Proposed Rules. Proposed rule; dismissal

5,744 words·~26 min read·/register/2006/10/18/06-8786·

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

BILLING CODE 4120-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [DA 06-1901; MB Docket No. 06-11; RM-11304] Radio Broadcasting Services; Crowell, TX AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule; dismissal. SUMMARY: At the petitioner's request, the Audio Division has dismissed the proposal of Jeraldine Anderson (“Anderson”) to allot Channel 250A at Crowell, Texas. Anderson had filed a petition for rule making proposing the allotment of Channel 250A at Crowell, Texas, as the community's second local FM transmission service.

The Audio Division further dismissed the counterproposal submitted in the proceeding by Linda Crawford (“Crawford”), upon Crawford's request to withdraw that proposal. Finally, the Audio Division dismissed the counterproposal submitted in the proceeding by LKCM Radio Group, L.P., licensee of FM Station KFWR, Mineral Wells, Texas; Fort Worth Media Group GP, LLC, licensee of FM Station KYBE, Frederick, Oklahoma; and LKCM Radio Licenses, LP, the proposed assignee of KFWR and KYBE (collectively, “Joint Parties”).

The Joint Parties' counterproposal was dismissed for failure to meet the Commission's minimum distance separation requirements with respect to FM Station KRZB, Channel 248C2, Archer City, Texas. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah Dupont, Media Bureau,

(202)418-2180. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission's *Report and Order* , MB Docket No. 06-11, RM-11304, adopted September 20, 2006, and released September 22, 2006. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this decision also may be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554,

(800)378-3160, or via the company's Web site, *http://www.bcpiweb.com.* This document is not subject to the Congressional Review Act. The Commission is, therefore, not required to send a copy of this *Report and Order* in a report to be sent to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, *see* U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A), because the proposed rule was dismissed. Federal Communications Commission. John A. Karousos, Assistant Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau [FR Doc. E6-17348 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [DA 06-1885; MB Docket No. 05-230; RM-11032] Radio Broadcasting Services; Auxvasse, MO AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule; dismissal. SUMMARY: The Audio Division dismisses a Petition for Rule Making filed by Charles Crawford, requesting the allotment of Channel 235A at Auxvasse, Missouri, as its first local service. Charles Crawford, or no other party, filed comments supporting the allotment of Channel 235A at Auxvasse, Missouri. It is the Commission's policy to refrain from making a new allotment to a community absent an expression of interest. ADDRESSES: Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rolanda F. Smith, Media Bureau,

(202)418-2180. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission's *Report and Order* , MB Docket No. 05-230, adopted September 20, 2006, and released September 22, 2006. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC's Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this decision may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC, 20054, telephone 1-800-378-3160 or *http://www.BCPIWEB.com* . This document is not subject to the Congressional Review Act. (The Commission, is, therefore, not required to submit a copy of this Report and Order to GAO, pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, *see* 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A) because the proposed rule was dismissed. Federal Communications Commission. John A. Karousos, Assistant Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau. [FR Doc. E6-17350 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [DA 06-1887; MB Docket No. 04-81; RM-10876] Radio Broadcasting Services; Patagonia, AZ AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule; denial. SUMMARY: The Audio Division denies a Petition for Rule Making filed by Calvary Chapel of Tucson, Inc., requesting the reservation of vacant Channel 251A at Patagonia, Arizona for noncommercial educational use. ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rolanda F. Smith, Media Bureau,

(202)418-2180. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission's Report and Order, MB Docket No. 04-81, adopted September 20, 2006, and released September 22, 2006. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC's Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this decision may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20054, telephone 1-800-378-3160 or *http://www.BCPIWEB.com.* This document is not subject to the Congressional Review Act. (The Commission is, therefore, not required to submit a copy of this Report and Order to GAO, pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, *see* 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A) because the proposed rule was denied.) List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 73 Radio, Radio broadcasting. Federal Communications Commission. John A. Karousos, Assistant Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau. [FR Doc. E6-17347 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P 71 201 Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request October 12, 2006. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding

(a)whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected;

(202)395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling

(202)720-8681. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Rural Housing Service *Title:* 7 CFR 1951-F, Analyzing Credit Needs and Graduation of Borrower. *OMB Control Number:* 0575-0093. *Summary of Collection:* Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and Section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949, require the Rural Housing Service (RHS), the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and the Farm Service Agency

