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Code · REGISTER · 2006-01-04 · Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA · Notices

Notices. Proposed collection; comments requested

12,640 words·~57 min read·/register/2006/01/04/06-2

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

BILLING CODE 3410-52-M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agency's intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for 7 CFR part 4284, subpart K, Agriculture Innovation Demonstration Centers.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by March 6, 2006, to be considered. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Roberta D. Purcell, Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Programs, Rural Development, USDA, STOP 3252, Room 4016, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3252. Telephone:
(202)720-7558, E-mail: *bobbie.purcell@wdc.usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Agriculture Innovation Centers. *OMB Number:* 0570-0045. *Expiration Date of Approval:* May 31, 2006. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* The Agriculture Innovation Center Program was authorized as a demonstration program by the 2002 Farm Bill to provide technical and business development assistance, through statewide innovation centers, to agricultural producers who want to add value to the commodities or products they produce. This program is administered by Cooperative Programs within USDA's Rural Development. Grants were awarded, on a competitive basis, in fiscal year 2003 only. The authorization for this program expired on September 30, 2004. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 4 hours per response. *Respondents:* Only the 10 grantees awarded under fiscal year 2003 funding. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 10. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 2. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 30. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 55 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch
(202)692-0043. Comments *Comments are invited on:*
(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of Rural Development, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden to collect the required information, including the validity of the strategy used;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments on the paperwork burden may be sent to Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0742. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: December 28, 2005. David Rouzer, Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. E5-8259 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Docket 66-2005] Foreign-Trade Zone 176 - Rockford, Illinois Area, Application for Expansion An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, grantee of FTZ 176, requesting authority to expand FTZ 176, in the Rockford, Illinois area, adjacent to the Rockford Customs port of entry. The application was submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S. C. 81a-81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR Part 400). It was formally filed on December 21, 2005. FTZ 176 was approved on March 1, 1991 (Board Order 511, 56 FR 10409, 3/12/91). The zone project currently consists of the following sites in the Rockford, Illinois area: *Site 1* (1,972 acres) industrial park area of the Greater Rockford Airport on Route F.A. 179; *Site 1a* (2 acres) warehouse facilities at 1635 New Milford School Road (82,200 sq. ft.) and 1129 Eighteenth Avenue (12,871 sq. ft.), Rockford; *Site 2* (6 acres) warehouse at 500 South Independence Avenue, Rockford; *Site 3* (566 acres, 2 parcels) CenterPoint Industrial Park (366 acres), north of the intersection of Route 38 and Brush Grove Road, Rochelle, and, Interstate Transportation Center industrial park (200 acres), west side of state Highway 38; *Site 4* (304 acres, 3 parcels)-LogistiCenter, southwest corner of I-39 and I-88, Rochelle; *Site 5* (53 acres)- South Rochelle industrial park (53 acres), south side of Rochelle on State Highway 251 and Veterans Parkway; and, *Site 6* (74 acres)-Rolling Hills Industrial Park, 2200 Lakeshore Drive, Woodstock. The applicant is requesting authority to expand the general-purpose zone to include an additional site (133 acres) at the Crossroads Commerce Center, located at Interstate 88 and Main Street, in Rochelle (Ogle County), Illinois. No specific manufacturing requests are being made at this time. Such requests would be made to the Board on a case-by-case basis. In accordance with the Board's regulations, a member of the FTZ Staff has been designated examiner to investigate the application and report to the Board. Pubic comment on the application is invited from interested parties. Submissions (original and 3 copies) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at one of the following addresses below: 1. *Submissions via Express/Package Delivery Services* : Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Franklin Court Building-Suite 4100W, 1099 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005; or 2. *Submissions via U.S. Postal Service* : Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, FCB-4100W, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230. The closing period for their receipt is March 6, 2006. Rebuttal comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period (to March 20, 2006). A copy of the application will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Foreign-Trade Zone Board's Executive Secretary at address No. 1 listed above and the U.S. Export Assistance Center, 515 N. Court St., Rockford, IL 61103. Dated: December 21, 2005. Dennis Puccinelli, Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-8278 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Order No. 1422] Grant of Authority, Establishment of a Foreign-Trade Zone, Fargo, North Dakota Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of June 18, 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), the Foreign-Trade Zones Board adopts the following Order: *Whereas* , the Foreign-Trade Zones Act provides for ”. . . the establishment . . . of foreign-trade zones in ports of entry of the United States, to expedite and encourage foreign commerce, and for other purposes,” and authorizes the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to grant to qualified corporations the privilege of establishing foreign-trade zones in or adjacent to U.S. Customs ports of entry; *Whereas* , the Municipal Airport Authority of the City of Fargo, North Dakota (the Grantee), has made application to the Board (FTZ Docket 20-2005, filed 5/11/05), requesting the establishment of a foreign-trade zone at sites in the Fargo, North Dakota, area, adjacent to the Fargo Customs port of entry; *Whereas* , notice inviting public comment has been given in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 29277, 5/20/05); and, *Whereas* , the Board adopts the findings and recommendations of the examiner's report, and finds that the requirements of the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations are satisfied, and that approval of the application is in the public interest; *Now, therefore,* the Board hereby grants to the Grantee the privilege of establishing a foreign-trade zone, designated on the records of the Board as Foreign-Trade Zone No. 267, at the sites described in the application, and subject to the Act and the Board's regulations, including Section 400.28. Signed at Washington, DC, this 19th day of December 2005. Foreign-Trade Zones Board Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce, Chairman and Executive Officer. Attest: Dennis Puccinelli, Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. E5-8277 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-533-809] Notice of Initiation of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review: Certain Forged Stainless Steel Flanges from India AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (the Department) has received information sufficient to warrant initiation of a changed circumstances review of the antidumping duty order on certain forged stainless steel flanges (flanges) from India. *See Amended Final Determination and Antidumping Duty Order; Certain Forged Stainless Steel Flanges From India* , 59 FR 5994, (February 9, 1994). In response to a request by Hilton Forge, the Department is initiating this changed circumstances review to determine whether Hilton Metal Forgings, Ltd. is the successor-in-interest to Hilton Forge. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 4, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Baker or Robert James, AD/CVD Operations, Office 7, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone:
(202)482-2924 and
