations from members of the U.S. industry and a sales call report.<SU>13</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Initiation Request at 7.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>12</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>13</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Expectations of the Ultimate Users</HD>
        <P>The petitioners assert that the ultimate purchasers of alleged SDGEs and in-scope 16-inch SDGEs expect that they are interchangeable. In support, the petitioners provide declarations from members of the U.S. SDGE industry stating that they are unaware of any instances in which customers expected any significantly different characteristics or uses by purchasing alleged SDGEs other than to avoid payment of ADs.<SU>14</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners claim that, to the best of their knowledge, the customers purchasing alleged SDGEs all used 16-inch SDGEs before the introduction of alleged SDGEs and that the diameter increase provides no significant added commercial or industrial improvement.<SU>15</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>14</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 10 and Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>15</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Use of the Merchandise</HD>

        <P>The petitioners assert that the alleged SDGEs are sold to the same customers for the same end uses as the subject merchandise (<E T="03">i.e.,</E>to be used as conductors of electricity in furnaces that heat or melt scrap metal or other material used to produce steel) and that the alleged SDGEs are a direct substitute for in-scope SDGEs that were previously purchased by the same end-users. In support, the petitioners provide declarations to this effect from members of the U.S. industry.<SU>16</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>16</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 10-11 and Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Channels of Marketing</HD>
        <P>The petitioners assert that both alleged SDGEs and in-scope SDGEs are sold directly to foundries and steel producers, and that they are aware of at least one U.S. customer that was previously purchasing the subject merchandise who has simply substituted the alleged SDGEs for in-scope 16-inch SDGEs. In support, the petitioners provide declarations to this effect from members of the U.S. industry.<SU>17</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>17</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 11-12 and Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">E. Cost of Modification Relative to Total Value</HD>
        <P>The petitioners assert that the cost of modifying SDGEs to a diameter above the 16-inch maximum is minimal. In support, the petitioners provide declarations from members of the U.S. industry describing the cost of modifying SDGEs to a diameter above the 16-inch maximum.<SU>18</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>18</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 12 and Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Analysis</HD>
        <P>As described above, the petitioners included declarations from members of the U.S. industry addressing the five factors the Department typically examines as part of a minor alterations inquiry under section 781(c) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(i). These declarations attest that graphite electrodes with diameters that are larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches do not differ in any meaningful way from and are substitutable with SDGEs covered by the scope of the SDGE Order.<SU>19</SU>
          <FTREF/>Specifically, the declarations attest that: (1) With the exception of diameter, the overall physical characteristics of the alleged SDGEs and subject SDGEs are the same; (2) the expectations of ultimate users of the alleged SDGEs and subject SDGEs are the same; (3) the uses of the alleged SDGEs and subject SDGEs are the same; (4) the channels of marketing the alleged SDGEs and subject SDGEs are the same; and (5) the relative cost to modify graphite electrodes to a diameter larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches is minimal.<SU>20</SU>

          <FTREF/>We have examined the declarations and found that the persons making them are in a position to have knowledge about the facts described in the declarations with respect to each of the aforementioned factors. Because these declarations are largely business proprietary and cannot be further discussed in a public notice,<E T="03">see</E>the Memorandum to the File dated concurrently with this notice for a discussion of our analysis with respect to these declarations.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>19</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at Exhibit 1.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>20</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>In addition to the information described above, the petitioners provided data to support their claim that imports of the alleged SDGEs from the PRC spiked significantly during calendar years 2010 and 2011 after imposition of the SDGE Order.<SU>21</SU>

          <FTREF/>Although the import data does not segregate the alleged SDGEs from graphite electrodes with diameters of 18 inches or larger, the import data does show that imports of subject SDGEs decreased substantially (from a monthly average of over 500 metric tons in the first quarter of 2010 to a monthly average of less than 110 metric tons thereafter) while imports of non-subject graphite electrodes (<E T="03">i.e.,</E>with diameters exceeding the specified maximum) increased substantially (from a monthly average of less than 600 metric tons in the first quarter of 2010 to a monthly average of more than 1,600 metric tons thereafter).<SU>22</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>21</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>SQR at Exhibit 6.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>22</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>We have determined that the evidence submitted by the petitioners concerning a surge in imports of the allegedly circumventing merchandise in combination with affidavits that this merchandise is now being used instead of subject merchandise is sufficient for purposes of initiating an anticircumvention inquiry under section 781(c) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(i). We will consider and address the information and arguments raised by all parties, including the respondents, in the context of this inquiry.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Merchandise Subject to the Minor Alterations Anticircumvention Proceeding</HD>

