Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 6335-01-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). *Agency:* U.S. Census Bureau. *Title:* Current Population Survey, Basic Demographic Items. *Form Number(s):* CPS-263, CPS-263(SP), CPS-264, CPS-264(SP), CPS-266, BC-1428, BC-1428(SP), BC-1433, BC-1433(SP),CPS-692, CPS-504. *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0049. *Type of Request:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Burden Hours:* 18,013. *Number of Respondents:* 59,000. *Average Hours Per Response:* 1 and a half minutes. *Needs and Uses:* The purpose of this request for review is for the U.S. Census Bureau to obtain clearance from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for the collection of basic demographic information on the Current Population Survey (CPS). The CPS has been the source of official government statistics on employment and unemployment for over 50 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS)and the Census Bureau jointly sponsor the basic monthly survey, and the Census Bureau prepares and conducts all the field work. The Census Bureau provides the BLS with data files and tables. The BLS seasonally adjusts, analyzes, and publishes the results for the labor force data in conjunction with the demographic characteristics. In accordance with the OMB's request, the Census Bureau and the BLS divide the clearance request in order to reflect the joint sponsorship and funding of the CPS program. Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1-9, authorizes the collection of labor force data in the CPS. The demographic information provides a unique set of data on selected characteristics for the civilian noninstitutional population. Some of the demographic information Census collect is age, marital status, gender, Armed Forces status, education, race, origin, and family income. These data is used in conjunction with other data, particularly the monthly labor force data, as well as periodic supplement data. We also use these data independently for internal analytic research and for evaluation of other surveys. In addition, we need these data to correctly control estimates of other characteristics to the proper proportions of age, gender, race, and origin. Census use the data from the CPS on household size and composition, age, education, ethnicity, and marital status to compile monthly averages or other aggregates for national and sub-national estimates. The data is used in four principal ways: In association with other data, such as monthly labor force or periodic supplement publications; for internal analytic research; for evaluation of other surveys and survey results; and as a general purpose sample and survey. The demographic data are central to the publication of all labor force data in the BLS' monthly report *Employment and Earnings.* The data set that results from combining the monthly labor force data with the demographic data provides analysts with the ability to understand labor force patterns of many subpopulation groups. This is particularly important since the federal government often directs initiatives at special groups that historically have not conformed to general labor force participation patterns. Analysts also use the demographic data in association with all supplement publications. (Census describe supplements later in this section.) For example, publications that use these data are *Fertility of American Women, School Enrollment—Social and Economic Characteristics of Students and Educational Attainment in the United States* (Series P-20). Comparably, researchers are able to characterize the population within the subject area of the many supplements conducted in conjunction with the CPS. For instance, the Annual Social and Economic Supplement identifies which subpopulation groups, as established by the demographic variables, experience the highest incidence of poverty. While Census collect and support independently the demographic variables, the labor force data, and the supplement inquiries, their use as a combined data set enhances the utility of each. The Census Bureau also uses the demographic data extensively for internal analytic work. For example, these data is used to develop estimates of family and household types and metropolitan and nonmetropolitan populations. Census use these estimates to identify population trends between decennial censuses and to analyze the growth and distribution of various racial and ethnic groups. It may then be used in preparing reports on these subjects or in determining the accuracy of population controls used throughout the Census Bureau. As is noted below, we use the demographic data to improve our postcensal population estimates (that is, the components of emigration and undocumented immigration). Also, Census use the CPS as a source for other survey samples. A household remains in the CPS sample for 16 months. Other surveys conducted by the Census Bureau may use a CPS sample when it is no longer part of the CPS. In 2006, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, sponsored by the Department of the Interior, used retired cases from the CPS samples. The ongoing American Time Use Survey, sponsored by the BLS uses expired CPS sample. By using the CPS demographics to select their samples, other surveys have been able to avoid screening samples and to obtain accurate estimates by demographics. Another use of the demographic data is in evaluating other survey results. For example, analysts control the results of the National American Housing Survey to the CPS monthly averages of households. Similarly, in order to determine the plausibility of the results of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), analysts continuously compare the data on household and family composition from the SIPP to the CPS monthly household and family composition data. The Census Bureau often uses the CPS as a model and resource for improving the efficiency and quality of other surveys. For example, the Census Bureau designed some series of items for the SIPP from the CPS. Academicians and researchers have historically used the CPS to better understand the many complexities associated with sample surveys and household interviews in general. In addition to the collection of demographic and labor force data, the CPS is also a major vehicle for the collection of supplemental questions on various socio-economic topics. In most months of the year supplemental questions are asked after the basic labor force questions of all eligible people in a household are obtained, thereby maximizing the utility of the CPS sample. The Census funding for the CPS and this OMB clearance also provides for annual data on work experience, income, migration (Annual Social and Economic Supplement), and school enrollment of the population (October supplement). In addition Census collect biennial, but separately funded, data on the fertility and birth expectations of the women of child-bearing age (June), voting and registration (November) and child support and alimony. The BLS, the Census Bureau, other government agencies, and private groups sponsor the supplements. There have been changes and additions to the basic CPS demographic items (including coverage items and other non-labor force items) since the last request was submitted for an OMB clearance request for the basic CPS demographics in 2005. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Frequency:* Monthly. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *Legal Authority:* Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141, 181, and 182 and Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1-9 authorize the collection of this information. *OMB Desk Officer:* Brian Harris-Kojetin,