(202)482-0649, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On February 9, 1994, the Department published in the **Federal Register** the antidumping duty order on certain forged stainless steel flanges from India (59 FR 5994). Pursuant to an August 31, 2004 request from Hilton Forge, the Department conducted a new shipper review of flanges from India. On October 28, 2005, the Department published the final results of the new shipper review, determining that a dumping margin existed for Hilton Forge for the period February 1 through July 31, 2004. *See Certain Forged Stainless Steel Flanges from India; Final Results of New Shipper Review* , 70 FR 62094 (October 28, 2005). On November 14, 2005, Hilton Forge filed a request for a changed circumstances administrative review of the antidumping duty order on flanges from India, claiming that Hilton Forge has changed its name to Hilton Metal Forging Ltd., and has converted itself from a limited partnership firm into a company limited by shares. Hilton Forge requested that the Department determine whether Hilton Metal Forgings, Ltd is the successor-in-interest to Hilton Forge, in accordance with section 751(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Tariff Act), and 19 CFR 351.216 (2005). In response to this request, the Department is initiating a changed circumstances review of this order. Scope of the Order The products covered by this order are certain forged stainless steel flanges, both finished and not finished, generally manufactured to specification ASTM A-182, and made in alloys such as 304, 304L, 316, and 316L. The scope includes five general types of flanges. They are weld-neck, used for butt-weld line connection; threaded, used for threaded line connections; slip-on and lap joint, used with stub-ends/butt-weld line connections; socket weld, used to fit pipe into a machined recession; and blind, used to seal off a line. The sizes of the flanges within the scope range generally from one to six inches; however, all sizes of the above-described merchandise are included in the scope. Specifically excluded from the scope of this order are cast stainless steel flanges. Cast stainless steel flanges generally are manufactured to specification ASTM A-351. The flanges subject to this order are currently classifiable under subheadings 7307.21.1000 and 7307.21.5000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Although the HTS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under review is dispositive of whether or not the merchandise is covered by the scope of the order. Initiation of Antidumping Duty Changes Circumstances Review Pursuant to section 751(b)(1) of the Tariff Act, the Department will conduct a changed circumstances review upon receipt of a request from an interested party or receipt of information concerning an antidumping duty order which shows changed circumstances exist to warrant a review of the order. On October 28, 2005, the Department published the final results of a new shipper review of flanges from India, which covered Hilton Forge. The Department determined that a dumping margin existed for Hilton Forge for the period February 1, 2004 through July 31, 2004. *See* 70 FR 60294. On November 14, 2005, Hilton Forge submitted its request for a changed circumstances review. With this request, Hilton Forge submitted certain information related to its claim that Hilton Forge changed its name to Hilton Metal Forging Ltd., and converted itself from a limited partnership company into a company limited by shares. Based on the information that Hilton Forge submitted regarding a name/status change, the Department has determined that changed circumstances sufficient to warrant a review exist. *See* 19 CFR 351.216(d). In antidumping duty changed circumstances reviews involving a successor-in-interest determination, the Department typically examines several factors including, but not limited to,
(1)management;
(2)production facilities;
(3)supplier relationships; and
(4)customer base. *See Brass Sheet and Strip from Canada: Notice of Final Results of Antidumping Administrative Review* , 57 FR 20460, 20462 (May 13, 1992) and *Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate from Romania: Initiation and Preliminary Results of Changed Circumstances Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 70 FR 22847 (May 3, 2005) ( *Plate from Romania* ). While no single factor or combination of factors will necessarily be dispositive, the Department generally will consider the new company to be the successor to the predecessor if the resulting operations are essentially the same as those of the predecessor company. *See, e.g., Industrial Phosphoric Acid from Israel: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Review* , 59 FR 6944, 6945 (February 14, 1994), and *Plate from Romania* , 70 FR 22847. Thus, if the record evidence demonstrates that, with respect to the production and sale of the subject merchandise, the new company operates as the same business entity as the predecessor company, the Department may assign the new company the cash deposit rate of its predecessor. *See, e.g., Fresh and Chilled Atlantic Salmon from Norway: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 64 FR 9979, 9980 (March 1, 1999). Although Hilton Forge submitted documentation related to its name change, it failed to provide complete supporting documentation for the four elements listed above. Accordingly, the Department has determined that it would be inappropriate to expedite this action by combining the preliminary results of review with this notice of initiation, as permitted under 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3)(ii). Therefore, the Department is not issuing the preliminary results of its antidumping duty changed circumstances review at this time. The Department will issue questionnaires requesting factual information for the review, and will publish in the **Federal Register** a notice of preliminary results of antidumping duty changed circumstances review, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(b)(2) and (4), and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3)(i). The notice will set forth the factual and legal conclusions upon which our preliminary results are based and a description of any action proposed based on those results. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.221(b)(4)(ii), interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on the preliminary results of review. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.216(e), the Department will issue the final results of its antidumping duty changed circumstances review not later than 270 days after the date on which the review is initiated. During the course of this antidumping duty changed circumstances review, we will not change the cash deposit requirements for the merchandise subject to review. The cash deposit will be altered, if warranted, pursuant only to the final results of this review. This notice of initiation is in accordance with section 751(b)(1) of the Tariff Act, 19 CFR 351.216(b) and (d), and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(1). Dated: December 28, 2005. Stephen J. Claeys, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E5-8274 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C-475-823] Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Italy: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Changed Circumstances Review and Notice of Consideration of Revocation of Order AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On December 2, 2005, Allegheny Ludlum Corporation and AK Steel Corporation filed a request for a countervailing duty changed circumstances review. Specifically, they requested that the Department of Commerce revoke the countervailing duty order on stainless steel plate in coils from Italy. In response, the Department of Commerce is initiating a changed circumstances review of the countervailing duty order on stainless steel plate in coils from Italy. Interested parties are invited to comment on this notice of initiation. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 4, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Farlander or Audrey R. Twyman, AD/CVD Operations, Office 1, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone
(202)482-0182 and
