Federal Register final rules — 1996-03-04

issue-1996-03-04Federal Register final rules — 1996-03-04Regulation

Published Federal Register documents, not public-inspection drafts. The GPO XML/text rendition is a research aid; the linked complete official PDF retains the printed layout and all graphics. Graphics are retained in that PDF and are not independently reproduced in this text rendition. Publication does not establish that every provision remains legally in force.

FR Doc. 96-4973 Exchange Visitor Program
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8215-8216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4973]

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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY

22 CFR Part 514

Exchange Visitor Program

AGENCY: United States Information Agency.

ACTION: Statement of policy and notice to sponsors.

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SUMMARY: Public Law 104-72 directs the Agency to continue its oversight 
of au pair activities in the United States until September 30, 1997. 
This announcement sets forth the Agency's intended implementation of 
this law.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This policy statement is effective March 4, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stanley S. Colvin, Assistant General Counsel, United States Information 
Agency, 301 4th Street SW., Washington, DC 20547; telephone, (202) 619-
6829.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Au pair programs, whereby European youths 
are placed with American host families seeking child care, have been 
overseen by the Agency since 1986. Originally begun as a pilot project, 
the au pair program has expanded over the past ten years to now 
encompass eight Agency-designated sponsors who facilitated the entry of 
some 11,000 au pair participants in 1995. Congress, in enacting Public 
Law 104-72, extended temporarily the Agency's authority to oversee this 
activity. As discussed below, the Congress also addressed two long-
standing programmatic matters of concern to the Agency.
    Since begun in 1986, au pair participants have only been selected 
from the countries of Western Europe. This limitation was set forth in 
initial pilot-project guidelines but remained in place pursuant to 
subsequent legislation that directed the Agency to continue its 
oversight of au pair activities under the ``same terms and conditions'' 
of the pilot guidelines. Public Law 104-72 removes this programmatic 
limitation by directing the Agency to oversee au pair activities 
conducted on a ``world-wide basis.''
    Accordingly, the Agency has advised au pair sponsors that, unless 
otherwise prohibited by law, au pair participants may be recruited from 
all world countries. The Agency construes ``world-wide'' basis to not 
include nationals of countries lacking diplomatic relations with the 
United States. Further, the Agency is of the opinion that ``World wide 
basis'' would allow a national of one country, resident in another, to 
be recruited and issued a visa in the country of residence.
    The Agency concludes that Public Law 104-72 renders inoperative, 
the ``same terms and conditions'' requirement of prior legislation. 
Accordingly, the Agency will accept applications from United States 
organizations seeking designation as an au pair sponsor. Due to the 
time-limited authority given the Agency in Public-Law 104-72, all 
designated au pair sponsors will continue to be given temporary, not 
permanent, program designations. Such designations will be made by the 
Agency under the authority of Public Law 104-72 and not under the 
Agency's Fulbright-Hays Act authorities as set forth at 22 U.S.C. 1474 
et seq.
    Finally, the Agency hereby gives notice of its intent to limit the 
number of au pair participants to not more than 22,720. The Agency does 
not believe that currently designated sponsors, and those organizations 
receiving new designations, will be affected by this numerical 
limitation. This belief is based upon the past history of au pair 
activities and the Agency's knowledge of the growth rates of similar 
programs overseen by the Agency.
    The Agency specifically reserves the right to limit the number of 
participants sponsored by an individual organization. Participant 
levels for newly designated au pair sponsors will be determined by the 
Agency in consultation with the sponsor. The organization's prior 
experience, organizational capacity, and resources will be specifically 
considered in determining participant levels.

List of Subjects in 22 CFR Part 514

    Cultural exchange programs.

[[Page 8216]]

    Dated: February 28, 1996.
Les Jin,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 96-4973 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4958 Prohibition on Gasoline Containing Lead or Lead Additives for Highway Use
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4958]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 80

[FRL-5433-8]
RIN 2060-AD55

Prohibition on Gasoline Containing Lead or Lead Additives for 
Highway Use

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Partial withdrawal of direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: On February 2, 1996, EPA published a direct final rule (61 FR 
3832) revising EPA regulations to reflect the Clean Air Act's statutory 
prohibition of the introduction into commerce of gasoline containing 
lead or lead additives for use as a motor vehicle fuel after December 
31, 1995. This action was published without prior proposal. Because EPA 
has received adverse comment with respect to paragraph 40 CFR 80.24(b) 
of this action, EPA withdraws this paragraph from the direct final 
rule. The withdrawal of this paragraph does not otherwise affect the 
February 2, 1996 direct final rule, for which all other actions will 
become effective March 4, 1996.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 4, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Babst, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, (202) 233-9473.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 2, 1996, EPA published in the 
Federal Register a direct final rule revising its regulations in 
accordance with the Clean Air Act prohibition of the introduction of 
gasoline containing lead or lead additives into commerce for use as a 
motor vehicle fuel after December 31, 1995. Among other actions, the 
direct final rule would have revised paragraph 40 CFR 80.24(b), which 
contains a specification regarding gasoline tank filler inlets for 
motor vehicles. The direct final rule was published without prior 
proposal in the Federal Register with a provision for a 15 day comment 
period. In addition, EPA published a proposed rule, also on February 2, 
1996 (61 FR 3894). EPA announced in both rules that, should EPA receive 
adverse comment on the direct final rule, the Agency would withdraw the 
direct final rule and address the comments received in a subsequent 
final rule based on the related proposed rule. EPA received adverse 
comment within the prescribed comment period specifically addressing a 
revision that would have been made to 40 CFR 80.24(b). With this 
document, EPA is withdrawing revisions to 40 CFR 80.24(b) from the 
February 2, 1996 direct final rule (61 FR 3832). The withdrawal of this 
paragraph does not affect the other actions in the February 2, 1996 
direct final rule, and all other actions will become effective March 4, 
1996 as indicated in the direct final rule. The adverse comment 
received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on the 
related proposed rule (61 FR 3894).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 80

    Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Fuel additives, 
Gasoline, Leaded gasoline, Unleaded gasoline, Motor vehicle pollution.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the amendment revising 
40 CFR 80.24(b) published at 61 FR 3838 (February 2, 1996) is 
withdrawn.

    Dated: February 27, 1996.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 96-4958 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4953 Regulatory Reform Initiative
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8207-8208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4953]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR Parts 1487, 1491, 1492 and 1495

Regulatory Reform Initiative

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In response to the President's Regulatory Reform Initiative, 
the Commodity Credit Corporation is issuing this final rule to amend 
its regulations to eliminate the following programs: Noncommercial Risk 
Assurance Program (GSM-101); CCC Intermediate Credit Export Sales 
Program for Breeding Animals (GSM-201); CCC Intermediate Credit Export 
Sales Program for Foreign Market Development Facilities (GSM-301); and 
Disposition of Agricultural Commodities under the CCC Barter Program 
(Barter Program). These programs are inactive or obsolete and have not 
been used in 15 years or more.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 3, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: L.T. McElvain, Director, CCC 
Operations Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, AG Box 1035, Washington D.C., 20250-1035; Fax (202) 720-
2949; Telephone (202) 720-6211. The U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) prohibits 

[[Page 8208]]
discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national 
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital 
or familial status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative 
means for communication of program information (braille, large print, 
audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at 
(202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This final rule is issued in conformance with Executive Order 
12866. It has been determined to be neither significant nor 
economically significant for the purposes of E.O. 12866 and, therefore, 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not 
applicable to this final rule since CCC is not required by 5 U.S.C. 553 
or any other provision of law to publish a notice of rulemaking with 
respect to the subject matter of this rule.

Executive Order 12372

    These programs are not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials. See notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, 
published at 48 FR 29115 (June 24, 1983).

Environmental Evaluation

    It has been determined by an environmental evaluation that this 
action will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human 
environment. Therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an 
Environmental Impact Statement is needed.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The amendment to 7 CFR parts 1487, 1491, 1492 and 1495 set forth in 
this final rule does not contain information collections that require 
clearance by the OMB under the provisions of 44 U.S.C. 35.

Executive Order 12778

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
Civil Justice Reform. The final rule would not have preemptive effect 
with respect to any state or local laws, regulations, or policies which 
conflict with such provisions or which otherwise impede their full 
implementation. The rule would not have retroactive effect.
    The Department of Agriculture is committed to carrying out its 
statutory and regulatory mandates in a manner that best serves the 
public interest. Therefore, where legal discretion permits, the 
Department actively seeks to promulgate regulations that promote 
economic growth, create jobs, are minimally burdensome, and are easy 
for the public to understand, use or comply with. In short, the 
Department is committed to issuing regulations that maximize net 
benefits to society and minimize costs imposed by those regulations.

Background

    CCC published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on December 
13, 1995, in response to the President's Regulatory Reform Initiative, 
that would amend Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations to remove 
the following parts:
     Part 1487--Noncommercial Risk Assurance Program (GSM-101);
     Part 1491--CCC Intermediate Credit Export Sales Program 
for Breeding Animals (GSM-201);
     Part 1492--CCC Intermediate Credit Export Sales Program 
for Foreign Market Development Facilities (GSM-301); and
     Part 1495--Disposition of Agricultural Commodities under 
the CCC Barter Program (Barter Program).

Reasons for Removal

    CCC proposed to remove these parts for the following reasons:
     GSM-101--This risk assurance program, implemented in 1979, 
covered only non-commercial or political risk and became obsolete when 
the CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) was introduced in 
1980 to cover political and commercial risk. The GSM-101 program was 
last used in 1981.
     GSM-201--This direct credit program has been used only 
once (a transaction for livestock exports to Spain in 1979). The terms 
available under the program--3 to 10 year direct credits--could be made 
available under a modified GSM-5 Program (7 CFR Part 1488) Financing of 
Sales of Agricultural Commodities Program.
     GSM-301--This direct credit program was intended to 
facilitate commodity exports which would be sold to generate funds to 
finance the construction of a market development project. The program 
was used only once (in connection with a bulk grain discharge and 
storage facility developed at Ashdod, Israel). That project began in 
1978 and was completed in the early 1980's. For a number of years, 
funding has not been made available for this program.
     Barter Program--From 1950 through 1973, CCC exchanged CCC- 
owned agricultural commodities for strategic and critical materials for 
the National Defense Stockpile. The program could also be used to 
obtain foreign-produced supplies and services used in Department of 
Defense construction projects and Agency for International Development 
projects. The program was terminated in 1973 when CCC stocks were 
depleted. The National Defense Stockpile is now liquidating many 
strategic materials. Also, CCC has authority, which it has at times 
used, to enter into direct barter arrangements under the CCC Charter 
Act in order to obtain strategic materials for defense stock piles.

Comments

    The deadline for submitting comments on the proposed rule was 
January 12, 1996. CCC did not receive any comments on this proposed 
rule. CCC has determined to make the changes to 7 CFR Part 1487, Part 
1491, Part 1492, and Part 1495 as proposed.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 1487

    Agricultural commodities, Exports, Insurance, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1491 and 1492

    Exports, Livestock, Loan programs--agriculture, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1495

    Agricultural commodities, Exports, Government procurement, 
Strategic and critical materials.

PARTS 1487, 1491, 1492, 1495--[REMOVED]

    For the reasons set out in the preamble under the authority at 5 
U.S.C. Section 552(a)(1)(E), 7 CFR Chapter XIV is amended by removing 
and reserving parts 1487, 1491, 1492 and 1495.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on February 27, 1996.
Christopher E. Goldthwait,
General Sales Manager and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 96-4953 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4952 Importation of Citrus Fruits From Australia
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8205-8207]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4952]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
7 CFR Part 319

[Docket No. 93-119-2]

Importation of Citrus Fruits From Australia

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are amending the Fruits and Vegetables regulations to allow 
oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, and grapefruit from the Riverina and 

[[Page 8206]]
Sunraysia districts of Australia to be imported into the United States. 
We are taking this action because we have determined that the citrus 
may be imported without presenting a significant risk of introducing 
injurious plant pests into the United States. This rule provides 
importers and consumers in the United States with an additional source 
of citrus fruit.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 4, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Peter M. Grosser, Senior 
Operations Officer, Port Operations, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 
139, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, (301) 734-8891.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Fruits and Vegetables regulations in 7 CFR 319.56 through 
319.56-8 (referred to below as ``the regulations'') prohibit or 
restrict the importation of fruits and vegetables to prevent the 
introduction and dissemination of injurious insects, including fruit 
flies, that are new to or not widely distributed in the United States. 
Paragraphs (e) and (f) of Sec. 319.56-2 contain requirements for the 
importation of certain fruits and vegetables based on their origin in a 
definite area or district. The definite area or district must meet 
certain criteria, including criteria designed to ensure that the area 
or district is free from all or certain injurious insects. Section 
319.56-2v contains provisions for importing citrus fruit from 
Australia.
    On September 11, 1995, we published in the Federal Register (60 FR 
47101-47103, Docket No. 93-119-1) a proposal to amend the regulations 
to allow oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, and grapefruit from the 
Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia to be imported into the 
United States. We proposed to allow importation of the citrus fruit 
without cold treatment for fruit flies, provided that the districts 
remain free of fruit flies that attack citrus. If any such fruit flies 
were detected in the districts, we proposed to allow importation of the 
citrus fruit subject to the completion of an Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service authorized cold treatment and subject to all other 
applicable requirements of the regulations.
    We solicited comments concerning our proposal for 30 days ending 
October 11, 1995. We received 12 comments by that date. They were from 
growers, packers, producers, shippers, grocery chains, and an 
independent distributor. Nine of the commenters completely supported 
the proposed rule. The remarks of the three remaining commenters are 
discussed below by topic. Two of the comments were on reciprocal trade 
agreements and were nearly identical.

Disease Risk

    Comment: The proposed importation into the United States of citrus 
fruits from the Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia could 
introduce several serious citrus diseases, including Australian scab, 
citrus black spot, and diseases of the species Guignardia, into the 
United States. Disease surveys for these pathogens should be performed 
in the Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia prior to allowing 
citrus fruits from these districts to be imported into the United 
States. Additionally, provisions should be made for ongoing disease 
surveys in these districts before the proposed importation is allowed.
    Response: We do not believe that citrus fruits from the Riverina 
and Sunraysia districts of Australia are likely to introduce serious 
diseases into the United States. Citrus black spot, Guignardia 
citricarpa, and Australian citrus scab, Sphaceloma fawcetti var. 
scabiosa, occur where abundant rainfall and a suitable temperature 
range favor development of infection, not in inland areas such as the 
arid, hot Riverina and Sunraysia districts. We do not believe that 
these pathogens could survive in the irrigated horticultural areas of 
the Riverina and Sunraysia districts. Additionally, no other species of 
Guignardia has been reported as the cause for a disease on citrus. 
These facts, plus the pest and disease monitoring system continuously 
maintained by the plant pest authorities in the Riverina and Sunraysia 
districts, convince us that the disease risk posed by citrus fruits 
from the Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia is 
insignificant. If either Guignardia citricarpa or Sphaceloma fawcetti 
var. scabiosa were detected in citrus fruits from the Riverina and 
Sunraysia districts of Australia, our importation program would cease 
immediately.

Reciprocal Trade Agreements

    Comment: More than 3 years ago, Florida's citrus industry 
petitioned the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to 
allow Florida citrus fruits to be imported into Australia. AQIS should 
respond to Florida's petition before a decision is reached regarding 
the importation into the United States of citrus fruits from the 
Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia.
    Response: Our proposal and decision to allow importation of citrus 
fruits from the Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia are based 
solely on whether these importations can be made without significant 
risk of pest introduction. We have no authority to base these decisions 
on the presence or absence of reciprocal arrangements.
    Therefore, based on the rationale set forth in the proposed rule 
and in this document, we are adopting the provisions of the proposal as 
a final rule with a minor editorial change for clarity.

Effective Date

    This is a substantive rule that relieves restrictions and, pursuant 
to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553, may be made effective less than 30 
days after publication in the Federal Register. Immediate 
implementation of this rule is necessary to provide relief to those 
persons who are adversely affected by restrictions we no longer find 
warranted. Therefore, the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has determined that this rule should be effective 
upon publication in the Federal Register.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. The rule 
has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive 
Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget.
    We are amending the Fruits and Vegetables regulations by allowing 
the importation of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, and grapefruit 
from the Riverina and Sunraysia districts of Australia.
    According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate, the total 
U.S. production of citrus fruits was approximately 11.172 million 
metric tons in 1992. Approximately 1.1 million metric tons of citrus 
fruits were exported from the United States in 1992, with about 9,741 
metric tons exported to Australia.
    According to an estimate offered by the Australian Office of the 
Counsellor, Australia produced approximately 592,000 metric tons of 
citrus fruits in 1992. Citrus production in Australia is oriented 
primarily to domestic consumption, with exports accounting for 
approximately 79,000 metric tons, or only about 13 percent of the total 
production, in 1992. Of the total quantity exported, 2,517 metric tons 
(about 3 percent) went to the United States.
    The U.S. entities who will be most affected by this rule include 
citrus fruit producers, exporters, and importers. It is estimated that 
93 percent of the U.S. farms that produce citrus fruit, 

[[Page 8207]]
approximately 21,225 farms in all, qualify as small businesses. While 
this rule provides an additional supply of citrus fruit in the United 
States, domestic citrus fruit producers, including small entities, can 
expect a very insignificant decline in the price of citrus fruits. Due 
to the seasonal difference in availability, U.S. and Australian 
producers will not be in direct competition for the domestic citrus 
market. Both exporters and importers are expected to benefit from the 
rule. The projected benefit to exporters may accrue from the expanded 
export opportunities that may result from a favorable reciprocal trade 
treatment given by Australia. Importers may also benefit from the 
increased availability of citrus fruit, especially navel oranges, 
during the time of year when U.S. production is lowest. However, the 
economic benefits to importers and exporters are not expected to be 
significant.
    Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Executive Order 12778

    This rule allows oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, and grapefruit 
to be imported into the United States from the Riverina and Sunraysia 
districts of Australia. State and local laws and regulations regarding 
citrus fruit imported under this rule will be preempted while the fruit 
is in foreign commerce. Fresh citrus fruits are generally imported for 
immediate distribution and sale to the consuming public, and will 
remain in foreign commerce until sold to the ultimate consumer. The 
question of when foreign commerce ceases in other cases must be 
addressed on a case-by-case basis. No retroactive effect will be given 
to this rule, and this rule will not require administrative proceedings 
before parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no new information collection or recordkeeping 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.).

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 319

    Bees, Coffee, Cotton, Fruits, Honey, Imports, Incorporation by 
reference, Nursery stock, Plant diseases and pests, Quarantine, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rice, Vegetables.

    Accordingly, 7 CFR part 319 is amended as follows:

PART 319--FOREIGN QUARANTINE NOTICES

    1. The authority citation for part 319 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 150dd, 150ee, 150ff, 151-167, 450, 2803, and 
2809; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(c).

    2. Section 319.56-2v is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 319.56-2v  Conditions governing the entry of citrus from 
Australia.

