Notices. Scheduling of an expedited five-year review concerning the antidumping duty order on certain folding metal tables and chairs from China

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BILLING CODE 4310-7U-M INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 731-TA-932 (Review)] Certain Folding Metal Tables and Chairs From China AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Scheduling of an expedited five-year review concerning the antidumping duty order on certain folding metal tables and chairs from China. SUMMARY: The Commission hereby gives notice of the scheduling of an expedited review pursuant to section 751(c)(3) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1675(c)(3)) (the Act) to determine whether revocation of the antidumping duty order on certain folding metal tables and chairs from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

For further information concerning the conduct of this review and rules of general application, consult the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, part 201, subparts A through E (19 CFR part 201), and part 207, subparts A, D, E, and F (19 CFR part 207). DATES: *Effective Date:* August 6, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Olympia DeRosa Hand (202-205-3182), Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E. Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436. Hearing-impaired persons can obtain information on this matter by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on 202-205-1810.

Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its internet server ( *http://www.usitc.gov* ). The public record for this review may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket

(EDIS)at *http://edis.usitc.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On August 6, 2007, the Commission determined that the domestic interested party group response to its notice of institution (72 FR 23844, May 1, 2007) of the subject five-year review was adequate and that the respondent interested party group response was inadequate. The Commission did not find any other circumstances that would warrant conducting a full review. 1 Accordingly, the Commission determined that it would conduct an expedited review pursuant to section 751(c)(3) of the Act. 2 1 A record of the Commissioners' votes, the Commission's statement on adequacy, and any individual Commissioner's statements will be available from the Office of the Secretary and at the Commission's Web site. 2 Chairman Daniel R. Pearson dissenting. Staff Report A staff report containing information concerning the subject matter of the review will be placed in the nonpublic record on August 31, 2007, and made available to persons on the Administrative Protective Order service list for this review. A public version will be issued thereafter, pursuant to section 207.62(d)(4) of the Commission's rules. Written Submissions As provided in section 207.62(d) of the Commission's rules, interested parties that are parties to the review and that have provided individually adequate responses to the notice of institution, 3 and any party other than an interested party to the review may file written comments with the Secretary on what determination the Commission should reach in the review. Comments are due on or before September 6, 2007 and may not contain new factual information. Any person that is neither a party to the five-year review nor an interested party may submit a brief written statement (which shall not contain any new factual information) pertinent to the review by September 6, 2007. However, should the Department of Commerce extend the time limit for its completion of the final results of its review, the deadline for comments (which may not contain new factual information) on Commerce's final results is three business days after the issuance of Commerce's results. If comments contain business proprietary information (BPI), they must conform with the requirements of sections 201.6, 207.3, and 207.7 of the Commission's rules. The Commission's rules do not authorize filing of submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means, except to the extent permitted by section 201.8 of the Commission's rules, as amended, 67 **Federal Register** 68036 (November 8, 2002). Even where electronic filing of a document is permitted, certain documents must also be filed in paper form, as specified in II

(C)of the Commission's Handbook on Electronic Filing Procedures, 67 FR 68168, 68173 (November 8, 2002). 3 The Commission has found the responses submitted by Meco Corp., KI, and Clarin, a division of Greenwich Industries, L.P., to be individually adequate. Comments from other interested parties will not be accepted ( *see* 19 CFR 207.62(d)(2)). In accordance with sections 201.16(c) and 207.3 of the rules, each document filed by a party to the review must be served on all other parties to the review (as identified by either the public or BPI service list), and a certificate of service must be timely filed. The Secretary will not accept a document for filing without a certificate of service. Authority This review is being conducted under authority of title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930; this notice is published pursuant to section 207.62 of the Commission's rules. By order of the Commission. Issued: August 14, 2007. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. E7-16225 Filed 8-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 701-TA-450 and 731-TA-1122 (Preliminary)] Laminated Woven Sacks From China Determinations On the basis of the record 1 developed in the subject investigations, the United States International Trade Commission (Commission) determines, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 733(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671b(a) and 1673b(a)) (the Act), that there is a reasonable indication that the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded by reason of imports from China of laminated woven sacks, provided for in subheading 6305.33.0020 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that are alleged to be sold in the United States at less than fair value