(FSA)to graduate their direct loan borrowers to other credit when they are able to do so. Graduation is an integral part of Agency lending, as Government loans beyond a borrower's need for subsidized rates of non-market terms. The notes, security instruments, or loan agreements of most borrowers require borrowers to refinance their Agency loans when other credit becomes available at reasonable rates and terns. If the borrower finds other credit is not available at reasonable rates and terms, the Agency will continue to review the borrower for possible graduation at periodic intervals. Information will be collected from the borrowers concerning their loans. *Need and Use of the Information:* The information submitted by FSA, RBS, or RHS borrowers to Agency offices is used to graduate direct borrowers to private credit with or without the use of Agency loan guarantees. The data collected will include financial information such as income, farm operating expenses, asset values, and liabilities. *Description of Respondents:* Farms; Business or other for-profit; State, Local or Tribal Government. *Number of Respondents:* 18,383. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: Quarterly. *Total Burden Hours:* 38,322. Rural Housing Service *Title:* USDA Rural Development—Centralized Servicing Center—Loan Servicing Satisfaction Survey. *OMB Control Number:* 0575-0187. *Summary of Collection:* The Rural Housing Service

(RHS)provides insured loans to low and moderate-income applicants located in rural geographic areas to assist them in obtaining decent, sanitary and safe dwellings. RHS Centralized Servicing Center

(CSC)has been in operation since October 1996. The CSC was established to achieve a high level of customer service and operating efficiency that provides its borrowers with convenient access to their loan account information. RHS has developed a survey to measure the results and overall effectiveness of customer services provided. *Need and Use of the Information:* RHS will use the outcome of the Customer Satisfaction Survey to determine the general satisfaction level among its customers throughout the nation, highlight areas that need improvement and provide a benchmark for future surveys and improvement in customer service. The survey is administered as part of CSC's on going service quality improvement program. *Description of Respondents:* Individual or households. *Number of Respondents:* 6,000. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: On occasion. *Total Burden Hours:* 960. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-17299 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request October 13, 2006. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding

(a)whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected;

(202)720-8958. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Farm Service Agency *Title:* Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation (7 CFR Part 12). *OMB Control Number:* 0560-0185. *Summary of Collection:* The Food Security Act of 1985 as amended by the Federal Agriculture Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 and the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act), and the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003 (the 2003 Act) provides that any person who produces an agricultural commodity on a field that is predominately highly erodible, converts wetland, or plants an agricultural commodity on converted wetland after December 23, 1985, shall be ineligible for certain program benefits. These provisions are an attempt to preserve the nation's wetland and to reduce the rate at which the conversion of highly erodible land occurs which contributes to the national erosion problem. In order to ensure that persons who request benefits subject to the conservation restrictions get technical assistance needed and are informed regarding the compliance requirements on their land, the Farm Service Agency

(FSA)collects information using several forms from producers with regard to their financial activities on their land that could affect their eligibility for requested USDA benefits. *Need and Use of the Information:* Information must be collected from producers to certify that they intend to comply with the conservation requirements on their land to maintain their eligibility. Additional information may be collected if producers request that certain activities be exempt from provisions of the statute in order to evaluate whether the exempted conditions will be met. The collection of information allows the FSA county employees to perform the necessary compliance checks and fulfill USDA's objectives towards preserving wetlands and reducing erosion. *Description of Respondents:* Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Federal Government; State, local or tribal government. *Number of Respondents:* 262,788. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: On occasion. *Total Burden Hours:* 262,346. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-17332 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-05-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; Solicitation of Nominations for Members of the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice to solicit nominees. SUMMARY: We are seeking nominations for people to serve on GIPSA's Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee meets twice annually to advise GIPSA on the programs and services we deliver under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Recommendations by the committee help us to better meet the needs of our customers who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace. DATES: We will consider nominations (form AD-755) we receive by December 18, 2006. ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit nominations for the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. You may submit nominations (completed AD-755) by any of the following methods: • E-Mail: Send form AD-755 via electronic mail to *Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov.* • Mail: Send hardcopy of form AD-755 to Terri Henry, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1647-S, Stop 3604, Washington, DC 20250-3604. • Fax: Send form AD-755 by facsimile transmission to:

(202)690-2755. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver form AD-755 to: Terri Henry, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1647-S, Stop 3604, Washington, DC 20250-3604. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to *http://www.regulation.gov.* Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. You may send a completed AD-755 through this Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terri L. Henry,