    (a) The Administrator has determined that the irrigated 
horticultural areas within the following districts of Australia meet 
the criteria of Sec. 319.56-2 (e) and (f) with regard to the 
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata [Wiedemann]), the 
Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni [Frogg]), and other fruit flies 
destructive of citrus:
    (1) The Riverland district of South Australia, defined as the 
county of Hamley and the geographical subdivisions, called 
``hundreds,'' of Bookpurnong, Cadell, Gordon, Holder, Katarapko, 
Loveday, Markaranka, Morook, Murtho, Parcoola, Paringa, Pooginook, 
Pyap, Stuart, and Waikerie;
    (2) The Riverina district of New South Wales, defined as:
    (i) The shire of Carrathool; and
    (ii) The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, which is within the 
administrative boundaries of the city of Griffith and the shires of 
Leeton, Narrendera, and Murrumbidgee; and
    (3) The Sunraysia district, defined as the shires of Wentworth and 
Balranald in New South Wales and the shires of Mildura, Swan Hill, 
Wakool, and Kerang, the cities of Mildura and Swan Hill, and the 
borough of Kerang in Victoria.
    (b) Oranges (Citrus sinensis [Osbeck]); lemons (C. limonia [Osbeck] 
and meyeri [Tanaka]); limes (C. aurantiifolia [Swingle] and latifolia 
[Tanaka]); mandarins, including satsumas, tangerines, tangors, and 
other fruits grown from this species or its hybrids (C. reticulata 
[Blanco]); and grapefruit (C. paradisi [MacFad.]) may be imported from 
the Riverland, Riverina, and Sunraysia districts without treatment for 
fruit flies, subject to paragraph (c) of this section and all other 
applicable requirements of this subpart.
    (c) If surveys conducted in accordance with Sec. 319.56-2d(f) 
detect, in a district listed in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata [Wiedemann]), the 
Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni [Frogg]), or other fruit flies that 
attack citrus and for which a treatment is listed in the Plant 
Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual, citrus fruit from 
that district will remain eligible for importation into the United 
States in accordance with Sec. 319.56-2(e)(2), provided the fruit 
undergoes cold treatment in accordance with the PPQ Treatment Manual, 
which is incorporated by reference at Sec. 300.1 of this chapter, and 
provided the fruit meets all other applicable requirements of this 
subpart. Entry is limited to ports listed in Sec. 319.56-2d(b)(1) of 
this subpart if the treatment is to be completed in the United States. 
Entry may be through any port if the treatment has been completed in 
Australia or in transit to the United States. If no approved treatment 
for the detected fruit fly appears in the PPQ Treatment Manual, 
importation of citrus from the affected district or districts is 
prohibited.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 28th day of February 1996.
Lonnie J. King,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-4952 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4951 Mediterranean Fruit Fly
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8205]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4951]

========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

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Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 43 /  Monday, March 4, 1996 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 8205]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

7 CFR Part 301

[Docket 91-155-18]

Mediterranean Fruit Fly

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Affirmation of interim rules as final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, the 
Mediterranean fruit fly regulations, as established and amended by a 
series of interim rules published in the Federal Register between 
November 1991 and August 1995. The regulations quarantine portions of 
California and restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles 
for those areas to help prevent the spread of the Mediterranean fruit 
fly into noninfested areas of the United States.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 3, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael B. Stefan, Operations 
Officer, Domestic and Emergency Operations, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road 
Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 734-8247.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is one 
of the world's most destructive pests of numerous fruits and 
vegetables. The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) can cause serious 
economic losses. Heavy infestations can cause complete loss of crops, 
and losses of 25 to 50 percent are not uncommon. The short life cycle 
of this pest permits the rapid development of serious outbreaks.
    In an interim rule effective November 5, 1991, and published in the 
Federal Register on November 13, 1991 (56 FR 57573-57579, Docket No. 
91-155), we established the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) 
regulations (7 CFR 301.78 through 301.78-10; referred to below as the 
regulations) and quarantined the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles 
County, CA. The regulations impose restrictions on the interstate 
movement of regulated articles from quarantined areas in order to 
prevent the spread of the Medfly to noninfested areas of the United 
States. We have published a series of interim rules amending these 
regulations by adding to or removing from the list of quarantined areas 
certain portions of Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Orange, Riverside, San 
Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura Counties, CA, and by adding three 
treatments for fruit. Amendments affecting the quarantined areas in 
California were made effective on September 10 and November 12, 1992; 
and on January 19, July 16, August 3, September 15, October 8, November 
22, and December 16, 1993; and on January 10, February 14, March 4, 
July 7, August 2, and October 12, 1994; and on August 1, 1995 (57 FR 
42485-42486, Docket No. 91-155-2; 57 FR 54166-54169, Docket No. 91-155-
3; 58 FR 6343-6346, Docket No. 91-155-4; 58 FR 39123-39124, Docket No. 
91-155-5; 58 FR 42489-42491, Docket No. 91-155-6; 58 FR 49186-49190, 
Docket No. 91-155-7; 58 FR 53105-53109, Docket No. 91-155-8; 58 FR 
63027-63031, Docket No. 91-155-9; 58 FR 67627-67630, Docket No. 91-155-
10; 59 FR 2281-2283, Docket No. 91-155-11; 59 FR 7895-7896, Docket No. 
91-155-12; 59 FR 11177-11180, Docket No. 91-155-13; 59 FR 35611-35612, 
Docket No. 91-155-14; 59 FR 40207-40209, Docket No. 91-155-15; and 59 
FR 52405-52407, Docket No. 91-155-16; 60 FR 40053-40054, Docket No. 91-
155-17).
    Comments on these interim rules were required to be received on or 
before 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. 
We did not receive any comments. The facts presented in the interim 
rules still provide a basis for these rules.
    This action also affirms the information contained in the interim 
rules concerning Executive Orders 12291 and 12866 and Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, Executive Orders 12372 and 12778, and the Paperwork 
Reduction Act.
    Further, for this action, the Office of Management and Budget has 
waived the review process required by Executive Order 12866.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 301

    Agricultural commodities, Plant diseases and pests, Quarantine, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

PART 301--DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES

    Accordingly, we are adopting as a final rule, without change, the 
regulations at 7 CFR 301.78 through 301.78-10, as amended by interim 
rules that were published at 56 FR 57573-57579 on November 13, 1991; 57 
FR 42485-42486 on September 15, 1992; 57 FR 54166-54169 on November 17, 
1992; 58 FR 6343-6346 on January 28, 1993; 58 FR 39123-39124 on July 
22, 1993; 58 FR 42489-42491 on August 10, 1993; 58 FR 49186-49190 on 
September 22, 1993; 58 FR 53105-53109 on October 14, 1993; 58 FR 63027-
63031 on November 30, 1993; 58 FR 67627-67630 on December 22, 1993; 59 
FR 2281-2283 on January 14, 1994; 59 FR 7895-7896 on February 17, 1994; 
59 FR 11177-11180 on March 10, 1994; 59 FR 35611-35612 on July 13, 
1994; 59 FR 40207-40208 on August 8, 1994; and 59 FR 52405-52407 on 
October 18, 1994; 60 FR 40053-40054 on August 7, 1995.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 150bb, 150dd, 150ee, 150ff, 161, 162, and 
164-167; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(c).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 26th day of February 1996.
Lonnie J. King,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-4951 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4930 National Flood Insurance Program; Insurance Rates
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8222-8223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4930]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

44 CFR Part 61

RIN 3067-AC42

National Flood Insurance Program; Insurance Rates

AGENCY: Federal Insurance Administration, FEMA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule increases the National Flood Insurance Program 
(NFIP) chargeable (subsidized) rates, which apply to all structures 
located in communities participating in the Emergency Program of the 
NFIP and to certain structures in communities in the Regular Program of 
the NFIP. The rule is promulgated in order to bring subsidized premiums 
more in line with the risk. This rule will help the NFIP increase the 
capability to build reserves for catastrophic loss years.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 30, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles M. Plaxico, Jr., Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration, 500 C 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-3422.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FEMA published a proposed rule (60 FR 56552, 
November 9, 1995) to increase the National Flood Insurance Program 
(NFIP) chargeable (subsidized) rates. Comments were solicited from the 
public with the comment period ending January 8, 1996. During this 
period, no comments were received. As a result, this final rule 
contains no changes from the proposed rule.
    This rule increases the NFIP chargeable (subsidized) rates. The 
increase results from an ongoing review and reappraisal of the NFIP and 
of continuing efforts to maintain a business-like approach to its 
administration by emulating successful property insurance programs in 
the private sector and, at the same time, to achieve greater 
administrative and fiscal effectiveness in its operations. The 
amendments in the rates will help the NFIP increase the capability to 
build reserves for catastrophic loss years. Coverage changes and 
optional deductibles, in addition to rate increases, are part of the 
ongoing effort to achieve these goals.
    The chargeable (subsidized) rates, to which this rule applies, are 
the rates applicable to structures located in communities participating 
in the Emergency Program of the NFIP and to certain structures in 
communities in the Regular Program of the NFIP.
    These rates are countrywide rates for two broad building type 
classifications which, when applied to the amount of insurance 
purchased and added to the expense constant and Federal policy fee, 
produce a premium income less than the expense and loss payments that 
can be expected on the flood insurance policies issued on that basis. 
Funds needed to supplement the inadequate premium income are provided 
by the National Flood Insurance Fund. The subsidized rates are 
promulgated by the Administrator for use under the Emergency Program 
(added to the NFIP by the Congress in Section 408 of the Housing and 
Urban Development Act of 1969) and for use in the Regular Program on 
construction or substantial improvement started before the effective 
date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or on or before 
December 31, 1974 (this additional grandfathering was added to the NFIP 
by Congress in section 103 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 
1973), whichever is later.
    It should be noted that over the NFIP's history, the Program has 
not been subjected to a truly catastrophic flood event. Thus, the 
historical average is substantially less than could be expected over 
the long term when the influence of the extremely infrequent, truly 
catastrophic flood would result in a significant increase in the 
average historical year's losses. It is because of these fortuitous 
conditions, the lack of market penetration in areas suffering very 
large floods, and relatively high market penetration in the 
southeastern part of the United States, which has not suffered a 
catastrophic flood event recently, that the Program remained self-
supporting since 1986 relying only on policyholder funding. However, 
the chargeable (subsidized) rates are significantly less than those 
that would be charged on a full risk basis.
    Using current subsidized rates and projected full risk loss costs 
at 1995 levels, it is expected that the average annual shortfall in the 
risk portion of premiums needed to fund loss expenses, including the 
catastrophic potential, is over $400.00 for each subsidized 
policyholder.
    The statutory mandate to establish chargeable rates requires the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to balance the need for 
providing reasonable rates to encourage potential insureds to purchase 
flood insurance with the requirement that the NFIP be a flexible 
program that minimizes cost and distributes burdens equitably among 
those who will be protected by flood insurance and the general public.
    In the past, appropriations were required to replenish the 
program's borrowing authority when income was not sufficient due to the 
subsidy. Since 1986, FEMA has not asked Congress to appropriate any 
taxpayer funds to pay for this subsidy. Recent years have been 
extremely high loss years starting with Hurricane Hugo in 1989, 
Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki in 1992, the great Midwest flooding of 
1993, and several other major flooding events, including the recent 
flooding in Louisiana. The Louisiana flooding has resulted in the most 
losses the Program has ever had and will result in the biggest payout 
the Program has ever had from a single event. Because of this mounting 
loss experience, we must reduce the subsidy.
    Section 1308(e) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as 
amended, contains an annual rate increase limitation of 10 percent. The 
rates to accomplish the increase are in the following table. It should 
be noted that 

[[Page 8223]]
although the rates in the table have been increased more than 10 
percent, the entire premium, which also includes an expense constant, 
increases only by 10 percent.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Rates per year per
                                                       $100 coverage on 
                 Type of structure                  --------------------
                                                     Structure  Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Residential....................................      $0.68     $0.79
(2) All other (including hotels and motels with                         
 normal occupancy of less than 6 months in                              
 duration).........................................        .79      1.58
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For comparison, the subsidized rates being replaced by the 
preceding rates are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Rates per year per
                                                       $100 coverage on 
                 Type of structure                  --------------------
                                                     Structure  Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Residential....................................      $0.60     $0.70
(2) All other (including hotels and motels with                         
 normal occupancy of less than 6 months in                              
 duration).........................................        .70      1.40
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The increase is balanced between the provisions of the statute for 
chargeable rates that are less than actuarial rates, consistent with 
the objective of making flood insurance available at reasonable rates 
so as to encourage prospective insureds to purchase flood insurance, 
and the need to decrease the subsidy.
    The projected average annual premium for subsidized policies using 
the revised chargeable rates and purchasing 1995 amounts of insurance 
is $441.00, a $40.00 increase over the present average. Despite this 
increase, the new rates produce only an estimated 39 percent of the 
premium that would have to be charged if these policies were 
actuarially rated (i.e., not subsidized).

National Environmental Policy Act

    Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq., and the implementing regulations 
of the Council on Environmental Quality, 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, FEMA 
prepared an environmental assessment for this rule. The assessment 
concludes that there will be no significant impact on the human 
environment as a result of the issuance of the proposed rule. This 
final rule is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the 
quality of the human environment. An Environmental Impact Statement has 
not been prepared. Copies of the environmental assessment are available 
for inspection through the Rules Docket Clerk, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, room 840, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472.

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined under 
Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, Regulatory Planning and 
Review, 58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993. To the extent possible, this rule 
adheres to the principles of regulation as set forth in Executive Order 
12866. This rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and 
Budget under the provisions of Executive Order 12866.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain a collection of information and is 
therefore not subject to the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995.

Executive Order 12612, Federalism

    This rule involves no policies that have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 12612, Federalism, dated October 26, 1987.

Executive Order 12778, Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets the applicable standards of section 2(b)(2) of 
Executive Order 12778, Civil Justice Reform.

List of Subjects in 44 CFR Part 61

    Flood insurance.

    Accordingly, 44 CFR part 61 is amended as follows:

PART 61-- INSURANCE COVERAGE AND RATES

    1. The authority citation for part 61 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 
1978, 43 FR 41943, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 329; E.O. 12127 of Mar. 31, 
1979, 44 FR 19367, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 376.

    2. Section 61.9 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 61.9  Establishment of chargeable rates.

    (a) Pursuant to section 1308 of the Act, chargeable rates per year 
per $100 of flood insurance are established as follows for all areas 
designated by the Administrator under part 64 of this subchapter for 
the offering of flood insurance.

                   Rates for New and Renewal Policies                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Rates per year per
                                                       $100 coverage on 
                 Type of structure                  --------------------
                                                     Structure  Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Residential....................................      $0.68     $0.79
(2) All other (including hotels and motels with                         
 normal occupancy of less than 6 months in duration        .79      1.58
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) The contents rate shall be based upon the use of the individual 
premises for which contents coverage is purchased.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 83.100, ``Flood 
Insurance'').

    Dated: February 27, 1996.
Elaine A. McReynolds,
Administrator, Federal Insurance Administration.
[FR Doc. 96-4930 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6718-03-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4925 Project Cost and Annual Limits
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4925]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

18 CFR Part 157

[Docket No. RM81-19-000]

Project Cost and Annual Limits

Issued: February 27, 1996.
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the authority delegated by 18 CFR 375.307(e)(1), 
the Director of the Office of Pipeline Regulation computes and 
publishes the project cost and annual limits specified in Table I of 
Sec. 157.208(d) and Table II of Sec. 157.215(a) for each calendar year.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael J. McGehee, Division of Pipeline Certificates, OPR, (202) 208-
2257.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Order of the Director, OPR

    Section 157.208(d) of the Commission's Regulations provides for 
project cost limits applicable to construction, acquisition, operation 
and miscellaneous rearrangement of facilities (Table I) authorized 
under the blanket certificate procedure (Order No. 234, 19 FERC para. 
61,216). Section 157.215(a) specifies the calendar year dollar limit 
which may be expended on underground storage testing and development 
(Table II) authorized under the blanket certificate. Section 157.208(d) 
requires that the ``limits specified in Tables I and II shall be 
adjusted each calendar year to reflect the `GNP implicit price 
deflator' published by the Department of Commerce for the previous 
calendar year.''
    Pursuant to Sec. 375.307(e)(1) of the Commission's Regulations, the 
authority for the publication of such cost limits, as adjusted for 
inflation, is delegated to the Director of the Office of Pipeline 
Regulation. The cost limits for calendar years 1982 through 1996, as 
published in Table I of Sec. 157.208(d) and Table II of 
Sec. 157.215(a), are hereby issued.
    Note that these inflation adjustments are based on the Gross 
Domestic Product (GDP) Implicit Price Deflator, and include the 
Commerce Department's estimated fourth quarter GDP Implicit Price 
Deflator rather than the annual GDP Implicit Price Deflator or Gross 
National Product (GNP) Implicit Price Deflator, which are not yet 
available for 1995. The Commerce Department advises that in recent 
years the annual change has been virtually the same for both indices. 
Further adjustments will be made, if necessary.

List of Subjects in 18 CFR Part 157

    Natural Gas.
Kevin P. Madden,
Director, Office of Pipeline Regulation.
    Accordingly, 18 CFR Part 157 is amended as follows:

PART 157--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 157 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 717-717w, 3301-3432; 42 U.S.C. 7101-7352.

Sec. 157.208  [Amended]

    2. Table I in Sec. 157.208(d) is revised to read as follows:

                                 Table I                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Limit          
                                             ---------------------------
                                                            Prior notice
                    Year                       Auto. proj.    pro. cost 
                                               cost limit    limit (col.
                                                (col. 1)         2)     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1982........................................    $4,200,000   $12,000,000
1983........................................     4,500,000    12,800,000
1984........................................     4,700,000    13,300,000
1985........................................     4,900,000    13,800,000
1986........................................     5,100,000    14,300,000
1987........................................     5,200,000    14,700,000
1988........................................     5,400,000    15,100,000
1989........................................     5,600,000    15,600,000
1990........................................     5,800,000    16,000,000
1991........................................     6,000,000    16,700,000
1992........................................     6,200,000    17,300,000
1993........................................     6,400,000    17,700,000
1994........................................     6,600,000    18,100,000
1995........................................     6,700,000    18,400,000
1996........................................     6,900,000    18,800,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 157.215  [Amended]

    3. Table II in Sec. 157.215(a) is revised to read as follows:

                                Table II                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Year                                 Limit   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1982......................................................    $2,700,000
1983......................................................     2,900,000
1984......................................................     3,000,000
1985......................................................     3,100,000
1986......................................................     3,200,000
1987......................................................     3,300,000
1988......................................................     3,400,000
1989......................................................     3,500,000
1990......................................................     3,600,000
1991......................................................     3,800,000
1992......................................................     3,900,000
1993......................................................     4,000,000
1994......................................................     4,100,000
1995......................................................     4,200,000
1996......................................................     4,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 96-4925 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4922 Special Local Regulations; Parker 500 Enduro
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8218-8219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4922]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 100
[CG11-96-002]
RIN 2115-AE46

Special Local Regulations; Parker 500 Enduro
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of implementation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice implements 33 CFR 100.1102, ``Marine Events on the 
Colorado River, between Davis Dam (Bullhead City, Arizona) and Headgate 
Dam (Parker, Arizona),'' for the Parker 500 Enduro'' listed as ``Parker 
Enduro.''
    This event consists of circle races and a marathon race by 
powerboats 12 to 22 feet in length. These regulations will be effective 
in the area of the Colorado River known as Parker Strip from Headgate 
Dam to Badenochs Marina approximately 2.5 miles north. This is a 
smaller area than that published in 33 CFR 100.1102. Implementation of 
section 33 CFR 100.1102 is necessary to control vessel traffic in the 
regulated areas during the event to ensure the safety of participants 
and spectators.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Section 33 CFR 100.1102 is effective from 11 a.m., on 
March 9, 1996 and until 6 p.m. on March 10, 1996, unless cancelled 
earlier by the San Diego Activities Commander.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
QMC Paul Appleton, U.S. Coast Guard Activities San Diego, California; 
Tel: (619) 683-6309.

