Notices. Proposed rule; extension of comment period

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BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 070627217-7218-01] RIN 0648-AV70 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Region Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology Omnibus Amendment AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. SUMMARY: NMFS extends for 4 days the comment period on the proposed rule to implement the Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology

(SBRM)Omnibus Amendment (SBRM Amendment) to the Fishery Management Plans

(FMPs)of the Northeast Region, developed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils (Councils). DATES: The deadline for written comments on the August 21, 2007 (72 FR 46588), proposed rule is extended from September 20, 2007, to no later than 5 p.m. on September 24, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: *SBRM.Amend.PR@noaa.gov* . Include in the subject line the following identifier: “Comments on the Proposed Rule to implement the SBRM Omnibus Amendment.” • Federal e-rulemaking portal: *http:/www.regulations.gov* . • Mail: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope: “Comments on the Proposed Rule to implement the SBRM Omnibus Amendment.” • Fax:

(978)281-9135 Copies of the SBRM Amendment, and of the draft Environmental Assessment and preliminary Regulatory Impact Review (EA/RIR), are available from Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Room 2115, Federal Building, 300 South New Street, Dover, DE 19901-6790; and from Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. The EA/RIR is also accessible via the Internet at *http://www.nero.noaa.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Pentony, Senior Fishery Policy Analyst, 978-281-9283. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 303(a)(11) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that all FMPs “establish a standardized reporting methodology to assess the amount and type of bycatch occurring in the fishery.” In 2004, several conservation organizations challenged the approval of two major amendments to Northeast Region FMPs. In ruling on these suits, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found that the FMPs did not clearly establish an SBRM as required under the relevant section of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and remanded the amendments back to the agency to fully develop and establish the required SBRM. In particular, the Court found that the amendments

(1)failed to fully evaluate reporting methodologies to assess bycatch,

(2)did not mandate an SBRM, and

(3)failed to respond to potentially important scientific evidence. In response, the Councils, working closely with NMFS, undertook development of a remedy that would address all Northeast Region FMPs. The Councils took final action to adopt the SBRM Amendment at their meetings in June 2007, and submitted the amendment for review shortly thereafter. This amendment covers 13 FMPs, 39 managed species, and 14 types of fishing gear. The purpose of the amendment is to: Explain the methods and processes by which bycatch is currently monitored and assessed for Northeast Region fisheries; determine whether these methods and processes need to be modified and/or supplemented; establish standards of precision for bycatch estimation for all Northeast Region fisheries; and, thereby, document the SBRM established for all fisheries managed through the FMPs of the Northeast Region. The amendment also responds to the “potentially important scientific evidence” cited by the Court in the two decisions referenced above. On July 26, 3007 (72 FR 41047), NMFS published a notice of availability that requested comments on the SBRM Amendment and draft Environmental Assessment. The comment period on the notice of availability closes on September 24, 2007. On August 21, 2007 (72 FR 46588), NMFS published a proposed rule that requested comments on the regulations to implement the SBRM Amendment. The comment period on the proposed rule was scheduled to close on September 20, 2007. In order to provide the maximum opportunity for the public to review and provide comments on the proposed rule to implement the SBRM Amendment, NMFS is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to 5 p.m. on September 24, 2007. With this extension, both comment periods will end at the same time. Dated: September 17, 2007. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator For Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-18590 Filed 9-19-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S 72 182 Thursday, September 20, 2007 Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS-2007-0028] Notice of Request for a Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection (Application for Inspection, Accreditation of Laboratories, and Exemptions) AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service

(FSIS)is announcing its intention to request a revision of an approved information collection concerning the regulatory requirements for application for inspection, accreditation of laboratories, and exemptions because of revised estimates that support a finding of fewer total burden hours. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received on or before November 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this notice. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • *Mail, including floppy disks or CD-ROMs, and hand- or courier-delivered items:* Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2534 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. • *Electronic mail:* *fsis.regulationscomments@fsis.usda.gov* . • *Federal eRulemaking Portal:* This Web site provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to *http://www.regulation.gov* and in the “Search for Open Regulations” box, select “Food Safety and Inspection Service” from the agency drop-down menu, then click on “Submit.” In the Docket ID column, select FDMS Docket Number FSIS-2007-0028 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. All submissions received by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number. All comments submitted in response to this document, as well as research and background information used by FSIS in developing this document, will be available for public inspection in the FSIS Docket Room at the address listed above between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments will also be posted on the Agency's Web site at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/regulations_directives_&_notices/index.asp* . Individuals who do not wish FSIS to post their personal contact information—mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number—on the Internet may leave the information off their comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact John O'Connell, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 3532 South Building, Washington, DC 20250,

