Notices. Notice

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

BILLING CODE 3510-12-P CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Proposed Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the “Corporation”), has submitted a public information collection request

(ICR)entitled National Study of the Prevalence of Community Service and Service-Learning in K-12 Public Schools to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). A copy of the ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Kimberly Spring, 202-606-6629 ( *kspring@cns.gov* ). Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY-TDD) may call

(202)565-2799 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the information collection activity, to the Office of information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB Desk Office for the Corporation for National and community Service, by any of the following two methods within 30 days from the date of publication in this **Federal Register** .

(1)By fax to:

(202)395-6974, Attention: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service; and

(2)Electronically by e-mail to: *Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Corporation, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the Corporation's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. Comments A 60-day public comment Notice was published in the **Federal Register** on June 22, 2007. This comment period ended on August 22, 2007. No comments were received. *Description:* The Corporation is seeking approval for a National Study of the Prevalence of Community Service and Service-Learning in K-12 Public Schools. The study will survey a nationally representative sample of 2,000 elementary, middle and high schools in the scale and scope of service-learning, as well as the presence of a variety of policies and practices in support of service-learning activities in the school. Respondents will be those school administrators and teachers, such as principals and service-learning coordinators, who are most knowledgeable about service-learning activities in the school. The survey will be administered by mail with the opportunity for respondents to complete the survey by phone. *Type of Review:* New Collection. *Agency:* Corporation for National and Community Service. *Title:* National Study of the Prevalence of Community Service and Service-Learning in K-12 Public Schools. *OMB Number:* 3045-New. *Affected Public:* K-12 School Administrators. *Number of Respondents:* 2000. *Frequency:* One-time. *Average Time per Response:* 21 minutes. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 700. *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* None. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance):* None. Dated: December 19, 2007. Robert Grimm, Director, Department of Research and Policy Development. [FR Doc. E7-25052 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050-$$-P CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the “Corporation”), has submitted a public information collection request

(ICR)entitled the AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Application and Instructions (OMB Control Number 3045-0038) to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of this ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Mr. Paul Davis at

(202)606-6608. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY-TDD) may call

(202)565-2799 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the information collection activity, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service, by any of the following two methods within 30 days from the date of publication in this **Federal Register** :

(1)*By fax to:*

(202)395-6974, Attention: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service; and

(2)*Electronically by e-mail to: Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Corporation, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. Comments A 60-day public comment Notice was published in the **Federal Register** on October 9, 2007. This comment period ended December 8, 2007. No public comments were received from this notice. *Description:* The AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Application and Instructions is used by the Corporation in the selection of VISTA sponsors and in the approval of both new and renewing VISTA projects. The information collection consists of a brief Concept Paper, and, if the Concept Paper is approved, a full application including budget. The Corporation seeks to revise the previously used Project Application to:

(a)Better align the information requested on the Concept Paper and the Application; and

(b)simplify the project plan while continuing to provide a robust tool for evaluating project performance. *Type of Review:* Renewal. *Agency:* Corporation for National and Community Service. *Title:* AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Application and Instructions. *OMB Number:* 3045-0038. *Agency Number:* None. *Affected Public:* AmeriCorps*VISTA project applicants and sponsoring organizations seeking project renewal. *Total Respondents:* 3,200, of which 1,000 will complete the full application. *Frequency:* One time only for Concept Paper, once annually for Application. *Average Time per Response:* 1.5 hours for Concept Paper; 8 hours for application. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 12,800 hours. *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* None. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance):* None. Dated: December 20, 2007. Jean Whaley, Director, AmeriCorps*VISTA. [FR Doc. E7-25094 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [DOD-2006-0S-0216] Implementation of Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents AGENCY: Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice with request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is preparing to draft a report to Congress and invites public comments and suggestions. An Item of Special Interest in the Senate Report 110-077 accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (FY 2008 NDAA), requests the Department of Defense to report on the implementation of limitations on terms of consumer credit extended to Service members and dependents. The guidance from the Senate Armed Services Committee on drafting the report can be found at Senate Report 110-077, at pages 355-356, accompanying the FY 2008 NDAA. DATES: Comments must be received by February 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and/or RIN number and title, by any of the following methods: • *Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov* . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail:* Federal Docket Management System Office, 1160 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1160. *Instructions:* All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or Regulatory Information Number

(RIN)for this **Federal Register** document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at *http://www.regulations.gov* as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Marcus Beauregard,

(703)588-0952. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To help develop this report, the Department of Defense is seeking comments from the public about the potential negative impact of certain consumer loan products on Service members. Please indicate whether the following products, which are not currently regulated by 32 CFR 232.3, negatively impact Service members to the degree that the Department of Defense should regulate them. If regulation is needed, please provide proposed solutions. These products are: • Installment loans, not covered in the definitions of credit in 32 CFR 232.3. These installment loans may include excessive fees and interest rates, loan flipping, and regular inclusion of high cost ancillary credit insurance products. • Credit cards that are characterized by minimal available credit coupled with high fees. • Fee-based, high-cost, courtesy overdraft products. Additionally, the Department of Defense is seeking comments from the public on the implementation of 32 CFR part 232, specifically issues concerning: • Disclosure requirements and identification of the covered borrower as required by 32 CFR 232.5 and 232.6. • Implementation of alternative small-dollar credit products and recommended changes that can facilitate producing and delivering these products to Service members and their dependents. • Oversight and enforcement of the regulation with respect to Internet-based lenders offering credit covered by the definitions in 32 CFR 232.3. • Methods for the Department of Defense to use in monitoring enforcement of the rule. The Department of Defense has the authority to make regulatory changes and to recommend statutory change. The Department of Defense seeks input on potential changes for consideration. L.M. Bynum, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. E7-25119 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 25, 2008. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:

(1)Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)Title;

(3)Summary of the collection;

(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues:

(1)Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department;

(2)will this information be processed and used in a timely manner;

(3)is the estimate of burden accurate;