(202)205-8281 or by e-mail at *Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As required by section 21 of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) as amended, (7 U.S.C. 87j), the Secretary of Agriculture established the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) on September 29, 1981, to provide advice to the Administrator on implementation of USGSA. Currently, the authority for the Advisory Committee expires September 30, 2015. As specified in USGSA, each member's term is 3 years, and no member may serve successive terms. As required by USGSA, the Advisory Committee presently consists of 15 members, appointed by the Secretary, who represent the interests of grain producers, processors, handlers, merchandisers, consumers, and exporters, including scientists with expertise in research related to the policies in section 2 of USGSA (7 U.S.C. 74). Members of the Advisory Committee serve without compensation. USDA reimburses members for travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, for travel away from their homes or regular places of business in performance of Advisory Committee service, (see 5 U.S.C. 5703). Alternatively, travel expenses may be paid by Committee members. A list of current Advisory Committee members and other relevant information is available on the GIPSA Web site. Go to *http://www.gipsa.usda.gov* and under the section “I Want To * * *”, click on “Learn about the Advisory Committee.” We are seeking nominations for people to serve on the Advisory Committee to replace the five members and the five alternate members whose terms will expire in March 2007. If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Committee or nominating someone else to serve, contact: GIPSA, by telephone (tel: 202-205-8281), fax (fax: 202-690-2755), or electronic mail (e-mail: *Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov* ) and request Form AD-755. Form AD-755 may also be obtained via the Internet on GIPSA's Web site. Go to *http://www.gipsa.usda.gov* and under the section “I Want To * * *”, click on “Learn about the Advisory Committee” then click on Form AD-755. Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical handicap, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure that recommendations of the Committee take into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The final selection of Advisory Committee members and alternates will be made by the Secretary. Authority: 5 U.S.C. Appendix, Section 9. James E. Link, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. [FR Doc. E6-17333 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-KD-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent To Seek Approval to Conduct an Information Collection AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-113) and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service

(NASS)to seek approval to conduct a new information collection, the Generic Clearance for Survey Research Studies. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 18, 2006 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to Ginny McBride, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-2024 or to *gmcbride@nass.usda.gov* or faxed to

(202)720-6396. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph T. Reilly, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

(202)720-4333. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Generic Clearance to Conduct Survey Research Studies. *OMB Control Number:* 0535—NEW. *Type of Request:* Intent to Seek Approval to Conduct an Information Collection. *Abstract:* The National Agricultural Statistics Service

(NASS)of the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA)will request approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for generic clearance that will allow NASS to rigorously develop, test, and evaluate its survey instruments and methodologies. The primary objectives of the National Agricultural Statistics Service are to prepare and issue State and national estimates of crop production, livestock production, economic statistics, and environmental statistics related to agriculture and to conduct the Census of Agriculture. This request is part of an on-going initiative to improve NASS surveys as recommended by both its own guidelines, as well as those of OMB. In the last decade, state-of-the art techniques have been increasingly instituted by NASS and other Federal agencies and are now routinely used to improve the quality and timeliness of survey data and analyses, while simultaneously reducing respondents' cognitive workload and burden. The purpose of this generic clearance is to allow NASS to continue to adopt and use these state-of-the-art techniques to improve its current data collections on agriculture. They will also be used to aid in the development of new surveys. NASS envisions using the following kinds of survey improvement techniques, as appropriate to the individual project under investigation: Focus groups, cognitive and usability laboratory and field techniques, exploratory interviews, behavior coding, respondent debriefing, pilot surveys, and split-panel tests. Following standard OMB requirements NASS will apply to OMB individually for each survey improvement project it undertakes under this generic clearance and provide OMB with a copy of the questionnaire (if one is used), and all other materials describing the project. These data will be collected under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 2204(a). Individually identifiable data collected under this authority are governed by Section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires USDA to afford strict confidentiality to non-aggregated data provided by respondents. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for these collections of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Farms, agri-businesses, and households. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 1,000. *Frequency of Responses:* On occasion. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 500 hours. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from Ginny McBride, NASS Clearance Officer, at

(202)720-5778. Comments: Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 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. All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record and be summarized in the request for OMB approval. Signed at Washington, DC, September 28, 2006. R. Ronald Bosecker, NASS Administrator. [FR Doc. E6-17302 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-20-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Article 1904; Binational Panel Reviews: Notice of Withdrawal of Extraordinary Challenge Committee Review AGENCY: NAFTA Secretariat, United States Section, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Withdrawal of Extraordinary Challenge Committee. Review of the final affirmative countervailing duty determination filed on April 27, 2006, concerning the decisions of the binational panel that reviewed the final determination and remand determinations made by the United States Department of Commerce in the Matter of Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, Secretariat File No. USA-CDA-2002-1904-03. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the negotiated settlement between the United States and the Canadian Governments, the Extraordinary Challenge Committee review of the above noted case is terminated as of October 12, 2006. No Committee has been appointed to this panel review. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caratina L. Alston, United States Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat, Suite 2061, 14th and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20230,