Discussion of Notice

    The Parker 500 Enduro is scheduled to occur on March 9 and 10, 
1996. These

[[Page 8219]]

Special Local Regulations permit Coast Guard control of vessel traffic 
in order to ensure the safety of spectators and participant vessels. In 
accordance with the regulations in 33 CFR 100.1102, no spectators shall 
anchor, block, loiter in, or impede the through transit of participants 
or official patrol vessels in the regulated area during the effective 
dates and times, unless cleared for such entry by or through an 
official patrol vessel.

    Dated: February 16, 1996.
R.A. Appelbaum,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 96-4922 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4920 Special Local Regulations; City of Augusta, GA
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8217-8218]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4920]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 100

[CGD07-96-004]
RIN 2115-AE46

Special Local Regulations; City of Augusta, GA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Temporary special local regulations are being adopted for the 
Augusta Port Authority Invitational Rowing Regatta. The event will be 
held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. edt (Eastern Daylight Time) on March 21-24, 
1996 on the Savannah River at August, GA. These regulations are 
necessary to

[[Page 8218]]

provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. edt 
on March 21-24, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this 
preamble are available for copying and inspection at U.S. Coast Guard 
Group Charleston, 196 Tradd Street, Charleston, SC 29401-1817, between 
8 a.m. and 3 p.m. edt, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
ENS M. Daponte, U.S. Coast Guard Group Charleston, SC at (803) 724-
7621.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, a notice of 
proposed rulemaking was not published for these regulations. Following 
normal rulemaking procedures would have been impracticable. The 
information necessary to hold the event was not received until January 
10 1996, and there was not sufficient time remaining to publish 
proposed rules in advance of the event or to provide for a delayed 
effective date.

Discussion of Regulations

    There will be 1000 participants racing 4 and 8 man rowing shells on 
a fixed course. The event will take place on the portion of the 
Savannah River at Augusta, Georgia between U.S. Highway 1/78/278 
Bridge, at mile marker 199.45, and mile marker 197, on March 21-24, 
1996. This rule is required to provide for the safety of life on the 
navigable waters during the running of the Invitational Rowing Regatta.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(f) of that order. It 
has not been reviewed review by the Office of Management and Budget 
under that order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies 
and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
proposal to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under 
paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is 
unnecessary. The regulated area encompasses less than 1.5 nautical 
miles on the Savannah River between U.S. Highway 1/78/278 Bridge, at 
mile marker 199.45, and mile marker 197, entry into which is prohibited 
only for eleven hours on each day of the event.
    Since the impact of this proposal is expected to be minimal, the 
Coast Guard certifies that, if adopted, it will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Collection of Information
    These regulations contain no collection of information requirements 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Federalism
    The Coast Guard has analyzed this rule in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has 
determined that this regulation does not have sufficient federalism 
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Environmental Assessment
    The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this 
action consistent with Section 2.B.2. of Commandant Instruction 
M16475.1B. In accordance with that section, this action has been 
environmentally assessed (EA completed), and the Coast Guard has 
determined that it will not significantly affect the quality of the 
human environment. An environmental assessment and finding of no 
significant impact have been prepared and are available for inspection 
and copying at the address listed under ADDRESSES. As a condition to 
the permit, the applicant is required to educate the operators of 
spectator craft and parade participants regarding the possible presence 
of manatees and the appropriate precautions to take if the animals are 
sighted.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
    Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Waterways.
Temporary Final Regulations
    In consideration of the foregoing, part 100 of title 33, Code of 
Federal Regulations, is amended as follows:
PART 100--[AMENDED]
    1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233, 49 CFR 1.46 and 33 CFR 100.35.

    2. A temporary Sec. 100.35-07-004 is added as follows:
Sec. 100.35-07-004  Special Local Regulations; Savannah River at 
Augusta, GA.

    (a) Regulated area. A regulated area is established on that portion 
of the Savannah River at Augusta, Georgia between U.S. Highway 1/78/278 
Bridge, at mile marker 199.45, and mile marker 197. The regulated area 
encompasses the width of the Savannah River between these two points.
    (b) Special local regulations. (1) Entry into the regulated area by 
other than event participants is prohibited, unless otherwise 
authorized by the Patrol Commander. After termination of the Augusta 
Invitational Rowing Regatta on March 24, 1996, all vessels may resume 
normal operation.
    (2) Four temporary overhead cables will be used to delineate the 
course's racing lanes, and floats will be used on the surface of the 
river to mark lane separations.
    (c) Effective dates. This section is effective from 6:30 a.m. to 
5:30 p.m. est on March 21-24, 1996.

    Dated: February 20, 1996.
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 96-4920 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4918 Safety Zone: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Vicinity of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8220-8221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4918]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 165

[CGD 05-96-007]
RIN 2115-AA97

Safety Zone: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Vicinity of Marine 
Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Wilmington, has 
established a safety zone in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) 
along Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Marine Corps Base), North 
Carolina. The safety zone encompasses the waters of the Atlantic 
Intracoastal Waterway between lighted dayboards 64 and 65A. The safety 
zone is needed to protect people, vessels, and property from safety 
hazards associated with the launching of insert line charges in support 
of amphibious assault training. Entry of vessels or persons into this 
zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the 
Port.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective from 8 a.m. March 8 to 6 a.m. 
March 14 1996 unless sooner terminated by the Captain of the Port.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LTJG K.J. DELOOFF, USCG, Project Officer, c/o Commanding Officer, U.S. 
Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, 272 North Front Street, Wilmington, 
North Carolina 28401-3907. Phone: (910) 343-4895, Extension 108.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
Discussion of Regulation
    Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will conduct training assaults on a 
simulated mined beach. Up to three exercises will be held each day and 
each exercise will last 30-45 minutes. Each assault involves firing an 
inert line charge which clears the simulated minefield. The inert 
charge is propelled by a 5 foot solid fuel rocket from which the inert 
explosives trail. The rocket is typically prevented from flying its 
full flight by a cable attached to the firing point. If this cable 
breaks, the rocket motor, and possibly the inert line charge could 
impact in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The Coast Guard is 
establishing a safety zone to prevent damage or injury which could 
result from this training exercise and will prevent vessels from 
transiting during the firing of the line charge.
    The safety zone will be effective from 8 a.m. on March 8, 1996 to 6 
a.m. on March 14, 1996 unless terminated sooner by the Captain of the 
Port Wilmington (COTP). The actual times the waterway will be closed 
will be approximately 30-45 minute periods one to three times per day. 
Before firing the inert line charge, the COTP will announce via VHF 
channel 16 that this section will be enforced and the waterway will be 
closed to traffic. Vessels from either the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. 
Navy will patrol each end of the safety zone to inform and control 
vessel traffic.
    The safety zone includes:
    The waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from lighted 
dayboard number 64 at approximately 34 deg.33' 59.7'' North, 
077 deg.16' 50.5'' West to lighted dayboard 65A at approximately 
34 deg.32' 40.0'' North, 077 deg.19' West.
    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, a notice of proposed rulemaking 
was not published for this regulation and good cause exists for making 
this regulation effective in less than 30 days after Federal Register 
publication. Publishing a NPRM and delaying the effective date would be 
contrary to the public interest since immediate action is needed to 
protect mariners from potential hazards associated with potential 
flight of an rocket propelled inert line charge over navigable waters. 
The final schedule for this event and other related activities was not 
finalized and communicated to the Coast Guard in sufficient time to 
allow for a period for comments.
Assessment
    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. It 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that 
order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and 
procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979).
    The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this rule to be so 
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the 
regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.
Collection of Information
    This rule contains no information collection requirements under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Federalism
    The Coast Guard has analyzed this rule under the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that 
this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Environment
    The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this rule 
and concluded that, under paragraph 2.B.2.e(34) of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1B (amended by 59 FR 38654), this rule is 
categorically excluded from further environmental documentation.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165--[AMENDED]
    1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; and 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 
6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.

    2. A new temporary Sec. 165.T05.007 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T05.007  Safety Zone: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Marine 
Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone:
    
[[Page 8221]]

    (1) The waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from lighted 
dayboard number 64 at approximately 34 deg.33'59.7'' North, 
077 deg.16'50.5'' West to lighted dayboard 65A at approximately 
34 deg.32'40.0'' North, 077 deg.19' West.
    (b) This section is effective from 8 a.m., March 8, 1996 to 6 a.m., 
March 14, 1996, unless terminated earlier by the Captain of the Port 
(COTP), Wilmington, NC.
    (c) No person or vessel may enter the safety zone without the 
permission of the COTP or his designated representative.
    (d) The COTP or his designated representative will announce times 
during which this section will be enforced.
    (e) The COTP or his designated representative may be contacted at 
the Marine Safety Office, Wilmington, NC by telephone at (910) 343-4895 
or by radio on VHF-FM channel 16.

    Dated: February 12, 1996.
T.L. Rice,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Wilmington, NC.
[FR Doc. 96-4918 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4917 Special Local Regulations: Manatee River, Palmetto, FL
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8216-8217]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4917]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[CGD07-96-003]
RIN 2115-AE46

Special Local Regulations: Manatee River, Palmetto, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Special local regulations are being adopted for the A.P.B.A. 
(American Power Boat Association) Green Bridget Regatta. This event 
will be held on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, 1996 between 
10 a.m. and 6 p.m. edt (eastern daylight time). This event will attract 
large spectator crowds and create congestion. Therefore, these 
regulations are needed to provide for the safety of life on navigable 
waters during the event.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. edt on 
March 23 and 24, 1996.

[[Page 8217]]

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this 
preamble are available for inspection or copying at U.S. Coast Guard 
Group ST. Petersburg, 600 8th Avenue SE., St. Petersburg, FL 33701-
5099, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. edt, Monday through Friday, except 
federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LTJG J.W. Nelson, U.S. Coast Guard Group St. Petersburg, FL at (813) 
824-7533.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, a notice of 
proposed rulemaking has not been published for these regulations. The 
permit application was not received until late January. Following 
normal rulemaking procedures would have been impracticable, as there 
was insufficient time to publish the proposed rule in advance of the 
event or to provide for a delayed effective date.

Discussion of Regulations

    This rule is needed to provide for the safety of life on navigable 
waters, to protect the vessels participating in the races, and to 
protect marine mammals during the A.P.B.A. (American Power Boat 
Association) Green Bridge Regatta. There will be approximately 50-75 
power boats, 21 to 50 feet in length, engaged in a power boat race, and 
no spectator craft are expected. A regulated area is established 
between daybecacons #1 (27 deg.30.6N, 82 deg.34.6W, LLNR 19525) and 
#21A (27 deg.30.5N, 82 deg.34.7W, LLNR 19570) in the Manatee River. All 
coordinates referenced are datum: NAD 83. The Manatee River will be 
closed to all inbound and outbound vessel traffic, other than spectator 
craft, at various times between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. edt, 
March 23 and 24, 1996. Vessel traffic will be allowed to transit the 
area during intermissions.

Regulatory Evaluation

    These regulations are not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an 
assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of 
that order. It has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and 
Budget under that order. It is not significant under the regulatory 
policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 
FR 11040; February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic 
impact of this rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation 
under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is 
unnecessary. Entry into the area is prohibited for only 10 hours each 
day of the event.
    Since the impact of these regulations is to be minimal, the Coast 
Guard certifies that it will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information

    These regulations contain no collection-of-information requirements 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

    This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined 
that these regulations do not have sufficient federalism implications 
to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environmental Assessment

    The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this 
action consistent with Section 2.B.2. of Commandant Instruction 
M16475.1B (as revised by 59 FR 38654, July 29m, 1994). In accordance 
with that section, this action has been environmentally assessed (EA 
completed), and the Coast Guard has determined that it will not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment. An 
environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact have been 
prepared and are available for inspection and copying at the address 
listed under Addresses. Specifically, the Coast Guard has consulted 
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine 
Fisheries Service regarding the environmental impact of this event, and 
it was determined that the event does not jeopardize the continued 
existence of protected species. As a condition to this permit, the 
applicant is required to educate the operators of spectator craft and 
race participants regarding the possible presence of manatees and the 
appropriate precautions to take if the animals are sighted.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
    Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Waterways.
Temporary Final Regulations
    In consideration of the foregoing, Part 100 of Title 33, Code of 
Federal Regulations, is amended as follows:
PART 100--[AMENDED]
    1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233; 49 CFR 1.46 and 33 CFR 100.35.

    2. A temporary Sec. 100.35-T07-003 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 100.35-T07-003  Manatee River, Palmetto, FL.

    (a) Regulated area. A regulated area is established in the Manatee 
River with the northwest corner point at Pt Ogden, position 
27 deg.30'41'' N, 82 deg.34'47'' W, extending to the northeast corner 
point at northern approach to Green Bridge, position 27 deg.30'35'' N, 
82 deg.34'22'' W, then extending to the southeast corner point at 
southern approach to Green Bridge, position 27 deg.29'58'' N, 
82 deg.34'17'' W, and then to the southwest corner point at Point 
Pleasant, position 27 deg.30'07'' N, 82 deg.34'42'' W. All coordinates 
referenced use Datum: NAD 83.
    (b) Special local regulations (1) In accordance with these 
regulations, the regulated area is designated as a no entry zone. 
Vessel traffic is permitted into the area during intermission, but is 
prohibited from entering the course area described in paragraph (b)(2) 
of this section during the race.
    (2) Inside the no entry zone is a designated area surrounding the 
race course. The course consists of two \1/2\ mile straight-aways and 
two \1/3\ mile turns. The course is bounded by a line connecting the 
northeast corner point at position 27 deg.30'10'' N, 82 deg.34'30'' W, 
a southeast corner point at position 27 deg.30'10'' N, 82 deg.34'27'' 
W, a southwest corner point at position 27 deg.30'15'' N, 
82 deg.34'38'' W, and a northwest corner point at position 
27 deg.30'30'' N, 82 deg.34'40'' W. All coordinates referenced use 
Datum: Nad 83.
    (c) Effective dates. This section is effective at 9 a.m. and 
terminate at 7 p.m. edt on March 23 and 24, 1996.

    Dated: February 20, 1996.
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 96-4917 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4916 Regulated Navigation Area Regulations; Fort Pierce, FL
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8219-8220]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4916]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 165

[CGD07-96-009]
RIN 2115-AE84

Regulated Navigation Area Regulations; Fort Pierce, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary regulated 
navigation area at the Peter P. Cobb bridge in Fort Pierce, Florida. 
This regulated navigation area is needed to protect all vessels from a 
safety hazard created by damage to the Peter P. Cobb bridge and 
associated debris in the surrounding area. Entry into this zone is 
prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Miami, 
Florida.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This regulation is effective from 12 p.m. on February 
24, 1996 and terminates at 12 p.m. on March 31, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
BMC J. L. Belk, Port Management and Response Department, USCG Marine 
Safety Office Miami, Florida at (305) 536-5693.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    At approximately 4 p.m. on November 7, 1995, a vessel allided with 
the east side of the fender system of the Peter P. Cobb Bridge (also 
known as the South Bridge) on the Indian River South Section at Fort 
Pierce, Florida. The center section of the east fender system was 
destroyed leaving the bridge support piling unprotected. Construction 
crews are replacing the fender system which was destroyed.
    A regulated navigation area has been established on the Indian 
River South Section which includes the area under the main span of the 
bridge extending 100 feet either side of the bridge within the main 
channel. A previous regulated navigation area (CGD07-95-073) was 
established for this area. This regulation will terminate at 12 p.m. on 
February 24, 1996. Since repairs on the Peter P. Cobb bridge have not 
been completed, a new regulation is needed to continue the repairs 
without creating unusual hazards on the waterway for vessels traversing 
the area. This area will have the following restrictions and conditions 
for vessel traffic.
    All barge traffic must obtain permission from the Captain of the 
Port or his designated representative prior to transiting. Any barges 
allowed to transit the zone by the Captain of the Port will be required 
to meet the following conditions: the barge must be assisted by two 
tugs made fast fore and aft; tugs must be of adequate horse power to 
fully maneuver the barge; and the zone shall be transited by barge 
traffic at slack water only. All other vessel traffic shall stay clear 
of the damaged section of the bridge and the repair work underway.
    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, a notice of proposed rulemaking 
was not published for this regulation and good cause exists for making 
it effective in less than 30 days after Federal Register publication. 
Publication of notice of proposed rulemaking and delay of effective 
date would be contrary to public interest because immediate action is 
necessary to prevent vessels from alliding with the bridge support 
pilings, causing potential danger to the public.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. It 
has been exempted from review by the Office of Management and Budget 
under that order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies 
and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
proposal to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under 
paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is 
unnecessary.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the 
Coast Guard must consider whether this rule will have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small 
entities'' include independently owned and operated businesses that are 
not dominant in their field and that otherwise qualify as ``small 
business concerns'' under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 
U.S.C. 632).
    For reasons set forth in the above Regulatory Evaluation, the Coast 
Guard certifies under section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information
    This rule contains no information collection requirements under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
Federalism
    The action has been analyzed under the principles and criteria 
contained in executive order 12612 and has determined that the 
rulemaking does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Environmental Assessment
    The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this 
action and has determined pursuant to Section 2.B.2. of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1B that this action is categorically excluded from 
further environmental documentation. A categorical exclusion checklist 
and categorical exclusion determination have been completed and are 
available for inspection and copying.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (waters), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Safety measures, Waterways.
Final Regulations
    For the reasons set out in the preamble the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR Part 165 as follows:

PART 100--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 
6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.

    2. A new temporary Sec. 165.T07-009 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T07-009  Regulated Navigation Area; Indian River South 
Section, Peter P. Cobb Bridge, Fort Pierce, FL.

    (a) Location. The following area is a regulated navigation area:

    All waters under the main bridge span extending 100 feet either 
side of the bridge within the main channel.

    (b) Regulations. In accordance with general regulations in 
Sec. 165.11 of this

[[Page 8220]]

part, no vessel may operate within the regulated navigation area 
contrary to this regulation. All barge traffic must obtain permission 
from the Captain of the Port or his designated representative prior to 
transiting. Any barges allowed to transit the zone by the Captain of 
the Port will be required to meet the following conditions: the barge 
must be assisted by two tugs made fast fore and aft; tugs must be of 
adequate horsepower to fully maneuver the barge; and the zone shall be 
transited by barge traffic at slack water only. All other vessel 
traffic shall stay clear of the damaged section of the bridge and 
repair work underway. The Captain of the Port will notify the public of 
changes in the status of this zone by Marine Safety Radio Broadcast on 
VHF Marine Band Radio, Channel 22 (157.1 MHz).

    (c) Effective dates. This section is effective at 12 p.m. on 
February 24, 1996 and terminates at 12 p.m. on March 31, 1996.

    Dated: February 23, 1996.

Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,

Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.