(4)how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(5)how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Dated: December 19, 2007. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Institute of Education Sciences *Type of Review:* New. *Title:* Eighth Grade Access to Algebra I: A Study of Virtual Algebra. *Frequency:* On Occasion. *Affected Public:* Individuals or household. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* *Responses:* 1,494. *Burden Hours:* 493. *Abstract:* This study of the effects of 8th grade algebra on student math achievement and advanced course-taking patterns is to be carried out by the Northeast and Islands Regional Education Laboratory. This randomized controlled field trial involves 60 schools in Maine, 60 teachers, and 1,800 students. Targeted outcomes are students' mathematics achievement, as measured by scores on the 8th grade Maine Educational Assessment in mathematics, scores on the Northwest Evaluation Association-Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA-MAP) test, 9th grade transcript data, 10th grade course enrollments, and 10th grade Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

(PSAT)scores. Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 3545. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E7-25085 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 25, 2008. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(1)Type of review requested, e.g., new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)Title;

(3)Summary of the collection;

(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues:

(1)Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department;

(2)will this information be processed and used in a timely manner;

(3)is the estimate of burden accurate;

(4)how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(5)how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Dated: December 20, 2007. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Postsecondary Education *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants Program

(TQE)Scholarship Contract and Teaching Verification Forms on Scholarship Recipients. *Frequency:* On Occasion; Semi-Annually; Annually. *Affected Public:* Individuals or household; Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or Tribal Gov't, SEAs or LEAs. *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden:* *Responses:* 2,850. *Burden Hours:* 3,065. *Abstract:* Students receiving scholarships under section 204 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 105-244, incur a service obligation to teach in a high-need school in a high-need local educational agency (LEA). This information collection consists of a contract to be executed when funds are awarded, subsequent addenda for students receiving funds beyond one semester/quarter/term, and a separate teaching verification form to be used by students and high-need school districts, to document the students' compliance with the contract's conditions. The Department of Education

(ED)has developed an Internet based, e-authorization certified Web site that will allow these TQE Grants Program Scholarship forms (Scholarship Terms and Conditions and Scholarship Terms and Conditions Addendum) to be electronically submitted. This Internet-based Web site will escalate efficiently and will reduce a substantial paper burden of imputing these documents manually. Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 3472. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E7-25086 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before February 25, 2008. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(1)Type of review requested, e.g., new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)Title;

(3)Summary of the collection;

(4)Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)Respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues:

(1)Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department;

(2)will this information be processed and used in a timely manner;

(3)is the estimate of burden accurate;

(4)how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(MPN)serves as the means by which an individual agrees to repay a Federal Stafford Loan. The School Certification form serves as the means by which a school that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan

(FFEL)Program certifies a borrower's eligibility for a Federal Stafford Loan if the school does not certify eligibility electronically. Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov* , by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 3551. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* or faxed to 202-245-6623. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to *ICDocketMgr@ed.gov* . Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E7-25087 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Agency Information Collection Extension AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy. ACTION: Submission for Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)Review; Comment Request. SUMMARY: The Department of Energy

(DOE)has submitted an information collection request

(ICR)to OMB for extension under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The ICR requests a 3-year extension of its Occupational Radiation Protection Program, OMB Control Number 1910-5105. This ICR covers information necessary to permit DOE and its contractors to provide management control and oversight over health and safety programs concerning worker exposure to ionizing radiation. DATES: Comments regarding this collection must be received on or before January 28, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, please advise the OMB Desk Officer of your intention to make a submission as soon as possible. The Desk Officer may be telephoned at

(202)395-4650. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to: DOE Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10102, 735 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. Comments should also be addressed to Judith D. Foulke by facsimile at

(301)903-7773 or by e-mail at *judy.foulke@hq.doe.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The DOE person listed in ADDRESSES. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This package contains:

(1)*OMB* *No:* 1910-5105;

(2)*ICR Title:* Occupational Radiation Protection Program;

(3)*Purpose: Needs and Uses:* The information that 10 CFR part 835 requires DOE major facilities management contractors to produce, maintain, and/or report is necessary to permit the Department to manage and oversee health and safety programs that control worker (i.e., DOE employees, contractor and sub-contractor employees, and visiting workers) exposure to radiation;

(4)*Estimated Number of Respondents:* 50;

(5)*Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 50,000; and

(6)*Number of Collections:* ICR contains 6 information and/or recordkeeping requirements. Statutory Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201, 7191; 50 U.S.C. 2410. Issued in Washington, DC, on December 7, 2007. Lesley A. Gasperow, Director, Office of Resource Management (HS-1.2) Office of Health, Safety and Security. [FR Doc. E7-25032 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Agency Information Collection Extension AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Submission for Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)review; comment request. SUMMARY: The Department of Energy

(DOE)submitted an information collection request

(ICR)to the OMB for extension under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (OMB Control Number 1910-0068). DOE requests a three-year extension of its collection activities for information from owners of qualified renewable energy generation facilities who apply annually for Renewable Energy Production Incentive

(REPI)payments. This ICR seeks information necessary to determine whether an applicant's facility qualifies for these REPI payments by producing the requisite amount of net electricity. The information gathered by the ICR ensures that the government has sufficient information to determine whether public funds are being properly used for these incentive payments. DATES: Comments regarding this request to extend the collection of information concerning annual applications from the owners of qualified renewable energy generation facilities must be received on or before January 28, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, please advise the OMB Desk Officer of your intention to make a submission as soon as possible. The Desk Officer may be telephoned at 202-395-4650. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to the: DOE Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10102, 735 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. Comments should also be addressed to: Dan Beckley, Project Manager, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-2K, Forrestal Building, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585-1290 or by fax, 202-586- 1628 or by e-mail *dan.beckley@ee.doe.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies should be directed to the person in ADDRESSES. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *This package contains:*

(1)OMB No. 1910-0068.

(2)*ICR Title:* Renewable Energy Production Incentive.

(3)*Purpose:* To provide required information to receive consideration for payment for qualified renewable energy electricity produced in the prior fiscal year.

(4)*Estimated Number of Respondents:* 75.

(5)*Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 450.