        <P>This minor alterations anticircumvention inquiry covers<PRTPAGE P="37876"/>graphite electrodes from the PRC that have diameters larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches. Based upon information submitted by the petitioners, our inquiry will cover the following producers: Jilin Carbon, Beijing Fangda Carbon-Tech Co., Ltd., Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd., and Fushun Jinly Petrochemical Carbon.<SU>23</SU>
          <FTREF/>If the Department receives a formal request from an interested party regarding potential circumvention of the SDGE Order by other companies in the PRC under section 781(c) of the Act within sufficient time, we will consider conducting additional inquiries concurrently.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>23</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>SQR at 2-4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Initiation of Later-Developed Merchandise Anticircumvention Proceeding</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Statutory Criteria for Initiation of Anticircumvention Proceeding Under Section 781(d) of the Act</HD>
        <P>Section 781(d) of the Act provides that the Department may find circumvention of an AD order with respect to “merchandise developed after an investigation is initiated.” Section 781(d)(1) of the Act provides that the Department “shall consider whether:</P>
        <P>(A) The later-developed merchandise has the same general physical characteristics as the merchandise with respect to which the order was originally issued (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as the ‘earlier product'),</P>
        <P>(B) The expectations of the ultimate purchasers of the later-developed merchandise are the same as for the earlier product,</P>
        <P>(C) The ultimate use of the earlier product and the later-developed merchandise are the same,</P>
        <P>(D) The later-developed merchandise is sold through the same channels of trade as the earlier product, and</P>
        <P>(E) The later-developed merchandise is advertised and displayed in a manner similar to the earlier product.”</P>
        
        <FP>Section 781(d)(1) of the Act further provides that the Department “shall take into account any advice provided by the Commission under subsection (e) {of section 781 of the Act} before making a determination under this subparagraph.”</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">The Petitioners' Request for Initiation of an Anticircumvention Proceeding Under Section 781(d) of the Act</HD>

        <P>The petitioners requested that, if the Department does not find that alleged SDGEs are within the scope of the SDGE Order on the basis of section 781(c) of the Act, the Department initiate an anticircumvention inquiry under the later-developed merchandise provision (<E T="03">i.e.,</E>section 781(d) of the Act).</P>