(LTFV)and to be subsidized by the Government of China. 1 The record is defined in sec. 207.2(f) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 207.2(f)). Commencement of Final Phase Investigations Pursuant to section 207.18 of the Commission's rules, the Commission also gives notice of the commencement of the final phase of its investigations. The Commission will issue a final phase notice of scheduling, which will be published in the **Federal Register** as provided in section 207.21 of the Commission's rules, upon notice from the Department of Commerce (Commerce) of affirmative preliminary determinations in the investigations under sections 703(b) and 733(b) of the Act, or, if the preliminary determinations are negative, upon notice of affirmative final determinations in those investigations under sections 705(a) and 735(a) of the Act. Parties that filed entries of appearance in the preliminary phase of these investigations need not enter a separate appearance for the final phase of the investigations. Industrial users, and, if the merchandise under investigation is sold at the retail level, representative consumer organizations have the right to appear as parties in Commission antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. The Secretary will prepare a public service list containing the names and addresses of all persons, or their representatives, who are parties to the investigations. Background On June 28, 2007, a petition was filed with the Commission and Commerce by the Laminated Woven Sacks Committee, an *ad hoc* committee composed of five U.S. producers of laminated woven sacks, alleging that the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded, or that an industry in the United States is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of LTFV and subsidized imports of laminated woven sacks from China. Members of the Laminated Woven Sacks Committee include:

(1)Bancroft Bag, Inc. of West Monroe, LA;

(2)Coating Excellence International, LLC of Wrightstown, WI;

(3)Hood Packaging Corp. of Madison, MS;

(4)Mid-America Packaging, LLC of Twinsburg, OH; and

(5)Polytex Fibers Corp. of Houston, TX. Accordingly, effective June 28, 2007, the Commission instituted antidumping and countervailing duty investigation Nos. 701-TA-450 and 731-TA-1122 (Preliminary). Notice of the institution of the Commission's investigations and of a public conference to be held in connection therewith was given by posting copies of the notice in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, DC, and by publishing the notice in the **Federal Register** of July 5, 2007 (72 FR 36720). The conference was held in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2007, and all persons who requested the opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by counsel. The Commission transmitted its determinations in these investigations to the Secretary of Commerce on August 13, 2007. The views of the Commission are contained in USITC Publication 3942 (August 2007), entitled *Laminated Woven Sacks from China: Investigation Nos. 701-TA-450 and 731-TA-1122 (Preliminary).* By order of the Commission. Issued: August 14, 2007. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. E7-16224 Filed 8-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES National Endowment for the Arts; Arts Advisory Panel Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), as amended, notice is hereby given that six meetings of the Arts Advisory Panel to the National Council on the Arts will be held at the Nancy Hanks Center, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20506 as follows (ending times are approximate): *National Initiatives* (application review) September 4, 2007 by teleconference from Room 722. This meeting, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will be closed. *Theatre* (application review): September 5, 2007 by teleconference from Room 720. This meeting, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., will be closed. *Literature* (application review): September 5-7, 2007 in Room 716. A portion of this meeting, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on September 7th, will be open to the public for a policy discussion. The remainder of the meeting, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on September 7th-8th, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on September 9th, will be closed. *Arts Education* (application review): September 18-19, 2007 in Room 716. A portion of this meeting, from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on September 19th, will be open to the public for a policy discussion. The remainder of the meeting, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on September 18th, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on September 19th, will be closed. *AccessAbility* (application review): September 25, 2007 by teleconference from Room 724. This meeting, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., will be closed. *Arts Education* (application review): September 25-28, 2007 in Room 716. A portion of this meeting, from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on September 28th, will be open to the public for a policy discussion. The remainder of the meeting, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 25th-27th, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 28th, will be closed. The closed portions of meetings are for the purpose of Panel review, discussion, evaluation, and recommendations on financial assistance under the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, as amended, including information given in confidence to the agency. In accordance with the determination of the Chairman of February 21, 2007, these sessions will be closed to the public pursuant to subsection (c)(6) of section 552b of Title 5, United States Code. Any person may observe meetings, or portions thereof, of advisory panels that are open to the public, and if time allows, may be permitted to participate in the panel's discussions at the discretion of the panel chairman. If you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Office of AccessAbility, National Endowment for the Arts, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20506, 202/682-5532, TDY-TDD 202/682-5496, at least seven