(6)*Number of Collections:* The ICR contains 75 (one per grantee annually) information and/or recordkeeping requirements. Statutory Authority: Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P. L. 102-486) and as amended in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, (P. L. 109-058)—42 U.S.C. 13317. Issued in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2007. Mark Bailey, Supervisor, Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. E7-25033 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Northern New Mexico AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Northern New Mexico. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. No. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the **Federal Register** . DATES: Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. ADDRESSES: Jemez Complex, Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Menice Santistevan, Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board (NNMCAB), 1660 Old Pecos Trail, Suite B, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Phone

(505)995-0393; fax

(505)989-1752 or e-mail: *msantistevan@doeal.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Purpose of the Board:* The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities. Tentative Agenda 2 p.m. Call to Order by Deputy Designated Federal Officer, Christina Houston. Establishment of a Quorum. Welcome, Ed Moreno. Approval of Agenda, J.D. Campbell. Approval of Minutes of November 28, 2007, Board Meeting, J.D. Campbell. 2:05 p.m. Old Business, Ed Moreno A. Consideration and Action—Proposed amendment to NNMCAB Bylaws. B. Consideration and Action—Recommendation 2007-5 (Tabled on November 28, 2007). New Business 2:14 p.m. Committee Business/Reports. A. Environmental Monitoring, Surveillance and Remediation Committee, Pam Henline. • Introduction of Draft Recommendation(s). • Update on Los Alamos National Laboratory

(LANL)Quarterly Groundwater Workshop. B. Waste Management Committee, Ralph Phelps. • Report on Spring NNMCAB Sponsored Forum. 3:30 p.m. Consideration and Action on Draft Recommendations to DOE, Ed Moreno. 4 p.m. Break. 4:15 p.m. Reports from Liaison Members: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Rich Mayer. DOE, George Rael. Los Alamos National Security, LLC, Sue Stiger. New Mexico Environment Department, James Bearzi. 5:15 p.m. Public Comment. 5:30 p.m. Dinner Break. 6:30 p.m. Presentation—Fundamentals of Well Drilling, TBA. 7:15 p.m. Questions/Answers on Presentation. 7:45 p.m. Recap of Meeting: Issuance of Press Releases, Editorials, etc., Ed Moreno. 8 p.m. Adjourn, Christina Houston. This agenda is subject to change at least one day in advance of the meeting. *Public Participation:* The meeting is open to the public. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to agenda items should contact Menice Santistevan at the address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments. *Minutes:* Minutes will be available by writing or calling Menice Santistevan at the address or phone number listed above. Minutes and other Board documents are on the Internet at: *http://www.nnmcab.org.* Issued at Washington, DC on December 19, 2007. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E7-25029 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6405-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Savannah River Site AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of Open Meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Savannah River Site. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the **Federal Register** . DATES: Monday, January 28, 2008, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ADDRESSES: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29928. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerri Flemming, Office of External Affairs, Department of Energy Savannah River Operations Office, P.O. Box A, Aiken, SC 29802; *Phone:*

(803)952-7886. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Purpose of the Board:* The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities. Tentative Agenda Monday, January 28, 2008 1 p.m. Work Plan Development and Combined Committee Session. 5 p.m. Adjourn. Tuesday, January 29, 2008 8:30 a.m. Approval of Minutes, Agency Updates. 9:30 a.m. Public Comment Session. 9:45 a.m. Chair and Facilitator Updates. 10:15 a.m. Facility Disposition and Site Remediation Committee Report. 11 a.m. Nuclear Materials Committee Report. 11:45 a.m. Public Comment Session. 12 p.m. Lunch Break. 1 p.m. Administrative Committee Report. 1:45 p.m. Strategic and Legacy Management Committee Report. 3:15 p.m. Waste Management Committee Report. 3:45 p.m. Public Comment Session. 4 p.m. Adjourn. If needed, time will be allotted after public comments for items added to the agenda and administrative details. A final agenda will be available at the meeting Monday, January 28, 2008. *Public Participation:* The meeting is open to the public. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to agenda items should contact Gerri Flemming's office at the address or telephone listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments. *Minutes:* Minutes will be available by writing or calling Gerri Flemming at the address or phone number listed above. Minutes will also be available at the following Web site *http://www.srs.gov/general/outreach/srs-cab/srs-cab.html.* Issued at Washington, DC on December 19, 2007. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Advisory Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E7-25030 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Idaho National Laboratory AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of Open Meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Idaho National Laboratory. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the **Federal Register** . DATES: Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Opportunities for public participation will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. These times are subject to change; please contact the Federal Coordinator (below) for confirmation of times prior to the meeting. ADDRESSES: AmeriTel Inn, 645 Lindsey Boulevard, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert L. Pence, Federal Coordinator, Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office, 1955 Fremont Avenue, MS-1203, Idaho Falls, ID 83415. Phone

(208)526-6518; Fax

(208)526-8789 or e-mail: *pencerl@id.doe.gov* or visit the Board's Internet home page at: *http://www.inlemcab.org.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Purpose of the Board:* The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities. Tentative Topics (agenda topics may change up to the day of the meeting; please contact Robert L. Pence for the most current agenda): • Accelerated Retrieval Project