[FR Doc. 96-4916 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4914 Delegations of Authority and Organization; Issuance of Notices Relating to Debarment
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8214-8215]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4914]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 5

Delegations of Authority and Organization; Issuance of Notices 
Relating to Debarment

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the 
regulations for delegations of authority to FDA officials in the Center 
for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), the Center for Veterinary 
Medicine (CVM), and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research 
(CBER) by adding a new delegations section concerning the issuance of 
notices relating to proposals and orders for debarment and denial of an 
application to terminate debarment. Additionally, FDA is amending the 
regulations regarding petitions so that certain officials of CDER, CVM, 
and CBER are authorized to respond to petitions concerning debarment 
and refusal to terminate debarment. This action will make the process 
of issuing such notices and responses to petitions more efficient.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 4, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Rawlings, Division of Management 
Systems and Policy (HFA-340), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-443-4976.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: New section 306 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (the act) (21 U.S.C. 335a), created by the Generic 
Drug Enforcement Act of 1992, authorizes the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services and, by previous delegation, the Commissioner of Food 
and Drugs (the Commissioner) to take actions relating to debarment 
proposals and orders as well as proposals and orders to deny an 
application to terminate a debarment order. Certain aspects of this 
authority are being redelegated in new Sec. 5.98 from the Commissioner 
to the Directors of CDER, CVM, and CBER, to the Deputy Directors of 
CDER and CVM, and the Associate Director for Policy Coordination and 
Public Relations, CBER, as appropriate. In addition, FDA is amending 
Sec. 5.31 (21 CFR 5.31) by delegating authority to the Directors of 
CDER, CVM, and CBER, to the Deputy Directors of CDER and CVM, and the 
Associate Director for Policy Coordination and Public Relations of CBER 
to respond to petitions concerning actions they are authorized to take 
under new Sec. 5.98. The redelegations will make the process of issuing 
such notices and responses to petitions more efficient.
    Further redelegation of the authority delegated is not authorized. 
Authority delegated to a position by title may be exercised by a person 
officially designated to serve in such position in an acting capacity 
or on a temporary basis.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 5

    Authority delegations (Government agencies), Imports, Organization 
and functions (Government agencies).
    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, 21 CFR part 
5 is amended as follows:

PART 5--DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY AND ORGANIZATION

    1. The authority citation for 21 CFR part 5 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 504, 552, App. 2; 7 U.S.C. 138a, 2271; 15 
U.S.C. 638, 1261-1282, 

[[Page 8215]]
3701-3711a; secs. 2-12 of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (15 
U.S.C. 1451-1461); 21 U.S.C. 41-50, 61-63, 141-149, 467f, 679(b), 
801-886, 1031-1309; secs. 201-903 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321-394); 35 U.S.C. 156; secs. 301, 302, 
303, 307, 310, 311, 351, 352, 361, 362, 1701-1706, 2101, 2125, 2127, 
2128 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241, 242, 242a, 
242l, 242n, 243, 262, 263, 264, 265, 300u-300u-5, 300aa-1, 300aa-25, 
300aa-27, 300aa-28); 42 U.S.C. 1395y, 3246b, 4332, 4831(a), 10007-
10008; E.O. 11490, 11921, and 12591; secs. 312, 313, 314 of the 
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99-660 (42 
U.S.C. 300aa-1 note).

    2. Section 5.31 is amended by adding new paragraphs (f)(1)(vi), 
(f)(2)(x), and (f)(8) to read as follows:

Sec. 5.31  Petitions under part 10.

 * * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vi) Section 5.98 Issuance of notices relating to proposals and 
orders for debarment and denial of an application to terminate 
debarment.
    (2) * * *
    (x) Section 5.98 Issuance of notices relating to proposals and 
orders for debarment and denial of an application to terminate 
debarment.
* * * * *
    (8) The Director and Deputy Director, CVM, are authorized to grant 
or deny citizen petitions submitted under Sec. 10.30 of this chapter 
concerning actions they are authorized to take under Sec. 5.98 Issuance 
of notices relating to proposals and orders for debarment and denial of 
an application to terminate debarment.
    3. New Sec. 5.98 is added to subpart B to read as follows:

Sec. 5.98  Issuance of notices relating to proposals and orders for 
debarment and denial of an application to terminate debarment.

    The Director and Deputy Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and 
Research (CDER), the Director and Deputy Director, Center for 
Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and the Director and Associate Director for 
Policy Coordination and Public Relations, Center for Biologics 
Evaluation and Research (CBER) are authorized to issue the following 
notices under section 306 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(the act) which relate to the assigned functions of their 
organizations:
    (a) Notices of opportunity for hearing on proposals for mandatory 
or permissive debarment.
    (b) Notices ordering debarment when opportunity for a hearing has 
been waived.
    (c) Notices ordering debarment where the person notifies the agency 
that the person acquiesces to debarment under section 306(c)(2)(B) of 
the act.
    (d) Notices of opportunity for hearing on proposals denying an 
application to terminate debarment under section 306(d)(3) of the act.
    (e) Orders denying an application to terminate debarment under 
section 306(d)(3) of the act when opportunity for a hearing has been 
waived.

    Dated: February 26, 1996.
William K. Hubbard,
Associate Commissioner for Policy Coordination.
[FR Doc. 96-4914 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4911 Education Department General Administrative RegulationsDirect Grant Programs
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8454-8455]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4911]

[[Page 8453]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part VIII

Department of Education

_______________________________________________________________________

34 CFR Part 75

Education Department General Administrative Regulations--Direct Grant 
Programs; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 43 / Monday, March 4, 1996 / Rules 
and Regulations 

[[Page 8454]]

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

34 CFR Part 75

RIN 1880-AA68

Education Department General Administrative Regulations--Direct 
Grant Programs

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Final Regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Secretary amends the Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) that govern discretionary grant 
programs. These regulations clarify that the Secretary may reject 
applications that propose project funding levels that exceed the 
maximum award amount established in an application notice published in 
the Federal Register. The Secretary issues these regulations to clarify 
the meaning of existing regulations that govern the application review 
process.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations take effect on April 3, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary A. Smith, Office of the General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW., 
Room 5113, FB10, Washington, D.C. 20202-2241. Individuals who use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Information 
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 
Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary takes this action to implement 
a recommendation made by a quality improvement team for improving the 
discretionary grant award process.
    Under current practice, the Department reviews applications that 
exceed the upper dollar limit of the estimated range of grant awards 
expected to be made under a competition but, when the awards are made, 
in most cases, the Department funds the projects at amounts within the 
funding range.
    In conducting competitions, the Department generally publishes 
application notices that specify the estimated amounts or estimated 
ranges of awards. However, because these amounts or ranges are 
estimated, applicants often request funding at levels above the 
estimated levels. Under most competitions, the practice of the 
Department has been to establish grant award amounts for successful 
applicants that are at or below the amounts specified in the estimates. 
However, in some cases, the Department has made awards that exceeded 
the estimates specified in the application notice.
    The Department has been guided by the underlying principle that 
applicants for discretionary grants must be afforded basic fairness in 
the competitive grant award process. Most of the time applicants who 
propose projects that exceed the upper limit of the specified range of 
awards can propose to do significantly more than applicants who propose 
funding consistent with the estimates. In these circumstances, 
applicants who request funds that exceed these amounts are likely to 
receive better scores from reviewers. If those applicants are then 
selected for funding, the Department, in most cases, negotiates with 
the applicants to reduce the cost of the projects to bring them within 
the estimated funding range. As a result, many of the activities in 
these applications have to be significantly modified, reduced, or 
eliminated. The result is that the projects negotiated for final award 
often differ substantially from the applications that were highly rated 
by the reviewers. This practice has the potential of rewarding 
applicants who originally request funding above the funding range and 
penalizing applicants who follow the estimates.
    However, this is not always the case. Sometimes the Department is 
unsure what a highly qualified project should cost. This is especially 
true when an educational technology is being explored or the Department 
is supporting research in a new field. In these situations, the 
Department may not have confidence that it has correctly estimated what 
the funded projects will cost. Thus, the Secretary would not put a 
maximum limitation on the competition to account for the possibility 
that applicants might need more funds than specified in the expected 
range in order to successfully implement the program's goals.
    These regulations would clarify that the Secretary has discretion 
to establish funding limits for awards, and provide for the inclusion 
of information on maximum funding levels in application notices.
    Under Sec. 75.101(a)(2), the Secretary may include in an 
application notice the amount of funds available for grants and the 
estimated number and amounts of those grants. Some application notices 
have included the estimated amount of funds available for each grant, 
and some application notices have given an estimated award amount. As 
the provision in Sec. 75.101(a)(2) is currently worded, it is unclear 
whether the application notice may include a maximum award amount. 
These amendments to Sec. 75.101 clarify that the Secretary may include 
an estimated amount of funds available for each grant and, if 
appropriate, a maximum amount of funds available for each grant.
    The Secretary also amends 34 CFR 75.104 to require that if a 
maximum award amount is established, the Secretary may reject 
applications that propose a budget that would exceed the maximum award 
amount.
    These amendments will ensure better service to the Department's 
customers by permitting the Department to reject applications that 
exceed a maximum amount. This process will enable the Department to 
make awards more quickly and at less cost.

Executive Order 12866

    These regulations have been reviewed in accordance with Executive 
Order 12866. Under the terms of the order the Secretary has assessed 
the potential costs and benefits of the regulatory action.
    In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative 
and qualitative--the Secretary has determined that the benefits of the 
regulations in clarifying and improving the Department's grant 
application review process justify the costs.
    The Secretary has also determined that this regulatory action does 
not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the 
exercise of their governmental functions.
    Summary of potential costs and benefits: There are no identified 
costs associated with these regulations. The potential benefits of 
these regulations are discussed elsewhere in this preamble under the 
following heading: Supplementary Information.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Secretary certifies that these regulations would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The small entities affected would be small local educational agencies, 
community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and 
institutions of higher education. However, these regulations would have 
no economic impact on any of the entities affected and would merely 
ensure a fairer application review process.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    These regulations have been examined under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 and have been found to contain no information collection 
requirements. 

[[Page 8455]]

Waiver of Rulemaking

    It is the practice of the Secretary to offer interested parties the 
opportunity to comment on proposed regulations in accordance with the 
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553). However, because the 
Secretary is interpreting existing regulations to allow an application 
notice to include an estimated amount of funds available for each grant 
or a maximum amount of funds available for each grant and because the 
Secretary is establishing a procedural rule necessary for the 
Department to conduct grant application review processes, the Secretary 
has determined, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), that proposed 
rulemaking requirements do not apply.

List of Subjects in 34 CFR Part 75

    Education Department, Grant programs--education, Grant 
administration, Incorporation by reference.

    Dated: February 28, 1996.
Richard W. Riley,
Secretary of Education.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number does not apply)

    The Secretary amends Part 75 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 75--DIRECT GRANT PROGRAMS

    1. The authority citation for Part 75 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474, unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 75.101 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read 
as follows:

Sec. 75.101  Information in the application notice that helps an 
applicant apply.

    (a) * * *
    (2) The amount of funds available for grants, the estimated number 
of those grants, the estimated amounts of those grants and, if 
appropriate, the maximum award amounts of those grants.
* * * * *
    3. Section 75.104 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 75.104  Applicants must meet procedural rules.

    (a) The Secretary may make a grant only to an eligible party that 
submits an application.
    (b) If a maximum award amount is established in a notice published 
in the Federal Register, the Secretary may reject without consideration 
or evaluation any application that proposes a project funding level 
that exceeds the stated maximum award amount.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474)

[FR Doc. 96-4911 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4909 Approval of Lending Institutions and Mortgagees Streamlining
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8458-8459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4909]

[[Page 8457]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part IX

Department of Housing and Urban Development

_______________________________________________________________________

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal Housing 
Commissioner

_______________________________________________________________________

24 CFR Part 202

Approval of Lending Institutions and Mortgagees Streamlining; Final 
Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 43 / Monday, March 4, 1996 / Rules 
and Regulations 

[[Page 8458]]

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing 
Commissioner

24 CFR Part 202

[Docket No. FR-4036-F-01]
RIN 2502-AG68

Approval of Lending Institutions and Mortgagees Streamlining

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing 
Commissioner, HUD.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule amends HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 202 
relating to Approval of Lending Institutions and Mortgagees. In an 
effort to comply with the President's regulatory reform initiatives, 
this rule will streamline subparts A & B, which relate to approval of 
Title I Lending Institutions and Approval of Mortgagees, respectively, 
because certain provisions are not necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 3, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Garner-Wing, Director, Lender 
Approval and Recertification Division, Office of Lender Activities and 
Land Sales Registration, Room 9146, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410. Telephone: 
(202) 708-3976. (This is not a toll-free number.) For hearing- and 
speech-impaired persons, this number may be accessed via TDD by calling 
the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 4, 1995, President Clinton issued a 
memorandum to all Federal departments and agencies regarding regulatory 
reinvention. In response to this memorandum, the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development conducted a page-by-page review of its 
regulations to determine which can be eliminated, consolidated, or 
otherwise improved. HUD has determined that the regulations for 
Approval of Lending Institutions and Mortgagees can be streamlined to 
remove provisions which are no longer necessary to be codified in the 
Code of Federal Regulations. This rule will not change the substantive 
requirements of the part but will eliminate redundant provisions.

Justification for Final Rulemaking

    HUD generally publishes a rule for public comment before issuing a 
rule for effect, in accordance with its own regulations on rulemaking 
in 24 CFR part 10. However, part 10 provides for exceptions to the 
general rule if the agency finds good cause to omit advance notice and 
public participation. The good cause requirement is satisfied when 
prior public procedure is ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest'' (24 CFR 10.1). HUD finds that good cause exists 
to publish this rule for effect without first soliciting public 
comment. This rule merely removes unnecessary regulatory provisions and 
does not establish or affect substantive policy. Therefore, prior 
public comment is unnecessary.

Other Matters

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 605(b)), has reviewed and approved this final rule, and in so 
doing certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule merely 
streamlines regulations by removing unnecessary provisions. The rule 
will have no adverse or disproportionate economic impact on small 
businesses.

Environmental Impact

    This rulemaking does not have an environmental impact. This 
rulemaking simply amends an existing regulation by eliminating 
administrative provisions and does not alter the environmental effect 
of the regulations being amended. A Finding of No Significant Impact 
with respect to the environment was made in accordance with HUD 
regulations in 24 CFR part 50 that implement section 102(2)(C) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) at the time 
of development of regulations regarding the Approval of Lending 
Institutions and Mortgagees. That finding remains applicable to this 
rule and is available for public inspection between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 
p.m. weekdays in the Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, Office of 
General Counsel, Room 10276, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC.

Executive Order 12612, Federalism

    The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under section 6(a) 
of Executive Order 12612, Federalism, has determined that this rule 
will not have substantial direct effects on States or their political 
subdivisions, or the relationship between the Federal government and 
the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among 
the various levels of government. No programmatic or policy changes 
will result from this rule that would affect the relationship between 
the Federal Government and State and local governments.

Executive Order 12606, The Family

    The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under Executive 
Order 12606, The Family, has determined that this rule will not have 
the potential for significant impact on family formation, maintenance, 
or general well-being, and thus is not subject to review under the 
Order. No significant change in existing HUD policies or programs will 
result from promulgation of this rule.

List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 202

    Administrative practice and procedure, Home improvement, 
Manufactured homes, Mortgage insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Accordingly, 24 CFR part 202 is amended as follows:

PART 202--APPROVAL OF LENDING INSTITUTIONS AND MORTGAGES

    1. The authority citation for part 202 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1703, 1709, and 1715b; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Subpart A--Approval of Title I Lending Institutions

    2. Section 202.3 is amended by:
    a. Removing and reserving paragraph (d); and
    b. Revising paragraph (j) to read as follows:

Sec. 202.3  General approval requirements.

* * * * *
    (d) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (j) Except for Government Institutions as defined in Sec. 202.2, it 
shall pay an application fee and annual fee, including an additional 
fee for each branch office authorized by the Secretary to originate 
Title I loans. These fees shall be in such amounts as the Secretary may 
require.
* * * * *

Sec. 202.4  [Amended]

    3. Section 202.4 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph 
(b).

Sec. 202.5  [Amended]

    4. Section 202.5 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph 
(b).
    5. Section 202.9 is revised to read as follows: 
    
[[Page 8459]]

Sec. 202.9  Administrative actions.

    (a) General. The provisions of 24 CFR part 25 shall be applicable 
to a lender participating in the Title I program. Administrative 
actions which may be applied are set forth in 24 CFR 25.5. Civil money 
penalties may also be imposed against Title I lenders pursuant to 24 
CFR 25.13 and part 30 of this title. For purposes of this section the 
term ``lender'' shall also include loan correspondents as defined in 
Sec. 202.2(b) of this subpart A.
    (b) Grounds for administrative actions. Administrative actions 
shall be based upon both the grounds set forth in 24 CFR 25.9 and as 
follows:
    (1) Failure to properly supervise and monitor dealers under the 
provisions of 24 CFR part 201;
    (2) Exhaustion of the general insurance reserve established under 
24 CFR part 201;
    (3) Maintenance of a claims/loan ratio representing an unacceptable 
risk to the Department; or
    (4) Transfer of a Title I loan to a party that does not have a 
valid Contract of Insurance.

Subpart B--Approval of Mortgagees

    6. Section 202.11 is amended by:
    a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text, (a)(1)(i), and 
(b); and
    b. Removing and reserving paragraphs (a)(3) and (c), to read as 
follows:

Sec. 202.11  Approval, recertification, withdrawal of approval and 
termination of approval agreement.

    (a) Approval. (1) A mortgagee may be approved for participation in 
the mortgage insurance programs authorized by the National Housing Act 
upon filing a request for approval on a form prescribed by the 
Secretary and signed by the applicant. The approval form shall be 
accompanied by such documentation as may be prescribed by the Secretary 
to support the request for approval. Approval of the application shall 
constitute:
    (i) The Secretary's agreement that the mortgagee shall be 
considered an approved mortgagee unless suspended or withdrawn pursuant 
to 24 CFR part 25, or unless the mortgagee voluntarily relinquishes its 
approval;
* * * * *
    (3) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (b) Recertification of approval. On each anniversary of the 
approval of a mortgagee, the Secretary shall undertake a 
recertification procedure to determine whether continued approval is 
appropriate. The Secretary shall review the yearly verification report 
required by Sec. 202.12(h)(2) and other pertinent documents, determine 
whether all application and annual fees which are due have been paid, 
and request any additional information needed to make a determination 
regarding continuation of approval.
    (c) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    7. Section 202.12 is amended by:
    a. Removing and reserving paragraph (e), and
    b. Redesignating paragraph (o) as paragraph (n)(5) and revising 
newly redesignated paragraph (n)(5); and
    c. Reserving paragraph (o), to read as follows:

Sec. 202.12  General approval requirements.

* * * * *
    (e) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (5) Mortgagees shall have the required net worth upon approval, 
except that supervised and nonsupervised mortgagees may have a net 
worth of $250,000 for the first year of approval.
    (o) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    8. Section 202.18 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 202.18  Approval for servicing.

    All mortgagees who wish to service FHA-insured mortgages must be 
approved by the Secretary under Sec. 202.13, (supervised mortgagees), 
Sec. 202.14, (nonsupervised mortgagees), or Sec. 202.17 (governmental 
institutions).
    9. Section 202.19 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 202.19  Report requirements.

    (a) Definitions. For the purpose of this section:
    (1) Normal rate for early serious defaults and early claims means 
the rate set forth in Sec. 202.11(d)(i).
    (2) Early serious defaults or claims higher than the normal rate 
means the rate set forth in Secs. 202.11(d)(ii) and 202.11(d)(iii).
    (3) Endorsement means initial endorsement or initial/final 
endorsement, as applicable, with respect to multifamily mortgages.
    (b) Requirements. If a mortgagee approved for participation in the 
insurance programs under Secs. 202.10 through 202.18 is notified by the 
Secretary that it had a rate of early serious defaults or early claims 
on HUD-insured mortgages during the preceding year, or during recent 
years, which was higher than the normal rate for the geographic area or 
areas in which it does business, it shall submit a report, within 60 
days, containing an explanation for the above-normal rate of early 
serious defaults or early claims and, if required by the Secretary, a 
plan for corrective action with regard to mortgages in default and its 
mortgage processing system in general. In determining whether a plan is 
required, the Secretary may consider relevant information and 
statements from the mortgagee.
    10. Section 202.20 is amended by revising paragraph (i) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 202.20  Tiered Pricing.