(202)482-3534, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On May 11, 1999, the Department of Commerce (the “Department”) published a countervailing duty order on stainless steel plate in coils (“SSPC”) from Italy. *See Notice of Amended Final Determinations: Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Belgium and South Africa; and Notice of Countervailing Duty Orders: Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Belgium, Italy and South Africa* , 64 FR 25288 (May 11, 1999). The order was amended on March 11, 2003. *See Notice of Amended Countervailing Duty Orders; Certain Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Belgium, Italy, and South Africa* , 68 FR 11524 (March 11, 2003). The amended order was corrected on April 24, 2003. *See Certain Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Belgium, Italy, and South Africa; Notice of Correction to the Amended Countervailing Duty Orders* , 68 FR 20115 (April 24, 2003). On December 2, 2005, the Department received a request from Allegheny Ludlum Corporation and AK Steel Corporation, some of the petitioners in the original investigation (“petitioners”), that the Department initiate a changed circumstances review for purposes of revoking the countervailing duty (“CVD”) order. Also, it is the petitioners' understanding that, upon revocation of the CVD order, the Department will fully refund any countervailing duties deposited pursuant to the order on unliquidated entries. The petitioners state that they are no longer interested in maintaining the countervailing duty order or in the imposition of CVD duties on the subject merchandise. Scope of the Order The product covered by this order is certain stainless steel plate in coils. Stainless steel is an alloy steel containing, by weight, 1.2 percent or less of carbon and 10.5 percent or more of chromium, with or without other elements. The subject plate products are flat-rolled products, 254 mm or over in width and 4.75 mm or more in thickness, in coils, and annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled. The subject plate may also be further processed (e.g., cold-rolled, polished, etc.) provided that it maintains the specified dimensions of plate following such processing. Excluded from the scope of this order are the following:
(1)Plate not in coils,
(2)plate that is not annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled,
(3)sheet and strip, and
(4)flat bars. The merchandise subject to this order is currently classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) at subheadings: 7219.11.00.30, 7219.11.00.60, 7219.12.00.06, 7219.12.00.21, 7219.12.00.26, 7219.12.00.51, 7219.12.00.56, 7219.12.00.66, 7219.12.00.71, 7219.12.00.81, 7219.31.00.10, 7219.90.00.10, 7219.90.00.20, 7219.90.00.25, 7219.90.00.60, 7219.90.00.80, 7220.11.00.00, 7220.20.10.10, 7220.20.10.15, 7220.20.10.60, 7220.20.10.80, 7220.20.60.05, 7220.20.60.10, 7220.20.60.15, 7220.20.60.60, 7220.20.60.80, 7220.90.00.10, 7220.90.00.15, 7220.90.00.60, and 7220.90.00.80. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise subject to this order is dispositive. Initiation of Changed Circumstances Review Section 751(d)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the “Act”), and 19 CFR 351.222(g), provide that the Department may revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, in whole or in part, after conducting a changed circumstances review pursuant to section 751(b) of the Act and concluding from the available information that changed circumstances exist sufficient to warrant revocation or termination. The Department may conclude that changed circumstances sufficient to warrant revocation (in whole or in part) exist when producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which the order pertains have expressed a lack of interest in the order, in whole or in part. See section 782(h)(2) of the Act and section 351.222(g)(1) of the Department's regulations. The petitioners state that they are producers of SSPC but do not identify the percentage of production of the domestic like product they represent. At present, the Department has no information on the record that the other known domestic producers of SSPC have no interest in maintaining the countervailing duty order with respect to the subject merchandise imported from Italy. Therefore, the Department does not have information on the record of this changed circumstances review that the petitioners account for substantially all, or at least 85 percent, of the production of the domestic like product. *See Certain Tin Mill Products From Japan: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Review* , 66 FR 52109 (October 12, 2001); *see also* 19 CFR 351.208(c). Accordingly, we are not combining this initiation with a preliminary determination, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3)(ii). This notice of initiation will accord all interested parties an opportunity to address this proposed revocation. Pursuant to section 751(b)(1) of the Act, the Department will conduct a changed circumstances review upon receipt of information concerning, or a request from an interested party of, a countervailing duty order which shows changed circumstances sufficient to warrant a review of the order. Therefore, in accordance with section 751(b)(1) of the Act, we are initiating a changed circumstances review based upon the request made by the petitioners. If, as a result of this review, we revoke the order, we intend to instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) to liquidate without regard to applicable countervailing duties, and refund any estimated countervailing duties collected on all unliquidated entries of the merchandise subject to the order, as described above under the “Scope of the Order” section, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after September 4, 1998, *i.e.* , the publication date of the Department's preliminary determination. *See Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Countervailing Duty Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination: Stainless Steel Plate in Coils from Italy* , 63 FR 47246 (September 4, 1998). We will also instruct CBP to pay interest on such refunds with respect to the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after May 11, 1999, the date of publication of the countervailing duty order, in accordance with section 778 of the Act. The current requirement for a cash deposit of estimated countervailing duties on the subject merchandise will continue unless, and until, we publish a final determination to revoke the countervailing duty order on SSPC from Italy. Public Comment Interested parties are invited to comment on the initiation of this changed circumstances review. Parties who submit argument in this proceeding are requested to submit with the argument
(1)a statement of the issue, and
(2)a brief summary of the argument. All written comments may be submitted by interested parties not later than 14 days after the date of publication of this notice in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303, and shall be served on all interested parties on the Department's service list. The Department will publish in the **Federal Register** a notice of preliminary results of changed circumstances review, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3), which will set forth the factual and legal conclusions upon which our preliminary results are based, and a description of any action proposed based on those results. This notice is published in accordance with section 751(b)(1) of the Act and sections 351.216 and 351.222 of the Department's regulations. Dated: December 23, 2005. Stephen J. Claeys, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E5-8276 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C-475-825] Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils from Italy: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Changed Circumstances Review and Notice of Consideration of Revocation of Order AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On December 2, 2005, Allegheny Ludlum Corporation and AK Steel Corporation filed a request for a countervailing duty changed circumstances review. Specifically, they requested that the Department of Commerce revoke the countervailing duty order on stainless steel sheet and strip in coils from Italy. In response, the Department of Commerce is initiating a changed circumstances review of the countervailing duty order on stainless steel sheet and strip in coils from Italy. Interested parties are invited to comment on this notice of initiation. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 4, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Farlander or Audrey R. Twyman, AD/CVD Operations, Office 1, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone
(202)482-0182 and