(202)720-0345. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Application for Inspection, Accreditation of Laboratories, and Exemptions. *OMB Number:* 0583-0082. *Expiration Date of Approval:* 12/31/2007. *Type of Request:* Revision of an approved information collection. *Abstract:* FSIS has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of the Secretary as specified in the Federal Meat Inspection Act

(FMIA)(21 U.S.C. 601, *et seq.* ), the Poultry Products Inspection Act

(PPIA)(21 U.S.C. 451, *et seq.* ), and the Egg Products Inspection Act

(EPIA)(21 U.S.C. 1031, *et seq.* ). FSIS protects the public by verifying that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged. FSIS is requesting a revision of an approved information collection addressing paperwork requirements specified in the regulations relating to the application for inspection, accreditation of laboratories, and exemptions. FSIS requires meat and poultry establishments and import facilities to apply for a grant of inspection before they can receive Federal inspection (9 CFR 304.1 & 381.17). FSIS also requires plants that wish to receive voluntary inspection to apply for inspection (9 CFR 350.5, 351.4, 352.3, & 362.3). Establishments that wish to export or import product must also submit certain documents to the Agency. The FMIA (21 U.S.C. 642), the PPIA (21 U.S.C. 460(b)), and the EPIA (21 U.S.C. 1040) require certain parties to keep records that fully and correctly disclose all transactions involved in their businesses related to relevant animal carcasses and parts and egg products. FSIS requires accredited non-Federal analytical laboratories to maintain certain paperwork and records (9 CFR 319.10 & 590.580). The Agency uses this collected information to ensure that meat and poultry establishments and egg products plants provide safe, wholesome, and unadulterated product, and that non-Federal laboratories act in accordance with FSIS regulations. In addition, FSIS also collects information to ensure that meat and poultry establishments exempted from Agency inspection do not commingle inspected and non-inspected meat and poultry products (9 CFR 303.1(b)(3) & 381.10(a)(1)), and that firms qualifying for a retail store exemption who have violated the provision of that exemption are no longer in violation (9 CFR 303.1(d)(3) & 381.10(d)(3)). The Agency is revising the information collection based on a revised estimate of the number of respondents, which support a finding of fewer total burden hours (113,048) than there are in the approved information collection (114,583). FSIS has made the following estimates based upon an information collection assessment: *Estimate of Burden:* FSIS estimates that it will take respondents an average of .034 hours per response. *Respondents:* Official meat and poultry establishments, official egg plants, and foreign establishments. *Estimated No. of Respondents:* 24,622. *Estimated No. of Annual Responses per Respondent:* 136. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 113,048 hours. Copies of this information collection assessment can be obtained from John O'Connell, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20250, (202)720-0345. Comments are invited on:

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

(b)the accuracy of FSIS' 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 establishments, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology. Comments may also be sent to the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20253. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Additional Public Notification Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure that the public and in particular minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, are aware of this notice, FSIS will announce it on-line through the FSIS Web page located at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/2007_Notices_Index/index.asp* . FSIS also will make copies of this **Federal Register** publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, **Federal Register** notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free e-mail subscription service consisting of industry, trade, and farm groups, consumer interest groups, allied health professionals, scientific professionals, and other individuals who have requested to be included. The Update also is available on the FSIS Web page. Through Listserv and the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an e-mail subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_and_events/email_subscription/* . Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. Done at Washington, DC, on: September 17, 2007. Alfred V. Almanza, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-18574 Filed 9-19-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Electronic Response to Office Action and Preliminary Amendment Forms ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the continuing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • *E-mail: Susan.Fawcett@uspto.gov.* Include “0651-0050 comment” in the subject line of the message. • *Fax:* 571-273-0112, marked to the attention of Susan Fawcett. • *Mail:* Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public Information Services Division, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Sharon Marsh, Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy, Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1451, Alexandria, VA 22313-1451, by telephone at 571-272-8900, or by e-mail at *Sharon.Marsh@uspto.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This collection of information is required by the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 1051, *et seq.* , which provides for the Federal registration of trademarks, service marks, collective trademarks and service marks, collective membership marks, and certification marks. Individuals and businesses that use or intend to use such marks in commerce may file an application to register their marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In some cases, the USPTO may issue an Office Action to an applicant in order to request additional information that is required before a mark can be registered. The USPTO may also issue an Office Action to advise an applicant that a mark cannot be registered due to one or more provisions of the Trademark Act. Applicants may reply to these Office Actions by providing the required information or by putting forth legal arguments as to why the refusal of registration should be withdrawn. Applicants may also supplement their applications by providing additional information voluntarily. When such information is provided before the USPTO has reviewed the application, the applicant may submit the additional information in the form of a Preliminary Amendment. The forms in this collection are available in electronic format through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), which may be accessed on the USPTO Web site. The USPTO is proposing to add two forms to this information collection, Post Publication Amendment (PTO-1711) and Response to Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension (PTO-1822). Applicants may file a Post Publication Amendment in order to submit a proposed amendment to an application that has already been approved for publication by the examining attorney. If an applicant receives a Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension from the USPTO, the applicant may use the proposed response form to file a reply. Applicants may submit the two proposed new forms to the USPTO electronically through TEAS or submit the required information for the amendment or response to the USPTO on paper. The USPTO does not provide official forms for these paper submissions. II. Method of Collection By mail, facsimile, hand delivery, or electronic transmission. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0651-0050. *Form Number(s):* PTO-1771, PTO-1882, PTO-1930, PTO-1957 and PTO-1966. *Type of Review:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households; businesses or other for-profits; and not-for-profit institutions. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 158,300 responses per year, including 1,800 responses per year for Post Publication Amendments and 5,600 responses per year for the Response to Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension. *Estimated Time per Response:* The USPTO estimates that the public will require approximately 10 to 18 minutes (0.17 to 0.30 hours) to supply the information requested in this collection. Completion times may vary, depending upon the nature and amount of information requested in a particular Office Action. *Estimated Total Annual Respondent Burden Hours:* 27,240 hours, including 495 hours for Post Publication Amendments and 1,092 hours for the Response to Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension. *Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost Burden:* $8,280,960. The USPTO expects that the information in this collection will primarily be prepared by attorneys, though some submissions may be prepared by *pro se* applicants. Using the professional hourly rate of $304 for associate attorneys in private firms, the USPTO estimates that the respondent cost burden for submitting the information in this collection will be approximately $8,280,960 per year, including $482,448 for the proposed forms. Item Estimated time for response (minutes) Estimated annual responses Estimated annual burden hours Post Publication Amendment

(TEAS)15 900 225 Post Publication Amendment (paper) 18 900 270 Response to Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension

(TEAS)10 2,800 476 Response to Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension (paper) 13 2,800 616 Total 7,400 1,587 *Estimated Total Annual Non-hour Respondent Cost Burden:* $1,517. There are no capital start-up costs, maintenance costs, or filing fees associated with this information collection. However, customers may incur postage costs when submitting a Post Publication Amendment or Response to Suspension Inquiry or Letter of Suspension to the USPTO by mail. The USPTO estimates that it may receive up to 3,700 mailed submissions per year for these items with an estimated postage cost of 41 cents per response. Therefore, this collection has an annual (non-hour) cost of approximately $1,517 per year in the form of postage costs. IV. Request for 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 shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(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 respondents, e.g., the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: September 12, 2007. Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public Information Services Division. [FR Doc. E7-18567 Filed 9-19-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-16-P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings Time and Date: 2 p.m., Thursday, October 4, 2007. Place: 1155 21st St., NW., Washington, DC, 9th Floor Commission Conference Room. Status: Closed. Matters to be Considered: Rule Enforcement Review. Contact Person for More Information: Sauntia S. Warfield, 202-418-5084. David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 07-4684 Filed 9-18-07; 10:45 am]

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