* * * * *
    (i) Request for determination of compliance. Pursuant to section 
539(a) of the National Affordable Housing Act, any person may file a 
request that the Secretary determine whether a mortgagee or Title I 
lender is in compliance with this section or with sections implementing 
sections 223(a)(7) and 535 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 
et seq.) , such as Secs. 201.10(g), 203.18d, and 203.43(c)(5) of this 
chapter (only Section 535 applies to Title I lenders). The request for 
determination shall be made to the following address: Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lender Activities and Land 
Sales Registration, 45l Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 204l0. The 
Secretary shall inform the requestor of the disposition of the request. 
The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the disposition of 
any case referred by the Secretary to the Mortgagee Review Board.

    Dated: February 22, 1996.
Nicolas P. Retsinas,
Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 96-4909 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-27-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4899 Iranian Assets Control Regulations; Shams Pahlavi Assets Unblocked
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4899]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of Foreign Assets Control

31 CFR Part 535

Iranian Assets Control Regulations; Shams Pahlavi Assets 
Unblocked

AGENCY: Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule; amendment to the list of persons whose assets are 
subject to blocking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of 
the Treasury is amending section 535.217 of the Iranian Assets Control 
Regulations, 31 CFR Sec. 535.217, to remove the name Shams Pahlavi from 
Sec. 535.217(b). Shams Pahlavi, sister of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the 
former Shah of Iran, previously was identified in Sec. 535.217(b) as a 
person who had been served as a defendant in litigation brought by Iran 
in a court within the United States seeking the return of property 
alleged to belong to Iran. She therefore was identified as a person 
whose United States assets were blocked pursuant to the provisions of 
Sec. 535.217(a). Reference to Shams Pahlavi is now removed from 
Sec. 535.217(b) based upon the final termination of all pertinent 
litigation against her. Accordingly, her United States assets are no 
longer blocked pursuant to Sec. 535.217(a).

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regarding the status of blocked 
assets, Loren L. Dohm, Blocked Assets Division (tel.: 202/622-2440); 
regarding legal questions, William B. Hoffman, Chief Counsel (tel.: 
202/622-2410); Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the 
Treasury, Washington, D.C. 20220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Availability

    This document is available as an electronic file on The Federal 
Bulletin Board the day of publication in the Federal Register. By 
modem, dial 202/515-1387 and type ``/GO FAC,'' or call 202/512-1530 for 
disks or paper copies. This file is available for downloading without 
charge in WordPerfect, ASCII, and Adobe AcrobatTM readable (*.PDF) 
formats. The document is also accessible for downloading in ASCII 
format without charge from Treasury's Electronic Library (``TEL'') in 
the ``Business, Trade and Labor Mall'' of the FedWorld bulletin board. 
By modem dial 703/321-3339, and select the appropriate self-expanding 
file in TEL. For Internet access, use one of the following protocols: 
Telnet = fedworld.gov (192.239.93.3); World Wide Web (Home Page) = 
http://www.fedworld.gov; FTP = ftp.fedworld.gov (192.239.92.205).

Background

    The Office of Foreign Assets Control is amending Sec. 535.217(b) of 
the Iranian Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR part 535, to reflect 
changes in the status of litigation brought by Iran against close 
relatives of the former Shah of Iran seeking the return of property 
alleged to belong to Iran. In 1991, Shams Pahlavi was identified in 
Sec. 535.217(b) based on proof of service upon her in litigation of the 
type described in Sec. 535.217(a). Pursuant to that provision, all 
property and assets located in the United States within the control of 
Shams Pahlavi were blocked until all pertinent litigation against her 
was finally terminated. Because that litigation has been finally 
terminated, reference to Shams Pahlavi is deleted from Sec. 535.217(b).
    Because the Regulations involve a foreign affairs function, 
Executive Order 12866 and the provisions of the Administrative 
Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, requiring notice of proposed rulemaking, 
opportunity for public participation, and delay in effective date, are 
inapplicable. Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required for 
this rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, does not 
apply. Wherever possible, however, it is the practice of the Office of 
Foreign Assets Control to receive written submissions or hold informal 
consultations with interested parties before the issuance of any rule 
or other public document.

List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 535

    Administrative practice and procedure, Banking, Banks, Blocking of 
assets, Currency, Foreign investment in the United States, Iran, 
Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Securities.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 31 CFR part 535 is 
amended as follows:

PART 535--IRANIAN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS

    1. The authority citation for Part 535 continues to read as 
follows:
    Authority: 50 U.S.C. 1701-1706; E.O. 12710, 44 FR 65729, 3 CFR, 
1979 Comp., p. 457; E.O. 12205, 45 FR 24099, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 248; 
E.O. 12211, 45 FR 26685, 3 CFR, 1980, Comp., p. 253; E.O. 12276, 46 FR 
7913, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 104; E.O. 12279, 46 FR 7919, 3 CFR 1981 
Comp., p. 109; E.O. 12280, 46 FR 7921, 3 CFR 1981 Comp., p. 110; E.O. 
12281, 46 FR 7923, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 112; E.O. 12282, 46 FR 7925, 3 
CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 113; E.O. 12282, 46 FR 7927, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 
113; E.O. 12283, 46 FR 7927, 3 CFR 1981 Comp., p. 114; and E.O. 12294, 
46 FR 14111, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 139.

Subpart B--Prohibitions

    2. Section 535.217 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 535.201  Blocking of property of the former Shah of Iran and of 
certain Iranian nationals.

* * * * *
    (b) [No persons presently listed].
* * * * *

    Dated: February 1, 1996.
R. Richard Newcomb,
Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
    Approved: February 8, 1996.
Dennis M. O'Connell,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary (Regulatory, Tariff & Law 
Enforcement).
[FR Doc. 96-4899 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-25-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4876 Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; Bluefin Tuna Adjustments
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8223-8224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4876]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 285

[I.D. 010496B]

Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; Bluefin Tuna Adjustments

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Fishery closure; catch limit adjustment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: As of February 25, 1996, reported recreational fishery 
landings of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) larger than 73 inches (185 cm) 
totalled 3.7 metric tons (mt). The annual quota allocated to 
recreational catch of large medium and giant ABT is 4 mt. Therefore, 
landing large medium and giant ABT under the Angling category is 
prohibited effective at 11:30 p.m. on February 28, 1996. This action is 
being taken to prevent overharvest of this category. In addition, the 
daily catch limit for ABT is adjusted to one fish per vessel, which may 
be from the school, large school, or small medium size class. This 
action is being taken to lengthen the fishing season and ensure 
reasonable fishing opportunities in all geographic areas.

EFFECTIVE DATES: The closure is effective 11:30 p.m., local time, 
February 28, 

[[Page 8224]]
1996, through December 31, 1996, or until the effective date of any 
future adjustment, which will be published in the Federal Register. The 
daily catch limit adjustment is effective 11:30 p.m., local time, March 
11, 1996, through December 31, 1996, or until the effective date of any 
future adjustment, which will be published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Hogarth, 301-713-2347.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority 
of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) governing 
the harvest of ABT by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction 
are found at 50 CFR part 285.
    Implementing regulations for the Atlantic tuna fisheries at 50 CFR 
285.22 provide for a total annual quota of 4 mt of large medium and 
giant ABT to be harvested from the regulatory area by vessels permitted 
in the Angling category or the Charter/Headboat category. NMFS is 
required, under Sec. 285.20(b)(1), to monitor the catch and landing 
statistics and, on the basis of these statistics, to project a date 
when the catch of ABT will equal the quota applicable to any period.
    As of February 25, 1996, reported recreational fishery landings of 
Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) larger than 73 inches (185 cm) totaled 3.7 
metric tons (mt). Information on fishing effort available to NMFS 
indicates that the remaining quota is likely to be taken within the 
next few days. Therefore, fishing for, retention, possessing, or 
landing large medium or giant ABT by vessels in the Angling category or 
Charter/Headboat category must cease at 11:30 p.m., local time, 
February 28, 1996. This action is to prevent overharvest of the quota 
established for this category. Recreational anglers may continue to 
fish for large medium and giant ABT under the NMFS tag and release 
program (Sec. 285.27).
    The Angling category fishery for school, large school, and small 
medium size ABT remains open. Implementing regulations for the Atlantic 
tuna fisheries at Sec. 285.24 allow for inseason adjustments to the 
daily catch limits in order to lengthen the fishing season and ensure 
reasonable fishing opportunities for all geographic areas. The 
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, may increase or reduce the 
per angler catch limit for any size class bluefin tuna or may change 
the per angler limit to a per boat limit or a per boat limit to a per 
angler limit.
    Based on a review of daily landing trends, availability of ABT on 
the fishing grounds, and anticipated fishing effort, the daily catch 
limit is adjusted as follows: No more than one bluefin tuna may be 
retained each day per Angling category vessel, which may be from the 
school, large school, or small medium size class. Notice of adjustments 
must be published at least 5 calendar days prior to a change in daily 
catch limit becoming effective. Therefore, the catch limit adjustment 
shall take effect at 11:30 p.m., local time on March 11, 1996.
    Subsequent adjustments to the daily catch limit, if any, shall be 
announced through publication in the Federal Register. Charter/Headboat 
and General category vessels, when engaged in recreational fishing for 
school ABT, are subject to the same rules as Angling category vessels.

Classification

    This action is taken under 50 CFR 285.20(b) and 50 CFR 285.22 and 
is exempt from review under E.O. 12866.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.

    Dated: February 27, 1996.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-4876 Filed 2-27-96; 4:44 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4841 Fishery Marketing Cooperatives; Issuance of Cease and Desist Orders; Removal of Regulation
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4841]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 290

[Docket No. 960221042-6042-01; I.D. 122195B]
RIN 0648-A159

Fishery Marketing Cooperatives; Issuance of Cease and Desist 
Orders; Removal of Regulation

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS amends the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to remove a 
regulation that is no longer needed concerning the issuance of cease 
and desist orders to associations of aquatic products. This action is 
consistent with the President's Regulatory Reform Initiative.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 4, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce C. Morehead, (301)713-2358.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 4, 1995, as part of the President's 
Regulatory Reform Initiative, the President directed agencies to 
conduct a page-by-page review of all regulations and eliminate or 
revise those that are outdated or otherwise in need of reform. After 
conducting a review of 50 CFR part 290, it was determined that it was 
no longer needed and could be removed.
    Part 290 of title 50 CFR provides a remedy under the authority of 
The Act of June 25, 1934 (48 Stat. 1213) (Act), whereby an association 
of producers of aquatic products (association) authorized by the Act 
may be ordered by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to cease and 
desist from monopolizing or restraining trade to such an extent the 
price of any aquatic product is unduly enhanced. The regulation 
provides for a proceeding initiated by the filing of a complaint 
against an association with the Secretary. Since the establishment of 
NOAA 25 years ago under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (84 Stat. 
2090), no such complaints have been filed and NMFS is unaware of any 
such complaints that may be filed. Therefore, 50 CFR part 290 is no 
longer needed and is being removed.

Classification

    Because this rule merely removes a regulation that is no longer 
necessary, no useful purpose would be served by providing prior notice 
and opportunity for public comment. Accordingly, under 5 
U.S.C.553(b)(3)(B), for good cause, the Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries, NOAA (AA) finds that it is unnecessary to provide prior 
notice and an opportunity for public comment for this rule. Also, 
because this rule merely removes a regulation that is no longer needed, 
the AA finds that no useful purpose would be served by delaying the 
rule's effective date for 30 days. Therefore, this rule is made 
effective upon publication.
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
purpose of E.O. 12866.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 290

    Administrative practice and procedure, Antitrust, Cooperatives, 
Fisheries

    Dated: February 26, 1996.
Gary Matlock,
Program Management Officer, National Marine Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, under the authority of 70 
Stat. 1121, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 742 (c), as amended; and 
Reorganization No. 4 of 1970, 50 CFR part 290 is removed and Subchapter 
J is vacated.
[FR Doc. 96-4841 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4829 Pesticide Reports for Pesticide-Producing Establishments; (EPA Form 3540-16); Additional Time To Report
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8221-8222]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4829]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 167

[OECA; FRL-5433-4]

Pesticide Reports for Pesticide-Producing Establishments; (EPA 
Form 3540-16); Additional Time To Report

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Time extension for submission of reports.

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SUMMARY: Because of delays in completing and distributing reporting 
packages, EPA is announcing that it will extend the due date for 
submission of annual pesticide production reports (EPA Form 3540-16) 
for calendar year 1995 until two months after reporting packages are 
mailed by EPA. These reports under Section 7 of the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and supporting 
regulations at 40 CFR Part 167 would otherwise be due on or before 
March 1, 1996.

DATES: Annual pesticide production reports for calendar year 1995 will 
be due May 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol L. Buckingham, (202) 564-5008, 
fax (202) 564-0085, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 2225A, 
401 M Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20460.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 7 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide 
Act (FIFRA) and the supporting regulations at 40 CFR Part 167 requires 
certain facilities who manufacture, prepare, propagate, compound, or 
process any pesticide, including any pesticide produced pursuant to 
Section 5 of the Act, any active ingredient, or device, or to package, 
repackage, label, relabel, or otherwise change the container of any 
pesticide or device to report annually on the amounts and types, etc. 
of pesticides produced.
    Each year prior to the reporting deadline (March 1) EPA develops 
and sends to facilities a reporting package containing the current 
pesticide reporting forms (EPA Form 3540-16), and instructions for 
reporting.
    Because of delays in development of the reporting package, it will 
not be distributed to the pesticide-producing establishments in time to 
meet the March 1 reporting date. Therefore, EPA is extending the 
reporting deadline to two (2) months after the packages are mailed out.
    This allowance of additional time for reporting applies only to the 
FIFRA section 7 and 40 CFR Part 167 reporting 

[[Page 8222]]
obligations for pesticide reports otherwise due on March 1, 1996, 
covering calendar year 1995. Nothing in this Notice shall be construed 
to apply to any other FIFRA reporting obligations, or to any pesticide 
reports (EPA Form 3540-16) due for past or future reporting years. 
Further, this allowance of additional time for reporting applies only 
to the Federal FIFRA section 7 and 40 CFR Part 167 reporting 
obligation; it does not apply to independent obligations under State 
laws which may require pesticide-production type reports.
    To the extent that this action might be construed as rulemaking 
subject to section 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act, for the 
reasons stated above, EPA has determined that notice and an opportunity 
for public comment are impracticable and unnecessary. Providing for 
public comment might further delay reporting, and, because there is no 
substantive change in the reporting obligation, the public will 
continue to receive the same information, though slightly delayed.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 167

    Registration of pesticide and active ingredient producing 
establishments, Submission of pesticide reports.

    Dated: February 23, 1996.
Steven A. Herman,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance 
Assurance.
[FR Doc. 96-4829 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4719 Medical Devices; Protective Restraints; Revocation of Exemptions From the 510(k) Premarket Notification Procedures and Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8432-8439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4719]

[[Page 8431]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part V

Department of Health and Human Services

_______________________________________________________________________

Food and Drug Administration

_______________________________________________________________________

21 CFR Parts 880 and 890

Medical Devices; Protective Restraints; Revocation of Exemptions From 
the 510(k) Premarket Notification Procedures and Current Good 
Manufacturing Practice Regulations; Final Rule and 510(k) Guidance 
Document; Availability; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 43 / Monday, March 4, 1996 / Rules 
and Regulations
=======================================================================
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[[Page 8432]]

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. 91N-0487]

21 CFR Parts 880 and 890

Medical Devices; Protective Restraints; Revocation of Exemptions 
From the 510(k) Premarket Notification Procedures and Current Good 
Manufacturing Practice Regulations

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revising the 
classification regulations for protective restraints and wheelchair 
accessories intended for use as restraints, by revoking the existing 
exemptions for these devices from premarket notification and current 
good manufacturing practices (CGMP) regulations. FDA is also modifying 
the classification regulations for protective restraints and for 
wheelchair accessories to clarify the definitions of these devices. FDA 
is taking these actions in response to a number of recent reports of 
deaths and serious injuries that may have been associated with improper 
supervision of restrained patients or improper application of 
protective restraints. FDA believes that these actions will have 
minimal economic effect and will not disrupt the supply of these 
devices. In a notice published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal 
Register, FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance 
document for the preparation of premarket notification (510(k)) 
submissions for protective restraints.

DATES: Effective September 3, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Viola S. Hibbard, Center for Devices 
and Radiological Health (HFZ-410), Food and Drug Administration, 9200 
Corporate Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850, 301-594-1287.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    In the Federal Register of October 21, 1980 (45 FR 69678 at 69729), 
FDA published a final rule, in accordance with the procedures contained 
in section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) 
(21 U.S.C. 360c), classifying as a device a protective restraint, 
usually a wristlet, anklet, or other type of strap, that is intended 
for medical purposes and that limits a patient's movement to the extent 
necessary for treatment, examination, or protection of the patient. In 
that regulation, FDA exempted manufacturers of protective restraints, 
which are class I devices, from the premarket notification procedures 
in part 807 (21 CFR part 807), and the CGMP regulations in part 820 (21 
CFR part 820), with the exception of Secs. 820.180 and 820.198, 
relating to general requirements concerning records and complaint 
files, respectively. FDA granted these exemptions because, at that 
time, FDA did not have information that caused serious concerns about 
safety problems related to the use of protective restraint devices.
    Since the October 1980 publication of these classifications that 
exempted protective restraints from premarket notification and CGMP 
requirements, FDA has become aware of numerous reports of serious 
injuries and deaths that have been attributed to incorrect supervision, 
handling, or application of protective restraints. In the Federal 
Register of June 19, 1992 (57 FR 27397), FDA, in response to these 
adverse event reports, published a proposed rule to revoke the 
exemptions from premarket notification procedures and CGMP regulations 
for protective restraints and wheelchair accessories intended for use 
as protective restraints. FDA's proposed revocations complement the 
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) regulations (42 CFR part 
483) and HCFA's February 5, 1992 (57 FR 4516), proposed rulemaking that 
address clinical indications for use of restraints that protect 
individuals from inappropriate use of restraints for discipline or 
convenience. The revocation of the exemption from the premarket 
notification procedures will permit the agency to monitor the marketing 
of these devices, and review and identify unclear labeling that may 
result in incorrect application of the devices. The revocation of the 
exemption from CGMP requirements will help ensure that restraints are 
safe by conforming to appropriate specifications for design, materials, 
performance, and labeling. A 60-day comment period, ending on August 
18, 1992, was provided to allow interested persons an opportunity to 
submit comments on the proposed changes.
    In addition to this rule, FDA has taken other steps to ensure that 
protective restraints are used safely. On July 15, 1992, FDA issued a 
Safety Alert on potential hazards with restraint devices (Ref. 1) to 
hospital administrators, directors of nursing, directors of emergency 
room services, and long-term care facilities. FDA also issued a letter 
to manufacturers in February 1992 stating that FDA considered 
restraints to be prescription devices which must bear a prescription 
legend as prescribed in Sec. 801.109 (21 CFR 801.109) to help ensure 
appropriate medical intervention in the application and use of 
restraints (Ref. 2).
    FDA received 24 comments in response to the proposal of June 19, 
1992, from individuals, manufacturers, professional societies, and 
consumer and health associations. The comments were primarily 
supportive of FDA's proposed actions. Several comments, however, stated 
that FDA should consider additional regulation of protective 
restraints. These comments are discussed below.