        <P>As described in the “Initiation of Minor Alterations Anticircumvention Proceeding” section, above, the petitioners claim that prior to imposition of the SDGE Order, no U.S. or Chinese producer manufactured 17-inch SDGEs or other non-even sizes (<E T="03">e.g.,</E>16<FR>1/2</FR>inch). According to the petitioners, neither the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the International Electrotechnical Commission, nor the Japanese Industrial Standard acknowledges that 17-inch SDGEs were offered in the marketplace.<SU>24</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners further assert that no U.S. or Chinese producer manufactured 17-inch SDGEs prior to imposition of the SDGE Order.<SU>25</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>24</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Initiation request at 15 and Exhibit 3.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>25</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 15.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>Concerning the allegation of later-developed merchandise under section 781(d) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(j), the Department examines the above-enumerated factors in section 781(d)(1) of the Act. Each case is highly dependent on the facts on the record, and must be analyzed in light of those specific facts. As indicated above, the Department has also considered additional factors in its anticircumvention analysis, such as commercial availability of the product at issue prior to the issuance of the order as well as the circumstances under which the products at issue entered the United States, the timing and quantity of said entries during the circumvention review period, and the input of consumers in the design phase of the product at issue.<E T="03">See, e.g., CTL Plate from the PRC,</E>74 FR at 33992-33993.</P>
        <P>In the Initiation Request, the petitioners presented evidence with respect to each of the aforementioned criteria. The evidence the petitioners provided with respect to overall physical characteristics, expectations of the ultimate users, use of the merchandise, and channels of trade is described in the “Initiation of Minor Alterations Anticircumvention Proceeding” section, above. With respect to the final criterion, advertising, the petitioners argue that, given that the Chinese producers are selling the alleged SDGEs to the same customers and for the same purposes as 16-inch SDGEs, there are no significant differences in the manner in which the product is advertised.<SU>26</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners contend that, in fact, none of the Chinese producers appears to be advertising this product at all.<SU>27</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners assert that the fact that the Chinese producers do not advertise alleged SDGEs to their home market customers is evidence that they are not selling them in the home market and that this fact evinces that the purpose of producing alleged SDGEs is not to meet customer demand for that particular size but to circumvent the SDGE Order.<SU>28</SU>
          <FTREF/>The petitioners provide printouts of Chinese producers' Web pages to support these assertions.<SU>29</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>26</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 17.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>27</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 17 and Exhibit 4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>28</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at 17.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>29</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at Exhibit 4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Analysis</HD>
        <P>Based in part on our analysis of the petitioners' minor alterations anticircumvention inquiry request, summarized above, the Department determines that the petitioners have also satisfied the criteria to warrant an initiation of a formal anticircumvention inquiry pursuant to section 781(d) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(j).</P>
        <P>The first four statutory criteria are (1) the later-developed merchandise has the same general physical characteristics as the merchandise with respect to which the order was originally issued (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as the “earlier product,” (2) the expectations of the ultimate purchasers of the later-developed merchandise are the same as for the earlier product, (3) the ultimate use of the earlier product and the later-developed merchandise are the same, and (4) the later-developed merchandise is sold through the same channels of trade as the earlier product. These are the same as the first four criteria we examined with respect to the minor alteration allegation and our analysis with respect to these criteria is described in the “Initiation of Minor Alterations Anticircumvention Proceeding” section, above.</P>
        <P>Concerning the fifth factor, advertising, the Web page printouts submitted by the petitioners indicate that Chinese producers minimally advertise graphite electrodes with diameters larger than 16 inches but less than 18 inches, if at all.<SU>30</SU>
          <FTREF/>This suggests that the purpose of producing alleged SDGEs is not to meet customer demand for that particular size but may be to circumvent the SDGE Order.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>30</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>at Exhibit 4.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>As described in the “Initiation of Minor Alterations Anticircumvention Proceeding” section, above, the petitioners additionally provided data to support their claim that imports of the alleged SDGEs from the PRC spiked<PRTPAGE P="37877"/>significantly during calendar years 2010 and 2011 after imposition of the SDGE Order.<SU>31</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>31</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>SQR at Exhibit 6.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>We have determined that the evidence submitted by the petitioners concerning a surge in imports of the allegedly circumventing merchandise in combination with affidavits that this merchandise is now being used instead of subject merchandise is sufficient for purposes of initiating an anticircumvention inquiry under section 781(d) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(j). We will consider and address the information and arguments raised by all parties, including the respondents, in the context of this inquiry.</P>
        <P>The Department will not order the suspension of liquidation of entries of any additional merchandise at this time. However, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.225(l)(2), if the Department issues a preliminary affirmative determination, we will then instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated duties on the merchandise.</P>
        <P>Following consultation with interested parties, the Department will establish a schedule for questionnaires and comments on the issues. In accordance with section 781(e)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(f)(7)(i)(C), we intend to notify the International Trade Commission in the event of an affirmative preliminary determination of circumvention under section 781(d) of the Act. The Department intends to issue its final determinations within 300 days of the date of publication of this initiation.</P>
        <P>This notice is published in accordance with sections 781(c) and 781(d) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.225(i) and (j).</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 18, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Paul Piquado,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15439 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>International Trade Administration</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[A-570-979]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Determination Correction</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Effective Date:</E>June 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>On May 25, 2012, the Department of Commerce (the “Department”) published its notice of preliminary determination in the antidumping duty investigation of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules (“solar cells”), from the People's Republic of China (“PRC”). The Department received comments from Delsolar Co., Ltd. and DelSolar (Wujiang) Ltd. (collectively, “DelSolar”) and JinkoSolar International Limited (“Jinko”) on May 22 and 25, 2012, respectively, concerning errors that the Department made with respect to the names of these companies in the table in the “Preliminary Determination” section in the solar cells from the PRC preliminary determination notice.</P>
        </SUM>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Howard Smith, Jeffrey Pedersen, Krisha Hill, or Drew Jackson, AD/CVD Operations, Office 4, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-5193, (202) 482-2769, (202) 482-4037, or (202) 482-4406, respectively.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD2">Correction</HD>
          <P>In the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>notice<E T="03">Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination and Affirmative Preliminary Determination of Critical Circumstances,</E>77 FR 31309 (May 25, 2012), under the section entitled “Preliminary Determination,” we incorrectly identified the producer “DelSolar (Wujiang) Ltd.” as “Delsolar Co., Ltd.” Additionally, the Department incorrectly placed a space between “Jinko” and “Solar” in the exporter name “JinkoSolar International Limited.” The exporter-producer combinations involving these companies should have been listed in the preliminary determination notice as follows:</P>
          <GPOTABLE CDEF="s30,r30" COLS="2" OPTS="L2,tp0,i1">
            <TTITLE/>
            <BOXHD>
              <CHED H="1">Exporter</CHED>
              <CHED H="1">Producer</CHED>
            </BOXHD>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="01">Delsolar Co., Ltd</ENT>
              <ENT>DelSolar (Wujiang) Ltd.</ENT>
            </ROW>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="01">JinkoSolar International Limited</ENT>
              <ENT>Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.</ENT>
            </ROW>
          </GPOTABLE>
          <P>We will revise the cash deposit instructions that were issued to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the preliminary determination accordingly. This correction notice is published in accordance with section 777(i) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended.</P>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Christian Marsh,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15434 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</SUBAGY>
        <RIN>RIN 0648-XC059</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Endangered Species; File No. 17022</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice; receipt of application.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC; Samuel Pooley, Ph.D., Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a permit to take green (<E T="03">Chelonia mydas</E>) and hawksbill (<E T="03">Eretmochelys imbricata</E>) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or July 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>The application and related documents are available for review by selecting “Records Open for Public Comment” from the<E T="03">Features</E>box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page,<E T="03">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov,</E>and then selecting File No. 17022 from the list of available applications.</P>
          <P>These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment in the following offices:</P>