(ARP)III Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) & Waste Area Group 7 Public Comment Discussion. • Chemical Processing Plant (CPP)-601 EE/CA. • Special Nuclear Material. • Workforce Restructuring Plan Briefing. • Life-Cycle Baseline. • Operable Unit 10-08 Briefing. *Public Participation:* The meeting is open to the public. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral presentations pertaining to agenda items should contact Robert L. Pence at the address or telephone number listed above. The request must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments. *Minutes:* Minutes will be available by writing or calling Robert L. Pence, Federal Coordinator, at the address and phone number listed above. Minutes will also be available at the following Web site *http://www.inlemcab.org/meetings.html.* Issued at Washington, DC on December 20, 2007. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Advisory Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E7-25031 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. ER07-1386-000; ER07-1386-001; ER07-1386-002] Tatanka Wind Power, LLC; Notice of Issuance of Order December 17, 2007. Tatanka Wind Power, LLC (Tatanka) filed an application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying market-based rate tariff. The proposed market-based rate tariff provides for the sale of energy and capacity at market-based rates. Tatanka also requested waivers of various Commission regulations. In particular, Tatanka requested that the Commission grant blanket approval under 18 CFR part 34 of all future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability by Tatanka. On December 10, 2007, pursuant to delegated authority, the Director, Division of Tariffs and Market Development-West, granted the requests for blanket approval under part 34 (Director's Order). The Director's Order also stated that the Commission would publish a separate notice in the **Federal Register** establishing a period of time for the filing of protests. Accordingly, any person desiring to be heard concerning the blanket approvals of issuances of securities or assumptions of liability by Tatanka, should file a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. 18 CFR 385.211, 385.214 (2007). Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing protests is January 9, 2008. Absent a request to be heard in opposition to such blanket approvals by the deadline above, Tatanka is authorized to issue securities and assume obligations or liabilities as a guarantor, indorser, surety, or otherwise in respect of any security of another person; provided that such issuance or assumption is for some lawful object within the corporate purposes of Tatanka compatible with the public interest, and is reasonably necessary or appropriate for such purposes. The Commission reserves the right to require a further showing that neither public nor private interests will be adversely affected by continued approvals of Tatanka's issuance of securities or assumptions of liability. Copies of the full text of the Director's Order are available from the Commission's Public Reference Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. The Director's Order may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the eLibrary link. Enter the docket number, excluding the last three digits in the docket number filed, to access the document. Comments, protests, and interventions may be filed electronically via the internet in lieu of paper. *See* 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under the “e-Filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25004 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP08-31-000 and Docket No. PF06-32-000] Transcontinental Gas Pipe line Corporation; Notice of Application December 17, 2007. Take notice that on December 3, 2007, Transcontinental Gas Pipe line Corporation (Transco), 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056-6106 filed an application pursuant to sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act

(NGA)and Part 157 of the Commission's regulations, for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct, operate and abandon facilities in eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey that would expand its existing system by providing an additional 142,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation capacity to the northeastern U.S. market. This filing is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll free at

(866)208-3676, or for TTY, contact

(202)502-8659. Transco proposes to construct the expansion facilities, referred to as the Sentinel Expansion Project, in two phases. Phase 1 would consist of approximately four miles of 42-inch pipeline looping in Pennsylvania as well as modifications to Compressor Station No. 195 and modifications to various other existing valve settings and meter stations in Pennsylvania. The phase 1 facilities would provide 40,000 dekatherms per day for a proposed in-service date of November 1, 2008. The Phase 2 facilities would consist of about seven miles of 42-inch pipeline replacement in Pennsylvania and a total of about 7 miles of 42-inch pipeline looping in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well as modifications to Compressor Station No. 200 and various existing meter stations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Phase 2 would provide 102,000 dekatherms per day for a proposed in-service date of November 1, 2009. Any questions regarding the application are to be directed to Scott Turkington, Director, Rates & Regulatory, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation, Post Office Box 1396, Houston, Texas 77251-1396, telephone:

(713)215-3391 or e-mail: *scott.c.turkington@williams.com.* On August 4, 2006, the Commission staff granted Transco's request to utilize the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)Pre-Filing Process and assigned Docket No. PF06-32-000 to staff activities involving the project. Now, as of the filing of this application on December 3, 2007, the NEPA Pre-Filing Process for this project has ended. From this time forward, this proceeding will be conducted in Docket No. CP08-31-000, as noted in the caption of this notice. Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission's rules, 18 CFR 157.9, within 90 days of this Notice the Commission staff will either: complete its environmental assessment

(EA)and place it into the Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding, or issue a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of the final environmental impact statement

(FEIS)or EA for this proposal. The filing of the EA in the Commission's public record for this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's FEIS or EA. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be file on or before the comment date. Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. On or before the comment date, it is not necessary to serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project. The Commission will consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission's rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the protest. Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commenters will be placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, will receive copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings associated with the Commission's environmental review process. Environmental commenters will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commenters will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court review of the Commission's final order. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit the original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. *Comment Date:* January 7, 2008. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25003 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 12874-000] Hydro Green Energy, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Motions To Intervene, Protests, and Comments December 17, 2007. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Type of Application:* Preliminary Permit. b. *Project No.:* 12874-000. c. *Date filed:* July 24, 2007. d. *Applicant:* Hydro Green Energy, LLC. e. *Name of Project:* “Alaska 17” Project. f. *Location:* The project would be located in a section of the Yukon River in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. The project uses no dam or impoundment. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. *Applicant Contacts:* Mr. Wayne F. Krouse, Hydro Green Energy, LLC, 5090 Richmond Avenue #390, Houston, TX 77056, and Mr. James H. Hancock Jr., Balch & Bingham LLP, 1710 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. i. *FERC Contact:* Kelly Houff,

(202)502-6393. j. *Deadline for filing comments, protests, and motions to intervene:* 60 days from the issuance date of this notice. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. Comments, protests, and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper; see 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's web site under the “e-Filing” link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Please include the project number (P-12874-000) on any comments or motions filed. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person in the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. *Description of Project:* The proposed project consists of:

(1)5 arrays, each consisting of ten, 100 kilowatt hydrokinetic turbine units, for a total installed capacity of 5 megawatts,

(2)a proposed transmission line no greater than 1500 feet from the “node” array to the shore,

(3)a mooring system which does not require the use of pilings to permanently attach the units to the bedrock but instead uses tethers and Danforth type anchors, and

(4)appurtenant facilities. The project would have an average annual generation of 32.873 gigawatt-hours, which would be sold to a local utility. l. *Locations of Applications:* A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission in the Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington DC 20426, or by calling

