[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71099-71104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26534]
[[Page 71099]]
Vol. 84
Thursday,
No. 247
December 26, 2019
Part III
Department of Agriculture
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2019 /
UA: Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 71100]]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV
5 CFR Ch. LXXIII
7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII
9 CFR Chs. I-III
36 CFR Ch. II
48 CFR Ch. 4
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2019
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant
and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed
in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance
with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,''
13771 ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' 13777,
``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' and 13563, ``Improving
Regulation and Regulatory Review.'' The agenda also describes
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public
comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with E.O.
13563.
USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing.
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda
entries include only:
(1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities; and
(2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important
regulatory and deregulatory actions are summarized in a Statement of
Regulatory Priorities that is included in the Regulatory Plan, which
appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the
Federal Register that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda,
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.
Dated: July 31, 2019.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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165....................... Undue and Unreasonable 0581-AD81
Preferences and
Advantages Under the
Packers and Stockyards
Act.
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Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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166....................... Establishment of a 0581-AD82
Domestic Hemp Production
Program (Reg Plan Seq No.
1).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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167....................... Establishment of a Milk 0581-AD87
Donation Program.
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Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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168....................... Emergency Forest 0560-AH89
Restoration Program.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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169....................... Bovine Spongiform 0579-AD10
Encephalopathy and
Scrapie; Importation of
Small Ruminants and Their
Germplasm, Products, and
Byproducts.
[[Page 71101]]
170....................... Lacey Act Implementation 0579-AD44
Plan: De Minimis
Exception.
171....................... Brucellosis and Bovine 0579-AD65
Tuberculosis; Update of
Import Provisions.
172....................... Importation, Interstate 0579-AE47
Movement, and Release
Into the Environment of
Certain Genetically
Engineered Organisms (Reg
Plan Seq No. 2).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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173....................... Importation of Fresh 0579-AD95
Citrus Fruit From the
Republic of South Africa
Into the Continental
United States.
174....................... Removal of Emerald Ash 0579-AE42
Borer Domestic Quarantine
Regulations.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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175....................... Plant Pest Regulations; 0579-AC98
Update of General
Provisions.
176....................... Livestock Marketing 0579-AE02
Facilities.
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Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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177....................... Special Uses-- 0596-AD43
Communications Uses Rent.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Proposed Rule Stage
165. Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the
Packers and Stockyards Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-234
Abstract: This action would invite comments on proposed revisions
to regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act).
The revisions would specify criteria the Secretary could consider in
determining whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or
live poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or
advantage and a violation of the P&S Act.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 11/00/19
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Associate Deputy Administrator,
Fair Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
RIN: 0581-AD81
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Final Rule Stage
166. Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0581-AD82
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Completed Actions
167. Establishment of a Milk Donation Program
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 104-127
Abstract: This action begins the rulemaking process to establish a
Milk Donation Program as mandated by the Agriculture Improvement Act of
2018 (2018 Farm Bill). The proposed program would allow milk processors
who account to Federal milk marketing orders (FMMO) to claim limited
reimbursements for the cost of farm milk used to make donated fluid
milk products. Under the program, processors would partner with non-
profit organizations to distribute the donated products to individuals
in low-income groups.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Final Rule.......................... 09/05/19 84 FR 46653
Final Rule Effective................ 09/16/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Erin Taylor, Phone: 202 720-7311, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0581-AD87
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
[[Page 71102]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Completed Actions
168. Emergency Forest Restoration Program
E.O. 13771 Designation:
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-246
Abstract: The interim rule published on November 17, 2010, added a
new subpart regulations in 7 CFR part 701 to implement the Emergency
Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which was authorized by the 2008
Farm Bill. EFRP provides cost-share funding to owners of nonindustrial
private forest land to restore the land after the land is damaged by a
natural disaster.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Notice of Completion of Interim Rule 09/10/19 84 FR 47405
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Phone: 202 205-5851, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0560-AH89
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Final Rule Stage
169. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and
136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation
of animals and animal products to revise conditions for the importation
of live sheep, goats, and certain other non-bovine ruminants, and
products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) and scrapie. We are removing BSE-related import restrictions on
sheep and goats and most of their products, and adding import
restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for
certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species. The
conditions we are adopting for the importation of specified commodities
are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will,
in general, align our regulations with guidelines established in the
World Organization for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/18/16 81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/16/16 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 02/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexandra MacKenzie, Veterinary Medical Officer,
Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, NIES, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AD10
170. Lacey Act Implementation Plan: De Minimis Exception
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.
Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended
the Lacey Act to provide, among other things, that importers submit a
declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant
products. The declaration requirement of the Lacey Act became effective
on December 15, 2008, and enforcement of that requirement is being
phased in. We are amending the regulations to establish an exception to
the declaration requirement for products containing a minimal amount of
plant materials. This action would relieve the burden on importers
while continuing to ensure that the declaration requirement fulfills
the purposes of the Lacey Act.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 06/30/11 76 FR 38330
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 08/29/11 .......................
NPRM................................ 07/09/18 83 FR 31697
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/07/18 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 01/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Dorothy Wayson, National Program Coordinator, Lacey
Act Program, Compliance and Environmental Coordination, PPQ, Department
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 150, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-2036.
RIN: 0579-AD44
171. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of Import Provisions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 15 U.S.C.
1828; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation
of cattle and bison with respect to bovine tuberculosis and
brucellosis. The changes will make these requirements clearer and
assure that they more effectively mitigate the risk of introduction of
these diseases into the United States.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 12/16/15 80 FR 78461
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/15/16 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 03/11/16 81 FR 12832
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 05/16/16 .......................
NPRM--Partial Withdrawal............ 03/27/19 84 FR 11448
Final Rule.......................... 05/00/20 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Regionalization Evaluation Services, VS, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AD65
172. Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release Into the Environment
of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 0579-AE47
[[Page 71103]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Long-Term Actions
173. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South
Africa Into the Continental United States
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables
regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh
citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United
States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black
spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will
have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes
shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and
phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported
in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary
certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the
Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that
the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach.
This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit,
including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant
pests into the United States.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 08/28/14 79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/27/14 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
RIN: 0579-AD95
174. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking would remove the domestic quarantine
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action would
discontinue the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer
program as a means to more effectively direct available resources
toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously
allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic
quarantine regulations would instead be directed to a non-regulatory
option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents
for emerald ash borer, which would serve as the primary tool to
mitigate and control the pest.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 09/19/18 83 FR 47310
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/19/18 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robyn Rose, Phone: 301 851-2283.
RIN: 0579-AE42
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Completed Actions
175. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 2260; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8817; 21 U.S.C. 111; 21
U.S.C. 114a; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 4331 and
4332
Abstract: We are revising our regulations regarding the movement of
plant pests. We are also adding criteria to the regulations for the
importation, interstate movement, and release of biological control
organisms. This final rule also establishes regulations to allow the
interstate movement of certain plant pests and biological control
organisms without restriction by granting exceptions from permit
requirements for those pests and organisms. Finally, we are revising
our regulations regarding the importation and interstate movement of
soil. This rule clarifies the points that we will consider when
assessing the risks associated with the movement and release of certain
organisms and facilitates the movement of regulated organisms and
articles in a manner that protects U.S. agriculture.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Final Rule.......................... 06/25/19 84 FR 29938
Final Rule Effective................ 08/09/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Colin Stewart, Phone: 301 851-2237.
RIN: 0579-AC98
176. Livestock Marketing Facilities
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations governing
approval of facilities that receive livestock moved in interstate
commerce. We are also proposing several amendments to the conditions
under which livestock may move to such facilities without official
identification or prior issuance of an interstate certificate of
veterinary inspection or alternative documentation. These changes are
necessary to update the regulations governing livestock marketing
facilities, while also helping ensure animal disease traceability of
livestock that are moved in interstate commerce to such facilities.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Withdrawn........................... 09/10/19 84 FR 47443
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Neil Hammerschmidt, Phone: 301 851-3539.
RIN: 0579-AE02
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Forest Service (FS)
Long-Term Actions
177. Special Uses--Communications Uses Rent
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1761 to 1771
Abstract: Consistent with the requirement in title V, section
504(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the proposed rule
would update the Forest Service's rental fee schedule for
communications uses based on fair market value. Updated rental fees
that exceed 100 percent of current rental fees would be phased in over
a 3-year period.
Timetable:
[[Page 71104]]
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Edwina Howard-Agu, Regulatory Analyst, Department
of Agriculture, Forest Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0003, Phone: 202 205-1419, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0596-AD43
[FR Doc. 2019-26534 Filed 12-23-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-18-P