          <P>Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376; and<PRTPAGE P="37878"/>
          </P>
          <P>Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm. 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700; phone (808) 944-2200; fax (808) 973-2941.</P>
          <P>Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division:</P>
          <P>• By email to<E T="03">NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov</E>(include the File No. in the subject line of the email),</P>
          <P>• By facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or</P>
          <P>• At the address listed above.</P>
          <P>Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Amy Hapeman or Colette Cairns, (301) 427-8401.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531<E T="03">et seq.</E>) and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226).</P>
        <P>The PIFSC requests a five-year research permit to continue long-term monitoring of the status of green and hawksbill sea turtles in the remote U.S. Islands and Territories in the Central Pacific excluding Hawaii to begin long-term monitoring to estimate abundance, size ranges, health status, habitat use, foraging ecology, local movements, and migration routes for green and hawksbill sea turtles. Researchers would capture, examine, measure, flipper and passive integrated transponder tag, weigh, skin and blood sample, and attach transmitters on 220 green and 165 hawksbill sea turtles annually before release. Researchers also may collect the carcasses, tissues and parts of dead sea turtles encountered during surveys.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>P. Michael Payne,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15442 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-22-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</SUBAGY>
        <RIN>RIN 0648-XA626</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Marine Mammals; File No. 16163</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Notice is hereby given that the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC, Dr. M. Bradley Hanson, Principal Investigator), 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112-2097, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 16163.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before July 25, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>The application and related documents are available for review by selecting “Records Open for Public Comment” from the<E T="03">Features</E>box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species home page,<E T="03">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov,</E>and then selecting File No. 16163 from the list of available applications.</P>

          <P>These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment in the following offices: See<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>.</P>

          <P>Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by email to<E T="03">NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.</E>Please include the File No. 16163 in the subject line of the email comment.</P>
          <P>Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Laura Morse or Jennifer Skidmore, (301) 427-8401.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>The subject amendment to Permit No. 16163 is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361<E T="03">et seq.</E>), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531<E T="03">et seq.</E>), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).</P>
        <P>Permit No. 16163, issued on June 5, 2012 (77 FR 35657), authorizes takes of forty-two species of marine mammals in all U.S. and international waters in the Pacific Ocean, including waters of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. Harassment of all species of cetaceans will occur through vessel approach for sighting surveys, photographic identification, behavioral research, opportunistic sampling (breath, sloughed skin, fecal material, and prey remains), acoustic imaging with echosounders, and aerial surveys. Twenty-seven cetacean species and unidentified mesoplodon species will be biopsied, dart, and/or suction-cup tagged. Ultrasound sampling will be directed at killer whales including the Southern Resident stock. Active acoustic playback studies will be directed at Southern Resident killer whales. Import and export of marine mammal prey specimens, skin and blubber, sloughed skin, fecal and breath samples obtained is authorized. The permit is valid until June 6, 2017.</P>