(202)502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* . For TTY, call

(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. *Competing Preliminary Permit* —Anyone desiring to file a competing application for preliminary permit for a proposed project must submit the competing application itself, or a notice of intent to file such an application, to the Commission on or before the specified comment date for the particular application (see 18 CFR 4.36). Submission of a timely notice of intent allows an interested person to file the competing preliminary permit application no later than 30 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing preliminary permit application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30 and 4.36. o. *Competing Development Application* —Any qualified development applicant desiring to file a competing development application must submit to the Commission, on or before a specified comment date for the particular application, either a competing development application or a notice of intent to file such an application. Submission of a timely notice of intent to file a development application allows an interested person to file the competing application no later than 120 days after the specified comment date for the particular application. A competing license application must conform with 18 CFR 4.30 and 4.36. p. *Notice of Intent—* A notice of intent must specify the exact name, business address, and telephone number of the prospective applicant, and must include an unequivocal statement of intent to submit, if such an application may be filed, either a preliminary permit application or a development application (specify which type of application). A notice of intent must be served on the applicant(s) named in this public notice. q. *Proposed Scope of Studies Under Permit* —A preliminary permit, if issued, does not authorize construction. The term of the proposed preliminary permit would be 36 months. The work proposed under the preliminary permit would include economic analysis, preparation of preliminary engineering plans, and a study of environmental impacts. Based on the results of these studies, the Applicant would decide whether to proceed with the preparation of a development application to construct and operate the project. r. *Comments, Protests, or Motions To Intervene—* Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. s. *Filing and Service of Responsive Documents—* Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS”, “PROTEST”,”COMPETING APPLICATION” OR “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. Any of the above-named documents must be filed by providing the original and the number of copies provided by the Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. t. *Agency Comments* —Federal, state, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25005 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. RP07-443-000; RP07-443-001] Iroquois Gas Transmission Systems, L.P.; Notice of Informal Settlement Conference December 17, 2007. Take notice that an informal settlement conference will be convened in this proceeding commencing at 10 a.m. (EST), on Friday, January 11, 2008, at the offices of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, for the purpose of exploring the possible settlement of the above-referenced docket. Any party, as defined by 18 CFR 385.102(c), or any participant as defined by 18 CFR 385.102(b), is invited to attend. Persons wishing to become a party must move to intervene and receive intervenor status pursuant to the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 385.214). FERC conferences are accessible under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please send an e-mail to *accessibility@ferc.gov* or call toll free 1-866-208-3372 (voice) or 202-208-1659 (TTY), or send a FAX to 202-208-2106 with the required accommodations. For additional information, please contact Arnold Meltz at

(202)502-8649 or Marc Denkinger at

(202)502-8662. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25002 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. AD08-2-000; ER07-1375-000; ER07-970-000; ER07-1311-000; OA07-54-000; NJ08-2-000; ER08-280-000; ER08-140-000] Interconnection Queuing Practices; Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; Southwest Power Pool PacifiCorp; United States Department of Energy Bonneville Power Administration; PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; California Independent System Operator Corporation; Notice Inviting Comments December 17, 2007. On December 11, 2007, the Commission held a technical conference to obtain information as to any queue issues that may have arisen since the issuance of Order No. 2003 and solutions that may have been developed or proposed to deal with those queue issues. 1 The purpose of the technical conference was to discuss possible methods to address the current challenges of queue management while still honoring the goals of Order No. 2003. All interested persons are invited to file written comments no later than January 10, 2008 in relation to the issues that were the subject of the technical conference. 1 *Standardization of Generator Interconnection Agreements and Procedures,* Order No. 2003, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,146 (2003), *order on reh'g,* Order No. 2003-A, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,160, *order on reh'g,* Order No. 2003-B, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,171 (2004), *order on reh'g,* Order No. 2003-C, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,190 (2005), *aff'd sub nom. Nat'l Ass'n of Regulatory Util. Comm'rs* v. *FERC,* 475 F.3d 1277 (D.C. Cir. 2007). *See also Standardization of Small Generator Interconnection Agreements and Procedures,* Order No. 2006, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,180, *order on reh'g,* Order No. 2006-A, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,196 (2005), *order granting clarification,* Order No. 2006-B, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,221 (2006), *appeal pending sub nom. Consol. Edison Co. of N.Y., Inc.* v. *FERC,* Nos. 06-1275, et al. (D.C. Cir. filed July 14, 2006 and later); *Interconnection for Wind Energy,* Order No. 661, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,186 (2005), *order on reh'g,* Order No. 661-A, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,198 (2005). Filing Requirements for Paper and Electronic Filings Comments, papers, or other documents related to this proceeding may be filed in paper format or electronically. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Those filing electronically do not need to make a paper filing. Documents filed electronically via the Internet must be prepared in MS Word, Portable Document Format, or ASCII format. To file the document, access the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov,* click on “e-Filing” and then follow the instructions for each screen. First time users will have to establish a user name and password. The Commission will send an automatic acknowledgement to the sender's e-mail address upon receipt of comments. User assistance for electronic filing is available at 202-502-8258 or by e-mail to *efiling@ferc.gov* . Do not submit comments to this e-mail address. For paper filings, the original and 14 copies of the comments should be submitted to the Office of the Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. All written comments will be placed in the Commission's public files and will be available for inspection at the Commission's Public Reference Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, during regular business hours. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-25006 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-SFUND-2007-0707, FRL-8511-2] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan

(NCP)(Renewal), EPA ICR Number 1463.07, OMB Control Number 2050-0096 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501, *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Collection Request

(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. This ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before January 31, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number EPA-HQ-SFUND-2007-0707 to

(1)EPA online using *www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Superfund Docket, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, and

(2)OMB at: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Steven Chang, Assessment and Remediation Division, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, Mail Code 5204P, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:703-603-9017; fax number: 703-603-9112; e-mail address: *chang.steven@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On August 22, 2007 (72 *FR* 46991), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-SFUND-2007-0707, which is available for online viewing at *www.regulations.gov,* or in person viewing at the Superfund Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the telephone number for the Superfund Docket is 202-566-0276. Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at *www.regulations.gov,* to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “docket search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at *www.regulations.gov* as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, Confidential Business Information (CBI), or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to *www.regulations.gov* . *Title:* National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan

(NCP)(Renewal). *ICR Numbers:* EPA ICR Number 1463.07, OMB Control No. 2050-0096. *ICR Status:* This ICR is scheduled to expire on January 31, 2008. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* This Information Collection Request is a renewal ICR that covers the remedial portion of the Superfund Program, as specified in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 as amended (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). All remedial actions covered by this ICR (e.g., Remedial Investigations/Feasibility Studies) are stipulated in the statute (CERCLA) and are instrumental in the process of cleaning up National Priority List

(NPL)sites to be protective of human health and the environment. Some community involvement activities covered by this ICR are not required at every site (e.g., Technical Assistance Grants) and depend very much on the community and the nature of the site and cleanup. All community activities seek to involve the public in the cleanup of the sites, gain the input of community members, and include the community's perspective on the potential future reuse of Superfund NPL sites. Community involvement activities can enhance the remedial process and increase community acceptance and the potential for productive and useful reuse of the sites. The respondents on whom a burden is placed include State (and Tribal) governments and communities. Potential Responsible Parties

(PRPs)are not addressed in this ICR because the Paperwork Reduction Act [5 CFR part 1320 (Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public, FRN 8/29/1995) Sect. 1320.4 (a)] does not require the inclusion of those entities that are the subject of administrative or civil action by the Agency. The ICR reports the estimated reporting and recordkeeping burden hours and costs expected to be incurred by these entities and by the Federal government in its oversight capacities of State action and administration of community activities at Fund-lead NPL sites. Remedial activities undertaken by States at NPL sites are those required and recommended by CERCLA and the NCP and the cost of many of these activities may be reimbursed by the Federal government. All community involvement in the remedial process of Superfund is voluntary. Therefore, all cost estimates for community members is theoretical and does not represent expenditure of actual dollars. States have responsibilities at new and on-going State-lead sites and at all State-lead, Federal-lead, and Federal Facility sites entering the remedial phase of Superfund. All other remedial activities taken by the State are done so at sites at which the State voluntarily assumes the lead agency role. Over each year of this ICR the State will be completing remedial activities at sites that entered the remedial phase of Superfund at different times. Community members' participation in remedial activities at Superfund sites is purely voluntary and the level of involvement varies greatly depending on the complexity of the site, its location (urban vs. rural, industrial vs. residential, etc.), and the level of interest. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and are identified on the form and/or instrument, if applicable. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8.4 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* State, Tribal, or local governments, and individuals or households. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 7,970. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:* 71,165 hours, which includes an estimated 40,185 hours for States and 30,980 hours for communities. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $572,415, which includes an estimated $61,245 for States and $511,170 for communities. There are no capital/O&M costs. *Changes in the Estimates:* There is no change in the burden for this ICR. Cost models were updated to reflect wage inflation. While currently approved O&M costs are listed as $850,000 and are updated in the current ICR, they have been removed from the cost estimate listed above because they are reimbursed in full by the Federal government, and thus effectively impose no burden on state governments. Dated: December 18, 2007. Sara Hisel-McCoy, Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E7-25039 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8511-3] EPA Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education Staff Office; Notice of Public Meetings for the National Environmental Education Advisory Council AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice of meetings. SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education Office hereby gives notice that the National Environmental Education Advisory Council will hold public meetings by conference call on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, beginning with December 12, 2007 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. All times noted are eastern time. The purpose of these meetings is to provide the Council with the opportunity to advise the Environmental Education Division on its implementation of the National Environmental Protection Act of 1990. Requests for the draft agenda will be accepted up to 1 business day before the meeting. DATES: This notice is applicable for the following dates: • January 9, 2008 • February 13, 2008 • March 12, 2008 • April 9, 2008 • May 14, 2008 • June 11, 2008 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Participation in the conference calls will be by teleconference only—meeting rooms will not be used. Members of the public may obtain the call-in number and access code for the call from Ginger Potter, the Designated Federal Officer, whose contact information is listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Any member of the public interested in receiving a draft meeting agenda may contact Ginger Potter via any of the contact methods listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding this Notice, please contact Ms. Ginger Potter, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), EPA National Environmental Education Advisory Council, at *potter.ginger@epa.gov* or