(7)days prior to the meeting. Further information with reference to these meetings can be obtained from Ms. Kathy Plowitz-Worden, Office of Guidelines & Panel Operations, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, DC 20506, or call 202/682-5691. Dated: August 13, 2007. Kathy Plowitz-Worden, Panel Coordinator, Panel Operations, National Endowment for the Arts. [FR Doc. E7-16178 Filed 8-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7537-01-P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of Availability for Public Comment of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the United States Implementing Organization's Participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Notice of availability (NOA). SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation

(NSF)announces the availability for comment of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Oversees EIS

(OEIS)evaluating potential environmental impacts associated with the NSF funding of the United States Implementing Organization's

(USIO)participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). This EIS was prepared in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)of 1969, regulations of the President's Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508), and NSF's National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures (45 CFR 640.1-640.5). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a cooperating agency in the preparation of the Programmatic EIS. Public comments are invited and encouraged concerning the analysis of environmental issues associated with IODP-USIO activities as presented in the Draft Programmatic EIS/OEIS. *Addresses and Dates:* Electronic copies of the Draft Programmatic EIS may be obtained from the Internet at *http://joiserver.joiscience.org/Downloads/draft_peis.* Written comments on the Draft EIS should be sent to Dr. James Allen, Program Director, Ocean Drilling Program, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 725, Arlington, VA 22230; voice

(703)292-8581 or e-mail at *jallan@nsf.gov.* If the draft Programmatic EIS cannot be obtained from the Internet, an electronic copy on CD or a paper copy may be obtained by e-mailing or writing Dr. Allan at the above address. The public comment period starts with the publication of this Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** and will continue for 45 days until October 1, 2007. NSF will address all comments received or postmarked by that date in the Final Programmatic EIS. Comments received or postmarked after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Public meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to present comments, ask questions, and discuss concerns regarding the EIS with NSF officials. The public meetings will be held at NOAA, September 21, 2007, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Silver Spring Metro Center Building 4, Science Center, 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, and at Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Lobby Conference Center, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, September 28, 2007, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Written comments will be accepted at these public meetings as well as during the comment period. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Written statements and questions regarding the review process for the Draft Programmatic EIS should be submitted by mail to Dr. James Allan, Program Director, Ocean Drilling Program, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 725, Arlington, VA 22230; voice

(703)292-8581 or by e-mail at *jallan@nsf.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1975, the National Science Foundation

(NSF)prepared an Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS)on the International Phase of Ocean Drilling

(IPOD)of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP). The 1975 EIS addressed scientific ocean drilling carried out globally in major and minor ocean basins. In 1985, the NSF prepared an EIS for the new Ocean Drilling Program

(ODP)to address the more complicated aspects of proposed drilling techniques and of drilling in high latitudes and Antarctic seas that were not previously addressed in the DSDP/IPOD EIS. Drilling modes that were analyzed in the DSDP/IPOD EIS were reviewed in the 1985 EIS including the use of the research vessel