(202)482-3534, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On August 6, 1999, the Department of Commerce (the “Department”) published a countervailing duty order on stainless steel sheet and strip in coils (“SSSS”) from Italy. *See Amended Final Determination: Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils from the Republic of Korea; and Notice of Countervailing Duty Orders: Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils from France, Italy and the Republic of Korea* , 64 FR 42923 (August 6, 1999). On December 2, 2005, the Department received a request from Allegheny Ludlum Corporation and AK Steel Corporation, some of the petitioners in the original investigation (“petitioners”), that the Department initiate a changed circumstances review for purposes of revoking the countervailing duty (“CVD”) order. Also, it is the petitioners' understanding that, upon revocation of the CVD order, the Department will fully refund any countervailing duties deposited pursuant to the order on unliquidated entries. The petitioners state that they are no longer interested in maintaining the countervailing duty order or in the imposition of CVD duties on the subject merchandise. Scope of the Order The products covered by this order are certain stainless steel sheet and strip in coils. Stainless steel is an alloy steel containing, by weight, 1.2 percent or less of carbon and 10.5 percent or more of chromium, with or without other elements. The subject sheet and strip is a flat-rolled product in coils that is greater than 9.5 mm in width and less than 4.75 mm in thickness, and that is annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled. The subject sheet and strip may also be further processed ( *e.g.* , cold-rolled, polished, aluminized, coated, etc.) provided that it maintains the specific dimensions of sheet and strip following such processing. The merchandise subject to this order is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) at the following subheadings: 7219.13.00.30, 7219.13.00.50, 7219.13.00.70, 7219.13.00.80, 7219.14.00.30, 7219.14.00.65, 7219.14.00.90, 7219.32.00.05, 7219.32.00.20, 7219.32.00.25, 7219.32.00.35, 7219.32.00.36, 7219.32.00.38, 7219.32.00.42, 7219.32.00.44, 7219.33.00.05, 7219.33.00.20, 7219.33.00.25, 7219.33.00.35, 7219.33.00.36, 7219.33.00.38, 7219.33.00.42, 7219.33.00.44, 7219.34.00.05, 7219.34.00.20, 7219.34.00.25, 7219.34.00.30, 7219.34.00.35, 7219.35.00.05, 7219.35.00.15, 7219.35.00.30, 7219.35.00.35, 7219.90.00.10, 7219.90.00.20, 7219.90.00.25, 7219.90.00.60, 7219.90.00.80, 7220.12.10.00, 7220.12.50.00, 7220.20.10.10, 7220.20.10.15, 7220.20.10.60, 7220.20.10.80, 7220.20.60.05, 7220.20.60.10, 7220.20.60.15, 7220.20.60.60, 7220.20.60.80, 7220.20.70.05, 7220.20.70.10, 7220.20.70.15, 7220.20.70.60, 7220.20.70.80, 7220.20.80.00, 7220.20.90.30, 7220.20.90.60, 7220.90.00.10, 7220.90.00.15, 7220.90.00.60, and 7220.90.00.80. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the Department's written description of the merchandise covered by this order is dispositive. Excluded from the scope of this order are the following:
(1)sheet and strip that is not annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled;
(2)sheet and strip that is cut to length;
(3)plate ( *i.e.* , flat-rolled stainless steel products of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more);
(4)flat wire ( *i.e.* , cold-rolled sections, with a prepared edge, rectangular in shape, of a width of not more than 9.5 mm); and
(5)razor blade steel. Razor blade steel is a flat-rolled product of stainless steel, not further worked than cold-rolled (cold-reduced), in coils, of a width of not more than 23 mm and a thickness of 0.266 mm or less, containing, by weight, 12.5 to 14.5 percent chromium, and certified at the time of entry to be used in the manufacture of razor blades. See Chapter 72 of the HTSUS, “Additional U.S. Note” 1(d). In response to comments by interested parties the Department has determined that certain specialty stainless steel products are also excluded from the scope of this order. These excluded products are described below: Flapper valve steel is defined as stainless steel strip in coils containing, by weight, between 0.37 and 0.43 percent carbon, between 1.15 and 1.35 percent molybdenum, and between 0.20 and 0.80 percent manganese. This steel also contains, by weight, phosphorus of 0.025 percent or less, silicon of between 0.20 and 0.50 percent, and sulfur of 0.020 percent or less. The product is manufactured by means of vacuum arc remelting, with inclusion controls for sulphide of no more than 0.04 percent and for oxide of no more than 0.05 percent. Flapper valve steel has a tensile strength of between 210 and 300 ksi, yield strength of between 170 and 270 ksi, plus or minus 8 ksi, and a hardness
(Hv)of between 460 and 590. Flapper valve steel is most commonly used to produce specialty flapper valves in compressors. Also excluded is a product referred to as suspension foil, a specialty steel product used in the manufacture of suspension assemblies for computer disk drives. Suspension foil is described as 302/304 grade or 202 grade stainless steel of a thickness between 14 and 127 microns, with a thickness tolerance of plus-or-minus 2.01 microns, and surface glossiness of 200 to 700 percent Gs. Suspension foil must be supplied in coil widths of not more than 407 mm and with a mass of 225 kg or less. Roll marks may only be visible on one side, with no scratches of measurable depth. The material must exhibit residual stresses of 2 mm maximum deflection and flatness of 1.6 mm over 685 mm length. Certain stainless steel foil for automotive catalytic converters is also excluded from the scope of this order. This stainless steel strip in coils is a specialty foil with a thickness of between 20 and 110 microns used to produce a metallic substrate with a honeycomb structure for use in automotive catalytic converters. The steel contains, by weight, carbon of no more than 0.030 percent, silicon of no more than 1.0 percent, manganese of no more than 1.0 percent, chromium of between 19 and 22 percent, aluminum of no less than 5.0 percent, phosphorus of no more than 0.045 percent, sulfur of no more than 0.03 percent, lanthanum of less than 0.002 or greater than 0.05 percent, and total rare earth elements of more than 0.06 percent, with the balance iron. Permanent magnet iron-chromium-cobalt alloy stainless strip is also excluded from the scope of this order. This ductile stainless steel strip contains, by weight, 26 to 30 percent chromium and 7 to 10 percent cobalt, with the remainder of iron, in widths 228.6 mm or less, and a thickness between 0.127 and 1.270 mm. It exhibits magnetic remanence between 9,000 and 12,000 gauss, and a coercivity of between 50 and 300 oersteds. This product is most commonly used in electronic sensors and is currently available under proprietary trade names such as “Arnokrome III.” 1 1 “Arnokrome III” is a trademark of the Arnold Engineering Company. Certain electrical resistance alloy steel is also excluded from the scope of this order. This product is defined as a non-magnetic stainless steel manufactured to American Society of Testing and Materials
(ASTM)specification B344 and containing, by weight, 36 percent nickel, 18 percent chromium, and 46 percent iron, and is most notable for its resistance to high-temperature corrosion. It has a melting point of 1390 degrees Celsius and displays a creep rupture limit of 4 kilograms per square millimeter at 1000 degrees Celsius. This steel is most commonly used in the production of heating ribbons for circuit breakers and industrial furnaces, and in rheostats for railway locomotives. The product is currently available under proprietary trade names such as “Gilphy 36.” 2 2 “Gilphy 36” is a trademark of Imphy, S.A. Certain martensitic precipitation-hardenable stainless steel is also excluded from the scope of this order. This high-strength, ductile stainless steel product is designated under the Unified Numbering System
(UNS)as S45500-grade steel, and contains, by weight, 11 to 13 percent chromium and 7 to 10 percent nickel. Carbon, manganese, silicon and molybdenum each comprise, by weight, 0.05 percent or less, with phosphorus and sulfur each comprising, by weight, 0.03 percent or less. This steel has copper, niobium, and titanium added to achieve aging and will exhibit yield strengths as high as 1700 Mpa and ultimate tensile strengths as high as 1750 Mpa after aging, with elongation percentages of 3 percent or less in 50 mm. It is generally provided in thicknesses between 0.635 and 0.787 mm, and in widths of 25.4 mm. This product is most commonly used in the manufacture of television tubes and is currently available under proprietary trade names such as “Durphynox 17.” 3 3 “Durphynox 17” is a trademark of Imphy, S.A. Finally, three specialty stainless steels typically used in certain industrial blades and surgical and medical instruments are also excluded from the scope of this order. These include stainless steel strip in coils used in the production of textile cutting tools ( *e.g.* , carpet knives). 4 This steel is similar to AISI grade 420 but containing, by weight, 0.5 to 0.7 percent of molybdenum. The steel also contains, by weight, carbon of between 1.0 and 1.1 percent, sulfur of 0.020 percent or less, and includes between 0.20 and 0.30 percent copper and between 0.20 and 0.50 percent cobalt. This steel is sold under proprietary names such as “GIN4 Mo.” The second excluded stainless steel strip in coils is similar to AISI 420-J2 and contains, by weight, carbon of between 0.62 and 0.70 percent, silicon of between 0.20 and 0.50 percent, manganese of between 0.45 and 0.80 percent, phosphorus of no more than 0.025 percent, and sulfur of no more than 0.020 percent. This steel has a carbide density on average of 100 carbide particles per 100 square microns. An example of this product is “GIN5” steel. The third specialty steel has a chemical composition similar to AISI 420 F, with carbon of between 0.37 and 0.43 percent, molybdenum of between 1.15 and 1.35 percent, but lower manganese of between 0.20 and 0.80 percent, phosphorus of no more than 0.025 percent, silicon of between 0.20 and 0.50 percent, and sulfur of no more than 0.020 percent. This product is supplied with a hardness of more than Hv 500 guaranteed after customer processing, and is supplied as, for example, “GIN6.” 