        <P>The permit holder is requesting the permit be amended to increase the takes associated with Level B harassment from 25 each per year to 2500 for short- beaked common (<E T="03">Delphinus delphis</E>) and long-beaked common (<E T="03">D. capensis</E>) dolphins. The purpose of the take increase is to correct an error in original application.</P>
        <P>An environmental assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (signed June 4, 2012) prepared for the permit analyzed the effects of Level B harassment of long- and short beaked common dolphins and the determination was made that preparation of an environmental impact statement was not required. NMFS has further determined that the proposed increase in takes would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment and that preparation of a supplemental environmental assessment is not required. The EA and FONSI are available upon request.</P>
        <P>Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, NMFS is forwarding copies of the amendment request to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.</P>
        <P>Documents may be reviewed in the following locations:</P>
        <P>Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 713-2289; fax (301) 713-0376;</P>
        <P>Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206) 526-6150; fax (206) 526-6426;</P>
        <P>Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone (907) 586-7221; fax (907) 586-7249;</P>

        <P>Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562) 980-4001; fax (562) 980-4018; and<PRTPAGE P="37879"/>
        </P>
        <P>Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700; phone (808) 973-2935; fax (808)973-2941.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>P. Michael Payne,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15445 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-22-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Patent and Trademark Office</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. PTO-P-2012-0026]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Cooperative Patent Classification External User Day</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is hosting a Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) External User Day event at its Alexandria Campus. CPC is a partnership between the USPTO and the European Patent Office (EPO) in which the Offices have agreed to develop a joint patent classification system that will incorporate the best classification practices of the two Offices. This CPC event is the next step, in a series of steps, to be undertaken by the USPTO in educating and informing external stakeholders about the current development and future implementation plans of the CPC.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The event will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), and ending at 12:00 p.m. EST.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>The event will be held at the USPTO in the Madison Auditorium on the concourse level of the Madison Building located at 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">For Event Registration:</E>There is no fee to register for the event and registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early registration is recommended because seating is limited. Registration on the day of the event (July 10, 2012) will be permitted on a space-available basis beginning at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.</P>
          <P>To register, please provide your name and phone number to<E T="03">CPC_Users_Day@uspto.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Derris Banks, Supervisory Patent Examiner, TC 3700, by telephone at (571) 272-4419, or by electronic mail message at<E T="03">derris.banks@uspto.gov,</E>or Linda Dvorak, Supervisory Patent Examiner, TC 3700, by telephone at (571) 272-4764, or by electronic mail message at<E T="03">linda.dvorak@uspto.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Key USPTO executive staff and project managers will brief attendees on a general introduction and overview of the CPC, as well as introduce information concerning external user interaction, accessibility, training and outreach related to the CPC.</P>
        <P>The CPC will be a detailed classification system that is International Patent Classification (IPC)-based and will enable patent examiners to efficiently conduct thorough patent searches. CPC will incorporate the best classification practices of both the U.S. and European systems. The USPTO and the EPO also believe that the CPC will enhance efficiency and support work sharing initiatives with a view to reducing unnecessary duplication of work.</P>
        <P>For further information about the CPC, please visit<E T="03">www.cpcinfo.org.</E>
        </P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>David J. Kappos,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-15447 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-16-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Transmittal Nos. 12-08]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text of a section 36(b)(1) arms sales notification. This is published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-164 dated July 21, 1996.</P>
        </SUM>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Ms. B. English, DSCA/DBO/CFM, (703) 601-3740.</P>
          <P>The following is a copy of a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Transmittals 12-08 with attached transmittal, policy justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.</P>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Dated: June 19, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Aaron Siegel,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
          <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-P</BILCOD>
          <GPH DEEP="527" SPAN="3">
            <PRTPAGE P="37880"/>
            <GID>EN25JN12.001</GID>
          </GPH>
          <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-C</BILCOD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Transmittal No. 12-08</HD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as Amended</HD>
          <P>(i)<E T="03">Prospective Purchaser:</E>Qatar</P>
          <P>(ii)<E T="03">Total Estimated Value:</E>
          </P>
          <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,xs56" COLS="2" OPTS="L0,tp0,p0,8/9,g1,t1,i1">
            <TTITLE/>
            <BOXHD>
              <CHED H="1"/>
              <CHED H="1"/>
            </BOXHD>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="01">Major Defense Equipment*</ENT>
              <ENT>$.751 billio