(RV)*JOIDES Resolution* . Additionally, aspects of drilling in deep-ocean trenches, on active spreading centers, and in or near environmentally sensitive regions were considered in the 1985 environmental review. Drilling in both DSDP/IPOD and ODP was riserless, where drill cuttings were typically removed from the borehole by pumped seawater without return circulation to the drillship via an external pipe or riser. The ODP was formally completed on September 30, 2003. In order to facilitate the seamless continuation of research during the transition from the ODP to the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), the *JOIDES Resolution* was selected as the platform to continue to conduct riserless drilling activities during Phase 1 of the USIO participation in the IODP. Environmental Assessments

(EAs)were prepared in 2004 and 2005 to supplement the 1985 EIS and address the environmental and operating conditions that were specific to the IODP-USIO Phase 1 expeditions that would be performed during 2004 through 2006. The IODP is an international research program that explores the history and structure of the earth as recorded in seafloor sediments, fluids, and rocks. IODP builds upon the earlier successes of the DSDP and the ODP, which revolutionized our view of Earth history and global processes through ocean basin exploration. IODP seeks to greatly expand the reach of these previous programs by forming a collaborative union between the United States, Japan, and the European Union, each of whom will be responsible for providing drilling platforms appropriate for achieving the scientific objectives outlined in the IODP Initial Science Plan. China and the interim Asian Consortium (South Korea) have joined as additional members. Based on international agreements, the United States is responsible for providing and operating a light, riserless drilling vessel, Japan will provide and operate a heavy, riser drilling-capable vessel, and a European-led consortium will provide and operate Mission Specific Platforms capable of drilling in shallow and Arctic environments unsuitable for the other drilling vessels. Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Incorporated

(JOI)and its partners, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University

(LDEO)and Texas A&M University

(TAMU)through the Texas A&M Research Foundation (TAMRF), have been selected by NSF to be the IODP USIO for the light drilling vessel and related activities. These three partners comprise the JOI Alliance. JOI is responsible to NSF for the overall program leadership, technical, operational, and financial management, and delivery of services. TAMU is responsible for providing a full array of science services, ranging from vessel and drilling operations to ship- and shore-based science laboratories, core repositories, and publication. LDEO is responsible for logging-related shipboard and shore-based science services and for leading an international logging consortium to participate in scientific ocean drilling operations. The objectives of the USIO are to provide leadership regarding the U.S. interests in IODP as the challenges and demands of a multiplatform drilling program present themselves. The USIO also seeks to ensure that services for the light drilling vessel and other program aspects are provided in a cost-effective, holistic, and responsive manner to facilitate comprehensive, integrated, and flexible management that involves a broad array of stakeholders. The JOI Alliance completed IODP Phase 1 operations in 2006 using the RV *JOIDES Resolution,* which is the same vessel used for two decades during ODP (1985-2003). Concurrent with Phase 1 activities (2004-2006), the JOI Alliance planned for Phase 2 operations, which required procuring and converting an appropriate ship into a Scientific Ocean Drilling Vessel (SODV). The RV *JOIDES Resolution* was selected as the SODV and will be completely modernized to serve as the IODP's light drilling vessel. This Programmatic EIS addresses the use of the SODV and the USIO's participation in IODP Phase 2 drilling operations for at least the next 20 years. Depending upon the specific research objectives of each IODP USIO expedition, typical aspects of the proposed action that have the potential to affect the surrounding environment and are reviewed in the Programmatic EIS include: Site Selection and Expedition Planning • Review and evaluate research proposals (multi-phase, international process). • Logistically prepare for expedition and schedule. Vessel Deployment and Maximum Days at Sea per Expedition • Transit from port call to expedition site; may require days or weeks of travel at a nominal speed of 10 knots (depending on sea conditions). • Remain at sea for 60 days. Number of Drill Sites and Boreholes • One or more drill sites may be selected in a specific area for each expedition as needed to meet research objectives. • One or more boreholes may be advanced at each drill site as needed to meet specific research objectives. Typical Extent of Operations • Water Depth