5 4 This list of uses is illustrative and provided for descriptive purposes only. 5 “GIN4 Mo,” “GIN5” and “GIN6” are the proprietary grades of Hitachi Metals America, Ltd. Initiation of Changed Circumstances Review Section 751(d)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the “Act”), and 19 CFR 351.222(g), provide that the Department may revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, in whole or in part, after conducting a changed circumstances review pursuant to section 751(b) of the Act and concluding from the available information that changed circumstances exist sufficient to warrant revocation or termination. The Department may conclude that changed circumstances sufficient to warrant revocation (in whole or in part) exist when producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which the order pertains have expressed a lack of interest in the order, in whole or in part. *See* section 782(h)(2) of the Act and section 351.222(g)(1) of the Department's regulations. The petitioners state that they are producers of SSSS but do not identify the percentage of production of the domestic like product they represent. At present, the Department has no information on the record that the other known domestic producers of SSSS have no interest in maintaining the countervailing duty order with respect to the subject merchandise imported from Italy. Therefore, the Department does not have information on the record of this changed circumstances review that the petitioners account for substantially all, or at least 85 percent, of the production of the domestic like product. *See Certain Tin Mill Products From Japan: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Review* , 66 FR 52109 (October 12, 2001); *see also* 19 CFR 351.208(c). Accordingly, we are not combining this initiation with a preliminary determination, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3)(ii). This notice of initiation will accord all interested parties an opportunity to address this proposed revocation. Pursuant to section 751(b)(1) of the Act, the Department will conduct a changed circumstances review upon receipt of information concerning, or a request from an interested party of, a countervailing duty order which shows changed circumstances sufficient to warrant a review of the order. Therefore, in accordance with section 751(b)(1) of the Act, we are initiating a changed circumstances review based upon the request made by the petitioners. If, as a result of this review, we revoke the order, we intend to instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) to liquidate without regard to applicable countervailing duties, and refund any estimated countervailing duties collected on all unliquidated entries of the merchandise subject to the order, as described above under the “Scope of the Order” section, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after November 17, 1998, *i.e.* , the publication date of the Department's preliminary determination. *See Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Countervailing Duty Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination: Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils from Italy* , 63 FR 63900 (November 17, 1998). We will also instruct CBP to pay interest on such refunds with respect to the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after August 6, 1999, the date of publication of the countervailing duty order, in accordance with section 778 of the Act. The current requirement for a cash deposit of estimated countervailing duties on the subject merchandise will continue unless, and until, we publish a final determination to revoke the countervailing duty order on SSSS from Italy. Public Comment Interested parties are invited to comment on the initiation of this changed circumstances review. Parties who submit argument in this proceeding are requested to submit with the argument
(1)a statement of the issue, and
(2)a brief summary of the argument. All written comments may be submitted by interested parties not later than 14 days after the date of publication of this notice in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303, and shall be served on all interested parties on the Department's service list. The Department will publish in the **Federal Register** a notice of preliminary results of changed circumstances review, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(3), which will set forth the factual and legal conclusions upon which our preliminary results are based, and a description of any action proposed based on those results. This notice is published in accordance with section 751(b)(1) of the Act and sections 351.216 and 351.222 of the Department's regulations. Dated: December 23, 2005. Stephen J. Claeys, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E5-8275 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting AGENCY: National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: The Hydrographic Services Review Panel
(HSRP)was established by the Secretary of Commerce to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, its amendments, and such other appropriate matters that the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice. *Date and Time:* The meeting will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, January 26, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Location:* The Marriott Houston Hobby Airport, 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, Texas; Telephone:
(713)943-7979. The times and agenda topics are subject to change. Refer to the Web site listed below for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain Roger L. Parsons, NOAA, Designated Federal Official (DFO), Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service, NOAA (N/CS), 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910; Telephone: 301-713-2770, Fax: 301-713-4019; e-mail: *Hydroservices.panel@noaa.gov* or visit the NOAA HSRP Web site at *http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ocs/hsrp/hsrp.htm* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting will be open to the public and verbal comments and questions will be accepted at the end of the day on January 25 and 26, 2006, with a 30-minute period that will be extended if needed. Each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five
(5)minutes. Written comments (at least 30 copies) should be submitted to the DFO by January 18, 2006. Written comments received by the DFO after January 18, 2006, will be distributed to the HSRP, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Approximately 50 seats will be available for the public, on a first-come, first-served basis. *Matters To Be Considered:* On January 25, 2006, a public forum is planned to discuss “The Role of NOAA's Navigation Services in Responding to Natural and Manmade Events Impacting the Nation's Marine Transportation Infrastructure.” Representatives from NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA hydrographic survey contractors, and various sectors of the Maritime Transportation System will present their perspectives on economic impacts of port closures, Federal port re-opening efforts, NOAA's contributions in providing emergency navigation services and lessons learned following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast area. On January 26, 2006, topics will include
(1)NOAA's Role on the Committee on the Marine Transportation System,
(2)Delivery of Real-time Global Positioning System Data,
(3)Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS ®) Prioritization Process, and
(4)Public Statements. Dated: December 23, 2005. Captain Roger L. Parsons, NOAA, Director, Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. E5-8226 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the “Corporation”), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirement on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Corporation is soliciting comments on the proposed baseline survey for the National Evaluation of Youth Corps. This survey will be completed by individuals applying for participation in a nationally representative sample of Youth Corps programs. Youth Corps are programs that provide young adults, particularly those that are educationally and/or economically disadvantaged, with a combination of work experience, education and community service. Many of the Youth Corps programs receive all or part of their funding from the Corporation. Copies of the information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the individual and office listed in the ADDRESSES section by March 6, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by the title of the information collection activity, by any of the following methods:
(1)By mail sent to: Corporation for National and Community Service, Attention: Lillian Dote, Program Officer, Office of Research and Policy Development, Room 10901A, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20525.