(202)564-0453. General information concerning NEEAC can be found on the EPA Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/enviroed* . For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Ginger Potter as directed above. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact Ginger Potter, preferable at least 10 days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: December 19, 2007. Ginger Potter, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. E7-25097 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). ACTION: Notice of information collection to be submitted to OMB for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. SUMMARY: In accordance with requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, *et seq.* ), the FDIC hereby gives notice that it is submitting to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)a request for OMB review and approval of the new information collection described below. The collection would provide information on the efforts of FDIC-insured depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of individuals who do not have an account at a bank or credit union (the “unbanked”), and individuals who have a deposit account but also rely on alternative, non-bank financial service providers for transaction or credit services (the “underbanked”) features and effectiveness of small-dollar programs offered by FDIC-insured financial institutions. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 28, 2008. ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the collection of information entitled: National Survey on Banks' Efforts to Serve the Unbanked and Underbanked. All comments should refer to the name of the collection. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • *http://www.FDIC.gov/regulations/laws/federal/propose.html.* • *E-mail: comments@fdic.gov.* Include the name and number of the collection in the subject line of the message. • *Mail:* Leneta G. Gregorie (202.898.3719), Counsel, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Room F-1064, 550 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20429. • *Hand Delivery:* Comments may be hand-delivered to the guard station at the rear of the 550 17th Street Building (located on F Street), on business days between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. A copy of the comments may also be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer for the FDIC, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Interested members of the public may obtain additional information about the collection, including a copy of the proposed collection and related instructions without charge, by contacting Leneta G. Gregorie, at the address identified above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposal to seek OMB approval for the following new collection of information: *Title:* National Survey on Banks' Efforts to Serve the Unbanked and Underbanked. *OMB Number:* 3064-NEW. 1. *Survey* *Frequency of Response:* Once. *Affected Public:* FDIC-insured depository institutions. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 865. *Estimated Time per Response:* 30 minutes per respondent. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 0.5 hours × 865 respondents + 432.5 hours. 2. *Case Studies* *Frequency of Response:* Exploratory interview—once; in-depth interview—once. *Affected Public:* 25 to 30 FDIC-insured depository institutions. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 25 to 30 FDIC-insured depository institutions. *Estimated Time per Response:* Exploratory interview—1 hour; in-depth interview—2.5 hours. *Estimated Total Burden:* 30 hours + 75 hours = 105 hours. *Total burden for this collection:* 432.5 hours + 105 hours = 537.5 hours. *General Description of Collection:* The FDIC has a number of initiatives underway to encourage practical solutions to ensure that all consumers have reasonable access to full service banking and other financial services. The FDIC believes that insured depositories can provide a path into the financial mainstream for those who need these financial services, and that depository institutions can create an array of affordable lending services to meet the needs of all their customers. Currently a large segment of the population relies on a mix of non-bank financial service providers for their needs. The FDIC is undertaking a series of analyses in this area, including the proposed National Survey of Banks' Efforts to Serve the Unbanked and Underbanked. The survey is mandated by section 7 of the Reform Act, which calls for the FDIC to conduct ongoing surveys “on efforts by insured depository institutions to bring those individuals and families who have rarely, if ever, held a checking account, a savings account or other type of transaction or check cashing account at an insured depository institution (hereafter in this section referred to as the “unbanked”) into the conventional finance system.” In this initial survey effort, the FDIC plans to survey FDIC-insured depository institutions on their efforts to serve underbanked as well as unbanked populations. The survey will consist of two components—a questionnaire survey of a sample of FDIC-insured depository institutions and a limited number of case studies of FDIC-insured depository institutions that are employing innovative methods to serve unbanked and underbanked populations. The Reform Act mandates that the FDIC consider the following factors and questions in conducting the survey: “(A) To what extent do insured depository institutions promote financial education and financial literacy outreach? “(B) Which financial education efforts appear to be the most effective in bringing ‘unbanked' individuals and families into the conventional finance system? “(C) What efforts are insured institutions making at converting ‘unbanked' money order, wire transfer, and international remittance customers into conventional account holders? “(D) What cultural, language and identification issues as well as transaction costs appear to most prevent ‘unbanked' individuals from establishing conventional accounts? “(E) What is a fair estimate of the size and worth of the ‘unbanked' market in the United States?” In addition to these mandated objectives, in its questionnaire survey of a sample of FDIC-insured depository institutions, the FDIC seeks to identify and quantify the extent to which institutions serve the needs of the unbanked and underbanked; identify the characteristics of institutions that are reaching out to and serving the unbanked and underbanked; identify efforts (for example, practices, programs, alliances) of institutions to serve the unbanked and underbanked; and identify potential barriers that affect the ability of institutions to serve the unbanked and underbanked. The objectives of the case studies are to identify and share “best practice” programs and practices that appear to be the most effective in bringing unbanked and underbanked populations into the financial mainstream, particularly the federally-insured financial institutions. The case studies will be designed to collect information on the size and scope of programs, the nature of service offerings, program budgets, and results. Request for Comment *Comments are invited on:*

(a)Whether these collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the FDIC's functions, including whether the information has practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the information collections, 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 information collections on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated at Washington, DC, this 19th day of December, 2007. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Valerie J. Best, Assistant Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-24963 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6714-01-P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisition of Shares of Bank or Bank Holding Companies The notificants listed below have applied under the Change in Bank Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and § 225.41 of the Board’s Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.41) to acquire a bank or bank holding company. The factors that are considered in acting on the notices are set forth in paragraph 7 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(7)). The notices are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The notices also will be available for inspection at the office of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing to the Reserve Bank indicated for that notice or to the offices of the Board of Governors. Comments must be received not later than January 9, 2008. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland** (Douglas A. Banks, Vice President) 1455 East Sixth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44101-2566: *1. Robert Duane Hord, Inez Hord, Hord Livestock, Patrick Hord and Janel Hord* ; to acquire voting shares of FC Banc Corp., and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of Farmers Citizens Bank, all of Bucyrus, Ohio. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, December 20, 2007. Robert deV. Frierson, Deputy Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E7-25016 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 *et seq.* ) (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR Part 225), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a bank holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a bank or bank holding company and all of the banks and nonbanking companies owned by the bank holding company, including the companies listed below. The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The application also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 4 of the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1843). Unless otherwise noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Additional information on all bank holding companies may be obtained from the National Information Center website at *www.ffiec.gov/nic/* . Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than January 18, 2008. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago** (Burl Thornton, Assistant Vice President) 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60690-1414: *1. Capitol Bancorp Ltd., and Capitol Development Bancorp Limited VII* , both of Lansing, Michigan; to acquire 51 percent of the voting shares of Mountain View Bank of Commerce (in organization), Westminster, Colorado. In connection with this application, Capitol Bancorp Colorado Ltd. III, Lansing, Michigan; has applied to become a bank holding company by acquiring 51 percent of the voting shares of Mountain View Bank of Commerce (in organization), Westminster, Colorado. *2. Kerndt Bank Services, Inc.* , Lansing, Iowa; to acquire 100 percent of Family Merchants Bancorporation, Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of Family Merchants Bank, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, December 20, 2007. Robert deV. Frierson, Deputy Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc.E7-25015 Filed 12-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS-4134-N] Medicare Program; Medicare Appeals; Adjustment to the Amount in Controversy Threshold Amounts for Calendar Year 2008 AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the annual adjustment in the amount in controversy

(AIC)threshold amounts for administrative law judge

(ALJ)hearings and judicial review under the Medicare appeals process. The adjustment to the AIC threshold amounts will be effective for requests for ALJ hearings and judicial review filed on or after January 1, 2008. The 2008 AIC threshold amounts are $120 for ALJ hearings and $1,180 for judicial review. EFFECTIVE DATE: This notice is effective on January 1, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arrah Tabe-Bedward,