(m)75-7,000. • Seafloor Penetration

(m)1-2,500. Drilling and Casing Deployment • Depending upon the specific application, drill bits will be advanced into the seafloor to produce nominally-sized boreholes 37.5, 44.5, 50.8, or 61 cm (14 5/8 , 17 3/8 , 20, 24 in) in diameter (alternate sized boreholes may be drilled as needed). • Depending on the specific application, boreholes may be lined with 27.3, 34, 40, and 50.8 cm (10 5/8 , 13 3/8 , 16, 20 in) casings (alternate size casing may be installed as needed). Core Sampling • Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA); the primary drilling system used to advance boreholes. • Rotary Core Barrel (RCB); used to obtain continuous cores from hard rock formations. • Advanced Piston Corer (APC); used to obtain continuous and relatively undisturbed cores from very soft to firm sediments. • Extended Core Barrel (XCB); used to obtain continuous cores from soft to moderately hard formations. • Pressure Core Sampler (PCS); used to retrieve core samples from the seafloor while maintaining insitu pressures. • Advanced Diamond Core Barrel (ADCB); used to obtain continuous cores from firm to well lithified sedimentary or ingenious formations. • Drill-In-Casing

(DIC)System: Used to drill in a short casing string simultaneously with the bit to support an unstable sediment zone to prevent premature loss of the hole or drill string. • Underreamer, used to drill an enlarged hole to provide clearance for additional casing strings and cement. • Other coring and sampling capability as developed. Deployment of Reentry Hardware and Observatories • Free Fall Funnel (FFF): Used to provide a quick method to reenter the hole to facilitate bit and bottom-hole assembly

(BHA)changes; typically installed with seafloor support plate and glass flotation marker balls. • Hard Rock Reentry System (HRRS): Used to install casing with reentry capability on a sloping or rough hard rock seafloor, typically consisting of a metal funnel and casing. • Reentry Cone and Casing (RECC): Used as a permanent seafloor installation (or legacy hole) able to support nested casing strings; typically consisting of metal cone; seafloor support plate; transition pipe. • Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit (CORK), used to provide a method to characterize temperature and pressure of sub-seafloor hydrology over an open formation interval typically consisting of a reentry cone and casing system; sensor string (pressure gauges, thermistors); and additional scientific instruments. • Advanced CORK (ACORK) Borehole Observatory, provides a method to isolate multiple zones in a borehole for independent zone investigations. In Situ Sampling and Testing • Temperature, pore pressure, gas and fluid compositions, permeability, microbial with instruments such as: * Advanced Piston Corer Temperature (APCT), an instrumented version of the coring shoe used to obtain formation temperatures to determine the heat flow gradient. * Davis-Villinger Temperature Probe (DVTP), used to take heat-flow measurements in semi consolidated sediments that are too stiff for the APCT. * Water Sampling Temperature Probe (WSTP), used to measure temperatures while deployed in the BHA. * Azimuthal Density Neutron Tool (AND), used to characterize formation porosity and lithology while drilling. Downhole Logging • The Multi-Sensor Spectral Gamma Ray Tool (MGT), used to measure natural gamma-ray logs. • Dipole Sonic Imager (DSI), used to produce a full set of compressional and shear waveforms, cross-dipole shear wave velocities and amplitudes. • Formation MicroScanner Tool; used to measure formation acoustic velocity, natural gamma ray, and borehole diameter. • Triple Combo Geophysical Tool String, used to measure standard geophysical parameters. • Sonic (Isonic) Tool, used to acquire acoustic waveforms. • Ultrasonic Borehole Imager (UBI), used to provide acoustic images of the borehole. • Vibration isolation television

(VIT)camera system. • The Well Seismic Tool

(WST)is a single axis check shot tool used for zero offset vertical seismic profiles (VSP). • Kuster Sampler, used to sample fluids. • Measurement While Drilling (MWD), including Logging While Drilling (LWD, formation resistivity images and density/porosity). • Pressure-While-Drilling