(2)By hand delivery or by courier to the Corporation's mailroom, at Room 8102C, at the street address given in paragraph
(1)above, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
(3)By fax to:
(202)606-3464, Attention: Lillian Dote, Program Officer, Office of Research and Policy Development.
(4)Electronically through the Corporation's e-mail address system: *ldote@cns.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Dote,
(202)606-6984, or by e-mail at *ldote@cns.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Corporation is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Corporation, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are expected to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses). Background The Corporation is interested in learning about the effects of national service on its participants. This study will use an experimental design to assess the outcomes associated with participation in national service. The survey will be completed by individuals applying to Youth Corps programs. Current Action This is an application for a new data collection. *Type of Review:* New. *Agency:* Corporation for National and Community Service. *Title:* Random Assignment Evaluation of Youth Corps. *OMB Number:* None. *Agency Number:* None. *Affected Public:* Applicants to a nationally representative sample of Youth Corps programs. *Total Respondents:* 7,500. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Average Time Per Response:* Averages 40 minutes. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 5,000 hours. *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* None. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance):* None. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: December 28, 2005. Robert Grimm, Director, Office of Research and Policy Development. [FR Doc. E5-8255 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050-$$-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0091, FRL-8018-2] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Ambient Air Quality Surveillance, EPA ICR Number 0940-18, OMB Control Number 2060-0084 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request
(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2006. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 3, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID number OAR-2002-0091, by one of the following methods: • *http://www.regulations.gov* : Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: *a-and-r-docket@epa.gov* . • Fax:
(202)566-1741 • Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Air and Radiation Docket, Mail Code 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. *Instructions:* Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0091. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at *http://www.regulations.gov* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through *http://www.regulations.gov* or e-mail. The *http://www.regulations.gov* Web site is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through *http://www.regulations.gov* your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at *http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Lutz, Emissions, Monitoring and Analysis Division (D243-02), Environmental Protection Agency; telephone number
(919)541-5476; fax number: 919-541-1903; e-mail address: *lutz.david@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments? EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA-OAR-2002-0091, which is available for online viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov* , or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air and Radiation Docket is
(202)566-1742. Use *http://www.regulations.gov* to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “search,” then key in the docket ID number identified in this document. What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in? Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to:
(i)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(ii)Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(iii)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(iv)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork burden for very small businesses affected by this collection. What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA? You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments: 1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific examples. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. 3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views. 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide. 5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity. 6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified under DATES . 7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and **Federal Register** citation. What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to? *Affected entities:* Entities potentially affected by this action are those State, local air pollution control agencies, and tribal entities which collect and report ambient air quality data for the criteria pollutants to EPA as well as other supporting measurements. *Title:* Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. *ICR numbers:* EPA ICR No. 0941-18, OMB Control No. 2060-0084. *ICR status:* This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on June 30, 2006. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* This Information Collection Request
(ICR)includes ambient air monitoring data and other supporting measurements reporting and recordkeeping activities associated with the 40 CFR part 58 Ambient Air Quality Surveillance rule. These data and information are collected by various State and local air quality management agencies and reported to the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards within the Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. EPA. This ICR reflects revisions of the previous ICR update of 2002, and it covers the period of 2007-2009. The number of monitoring stations, sampling parameters and frequency of data collection and submittal is expected to remain stable for 2007-2009. The data collected through this information collection consist of ambient air concentration measurements for the seven air pollutants with National Ambient Air Quality Standards ( *i.e.* , ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, carbon monoxide, PM <sup>2.5</sup> and PM-10), ozone precursors, meteorological variables at a select number of sites and other supporting measurements. Accompanying the pollutant concentration data are quality assurance/quality control data and air monitoring network design information. The U.S. EPA and others ( *e.g.* , State and local air quality management agencies, tribal entities, environmental groups, academic institutions, industrial groups) use the ambient air quality data for many purposes. Some of the more prominent uses include informing the public and other interested parties of an area's air quality, judging an area's ( *e.g.* , county, city, neighborhood) air quality in comparison with the established health or welfare standards (including both national and local standards), evaluating an air quality management agency's progress in achieving or maintaining air pollutant levels below the national and local standards, developing and revising State Implementation Plans
(SIPs)in accordance with 40 CFR part 51, evaluating air pollutant control strategies, developing or revising national control policies, providing data for air quality model development and validation, supporting enforcement actions, documenting episodes and initiating episode controls, air quality trends assessment, and air pollution research. The State and local agencies and tribal entities with responsibility for reporting ambient air quality data and information as requested in this ICR submit these data electronically to the U.S. EPA's Air Quality System