(202)482-5438. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chapter 19 of the North American Free-Trade Agreement (“Agreement”) establishes a mechanism to replace domestic judicial review of final determinations in antidumping and countervailing duty cases involving imports from a NAFTA country with review by independent binational panels. When a Request for Panel Review is filed, a panel is established to act in place of national courts to review expeditiously the final determination to determine whether it conforms with the antidumping or countervailing duty law of the country that made the determination. Under Article 1904 of the Agreement, which came into force on January 1, 1994, the Government of the United States, the Government of Canada and the Government of Mexico established *Rules of Procedure for Article 1904 Extraordinary Challenge Committees* (“Rules”). These Rules were published in the **Federal Register** on February 23, 1994 (59 FR 8686). The panel review in this matter was requested pursuant to these Rules and terminated in accordance with the settlement agreement. Dated: October 13, 2006. Caratina L. Alston, United States Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat. [FR Doc. E6-17352 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-GT-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 100506D] Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Establishment of Annual Quotas for the Subsistence Harvest of Bowhead Whales by Alaska Natives AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS); announcement of public scoping period; request for written comments. SUMMARY: NMFS announces its intent to prepare an EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), in order to assess the impacts of issuing annual quotas for the subsistence harvest of bowhead whales by Alaska Natives from 2008 through 2017. Publication of this notice begins the official scoping period that will help identify issues and alternatives to be considered in the EIS. The scoping process will end December 15, 2006. ADDRESSES: To request inclusion on a mailing list of persons interested in the EIS, please contact Steve Davis, NMFS, 222W 7th Avenue, Box 43, Anchorage, AK 99513. Comments on this notice and the scoping process for this action may be submitted by: • Mail: P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668. • Hand Delivery to the Federal Building: 709 West 9th Street, Room 420A, Juneau, AK • FAX: 907-586-7557 • Email: *bowhead-EIS@noaa.gov* . Include in the subject line the following document identifier: Bowhead Whale Quota EIS (Email comments, with or without attachments, are limited to five

(5)megabytes). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Davis or Brad Smith, NMFS Alaska Region, Anchorage Field Office,

(907)271-5006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS is initiating this EIS process in order to comprehensively assess impacts of the subsistence harvest of Western Arctic bowhead whales by Alaska Natives from 2008 through 2017. Background Eskimos have hunted bowhead whales for over 2,000 years as the whales migrate in the spring and fall along the coast line of Alaska. Their traditional subsistence hunts for these whales have been regulated by a quota system under the authority of the International Whaling Commission

(IWC)since 1977. Alaska Native subsistence hunters, from 10 northern Alaskan communities, take less than one percent of the stock of bowhead whales per year. Since 1977, the number of strikes has ranged between 14 and 72 animals per year, depending in part on changes in IWC management strategy due to higher estimates of bowhead whale abundance in recent years, as well as hunter efficiency. The IWC sets an overall aboriginal subsistence harvest for this relevant stock, based on the request of Contracting Governments on behalf of the aboriginal hunters. In the case of Alaska Eskimo and Russian Native subsistence hunts, the United States and the Russian Federation make a joint request for a subsistence quota for bowhead whales to the IWC. NMFS must annually publish aboriginal subsistence whale hunting quotas and any other limitations on such hunting in the **Federal Register** (50 CFR 230.6). The subsistence hunt is directly managed by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC). In order to comprehensively assess the effects of these annual quotas, NMFS is proposing to set the term of this analysis to extend over a 10-year period, beginning in 2008. Alternatives NMFS preliminarily anticipates four alternatives: *Alternative 1* : Grant the AEWC annual quotas amounting to 510 landed whales over 10 years (2008 through 2017), with an annual strike quota of 67 bowhead whales per year, where no unused strikes are added to the quota for any one year. *Alternative 2* : Grant the AEWC annual quotas amounting to 510 landed whales over 10 years (2008 through 2017), with an annual strike quota of 67 bowhead whales per year, where no more than 15 unused strikes are added to the strike quota for any one year. *Alternative 3* : Grant the AEWC annual quotas amounting to 510 landed whales over 10 years (2008 through 2017), with an annual strike quota of 67 bowhead whales per year, where, for unused strikes, up to 50 percent of the annual strike limit is added to the strike quota for any one year. *Alternative 4* (no action): Do not grant the AEWC any annual quotas. Major issues to be addressed in this EIS include: the impact of subsistence removals on the Western Arctic stock of bowhead whales; the impacts of these harvest levels on the traditional and cultural values of Alaska Natives, and the cumulative effects of the action when considered along with past, present, and future actions potentially affecting bowhead whales. Public Involvement We begin this NEPA process by soliciting input from the public and interested parties on the type of impacts to be considered in the EIS, the range of alternatives to be assessed, and any other pertinent information. Specifically, this scoping process is intended to accomplish the following objectives: 1. Invite affected Federal, state, and local agencies, Alaska Natives, and other interested persons to participate in the EIS process. 2. Determine the potential significant environmental issues to be analyzed in the EIS. 3. Identify and eliminate issues determined to be insignificant or addressed in other documents. 4. Allocate assignments among the lead agency and cooperating agencies regarding preparation of the EIS, including impact analysis and identification of mitigation measures. 5. Identify related environmental documents being prepared. 6. Identify other environmental review and consultation requirements. The official scoping period is from the date of this notice until December 15, 2006. Please visit NMFS Alaska Region web page at *http://www.fakr.noaa.gov* for more information on this EIS. NMFS estimates the draft EIS will be available in April 2007. Authority The preparation of the EIS for the subsistence harvest of Western Arctic bowhead whales by Alaska Natives will be conducted under the authority and in accordance with the requirements of NEPA, Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), other applicable Federal laws and regulations, and policies and procedures of NMFS for compliance with those regulations. Dated: October 12, 2006. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-17370 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 101106H] Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of application for research permit and request for comment. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a permit for scientific research from Tenera Environmental in Lafayette, CA. (Permit 1583). This notice is relevant to federally endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon ( *Oncorhynchus tshawytscha* ), threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon ( *O. tshawytscha* ), threatened Central Valley steelhead ( *O. mykiss* ), and threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon ( *Acipenser medirostris* ). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit applications for review and comment. DATES: Written comments on the permit applications must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see ADDRESSES ) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on November 17, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the permit application should be sent to the appropriate office as indicated below. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to *FRNpermit.sac@noaa.gov* or fax to the number indicated for the request. The application and related documents are available for review by appointment: Protected Resources Division, NMFS, 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 8-300, Sacramento, CA 95814 (ph: 916-930-3615, fax: 916-930-3629). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Russell Bellmer, Ph.D. at phone number 916-930-3615, or e-mail: *FRNpermit.sac@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority Issuance of permits and permit modifications, as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (ESA), is based on a finding that such permits/modifications:

(1)Are applied for in good faith;

(2)would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species which are the subject of the permits; and

(3)are consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set forth in the permits. Permits and modifications are issued in accordance with and are subject to the ESA and NMFS regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR parts 222-226). Those individuals requesting a hearing on an application listed in this notice should set out the specific reasons why a hearing on that application would be appropriate (see ADDRESSES ). The holding of such a hearing is at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA. All statements and opinions contained in the permit action summaries are those of the applicant and do not necessarily reflect the views of NMFS. Species Covered in This Notice This notice is relevant to federally endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon ( *Oncorhynchus tshawytscha* ), threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon ( *O. tshawytscha* ), threatened Central Valley steelhead ( *O. mykiss* ), and threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon ( *Acipenser medirostris* ). Applications Received Tenera Environmental requests a one-year permit 1583 for an estimated take of 32 juvenile winter-run Chinook Salmon, 85 juvenile spring-run Chinook Salmon, and 6 juvenile Central Valley steelhead to fulfill the requirements of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and provide current impingement data as requested by National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department Fish and Game. Tenera Environmental requests authorization for an estimated total take of 123 juveniles (with 100 percent incidental mortality) resulting from rinsing all impinged material from the traveling screens into the screenwash sluiceways and directed by water flow and gravity into a collection container. Sampling will occur once every four hours for one 24-hour collection period per week for 12 consecutive months (312 samples) at the Contra Costa Power Plant (lat. 38° 01′12″ N., long. 121° 45′36″ W.) and Pittsburg Power Plant (lat. 38° 02′28″ N., long. 121° 53′38″ W.) located in the Suisun Bay of San Francisco Bay Delta. If any listed species are collected alive they will be immediately returned into Suisun Bay. Individuals are measured and identified to species or race. Tenera Environmental will take a total of six juveniles of the threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (with 100 percent incidental mortality) resulting from capture and release of the fish. Dated: October 12, 2006. Maria Boroja, Acting Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6-17383 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings Time and Date: Thursday, October 26, 2006, 10 a.m. Place: Room 420, Bethesda Towers, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland. Status: Open to the Public. Matter to Be Considered: *Portable Generators:* Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The staff will brief the Commission on issues related to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for portable generators. For a recorded message containing the latest agenda information, call

(301)504-7948. Contact Person for More Information: Todd A. Stevenson, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)504-7923. Dated: October 16, 2006. Todd A. Stevenson, Secretary. [FR Doc. 06-8786 Filed 10-16-06; 2:45pm]

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