(PWD)Tool String, used to measure formation pressure. • Conical Sidewall Entry Sub (CSES), used to deploy logging tools along the drill string. Geophysical Surveying • Occasional use of geophysical techniques such as limited single-channel seismic surveying to characterize the seafloor and supplement or verify existing geophysical data. The Programmatic EIS addresses U.S. laws and regulations, as appropriate, including but not necessarily limited to NEPA; the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA); the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA); and Executive Order

(EO)12114 (1979), Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions. In addition, the assessment addreses foreign regulations, especially where research will be carried out entirely or partially within territorial waters or Exclusive Economic Zone waters surrounding a foreign nation or in international waters subject to the United Nations Law of the Sea or other international agreements. The Programmatic EIS is designed to view the USIO drilling program as a whole and thereby assembles and analyzes the broadest range of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts associated with the entire program rather than assessing individual cruises separately. This approach also addresses possible concerns that NSF evaluates regarding each expedition's contribution to the cumulative impacts of the entire program. Further, the Programmatic EIS provides a broad analytical baseline within which NSF, using tiered documents, will be able to analyze and decide upon various cruise-specific activities which could potentially affect biologically sensitive areas. This process enables the NSF to streamline the preparation of subsequent environmental documents for the individual cruises, if needed, and enable NSF to identify any prudent conservation practices and mitigation measures that may be applied across the entire program or applicable to a particular expedition. Major environmental issues addressed in the Programmatic EIS include the release of any substances from the ship during vessel transit, drilling, and research operations which may affect marine water quality, sea bottom and sediment quality, air quality, acoustic environment, marine biological resources including marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, invertebrates, Essential Fish Habitats (EFH), and threatened and endangered species, commercial and recreational fisheries, marine vessel transportation, and cultural resources. NSF has evaluated three alternatives in the EIS:

(1)The proposed action as dictated by specific scientific research needs and consistent with robust IODP policies;

(2)riserless ocean drilling expeditions designed and conducted to meet site-specific scientific objectives, however without input from the IODP Science Advisory Structure process including the review of environmental conditions at each drillsite that may be adversely affected by drilling activities; and

(3)the no action alternative. NSF welcomes comments on mitigation measures to be considered and included in the program that could be used to avoid or substantially reduce the environmental consequences of the proposed action. NSF will hold public meetings as identified in the Dates and Addresses section of this notice. These meetings will also be advertised in area newspapers. NSF and NMFS representatives will be available at these meetings to receive comments from the public regarding issues of concern to the public. Federal, state, and local agencies and interested individuals are encouraged to take this opportunity to comment on environmental concerns that should be addressed in the Draft Programmatic EIS. Agencies and the public are also invited and encouraged to provide written comments on the Draft Programmatic EIS in addition to, or in lieu of, oral comments at the public meetings. To be most helpful, comments should clearly reference a particular section or pages of the Draft Programmatic EIS and describe issues or topics that the commenter believes should be addressed. We invite you to learn about NSF's funding of the USIO's role in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program at the public meeting and provide comments on the Draft Programmatic EIS. The public meeting locations are wheelchair-accessible. If you plan to attend a public meeting and need special assistance such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation, please notify NSF (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ) at least 3 business days in advance. Include your contact information as well as information about your specific needs. We request public comments or other relevant information on environmental issues related to the NSF drilling program. The public meetings are not the only opportunity you have to comment. In addition to or in place of attending a meeting, you can submit comments to Dr. James Allan by October 1, 2007. (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ). We request that you include in your comments: • Your name and address (noting if you would like to receive a copy of the Final Programmatic EIS/OEIS upon completion); • An explanation for each comment; and • Include any background materials to support your comments, as you feel necessary. You may mail or e-mail your comments to NSF (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ). All comment submissions must be unbound, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, and suitable for copying and electronic scanning. Please note that regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, all submissions will be publicly available and, therefore, any personal information you provide in your comments will be open for public review. No decision will be made to implement any alternative until the NEPA process is completed. Dated: August 7, 2007. James Allan, Program Director, Ocean Drilling Program, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 07-3949 Filed 8-16-07; 8:45 am]

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