(410)786-7129; Katherine Hosna,

(410)786-4993. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Section 1869(b)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act (the Act), as amended by Section 521 of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA), established the AIC threshold amounts for ALJ hearing requests and judicial review at $100 and $1000, respectively, for Medicare Part A and Part B appeals. Section 940 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Modernization Act “MMA”), amended section 1869(b)(1)(E) of the Act to require the AIC threshold amounts for ALJ hearings and judicial review be adjusted annually. The AIC threshold amounts are to be adjusted, as of January 2005, by the percentage increase in the medical care component of the consumer price index for all urban consumers (U.S. city average) for July 2003 to July of the year preceding the year involved and rounded to the nearest multiple of $10. Section 940(b)(2) of the MMA provided conforming amendments to apply the AIC adjustment requirement to Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage “MA”) appeals and certain health maintenance organization and competitive health plan appeals. Health care prepayment plans are also subject to MA appeals rules, including the AIC adjustment requirement. Section 101 of the MMA provides for the application of the AIC adjustment requirement to Medicare Part D appeals. A. Medicare Part A and Part B Appeals The statutory formula for the annual adjustment to the AIC threshold amounts for ALJ hearings and judicial review of Medicare Part A and Part B appeals, set forth at section 1869(b)(1)(E) of the Act, is included in the applicable implementing regulations, 42 CFR part 405, Subpart I, at § 405.1006(b). The regulations require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to publish changes to the AIC threshold amounts in the **Federal Register** (§ 405.1006(b)(2)). In order to be entitled to a hearing before an ALJ, a party to a proceeding must meet the AIC requirements at § 405.1006(c). Similarly, a party must meet the AIC requirement at the time judicial review is requested for the court to have jurisdiction over the appeal (§ 405.1136(a)). B. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Appeals Section 940(b)(2) of the MMA applies the AIC adjustment requirement to Part C

(MA)appeals by amending section 1852(g)(5) of the Act. The implementing regulations for Medicare Part C appeals are found at 42 CFR part 422, Subpart M. Specifically, § 422.600 and § 422.612 discuss the AIC threshold amounts for ALJ hearings and judicial review. Section 422.600 grants any party, except the MA organization, a right to an ALJ hearing as long as the amount remaining in controversy after reconsideration meets the threshold requirement established annually by the Secretary. Section 422.612 states that any party, including the MA organization, may request judicial review if the amount in controversy meets the threshold requirement established annually by the Secretary. C. Health Maintenance Organizations, Competitive Medical Plans, and Health Care Prepayment Plans Section 940(b)(2) of the MMA also amended section 1876(c)(5)(B) of the Act to make section 1869(b)(1)(E) of the Act applicable to certain beneficiary appeals within the context of health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans. The applicable implementing regulations for Medicare Part C appeals are set forth in 42 CFR part 422, Subpart M, and as discussed above, apply to these appeals. The Medicare Part C appeals rules also apply to health care prepayment plan appeals. D. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) Appeals The annually adjusted AIC threshold amounts for ALJ hearings and judicial review that apply to Medicare Parts A, B, and C appeals also apply to Medicare Part D appeals. Section 101 of the MMA added section 1860D-4(h)(1) of the Act regarding Part D appeals. This statutory provision requires a prescription drug plan sponsor to meet the requirements set forth in sections 1852(g)(4) and (g)(5) of the Act, in a similar manner as MA organizations. As noted above, the annually adjusted AIC threshold requirement was added to section 1852(g)(5) of the Act by section 940(b)(2)(A) of the MMA. The implementing regulations for Medicare Part D appeals can be found at 42 CFR part 423, Subpart M. The regulations impart at § 423.562(c) that unless the Part D appeals rules provide otherwise, the Part C appeals rules (including the annually adjusted AIC threshold amount) apply to Part D appeals to the extent they are appropriate. More specifically, § 423.610 and § 423.630 of the Part D appeals rules discuss the AIC threshold amounts for ALJ hearings and judicial review. Section 423.610(a) grants a Part D enrollee, who is dissatisfied with the Independent Review Entity

(IRE)reconsideration determination, a right to an ALJ hearing if the amount remaining in controversy after the IRE reconsideration meets the threshold amount established annually by the Secretary. Section 423.630(a) allows a Part D enrollee to request judicial review if the AIC meets the threshold amount established annually by the Secretary. II. Annual AIC Adjustments A. AIC Adjustment Formula and AIC Adjustments As previously noted, section 940 of the MMA requires that the AIC threshold amounts be adjusted annually, beginning in January of 2005, by the percentage increase in the medical care component of the consumer price index

(CPI)for all urban consumers (U.S. city average) for July 2003 to the July of the preceding year involved and rounded to the nearest multiple of $10. B. Calendar Year 2008 The AIC threshold amount for ALJ hearing requests will rise to $120 and the AIC threshold amount for judicial review will rise to $1,180 for the 2008 calendar year. These new amounts are based on the 18.2 percent increase in the medical care component of the CPI from July of 2003 to July of 2007. The CPI level was at 297.6 in July of 2003 and rose to 351.6 in July of 2007. This change accounted for the 18.2 percent increase. The AIC threshold amount for ALJ hearing requests changes to $118.16 based on the 18.2 percent increase. In accordance with section 940 of the MMA, this amount is rounded to the nearest multiple of $10. Therefore, the 2008 AIC threshold amount for ALJ hearings is $120. The AIC threshold amount for judicial review changes to $1,181.60 based on the 18.2 percent increase. This amount was rounded to the nearest multiple of $10, resulting in a 2008 AIC threshold amount of $1,180. C. Summary Table of Adjustments in the AIC Threshold Amounts In Table 1 below, we list the Calendar Year 2005 through 2008 threshold amounts. Table 1.—Amount-in-Controversy Threshold Amounts CY 2005* CY 2006 CY 2007 CY 2008 ALJ Hearing $100 $110 $110 $120 Judicial Review 1050 1090 1130 1180 * CY—Calendar Year. III. Collection of Information Requirements (If Applicable) This document does not impose information collection and recordkeeping requirements. Consequently, it need not be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 35). Authority: Section of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.). (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.778, Medical Assistance Program; No. 93.773, Medicare—Hospital Insurance Program; and No. 93.774, Medicare—Supplementary Medical Insurance Program) Dated: December 19, 2007. Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. 07-6198 Filed 12-20-07; 1:15 pm]

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