II. Summary and Analysis of Comments and FDA's Response

A. General Comments

    1. One comment stated that it would be helpful for FDA to recommend 
that facilities use one standard brand of each type of restraint (e.g., 
vest) to provide consistency and increase the likelihood that the 
restraint would be applied correctly. Another comment suggested 
restraints be uniformly designed so the front and back are easily 
identifiable.
    Although standardization of brands in a facility may increase the 
likelihood that restraints will be applied correctly, it is critical 
that the correct type and size restraint be applied to maximize the 
safety of these devices. Accordingly, FDA encourages standardization as 
long as it can be achieved without compromising the use of the 
appropriate restraint type and size. Ultimately, however, this decision 
must be made by each facility. FDA cannot endorse one uniform design. 
Restraints used under different circumstances must necessarily 
incorporate different designs.
    2. Several comments indicated support for a prescription 
requirement by licensed health care practitioners, specifying the 
appropriate restraint type, duration of application, and circumstances 
for use. One comment stated that FDA has avoided the issue of whether 
anyone other than a licensed health care worker should be permitted to 
apply restraints. Another comment stated that FDA did not address the 
issue of appropriate frequency of monitoring.
    The determination of appropriate individuals to apply restraints or 
appropriate frequency of monitoring is beyond the scope of this 
regulation. However, FDA believes the use of restraints should be 
limited to those circumstances when they are clearly clinically 
indicated, and that they 

[[Page 8433]]
should be used only for a strictly defined period of time and only 
under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. For these 
reasons, FDA informed protective restraint manufacturers in February 
1992 that it considered these devices to be prescription devices that 
may only be used under the direction of a licensed health care 
practitioner. In addition, FDA strongly encourages that after 
restraints are prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner, they 
be applied only by adequately trained personnel, in accordance with 
State licensure and Federal certification requirements for facilities.
    3. While several comments were supportive of FDA's proposal to 
revoke 510(k) and CGMP exemptions, three comments opposed the 
revocation of the exemptions. One comment suggested withdrawing the 
proposed regulations until more complete information is available. 
Another comment stated that the revocations are unjustified based on 
the relatively small number of associated deaths and injuries compared 
to the large annual usage of restraints. Another comment by a 
manufacturer stated that the revocations were unwarranted because it 
was unaware of any deaths or serious injuries associated with its 
restraint products.
    FDA disagrees that it needs to have more complete information 
before it revokes premarket notification and CGMP requirements. 
Although complete information concerning the problems associated with 
restraints is not available, FDA does have sufficient information about 
these problems to warrant revocation of the exemptions from premarket 
notification and CGMP requirements. As explained in the preamble to the 
proposed rule, the revocation of these exemptions will allow FDA to 
gather more information to help ensure the safety of these devices.
    FDA believes that the exemption revocations are justified based on 
the numbers of reports of deaths and injuries associated with 
protective restraint use. FDA notes that since publication of the 
proposed rule of June 19, 1992, the total numbers of deaths and serious 
injuries reported under the Device Experience Network (DEN), which 
includes the mandatory Medical Device Reporting Program and the 
MedWatch Reporting Program, have increased from 41 deaths and 16 
serious injuries to 130 deaths and 48 injuries. In addition, several 
comments support FDA's belief that injuries and deaths associated with 
protective restraints are seriously underreported.
    FDA does not agree with the comment from one manufacturer that 
revocations of the exemptions were not warranted for its restraints 
because the manufacturer was not aware of any deaths or serious 
injuries associated with its products. Reports of these problems 
encompass many different restraint types, regardless of manufacturer or 
design; various types of patient populations, regardless of clinical 
indications for the use of the restraint; and various types of health 
care facilities, including hospitals, home use situations, and nursing 
homes. The fact that problems have been reported from a wide spectrum 
of protective restraint types and situations indicates that the 
problems associated with protective restraints are not specific to one 
particular type of restraint. Moreover, given the probability of 
underreporting of protective restraint-associated deaths and injuries, 
the absence of complaints for one particular manufacturer does not 
indicate that that manufacturer's devices are free of the problems 
associated with other restraints.
    4. One comment from a restraint manufacturer disagreed with the 
economic impact analysis of the proposed rule and stated that 
revocations of the exemptions would result in substantial economic 
costs. To avoid incurring the costs associated with compliance with the 
regulation, the manufacturer stated that their company may disavow the 
``medical device'' classification of their product line and continue to 
sell their restraint devices to interested members of the health care 
industry.
    FDA advises that protective restraints, within the meaning of 
section 201(h) of the act (21 U.S.C. 321(h)), are medical devices 
because they are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, 
or prevention of disease. Therefore, on or after the effective date of 
this final rule, any manufacturer distributing a restraint device not 
meeting the provisions of this final rule would violate the act by 
distributing devices that are: (1) Misbranded, in that no premarket 
notification submission has been filed pursuant to section 510(k) of 
the act (21 U.S.C. 360(k)); and (2) adulterated, if CGMP requirements 
are not met under section 520(f) of the act (21 U.S.C. 360j(f)). FDA 
strongly discourages any noncompliance with this regulation and is 
prepared to take enforcement actions against persons who violate this 
regulation. Such actions may include seizure, injunction, civil 
penalties, and criminal prosecution.
    Furthermore, FDA disagrees that a substantial economic impact would 
result from these regulations. The comment estimated that the company 
would incur costs of $200,000 for 100 510(k) applications and as much 
as $500,000 to attain compliance with CGMP's, which could force the 
company out of business. The comment did not present any data to 
support claims of substantially higher costs for complying with CGMP's.
    FDA has reconsidered its economic analysis and believes that the 
costs of premarket notification submissions and compliance with CGMP's 
are considerably lower than suggested in this comment. Also, FDA 
expects to allow some grouping by product category in a 510(k) 
submission as discussed in comment 10 of this document, which should 
limit the number of 510(k)'s that have to be submitted by any 
particular manufacturer.
    5. One comment questioned the benefit of simply revoking the 
exemptions, but believed that the revocations were necessary as an 
interim measure while reclassification of the devices to a more 
stringent regulatory category is considered. Three comments believed 
the proposed revocations to be a totally inadequate response to 
problems with restraints and inconsistent with requirements issued by 
HCFA. These comments stated that FDA should convene a device 
classification panel to determine whether restraint devices should be 
reclassified to class II or III.
    FDA is continuing to evaluate the need for reclassification of 
these devices. However, FDA believes that revocation of the premarket 
notification exemption will facilitate more immediate improvements in 
the labeling of restraint devices that quickly will provide increased 
safety and effectiveness in the use of restraints, and that revocation 
of CGMP exemptions will facilitate improvements in the manufacture of 
restraint devices. FDA believes that these measures will greatly reduce 
the risk associated with use of protective restraints. FDA retains the 
option to reclassify the devices at a later time, if such additional 
action is believed necessary to protect the public health.
    FDA disagrees that its actions are inconsistent with those of HCFA. 
As stated in the preamble to FDA's June 19, 1992, proposed rule, the 
intent of HCFA's requirements on use of restraints in nursing homes is 
to protect nursing home residents from use of restraints for purposes 
of convenience or discipline. FDA's actions complement these 
requirements by ensuring that for those instances where 

[[Page 8434]]
restraints are clinically indicated, the labeling and instructions for 
use of the restraints will facilitate correct application by health 
care providers.
    6. One comment requested immediate recall action on restraints that 
have a higher association with death and serious injury than others. 
The comment believed that criss-crossed vests were the most dangerous, 
although the comment acknowledged that the higher number of death 
reports associated with vest restraints may be due to more frequent use 
of those devices.
    FDA does not believe that the criteria for requiring the recall of 
any particular protective restraint have been met. Under section 518(e) 
of the act (21 U.S.C. 360h(e)), FDA may order a recall of a device only 
after finding that the device would cause serious adverse health 
consequences or death. FDA does not have information that any type of 
restraint, including criss-crossed vests if used properly, would cause 
serious adverse health consequences or death. Furthermore, restraints 
can provide benefits that outweigh the risks for some patients, for 
example, by preventing patients with medically related cognitive 
deficits from involuntarily discontinuing life-support or other needed 
medical interventions, by temporarily reducing the mobility of agitated 
patients who may otherwise hurt themselves or others, or by helping 
patients feel safer in a bed or wheelchair. FDA does not believe that 
recalling these restraints where the benefits outweigh the risks would 
be in the best interest of the public health. Furthermore, FDA believes 
that the risks associated with restraints will be further reduced by 
the measures taken in this regulation. FDA, however, will certainly 
initiate 518(e) recall action in the future if the agency determines 
that individual circumstances warrant such action.
    7. Four comments requested that FDA resume plans to conduct 
clinical and human factors engineering tests on restraining devices to 
assess their safety and effectiveness. Several comments stated that FDA 
should gather and study information from other sources besides DEN, 
including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, HCFA, State and local 
agencies that regulate nursing homes, the courts, review of patient 
records, review of the literature, and consultation with experts in the 
field.
    FDA notes that in developing its course of action regarding 
protective restraints, the agency gathered considerable information 
from many other sources besides DEN, including literature reviews, 
interviews with health care professionals and professional 
organizations, visits to user facilities, and discussions with 
manufacturers of restraints. It is the manufacturers' responsibility to 
conduct testing to assess safety and effectiveness. FDA, however, would 
welcome any additional research information regarding restraint use 
from health and consumer groups and encourages research by such groups 
that would promote safer use of restraints. By revoking the premarket 
notification and CGMP exemptions, FDA will gain further information 
that will enable the agency to ensure safe use of these devices. FDA 
will continue to evaluate information received from other available 
sources.
    8. One comment stated that FDA has ``exhibited confusion'' about 
the appropriate circumstances for use of restraints. The comment noted 
that the proposed rule states that restraints may be needed to keep 
agitated patients from hurting themselves, but an FDA Medical Alert 
warned that restraints may only add to this agitation and confusion and 
therefore may place the patient in jeopardy.
    Whether restraints should be used may vary depending on the 
circumstances presented by the individual patient. While FDA realizes 
that restraints can adversely affect a patient by increasing agitation, 
they may sometimes be necessary under certain circumstances to restrain 
agitated patients from harming themselves. The determination of whether 
restraint use is appropriate should be made by clinicians for each 
patient individually, after assessing the risks and benefits of 
restraint use.
    9. Several comments that supported the revocations suggested that 
manufacturers who fail to submit a 510(k) or fail to adhere to CGMP's 
should not only be prohibited from future sales of restraints, but 
should be compelled to remove from use (at the manufacturers' expense) 
all previously sold restraint products.
    FDA disagrees that recalling devices is necessarily an appropriate 
remedy for failure to comply with CGMP or premarket notification 
requirements. As explained in comment 6 of this document, FDA will 
initiate recalls only if the statutory criteria under section 518(e) of 
the act are met, and will decide whether those criteria are met on a 
case-by-case basis. As stated in FDA's response to comment 4 of this 
document, manufacturers who fail to comply with CGMP and premarket 
notification requirements are subject to various enforcement actions by 
FDA.
    10. Five comments requested that manufacturers be allowed to submit 
510(k)'s by product category (e.g., vests, limb holders etc.), rather 
than for each individual product, because some products differ only in 
minor design aspects, while their function, application, and use is 
identical.
    FDA agrees that grouping of similar devices in a 510(k) submission 
would be acceptable to a limited extent. For example, vests of similar 
design but composed of different fabrics might be grouped into one 
510(k). However, submissions for devices differing substantially in 
design (and therefore risk) should not be grouped in a single 510(k). 
FDA will review this issue on a case-by-case basis.
    11. One comment expressed concern regarding what criteria FDA is 
using to determine safety and effectiveness, and whether manufacturers 
could be assured that 510(k)'s will not be delayed on the basis of 
individual reviewers' perceptions of what constitutes safe and 
effective.
    FDA advises that there will be uniformity in the criteria that 
reviewers consider to determine the safety and effectiveness of these 
devices. Section 513(i) of the act (21 U.S.C. 360c(i)) and its 
implementing regulations in part 807 (21 CFR part 807) describe the 
criteria used by FDA to determine substantial equivalence. FDA provided 
guidance that described labeling for restraints at an October 1991 
meeting with a medical device trade organization. This guidance has 
been incorporated into a draft 510(k) submission guidance that will be 
used by FDA reviewers to assist in evaluating 510(k) submissions. 
Additional general labeling guidance is available in the Human Health 
Services (HHS) publication ``Labeling: Regulatory Requirements for 
Medical Devices'' (Ref. 3), the Office of Device Evaluation's labeling 
guidance document (Ref. 4), and the publication ``Write It Right,'' a 
guidance on labeling for home use products (Ref. 5). The draft 510(k) 
submission guidance recommends that manufacturers' 510(k) submissions 
for restraints address the following: (1) Specific intended use of the 
device; (2) ease of release of the device in the event of emergencies; 
(3) tear strength of the materials; (4) potential for injury (e.g., 
whether there are abrasive materials, such as metal fasteners, that 
would come in contact with the patient's skin, and similar 
considerations); (5) ease of identification of size; (6) completeness, 
conspicuousness, and simplicity of directions and labeling; (7) care/
cleaning instructions; (8) whether the material is biocompatible; and 
(9) any safety testing data available for the device, including an 
analysis of bench simulation testing data; and for certain 
circumstances, (10) patient testing data. 

[[Page 8435]]
Manufacturers may contact the reviewing division to discuss the 
appropriate content of their submissions on a case-by-case basis. FDA, 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, is publishing a notice 
of availability of this draft guidance and requesting comments on it.
    12. Five comments stated that to ensure that protective restraints 
continue to be available for medical use, manufacturers need to be able 
to continue to market their products during the interim period between 
the effective date of the final rule revoking the 510(k) exemptions and 
the date that products are cleared by FDA. The comments also stated 
that manufacturers need to be given a reasonable amount of time (at 
least 6 months) after their final labeling is approved to exhaust the 
remaining existing supplies of their products and phase in products 
with the new labeling. Additionally, three comments stated that 
manufacturers need to be given a reasonable amount of time (for 
example, 2 years) to attain compliance with CGMP's.
    FDA realizes that there will be a time period between the filing of 
a 510(k) submission required by this regulation, and FDA's 
determination, based on that submission, of whether the device has 
marketing clearance. During the time period between the filing of a 
510(k) and the FDA's substantial equivalence decision, FDA, in 
exercising its enforcement discretion, does not intend to initiate 
enforcement action relating to the distribution of protective restraint 
devices that are adulterated under 21 U.S.C. 351(f)(1)(B) because they 
fail to have FDA marketing clearance if: (1) The devices were initially 
introduced into interstate commerce prior to September 3, 1996; and (2) 
the sponsor has filed a 510(k) submission as of September 3, 1996.
    FDA, however, intends to exercise its enforcement discretion to 
initiate regulatory action against protective restraint devices that 
have not received marketing clearance after June 4, 1997 if FDA has 
been unable to reach a decision determining substantial equivalence 
because the 510(k) submission fails to contain sufficient information. 
FDA will notify the sponsor if such additional information is 
necessary.
    FDA has extended the effective date of the final rule requiring 
submission of 510(k)s and compliance with CGMP's from 90 days to 180 
days. FDA believes this time period is appropriate.
    FDA first informed restraint manufacturers about FDA's planned 
actions regarding 510(k) and CGMP requirements at a meeting with a 
medical device trade organization in October 1991. FDA again notified 
manufacturers in FDA's June 19, 1992, proposed rule, that the agency 
intended to revoke these exemptions. Given the fact that industry has 
been on notice since 1991 of FDA's plans to revoke these exemptions, 
FDA does not believe manufacturers need an additional 2 years to comply 
with CGMP's or 6 months after their labeling is approved to exhaust 
supplies of labeling.

B. Restraint Identification

    13. Two comments agreed with FDA's identification of a protective 
restraint as it was published in the proposed rule. Several comments 
stated that the identification of restraint used in the proposed rule 
is too narrow, leaving major gaps in the coverage of a growing list of 
potentially dangerous devices that are routinely used to restrain 
patients or residents and that are ``falsely marketed'' as alternatives 
to restraints. To alleviate these concerns, several comments suggested 
using the broader definition of restraint proposed by HCFA in order to 
include the concept of a method of restriction of movement.
    FDA disagrees that the identification of protective restraints is 
too narrow and leaves major gaps that do not cover devices that are 
``falsely marketed'' as alternatives to restraints. Although the 
identification gives examples of protective restraints, such as 
wristlets, vests, and straps, the identification of protective 
restraints is not limited to those examples. The identification is 
based on the product's intended use. Under Sec. 801.4, evidence of a 
device's intended use is not limited to labeling claims or to verbal 
representations. It may be shown by the circumstances that the device 
is offered and used for a purpose for which it is neither labeled nor 
advertised. FDA considers any actions that otherwise represent a 
device's intended use, as well as labeling, to determine a device's 
intended use. Therefore, even devices that are ``falsely marketed'' as 
alternatives to restraints will fall under the identification of 
protective restraint if their intended use is to function as a 
protective restraint. If a manufacturer intends a device to be used as 
a restraint or is aware that the device is used as a restraint, that 
manufacturer must comply with requirements for protective restraints. 
FDA encourages consumers or health care workers to report instances 
where manufacturers of such products are not complying with the 
requirements for protective restraints.
    Other comments suggested that the identification should state that 
a restraint is any device which a resident cannot remove easily and 
which restricts freedom of movement or easy access to their body. FDA 
does not agree that the protective restraint identification should be 
this broad. FDA may only regulate as devices products that fall within 
the definition under section 201(h) of the act. Many products that 
restrict freedom of movement or easy access to the body do not fall 
under FDA's jurisdiction (e.g., safety belts, car seats). Also, even if 
products that restrict freedom or access are medical devices (e.g., 
geriatric chairs), FDA believes it is inappropriate to identify all 
such devices as protective restraints where that is not the intended 
use of such devices.
    14. One comment objected to the use of ``or others'' after 
``protection of the patient'' at the end of Sec. 880.6760 (21 CFR 
880.6760) because it is an established rule that restraints may only be 
used to ``ensure the physical safety of the resident or other 
residents'' (Social Security Act, section 1919 (42 U.S.C. 1396q)). The 
comment also objected to the use of the term ``patients'' in the 
restraint identification, because it is not appropriate in many non-
hospital settings. The term ``patients or other residents'' was 
suggested as a substitute.
    FDA disagrees with the comments. Restraints are sometimes used in 
situations to protect individuals other than the person in restraints. 
For example, hospitals may use restraints in emergency rooms to protect 
staff, or other patients/residents from harm (e.g., due to patient drug 
abuse or comparable circumstances). With regard to the objection to the 
term ``patients'' in the context of non-hospital settings, FDA believes 
that since restraints are medical devices, any resident who is 
restrained constitutes a patient within the broad meaning of the term 
in this section while wearing the restraint. Therefore, FDA rejects 
these comments.
    15. One comment stated that FDA should define bedrails and 
geriatric chairs as restraints.
    FDA notes that bedrails and geriatric chairs are currently 
classified under Secs. 880.5100, 880.5110, 880.5120, and 880.5140 
(bedrails); and Secs. 890.3100 and 890.3110 (21 CFR 890.3100 and 
890.3110) (geriatric chairs). For the reasons stated in response to 
comment 13 of this document, FDA believes that the current definition 
of restraints is appropriate.
    16. One comment requested that FDA modify the restraint 
identification to exclude from the regulation those restraints that are 
used with radiotherapy linear accelerators and simulators, because of 
the controlled 

[[Page 8436]]
conditions under which such restraints are used and the benefit they 
provide. The comment requested that the identification of a restraint 
be modified as follows:
    A protective restraint is a device * * * that is intended for 
medical purposes and that limits the patient's movements to the 
extent necessary for treatment, examination, or protection of the 
patient or others, excluding restraints which are used for a short 
duration under the continual supervision of qualified personnel.
    FDA does not believe that it would be appropriate to modify the 
restraint identification to exclude restraints which are used for a 
short duration under continual supervision from 510(k) and CGMP 
requirements. These requirements are necessary for restraints that are 
intended to be used for short periods of time under supervision because 
such restraints may pose risks to patients if they are not used in the 
manner the manufacturer intended. FDA advises that ``restraints'' for 
use with radiation therapy systems are included under the 
classification regulations for radiation therapy systems in 
Secs. 892.5050 and 892.5300 (21 CFR 892.5050 and 892.5300). Under those 
classification regulations, such restraints are already subject to 
510(k) and CGMP requirements. Manufacturers of restraints that are 
accessories to other devices should submit their 510(k) submissions to 
the appropriate reviewing division for the primary device.