(AQS)database. Quality assurance/quality control records and monitoring network documentation are also maintained by each State and local agency, in AQS electronic format where possible. Although the State and local air pollution control agencies and tribal entities are responsible for the operation of the air monitoring networks, the EPA funds a portion of the total costs through federal grants. These grants generally require an appropriate level of contribution, or “match,” from the State/local agencies or tribal entities. The costs shown in this renewal are the total costs incurred for the monitoring program regardless of the source of the funding. This practice of using the total cost is consistent with prior ICR submittals and renewals. This Information Collection is estimated to involve 168 respondents for a total cost of approximately $173,153,415 (total capital, and labor and non-labor operation and maintenance) plus a total burden of 2,105,714 hours. The labor costs associated with the hours is $111,019,923. Included in the total are other costs of non-labor operations and maintenance of $10,936,320 and equipment and contract costs of $51,197,172. In addition to the costs at the State and local air pollution control agencies and tribal entities, there is a burden to EPA of 135,793 hours and $11,695,453. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 12,534 hours per respondent. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: *Estimated total number of potential respondents:* 168. *Frequency of response:* Data submissions are required quarterly, but may occur more frequently. *Estimated total annual burden hours:* 2,105,714 hours. *Estimated total annual costs:* $173,153,415. This includes an estimated labor burden cost of $111,019,923 and an estimated cost of $51,197,172 for equipment and contract costs. Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval? There is a decrease of 298,892 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease reflects EPA's consolidation of monitors into fewer sites, termination of unnecessary monitors, and more efficient procedures for measuring and reporting data. What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR? EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will issue another **Federal Register** notice pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . Dated: December 20, 2005. William Lamson, Acting Director, Emissions Monitoring and Analysis Division. [FR Doc. E5-8269 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [AMS-FRL-8018-3] California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Waivers of Federal Preemption; Notice of Decision AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice regarding waiver of federal preemption. SUMMARY: EPA today, pursuant to section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act (Act), 42 U.S.C. 7543(b), is granting California its request for a waiver of Federal preemption for its Engine Manufacturers Diagnostics regulations for 2007 and subsequent model year heavy-duty vehicle engines (2007 EMD standards). By letter dated March 7, 2005, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB)requested that EPA grant California a waiver of federal preemption for its 2007 EMD standards, which require the functional monitoring of major emission control components/systems. ADDRESSES: The Agency's Decision Document, containing an explanation of the Assistant Administrator's decision, as well as all documents relied upon in making that decision, including those submitted to EPA by CARB, are available at the EPA's Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center (Air Docket). Materials relevant to this decision are contained in Docket No. OAR-2005-100. The docket is located at The Air Docket, room B-108, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, and may be viewed between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is
(202)566-1742. A reasonable fee may be charged by EPA for copying docket material. Additionally, an electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system. You may use EPA dockets at *http://www.epa.gov/edocket/* to view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Once in the electronic docket system, select “search,” then key in the appropriate docket ID number for Docket OAR-2005-100. Electronic copies of this Notice and the accompanying Decision Document are available via the Internet on the Office of Transportation and Air Quality
(OTAQ)Web site *http://www.epa.gov/OTAQ* . Users can find these documents by accessing the OTAQ Web site and looking at the path entitled, “Regulations.” This service is free of charge, except for any cost you already incur for Internet connectivity. The electronic **Federal Register** version of the Notice is made available on the day of publication on the primary Web site *http://www.epa.gov/docs/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR* . Please note that due to differences between the software used to develop the documents and the software into which the documents may be downloaded, changes in format, page length, etc., may occur. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David J. Dickinson, Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building (6405J), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. Telephone:
(202)343-9256. E-Mail Address: *Dickinson.David@EPA.GOV* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I have decided to grant California a waiver of Federal preemption pursuant to section 209(b) of the Act for the 2007 EMD regulations. 1 1 The CARB Board approved the 2007 EMD standards by Resolution 04-16 on May 20, 2004 (See Attachment 3 to CARB's March 7, 2005, Waiver Request Letter). The regulations covered by today's waiver include title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR), section 1971. For further discussion of the regulations covered by today's decision please see the Decision Document. Section 209(b) of the Act provides that, if certain criteria are met, the Administrator shall waive federal preemption for California to enforce new motor vehicle emission standards and accompanying enforcement procedures. The criteria include consideration of whether California arbitrarily and capriciously determined that its standards are, in the aggregate, at least as protective of public health and welfare as the applicable Federal standards; whether California needs State standards to meet compelling and extraordinary conditions; and whether California's amendments are consistent with section 202(a) of the Act. As further explained in the Decision Document supporting today's decision, EPA did not receive any comment suggesting that CARB's request should be denied based on the criteria set forth in section 209(b) of the Act. 2 2 EPA published a notice for hearing and comment on July 18, 2005 (70 FR 41218). CARB determined that its 2007 EMD standards do not cause California's standards, in the aggregate, to be less protective of public health and welfare than the applicable Federal standards. No information has been submitted to demonstrate that California's standards, in the aggregate, are less protective of public health and welfare than the applicable Federal standards. Thus, EPA cannot make a finding that CARB's determination, that its 2007 EMD standards are, in the aggregate, at least as protective of public health and welfare, is arbitrary and capricious. CARB has continually demonstrated the existence of compelling and extraordinary conditions justifying the need for its own motor vehicle pollution control program, which includes the subject 2007 EMD standards. No information has been submitted to demonstrate that California no longer has a compelling and extraordinary need for its own program. Therefore, I agree that California continues to have compelling and extraordinary conditions which require its own program, and, thus, I cannot deny the waiver on the basis of the lack of compelling and extraordinary conditions. CARB has submitted information that the requirements of its 2007 EMD standards are technologically feasible and present no inconsistency with federal requirements and are, therefore, consistent with section 202(a) of the Act. No information has been presented to demonstrate that CARB's requirements are inconsistent with section 202(a) of the Act, nor does EPA have any other reason to believe that CARB's requirements are inconsistent with section 202(a). Thus, I cannot find that California's 2007 California EMD standards are inconsistent with section 202(a) of the Act. Accordingly, I hereby grant the waiver requested by California. This decision will affect not only persons in California but also the manufacturers outside the State who must comply with California's requirements in order to produce motor vehicles for sale in California. For this reason, I hereby determine and find that this is a final action of national applicability. Under section 307(b)(1) of the Act, judicial review of this final action may be sought only in the United States Court of Appeal for the District of Columbia Circuit. Petitions for review must be filed by March 6, 2006. Under section 307(b)(2) of the Act, judicial review of this final action may not be obtained in subsequent enforcement proceedings. As with past waiver decisions, this action is not a rule as defined by Executive Order 12866. Therefore, it is exempt from review by the Office of Management and Budget as required for rules and regulations by Executive Order 12866. In addition, this action is not a rule as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. sec. 601(2). Therefore, EPA has not prepared a supporting regulatory flexibility analysis addressing the impact of this action on small business entities. Finally, the Administrator has delegated the authority to make determinations regarding waivers of Federal preemption under section 209(b) of the Act to the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. Dated: December 22, 2005. William L. Wehrum, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. E5-8263 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [OPP-2005-0268; FRL-7725-3] Minor and Specialty Crops Integrated Pest Management