C. Wheelchair Accessories

    17. Two comments supported the proposal to revise the 
classification regulation for wheelchair accessories labeled or 
otherwise represented as restraints. One comment, however, stated that 
restraints should not be classified as wheelchair accessories because 
this minimizes the importance of decisions regarding whether a 
restraint should be used at all and the selection of the appropriate 
type of restraint.
    FDA disagrees that the chosen classification of wheelchair 
accessories intended for use as restraints diminishes the importance of 
decisions regarding use of those devices. FDA specifically emphasized 
in the proposed rule and in the July 1992 FDA Safety Alert that the 
same safety considerations, including proper selection and labeling, 
are equally important for wheelchair accessories that are used as 
protective restraints.
    18. Two comments recommended that FDA adopt an identification of 
wheelchair accessories intended for use as restraints that includes all 
accessories and all wheelchair components that are manufactured and 
marketed with the intent of restricting the patients' movement, 
regardless of whether the devices are labeled or represented as 
restraints.
    FDA agrees with these comments. As discussed in paragraph 13 of 
this document, the definition of protective restraint includes any 
device that ``is intended for medical purposes and that limits the 
patient's movements to the extent necessary for treatment, examination, 
or protection of the patient or others.'' In stating in FDA's June 19, 
1992, proposed regulation that FDA was exempting wheelchair accessories 
from CGMP and premarket notification requirements that were not 
``labeled or otherwise represented'' as a protective restraint, FDA did 
not mean to imply that it was exempting those wheelchair accessories 
that are not labeled or represented as restraints if they are intended 
for use as restraints. To clarify that all wheelchair accessories which 
are intended to be used as protective restraints must comply with 
premarket notification and CGMP requirements, FDA is replacing the 
words ``labeled or otherwise represented'' with ``intended for use'' in 
the final regulation.

D. Labeling/Human Factors

    19. Six comments requested that the agency consider the wide 
variety of protective restraints available and evaluate each device 
according to its intended use/size/design, without imposing a 
``blanket'' labeling requirement for all restraints. For example, 
devices such as vests should be labeled to clearly distinguish the 
front and back of the restraint, whereas other restraints which have no 
front and back should not be required to have such labeling.
    FDA agrees that a ``blanket'' labeling requirement in this sense 
should not be imposed and that the risks and benefits of each restraint 
device should be reviewed individually in determining appropriate 
specific labeling for restraint devices. FDA believes, however, that 
similar protective restraints should have similar labeling. FDA also 
believes that protective restraints should include step-by-step 
instructions on how to apply the device and where to secure the ties, 
have securely attached warning labels that clearly identify the front 
and back of the restraints, and warn users of the dangers of reversal, 
preferably using pictorials. Additional labeling instructions are 
listed in the draft guidance document discussed in comment 12 of this 
document.
    20. Several comments expressed concern that the FDA regulation 
implies that the only danger of restraints is in their potential 
misapplication and that they are safe when used in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions, and that HCFA's regulations will be 
undermined.
    FDA disagrees with these comments. FDA's regulation does not imply 
that it alone will ensure safe and effective use of restraints. As 
explained more fully in both the preamble to FDA's June 1992 proposed 
rule and comment 5 of this final rule, FDA's regulations and HCFA's 
regulations complement each other, they do not undermine each other. 
HCFA laws and regulations ensure that restraints are only used on 
persons who need restraints, and FDA's regulations will help ensure 
that if clinically appropriate, such restraints will be applied safely.
    21. Several comments requested that FDA require that restraint 
labeling contain specific information including information about all 
potentially harmful effects from the use of restraints, including 
hazards, side effects, warnings/precautions, and contraindications for 
their use. The comments also requested requiring clear delineation in 
the device labeling as follows: (1) The front and back of the 
restraint; (2) top and bottom of the restraint; (3) length of time the 
restraint can be applied safely; (4) frequency with which the restraint 
should be released; (5) frequency with which the patient should be 
monitored; and (6) minimum standards or qualifications of personnel to 
administer restraints. Several comments stated that labeling should be 
required to be on the inside or underside of the device in as discrete 
a manner as possible to convey necessary information and/or 
instructions to users, in order to preserve the dignity and self-esteem 
of the individual being restrained.
    FDA advises that this regulation will allow FDA to review the 
labeling for protective restraints, and that all labeling must provide 
material information related to its safe use in accordance with section 
502(a) of the act (21 U.S.C. 352(a)). In the preamble to the proposed 
rule, FDA stated certain labeling practices that FDA believes are 
necessary to help ensure the safe use of devices. Also, specific 
suggested labeling is stated in the draft guidance document discussed 
in comment 11 of this document. After receipt of individual premarket 
notifications, FDA will review the labeling on a case-by-case basis.
    With regard to placement of labeling, FDA encourages placement of 
labeling in a manner that respects the patient's dignity, as long as 
the placement does 

[[Page 8437]]
not compromise the visibility of the labeling to the person applying 
the restraint.
    22. Several comments noted support for the utilization in all 
product labeling of pictorials, languages other than English, and 
textual information written for low language comprehension levels, in 
sufficiently large type to clearly express the message. Several 
comments suggested that the use of languages other than English is not 
feasible and that the manufacturer's obligation should be limited to 
adequate step-by-step instructions in English, with translations made 
available by individual employers.
    FDA agrees that pictorials and text materials written for low 
language comprehension levels are important for effective conveyance of 
application and hazard information. FDA also encourages manufacturers 
that distribute devices for use by populations who do not use English 
as a first language to provide instructions in foreign languages to the 
extent possible and in accordance with the foreign language 
requirements of Sec. 801.15(c). FDA has discussed human factors 
considerations related to labeling with manufacturers, including the 
selection of legible font types and sizes. Under 21 U.S.C. 352(c) 
labeling statements required by or under the authority of the act must 
be placed with conspicuousness and in such terms as to render them 
likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under 
customary conditions of purchase and use. See 21 CFR 801.15.
    23. Several comments suggested that in addition to improved 
labeling, posters should be made available for use and kept in 
accessible view, such as in the restrained patient's room, nurses 
stations, and physical therapy facilities.
    FDA agrees that posters could be very helpful in promoting proper 
use of restraints and has encouraged manufacturers to develop such 
posters. Several manufacturers have already implemented instructions on 
posters. Placement of such posters should be done in such a way that 
they will be readily accessible to personnel but still comply with 
nursing facility requirements for a homelike environment, in accordance 
with provisions of 42 CFR 483.15(h)(1).
    24. One comment noted that warnings and instructions for restraints 
should be conveyed in a form suitable for home use as well as 
institutional use.
    FDA agrees with the comment and encourages use of FDA's guidance on 
developing user instruction manuals for medical devices used in home 
health care (Ref. 5). The document, entitled ``Write It Right,'' has 
been distributed to all domestic and foreign medical device 
manufacturers. Copies may be obtained from the Division of Small 
Manufacturers Assistance, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, 
800-638-2041.
    25. One comment stated that experience demonstrates that product 
labels and directions cannot in and of themselves protect patients from 
injury or death. The comment stated that while the labeling guidelines 
proposed by FDA represent a positive step in recognizing the potential 
dangers of inappropriately applied or inappropriately supervised use of 
restraints, such guidelines may do more to help shield manufacturers 
involved in product liability suits than to protect patients from 
avoidable accidents.
    FDA agrees that product labeling alone cannot protect patients from 
injury or death. However, well-presented labeling that is written in a 
salient, informative, and concise manner can motivate the user to read 
instructions, which can reinforce demonstration instruction and prevent 
misuse of devices. Studies, as early as 1960, illustrate that behavior 
can be affected by warnings and safety posters in the workplace (Ref. 
6). More recent studies demonstrate that user behavior is clearly 
influenced by the presence and location of warnings and adequate 
instructions for use (Ref. 7).
    FDA agrees that clearer labeling may in some instances help shield 
manufacturers from product liability. However, regardless of any effect 
on product liability, improved labeling, which may help reduce the 
incidence of injury and death is important. To supplement the 
beneficial effects of improved labeling, FDA advises that adequate 
training and education of health care providers is necessary for safe 
and effective use of restraints.
    26. One comment stated that knots tied in some restraints are often 
difficult to untie in the event of an emergency, and if it were at all 
possible, restraints that tie should be replaced by those that release 
with a clasp of some kind.
    FDA supports the development of safe innovations that would improve 
the ease of use of restraint devices.

E. Sizing/Color Coding

    27. Several comments stated that a universal color coded sizing 
system should be adopted throughout the industry to help facilitate 
selection of the appropriate restraint size and reduce incidences of 
misapplication of an incorrect size that could lead to deaths or 
injuries.
    FDA agrees with the comments. FDA also notes the availability of a 
voluntary new sizing standard for women over the age of 55, which might 
be of use in designing restraints for geriatric patients, who typically 
have upper torso dimensions that are substantially different from 
younger patients. The standard, entitled ``The Development of Body 
Measurement Tables for Women 55 and Older and the Relationship to Ready 
to Wear Garment Sizes,'' is available from the American Society for 
Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.
    28. One comment from a manufacturer noted that for 54 years their 
company has manufactured restraints in accordance with a particular 
color code for size, and that this color code has become the most 
commonly used and understood color code by users of restraints. The 
comment stated that if FDA decides to adopt a different color standard 
than what the comment perceives as the ``prevailing standard,'' it will 
create serious confusion among users because of the extensive user 
familiarity with that color coding standard. Another comment stated 
that color coding sizes for restraints would have a substantial 
financial impact on industry.
    This regulation is not requiring the adoption of a color-coded 
sizing standard. However, FDA encourages manufacturers to develop an 
industry-wide voluntary standard.
    29. Two comments noted that manufacturers produce a selection of 
sizes of certain types of restraints (e.g., vests), but that this does 
not ensure that facilities have purchased adequate sizes or the entire 
line of vest restraints for utilization in their facility.
    FDA advises that selection of the appropriate size and type of 
restraint is critical for safe and effective use of the device and that 
clinicians and purchasing agents should consult medical practice 
guidelines and instructions for use in determining the appropriate 
size.

F. Flame Retardancy

    30. FDA explicitly solicited comments regarding whether some or all 
restraints should be made of flame resistant materials. Several 
comments supported a universal requirement for flame resistant 
restraints, citing the following reasons:
    (1) There have been reports to FDA of at least six patients dying 
or being injured as a result of deliberately or accidentally igniting 
their restraints;
    (2) Clinicians report having seen many restraints with ash and 
cigarette burns in them, further indicating a 

[[Page 8438]]
safety problem with respect to flammable materials;
    (3) Many of the persons who are restrained may retain their right 
to smoke in designated areas. These patients may have poor posture 
control or hand dexterity, or may be confused, increasing the chances 
of an accident. Also, visitors and other residents unaware of a 
potential fire hazard may give smoking materials to the resident 
without staff knowledge;
    (4) Many nursing home residents may use oxygen, or be in close 
proximity to other residents who use oxygen, increasing the danger of 
fire.
    Alternatively, multiple comments opposed requiring all protective 
restraints to be constructed of flame resistant material, citing the 
following reasons:
    (1) Adequate and appropriate supervision is the best means of 
prevention of burn and smoke inhalation injuries to individuals who are 
being restrained;
    (2) Many other items found on or near the bed are not flame 
resistant, such as bed linens, pajamas, clothing, and even the 
patient's hair, so having restraints made of flame resistant materials 
would not serve a useful purpose. Residents might be better served 
through establishment of a smoke-free environment;
    (3) Labeling of restraints as flame resistant might actually 
encourage smoking in bed by providing a false sense of security to both 
residents and health care providers, who might relax smoking policies;
    (4) The availability and effectiveness of flame resistant 
restraints is limited by current technology. Some device components are 
not readily available in flame resistant material, so requiring 
restraints with this property might be prohibitively expensive. Also, 
textile materials treated with flame resisting chemicals will burn if a 
source of ignition is present, and the flame retardancy of some devices 
is destroyed after the first laundering of the device. Warnings against 
the exposure of protective restraints to ignition sources should 
adequately address concerns related to burn injuries;
    (5) Flame resistant vests are now marketed with very little success 
due to the higher price (approximately 30 percent). This cost outweighs 
the negligible benefit that might be derived with a universal 
requirement for flame resistant restraints.
    Several comments also stated that FDA should study the actual 
contribution to patient safety that would be afforded by flame 
resistant restraints versus the economic impact of replacing devices 
currently in use. One comment suggested that the comfort and care of 
the patient should be the primary concern and that secondary issues 
should include whether fire resistant materials make the restraint less 
flexible or more likely to cause rubbing or irritation; the effect on 
safety features of the device; and the extent of protection flame 
resistant materials would actually offer in the event of fire.
    FDA has carefully considered the comments submitted and concluded 
that although there are potential fire hazard concerns for some 
patients, adequate and appropriate supervision is the most effective 
and useful means of preventing fire-related injuries associated with 
restrained patients. Some additional benefit, however, may occur by 
using flame-resistant restraint material on patients who smoke. 
Although FDA does not believe it is appropriate to require the use of 
flame-resistant materials for all restraints, FDA recommends that 
health care institutions develop and implement policies for the use of 
flame-resistant restraints for patients who smoke while in restraints.

G. Training, Education, and Guidelines for Use

    31. Several comments advocated increased training, education, and 
FDA development of guidelines for restraint use to promote the safe 
application of restraint devices. Several comments suggested that FDA 
should publish a consumer (family) guide or brochure on the appropriate 
use of restraints, the risks and benefits of restraint prescription and 
application, and the potential side effects and hazards of restraint 
use.
    FDA agrees that adequate training and education for users of 
restraints in all care scenarios is critical to the safe and effective 
use of restraints and FDA strongly encouraged increased education about 
restraint use in its July 1992 Safety Alert issued to health care 
professionals. FDA has actively participated with health care 
associations in the development of guidelines for use of medical 
devices in the past and is willing to participate in such efforts for 
protective restraints. FDA advises that in using restraints, 
institutions are required to meet all State and local laws and HCFA 
requirements, and are encouraged to meet guidelines developed by 
professional health care organizations. With regard to publication of a 
consumer guide, the FDA 1992 Safety Alert on restraints contains 
information about restraint use specifically directed towards patients 
and family members. Copies of FDA's Safety Alert are available upon 
request from the Office of Surveillance and Biometrics (HFZ-500), 
Center for Devices and Radiological Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, 
Rockville, MD 20857.
    32. One comment stated that because the liability burden for 
patient morbidity and mortality caused by restraints is increasingly 
shifted to nursing home staff, FDA should consider requiring 
manufacturers to offer training and accessible advice to nursing homes 
with device questions or problems, as a component of the new premarket 
notification and CGMP rules.
    Such requirements are beyond the scope of this rulemaking. However, 
FDA encourages health care facilities to request training when 
purchasing restraints and if such training is not made available, to 
reconsider their purchasing policies. Manufacturers have already been 
strongly urged by FDA to develop training videos and other materials to 
assist health care facilities in training their staff in the proper 
application and use of their products.

H. Chemical Restraints

    33. Two comments noted that they do not support the use of 
pharmaceutical options as chemical restraints in substitute for 
physical restraints and stated that FDA is well positioned to address 
the issue of the misuse of chemical restraints. The comments 
recommended that FDA consider labeling recommendations for 
manufacturers of drug products frequently used for chemical restraint.
     FDA is advised that guidelines for the use of chemical restraints 
in nursing homes are being finalized by HCFA, but such controls are 
beyond the scope of this medical device rule. If the comments wish to 
express concerns regarding labeling of specific drug products believed 
to be misused as chemical restraints, those comments should be referred 
to FDA's Center For Drug Evaluation and Research, Division of 
Neuropharmacological Drug Products (HFD-120), 5600 Fishers Lane, 
Rockville, MD 20857.

III. The Final Rule

    Persons required to file premarket notification submissions under 
section 510(k) of the act (21 U.S.C. 360(k)) and the procedures in 
subpart E of 21 CFR part 807 must file a premarket notification 
submission for any protective restraint device already marketed or 
intended to be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate 
commerce for commercial distribution on or after September 3, 1996. 

[[Page 8439]]

    All protective restraints that are introduced or delivered for 
introduction into interstate commerce on or after September 3, 1996, 
are required to be manufactured in compliance with the CGMP regulations 
in 21 CFR part 820.
    In a notice published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal 
Register, FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance 
document for the preparation of a premarket notification (510(k)) 
submission.

IV. Environmental Impact

    The agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.24(a)(8) that this action 
is of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

V. Analysis of Impacts

    FDA has examined the impacts of the final rule under Executive 
order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354). 
Executive Order 12866 directs agencies to assess all 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, and other 
advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). The agency believes that 
this final rule is consistent with the regulatory philosophy and 
principles identified in the Executive Order. In addition, the final 
rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined by the Executive 
Order and so is not subject to review under the Executive Order.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to analyze 
regulatory options that would minimize any significant impact of a rule 
on small entities. Because this final rule only removes an exemption 
and subjects manufacturers of patient restraints to the same 
requirements as manufacturers of other devices, the agency certifies 
that the final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. Therefore, under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, no further analysis is required.

VI. References

    The following references have been placed on display in the Dockets 
Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 12420 
Parklawn Dr., rm. 1-23, Rockville, MD 20857, and may be seen by 
interested persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    1. ``FDA Safety Alert: Potential Hazards with Restraint 
Devices,'' Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, July 15, 
1992.
    2. Johnson, R., FDA, letter to restraint manufacturers, 
February, 1992.
    3. ``Labeling: Regulatory Requirements for Medical Devices,'' 
HHS Publication No. FDA 89-4203, Food and Drug Administration, 
Rockville, MD, August, 1989.
    4. Office of Device Evaluation, ``Device Labeling Guidance,'' 
No. G91-1, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, March 8, 
1991.
    5. ``Write It Right: Recommendations for Developing User 
Instruction Manuals for Medical Devices Used in Home Health Care,'' 
Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, August, 1993.
    6. Laner, S., and R. G. Sell, ``An Experiment on the Effect of 
Specially Designed Safety Posters,'' Occupational Psychology, 
34:153-169, 1960.
    7. Wolgalter, M. S. et al., ``Effectiveness of Warnings,'' Human 
Factors, 29(5):599-612, 1987.