(IPM)Special Projects; Request for Proposals AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice . SUMMARY: EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) announces the availability of up to $615,000 to address critical pest management needs of U.S. minor and specialty crop growers. The Agency anticipates funding up to five projects. The project period of performance is 3 years, with the possibility of extension. Proposed projects should address minor and specialty crop producers' critical pest management needs and demonstrate the importance and relevancy of the project to implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). This request for proposal was developed in response to recommendations made by the Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition (CARAT), a joint EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture-sponsored federal advisory committee established to advise on the implementation of the FQPA, that the Agency facilitate the transition to reduced-risk pest management approaches for minor and specialty crops. You may access the full text of the grant announcement at *http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/index.htm* . Dates: Proposals must be postmarked on or before February 21, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Cimino, Office of Pesticide Programs (7501C), Minor Crop Advisor, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)308-9357; e-mail: *cimino.patricia@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the 50 states, District of Columbia, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian tribal governments and Native American Organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, and individuals. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this Document and Other Related Documents? 1. *Docket* . EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification
(ID)number OPP-2005-0268. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Room 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is
(703)305-5805. 2. *Electronic access* . You may obtain electronic copies of this document through the EPA Internet under the “ **Federal Register** ” listings at *http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/* . EDOCKET, EPA's electronic public docket and comment system was replaced on November 25, 2005, by an enhanced federal-wide electronic docket management and comment system located at *http://www.regulations.gov/* . Follow the on-line instructions. An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at *http://www.epa.gov/edocket/* to access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select “search,” then key in the appropriate docket ID number. You may access the full text of the grant announcement at *http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/index.htm* . Go to *http://www.grants.gov* to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov is the single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. II. Overview The following list provides key information concerning this funding opportunity: • *Federal agency name* : Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). • *Funding opportunity title* : Minor and Specialty Crops Integrated Pest Management Special Projects; Request for Proposals. • *Funding opportunity number* : EPA-OPP-005. • *Announcement type* : Announcement of a funding opportunity. • *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA)number* : 66.716. • *Dates* : Proposals must be postmarked on or before February 21, 2006. For detailed information concerning the grant announcement refer to the Agency website at *http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/index.htm* . The full text of the grant announcement includes specific information regarding the: Purpose and scope; activities to be funded; award information; eligibility requirements; application and submission information; award review information; and regional agency contacts if applicable. III. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General Grant solicitations containing binding legal requirements are considered rules for the purpose of the Congressional Review Act
(CRA)(5 U.S.C. 801 *et seq* .). The CRA generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this grant solicitation and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication in the **Federal Register** . This grant solicitation does not qualify as a “major rule” as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides. Dated: December 5, 2005. Susan B. Hazen, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. [FR Doc. E5-8272 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0476; FRL-7754-2] Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee, Pesticide Registration Improvement Act Process Improvement Workgroup; Notice of Public Meeting AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: EPA's Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC), Pesticide Registration Improvement Act
(PRIA)Process Improvement Workgroup will hold a public meeting on January 31, 2006. An agenda for this meeting is being developed and will be posted on EPA's website. The workgroup is developing advice and recommendations on topics related to EPA's registration process. DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at EPA's Offices in Rm. 1126, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA 22202. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Leovey, Immediate Office (7501C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703)305-7328; fax number:
(703)308-4776; e-mail address: *leovey.elizabeth@epa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of particular interest to persons who are concerned about implementation of PRIA; the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Other potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to agricultural workers and farmers; pesticide industry trade associations; environmental, consumer, and farmworker groups; pesticide users and growers; pest consultants; State, local, and tribal governments; academia; public health organizations; food processors; and the public. Since other entities may also be intrested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. *Docket.* EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0476. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other information related to this action. Although, a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is
(703)305-5805. 2. *Electronic access.* You may access this **Federal Register** document electronically through the EPA Internet under “ **Federal Register** ” listings at *http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.* EDOCKET EPA's electronic public docket and comment system was replaced on November 25, 2005, by an enhanced Federal-wide electronic docket management and comment system located at *http://www.regulations.gov/.* Follow the on-line instructions. An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at *http://www.epa.gov/edocket/,* to view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although, not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select “search,” then key in the appropriate docket ID number. II. Background The Office of Pesticide Programs
(OPP)is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the American food supply, protection and education of those who apply or are exposed to pesticides occupationally or through use of products, and the general protection of the environment and special ecosystems from potential risks posed by pesticides. The PPDC was established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463, in September 1995 for a 2 year-term and has been renewed every 2 years since that time. PPDC provides advice and recommendations to OPP on a broad range of pesticide regulatory, policy, and program implementation issues that are associated with evaluating and reducing risks from the use of pesticides. The following sectors are represented on the PPDC: Pesticide industry and trade associations; environmental and public interest and consumer groups; farm worker organizations; pesticide user, grower, and commodity groups; Federal and State, local, and tribal governments; the general public; academia; and public health organizations. Copies of the PPDC charter are filed with appropriate committees of Congress and the Library of Congress and are available upon request. III. How Can I Request to Participate in this Meeting? This meeting will be open to the public and seating is available on a first-come basis. Persons interested in attending do not need to register in advance of the meeting. Opportunity will be provided for questions and comments by the public. Any person who wishes to file a written statement may do so before or after the meeting by giving a copy of the statement to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. These statements will become part of the official public docket and will be available for public inspection at the address listed under Unit 1.B.1. Do not submit any information in your request that is considered CBI. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, preferably at least 10 days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to precess your request. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticide and pests. Dated: December 16, 2005. Marty Monell, Acting Director, Office of Pesticide Programs [FR Doc. 06-2 Filed 1-3-06; 8:45 am]
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