List of Subjects

21 CFR Parts 880 and 890

    Medical devices.
    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, 21 CFR parts 
880 and 890 are amended as follows:

PART 880--GENERAL HOSPITAL AND PERSONAL USE DEVICES

    1. The authority citation for 21 CFR part 880 continues to read as 
follows:

     Authority: Secs. 501, 510, 513, 515, 520, 701 of the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351, 360, 360c, 360e, 360j, 
371).

    2. Section 880.6760 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 880.6760  Protective restraint.

    (a) Identification. A protective restraint is a device, including 
but not limited to a wristlet, anklet, vest, mitt, straight jacket, 
body/limb holder, or other type of strap, that is intended for medical 
purposes and that limits the patient's movements to the extent 
necessary for treatment, examination, or protection of the patient or 
others.
    (b) Classification. Class I (general controls).

PART 890--PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES

    3. The authority citation for 21 CFR part 890 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Secs. 501, 510, 513, 515, 520, 701 of the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351, 360, 360c, 360e, 360j, 
371).

    4. Section 890.3910 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 890.3910  Wheelchair accessory.

    (a) Identification. A wheelchair accessory is a device intended for 
medical purposes that is sold separately from a wheelchair and is 
intended to meet the specific needs of a patient who uses a wheelchair. 
Examples of wheelchair accessories include but are not limited to the 
following: armboard, lapboard, pusher cuff, crutch and cane holder, 
overhead suspension sling, head and trunk support, and blanket and leg 
rest strap.
    (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). If the device is 
not intended for use as a protective restraint as defined in 
Sec. 880.6760 of this chapter, it is exempt from the premarket 
notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, and 
is also exempt from current good manufacturing practice regulations in 
part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of Sec. 820.180, with 
respect to general requirements concerning records, and Sec. 820.198, 
with respect to complaint files.

    Dated: February 15, 1996.
Joseph A. Levitt,
Deputy Director for Regulations Policy, Center for Devices and 
Radiological Health.
[FR Doc. 96-4719 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4676 Prohibition of Cigarette Sales to Minors
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8213-8214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4676]

=======================================================================
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RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

20 CFR Part 368

RIN 3220-AB20

Prohibition of Cigarette Sales to Minors

AGENCY: Railroad Retirement Board.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Railroad Retirement Board (Board) adds regulations to 
implement the Prohibition of Cigarette Sales to Minors in Federal 
Buildings and Lands Act which prohibits the sale of tobacco through 
vending machines and the distribution of free tobacco samples on 
Federal property.

DATES: Effective Date: This regulation will be effective March 4, 1996.
    Comment Date: Comments due on or before April 3, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to the Secretary to the Board, 
Railroad Retirement Board, 844 Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas W. Sadler, Assistant General 

[[Page 8214]]
Counsel, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 
60611, telephone (312) 751-4513, TTD (312) 751-4701.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board conducts its business in real 
property owned or leased by the General Services Administration. All 
property occupied or reserved for Board use must comply with Public Law 
104-52. Tobacco products may not be sold in vending machines and free 
samples of tobacco products may not be distributed in or around 
property occupied and maintained by the Board. The Board will permit 
the sale of tobacco products to individuals 18 and older by staffed 
concession stands on property occupied and maintained by the Board.
    Because of the importance of the subject matter of this rule, the 
Board is publishing it as an interim final rule rather than as a 
proposed rule. However, any person wishing to comment on this rule may 
do so within 30 days of the date of this publication in the Federal 
Register.
    The agency has determined that this is not a significant regulatory 
action for purposes of Executive Order 12866; therefore, no regulatory 
impact analysis is required. There are no information collections 
associated with this rule.

List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 368

    Railroad retirement, Smoking, Tobacco.

    Title 20 CFR, chapter II is amended by adding a new part 368 to 
read as follows:

PART 368--PROHIBITION OF CIGARETTE SALES TO MINORS

Sec.
368.1  Introduction.
368.2  Definitions.
368.3  Vending machines.
368.4  Concession stands.
368.5  Free tobacco samples.

    Authority: Sec. 636, Pub. L. 104-52, 109 Stat. 507 (40 U.S.C. 
486nt).

Sec. 368.1  Introduction.

    This part implements Public Law 104-52, the ``Prohibition of 
Cigarette Sales to Minors in Federal Buildings and Lands Act,'' which 
prohibits the sale of tobacco products through vending machines and the 
distribution of free samples of tobacco products on Federal property.

Sec. 368.2  Definitions.

    As used in this part--
    Federal property includes any building and real property occupied 
and maintained by the Board.
    Minor means an individual under the age of 18 years.
    Tobacco product means cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, pipe 
tobacco, smokeless tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco.

Sec. 368.3  Vending machines.

    The sale of tobacco products in vending machines is prohibited in 
or around Federal property occupied and maintained by the Railroad 
Retirement Board.

Sec. 368.4  Concession stands.

    Tobacco products may be sold on property occupied and maintained by 
the Railroad Retirement Board only as authorized by the Railroad 
Retirement Board or the General Services Administration or other 
Federal agency. Concession stands may not sell tobacco products to 
minors.

Sec. 368.5  Free tobacco samples.

    The distribution of free samples of tobacco products is prohibited 
in or around Federal property occupied and maintained by the Railroad 
Retirement Board.

    Dated: February 21, 1996.

    By Authority of the Board.

    For the Board.
Beatrice Ezerski,
Secretary to the Board.
[FR Doc. 96-4676 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7905-01-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4669 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8211-8213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4669]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-122-AD; Amendment 39-9527; AD 96-05-02]

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, that 
requires modification of a certain galley; repetitive inspections to 
detect damage and to determine the clearance of generator wires in the 
auxiliary power unit (APU); and repair or replacement of the damaged 
wires. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, during an 
unscheduled removal of a galley from the production line, the 
insulation of one of the generator wires of the APU was found damaged 
due to inadequate clearance with the adjacent structure. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such damage, which could 
result in a short in the electrical wiring of the APU and, thus, pose a 
potential fire hazard.

DATES: Effective April 3, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 3, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2141; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 9, 
1994 (59 FR 236). That action proposed to require modification of a 
Nordskog Galley Model 1-871galley. It also proposed to require 
repetitive inspections to detect damage and determine the clearance of 
generator wires in the auxiliary power unit (APU); and repair or 
replacement of the damaged wires.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter requests that the rule be revised to delete proposed 
paragraph (a)(2)(i), which would require operators to conduct 
repetitive inspections if the initial inspection shows that no damage 
to the feeder cables exists and that the cables adequately clear the 
adjacent structure. This commenter, an operator, states that it has 
conducted a boroscope inspection of the APU generator cables on all of 
its airplanes, and has found nothing anywhere near the cables that 
could cause damage to them. This operator notes that its initial 
inspection, which was conducted using a flexible boroscope from the 
cockpit, provided an excellent view of both the cables and the drain 
enclosure. The inspection revealed that there is a clearance between 
the wiring and adjacent structure (drain screws) on the order of six 
inches.

[[Page 8212]]

    The FAA concurs with the commenter's request. According to the 
Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness authority for 
the Netherlands, the clearance between the drain screws and the APU 
feeder cable (generator wires) found on airplanes on the production 
line was on the order of one inch. This amount of clearance was 
considered to be inadequate, such that chafing or damage of the wire 
installation could occur. Also, according to the RLD, the reason that 
the referenced service bulletin specifies that the inspection be 
accomplished with a mirror is because the manufacturer considered that 
a mirror would give a better estimate of the clearance than could a 
boroscope inspection. However, the FAA, in consultation with the RLD, 
recently has concluded that, since the clearance between the drain 
screws and the wires has been determined to be on the order of 6 inches 
on all affected airplanes that have not already been modified in 
accordance with this AD, there is little reason to believe that chafing 
would occur. In light of this, the FAA finds that there is no need for 
a repetitive inspection of the wires. Therefore, the FAA has revised 
paragraph (a)(2)(i) of the final rule to indicate that, if no wires are 
found damaged as a result of the inspection and they adequately clear 
the adjacent structure (positive clearance), no further inspections are 
required.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it will take approximately 2 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $58,240, or 
$1,120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-05-02  Fokker: Amendment 39-9527. Docket 94-NM-122-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes; as listed 
in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-24-029, dated June 28, 1993; 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a short in the electrical wiring of the auxiliary 
power unit (APU) and a potential fire hazard, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Modify Nordskog Galley Model 1-871, in accordance with 
paragraphs 2.A., 2.B., and 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-24-029, dated June 28, 1993.
    (2) Perform an inspection to detect damage of and to determine 
the adequacy of clearance of the generator wires, having part 
numbers (P/N) AJC0001A, AJ0001B, and AJC0001C, of the auxiliary 
power unit (APU), in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
24-029, dated June 28, 1993.
    (i) If no wires are found damaged and they adequately clear the 
adjacent structure (positive clearance), no further action is 
required by this paragraph.
    (ii) If no wires are found damaged, but they do not adequately 
clear the adjacent structure, repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours.
    (iii) If any wire is found damaged, prior to further flight, 
modify the Nordskog Galley Model 1-871 in accordance with paragraph 
(b) of this AD, and repair or replace the damaged wire in accordance 
with the service bulletin. However, the modification and repair/
replacement actions may be postponed for a maximum of 10 days after 
detection of the damage, provided that the APU generator is rendered 
inoperative in accordance with the Master Minimum Equipment List 
(MMEL), and that modification and repair/replacement actions are 
accomplished prior to reactivation of the APU generator.
    (b) At the next removal of the Nordskog Galley Model 1-871, or 
within 9,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, modify the Nordskog Galley in accordance 
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-24-029 (reference Nordskog 
Engineering Change Order 43589 Attachment), dated June 28, 1993. 
Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

[[Page 8213]]

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-24-029, dated June 28, 1993, including Nordskog 
Engineering Change Order 43589 Attachment. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 3, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 23, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-4669 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4508 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8208-8211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4508]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 8209]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-118-AD; Amendment 39-9525; AD 96-05-01]

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series 
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series 
airplanes, that currently requires inspection and replacement of 
certain suspect horizontal stabilizer primary trim motors. That AD was 
prompted by an analysis which revealed that certain incorrectly 
manufactured motor shafts could fail prematurely and, in turn, cause 
the primary trim motor to fail. The actions specified in that AD are 
intended to prevent such failures of the primary trim motor, which 
could ultimately result in reduced controllability of the airplane. 
This amendment expands the applicability of the existing AD to include 
additional affected airplanes.

DATES: Effective April 3, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed 
in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of April 3, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert 
Service Bulletin A27-342, dated August 4, 1994, was approved previously 
by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 3, 1996 (60 FR 
15034, March 22, 1995).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 
Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications 
Business Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60); or from Sundstrand 
Aerospace, 4747 Harrison Avenue, P.O. Box 7002, Rockford, Illinois 
61125-7002. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Walter Eierman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (310) 627-5336; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 95-06-04, 
amendment 39-9174 (60 FR 15034, March 22, 1995), which is applicable to 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes, was published in the 
Federal Register on September 26, 1995 (60 FR 49525). That action 
proposed to continue to require the current inspections and replacement 
of certain suspect horizontal stabilizer primary trim motors. That 
action also proposed to expand the applicability of the current AD to 
include additional affected airplanes.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Three commenters support the proposal.
    One commenter requests that the proposal be revised to allow 
operators to conduct a records search, rather than a visual inspection, 
to determine if the subject motor is installed on the airplane. This 
commenter, an operator of affected airplanes, states that it tracks the 
subject motors by the manufacturer's serial number, which enables it to 
identify quickly the location of any of the subject motors at any given 
time. Therefore, the commenter considers that, in lieu of requiring it 
(and possibly other operators) to apply for an alternative method of 
compliance with the AD, the final rule should provide for this 
alternative action.
    The FAA concurs with the commenter's request. The final rule has 
been revised to provide for the option of conducting a records search 
to determine if the motor installed on the airplane is identified with 
one of the suspect serial numbers.
    Two commenters request that the proposed AD be revised to preclude 
operators from having to reinspect for units that were previously 
modified and re-identified (i.e., in accordance with Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin 9590-27-012). One of these commenters points out that these 
units require an overhaul every 3,500 hours; at that time they are 
removed from the airplane and, after overhaul, may be installed on a 
different airplane or placed in spare status (pending installation on 
another airplane). One commenter points out that the proposed AD does 
not take into account the situation where a unit originally installed 
on an airplane subject to AD 95-06-04 may be removed from that airplane 
and later installed on another airplane that is subject to the proposed 
AD. If this situation occurs, the commenter is concerned that operators 
will be required to duplicate inspections and other actions 
unnecessarily.
    The FAA concurs that some clarification is necessary. As for motors 
modified (and re-identified) in accordance with Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin 9590-27-012, the final rule allows for their installation on 
airplanes that are subject to either AD 95-06-04 or this new AD. If a 
modified unit is installed on any of these airplanes no further action, 
including any duplicating ``re-identification,'' is required by the AD. 
In order to make this eminently clear, the FAA has revised paragraphs 
(a) and (b) of the final rule to specify that, if the trim motor 
installed on the airplane has been modified previously in accordance 
with the applicable Sundstrand service bulletin, no further action is 
required.
    As for the possibility of suspect units being installed as spares, 
the FAA is not certain that this possibility would occur, since the FAA 
has been advised that apparently all motors affected by AD 95-06-04 
have been modified. However, the FAA has added paragraph (c) to the 
final rule to preclude the future installation, on any airplane, of a 
motor having one of the suspect serial numbers.
    As for duplicating inspections, as discussed above, the FAA has 
revised the final rule to allow operators to conduct a records search, 
in lieu of a visual inspection, to determine if the suspect motor is 
installed. A records search would expedite the determination as to 
whether or not a suspect unit is installed; it would also be far less 
expensive to accomplish than a visual inspection of the airplane.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    There are approximately 142 Model DC-9-80 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that a total 
of 73 airplanes of 

[[Page 8210]]
U.S. registry will be affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspection of the horizontal stabilizer primary trim motor is 
expected to take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of this requirement is estimated to be $60 per 
airplane.
    The inspection specified in this rule previously was required by AD 
95-06-04, which was applicable to approximately 13 U.S.-registered 
airplanes. Based on the figures discussed above, the cost impact of the 
current inspection requirements of that AD on U.S. operators of those 
13 airplanes is estimated to be $780. In consideration of the 
compliance time and effective date of AD 95-06-04, the FAA assumes that 
the operators of the 13 airplanes subject to that AD have already 
initiated the required actions. This new AD action will add no new 
costs associated with those airplanes.
    This new AD is applicable to approximately 60 additional airplanes. 
Based on the figures discussed above, the new (inspection) costs to 
U.S. operators that will be imposed by this new AD are estimated to be 
$3,600. This figure is based on assumptions that no operator of these 
additional airplanes has yet accomplished any of the requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted.
    Should an operator elect to replace a suspect motor, that action 
will require 5 work hours to accomplish, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by Sundstrand 
Electric Power Systems (the manufacturer of the horizontal stabilizer 
primary trim motors) at no charge to operators. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact on U.S. operators for the replacement of a suspect 
motor is estimated to be $300 per airplane.
    Should an operator elect to modify a suspect motor, that action 
will require 4 work hours to disassemble, modify, reassemble, and test 
the motor (excluding removal and reinstallation of the motor from the 
airplane). The average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts 
will be provided by Sundstrand at no charge to operators. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators for the modification 
of a suspect motor is estimated to be $240 per airplane.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9174 (60 FR 
15034, March 22, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-9525, to read as follows:

96-05-01  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9525. Docket 95-NM-118-AD. 
Supersedes AD 95-06-04, Amendment 39-9174.

    Applicability: Model DC-9-80 series airplanes; as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin A27-342, dated August 
4, 1994, and in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin A27-
342, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

    Note 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 95-06-04, amendment 39-9174. As 
allowed by the phrase, ``unless accomplished previously,'' if those 
requirements of AD 95-06-04 have already been accomplished, this AD 
does not require that those actions be repeated.

    To prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer primary trim 
motor, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert 
Service Bulletin A27-342, dated August 4, 1994: Within 6 months 
after April 21, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-06-04, amendment 
39-9174), conduct either a visual inspection of the horizontal 
stabilizer primary trim motor or a records search to determine if 
the motor is identified with one of the suspect serial numbers 
listed in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin A27-342, 
dated August 4, 1994, or Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995. If a visual 
inspection is conducted, it must be performed in accordance with the 
procedures specified in the service bulletin.
    (1) If the horizontal stabilizer primary trim motor is not 
identified with a suspect serial number; or if the horizontal 
stabilizer primary trim motor has been modified previously in 
accordance with Sundstrand Service Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated 
August 8, 1995; no further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If the horizontal stabilizer primary trim motor is 
identified with a suspect serial number and has not been modified 
previously in accordance with Sundstrand Service Bulletin 9590-27-
012, dated August 8, 1995; prior to further flight, accomplish 
either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Replace the motor in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas 
alert service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Modify the motor in accordance with Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated August 8, 1995; and install the modified 
motor in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas alert service 
bulletin.
    (b) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert 
Service Bulletin A27-342, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995, and not 
subject to paragraph (a) of this AD: Within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, conduct either a visual inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer primary trim motor or a records search to 
determine if the motor is identified with one of the suspect serial 
numbers listed in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin 
A27-342, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995. If a visual inspection is 
conducted, it must be performed in accordance with the procedures 
specified in that service bulletin. 

[[Page 8211]]

    (1) If the horizontal stabilizer primary trim motor is not 
identified with a suspect serial number; or if the horizontal 
stabilizer primary trim motor has been modified previously in 
accordance with Sundstrand Service Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated 
August 8, 1995; no further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If the horizontal stabilizer primary trim motor is 
identified with a suspect serial number and has not been modified 
previously in accordance with Sundstrand Service Bulletin 9590-27-
012, dated August 8, 1995; prior to further flight, accomplish 
either paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Replace the motor in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas 
alert service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Modify the motor in accordance with Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated August 8, 1995; and install the modified 
motor in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas alert service 
bulletin.
    (c) As of six months after the effective date of this AD, no 
person shall install, on any airplane, a horizontal stabilizer 
primary trim motor identified with one of the suspect serial numbers 
listed in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin A27-342, 
dated August 4, 1994, or Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995; unless that 
motor has been modified in accordance with Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated August 8, 1995.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin A27-342, dated 
August 4, 1994; and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin 
A27-342, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995, which contains the 
following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level                        
            Page No.               shown on page     Date shown on page 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-5, 7-10......................  1...............  May 15, 1995.        
6..............................  Original........  Aug. 4, 1994.        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The modification shall be done in accordance with Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated August 8, 1995. The incorporation by 
reference of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service Bulletin A27-342, 
dated August 4, 1994, was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51, as of April 21, 1995 (60 FR 15034, March 22, 1995). The 
incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Alert Service 
Bulletin A27-342, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1995; and Sundstrand 
Service Bulletin 9590-27-012, dated August 8, 1995; was approved by 
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from McDonnell 
Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 
90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, 
Department C1-L51 (2-60); or from Sundstrand Aerospace, 4747 
Harrison Avenue, P.O. Box 7002, Rockford, Illinois 61125-7002. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 3, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 22, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-4508 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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