(202)395-7314. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,

(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). *Agency:* U.S. Census Bureau. *Title:* Monthly Wholesale Trade Survey. *Form Number(s):* SM-42(06). *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0190. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Burden Hours:* 6,300. *Number of Respondents:* 4,500. *Average Hours Per Response:* 7 minutes. *Needs and Uses:* The Monthly Wholesale Trade Survey

(MWTS)canvasses firms primarily engaged in merchant wholesale trade, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices (MSBOs) that are located in the United States. This survey provides the only continuous measure of monthly wholesale sales, end-of-month inventories, and inventories/sales ratios. The sales and inventory estimates produced from the MWTS provide current trends of economic activity by kind of business for the United States. Also, the estimates compiled from this survey provide valuable information for economic policy decisions by the government and are widely used by private businesses, trade organizations, professional associations, and other business research and analysis organizations. As one of the U.S. Census Bureau's thirteen principal economic indicators, the estimates produced by the MWTS are critical to the accurate measurement of total economic activity of the United States. The estimates of sales made by wholesale locations represent only merchant wholesalers, excluding MSBOs, who take title to goods bought for resale to other companies. Wholesalers normally sell to industrial distributors, retail operations, cooperatives, and other businesses. The sales estimates include sales made on credit as well as on a cash basis, but exclude receipts from sales taxes and interest charges from credit sales. The estimates of inventories represent all merchandise held in wholesale locations, warehouses, and offices, as well as goods held by others for sale on consignment or in transit for distribution to wholesale establishments. The estimates of inventories exclude fixtures and supplies not for resale, as well as merchandise held on consignment which are owned by others. Inventories are an important component in the Bureau of Economic Analysis's

(BEA)calculation of the investment portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Census publish wholesale sales and inventory estimates based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) which has been widely adopted throughout both the public and private sectors. The Census Bureau tabulates the collected data to provide, with measurable reliability, statistics on sales, end-of-month inventories, and inventories/sales ratios for merchant wholesalers, excluding MSBOs. The BEA is the primary Federal user of data collected in the MWTS. The BEA uses this information on methods of valuation and changes in these methods to improve the inventory valuation adjustments applied to estimates of the GDP. The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the data as input to its Producer Price Indexes and in developing productivity measurements. Private businesses use the wholesale sales and inventory data in computing business activity indexes. Other government agencies and businesses use this information for market research, product development, and business planning to gauge the current trends of the economy. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit. *Frequency:* Monthly. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *Legal Authority:* Title 13 U.S.C., Section 182. *OMB Desk Officer:* Brian Harris-Kojetin,

(202)395-7314. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,

(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at: *dHynek@doc.gov* ). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Brian Harris-Kojetin, OMB Desk Officer either by fax (202-395-7245) or e-mail ( *bharrisk@omb.eop.gov* ). Dated: March 24, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-6258 Filed 3-26-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget

(L)(8-2007), CPS-263 (MIS-5)

(L)(11-2006). *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0710. *Type of Request:* Reinstatement, with change, of an expired collection. *Burden Hours:* 2,250. *Number of Respondents:* 55,000. *Average Hours per Response:* 1 minute. *Needs and Uses:* The U.S. Census Bureau requests authorization from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)to conduct the August 2008 Migration supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS). This clearance request covers five topics of supplemental inquiry in addition to the CPS Basic instrument: Citizenship, Year of Entry, Residence One Year Ago, Residents and Emigrants Abroad, and Transfers. As part of the federal government's efforts to collect data and provide timely information on migration for policy planning, the main citizenship and year of entry questions have been collected annually on the CPS Basic questionnaire since 1994. The Migration supplement to the CPS provides some basic data on contemporary migration dynamics and population change that is necessary for tracking historical trends. This supplement will be instrumental for understanding the prevalence and nature of changing migration patterns, which is necessary as background for maintaining high data quality, utility and relevance of data, and for policy planning and support. When combined with CPS-collected characteristics, such as citizenship, place of birth, parental nativity, income, and household relationships, the data can provide information on the social and economic adaptation of and the potential needs of the foreign-born population over time in the United States. The CPS August 2008 Migration supplement will be the only comprehensive, nationally representative source of data on multiple years of entry to the United States, time outside the United States since coming to the United States, emigration, and monetary remittances. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Frequency:* One time. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *Legal Authority:* Title 13 U.S.C., Section 182. *OMB Desk Officer:* Brian Harris-Kojetin,

(202)395-7314. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,

(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). *Agency:* U.S. Census Bureau. *Title:* Monthly Retail Trade Survey. *Form Number(s):* SM-44(06)S, SM-44(06)SE, SM-44(06)SS, SM-44(06)B, SM-44(06)BE, SM-44(06)BS, SM-45(06)S, SM-45(06)SE, SM-45(06)SS, SM-45(06)B, SM-45(06)BE, SM-45(06)BS, SM-72(06)S, and SM-20(06)I. *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0717. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Burden Hours:* 12,196. *Number of Respondents:* 8,712. *Average Hours Per Response:* 7 minutes. *Needs and Uses:* This request is for approval of an extension to the Monthly Retail Trade Survey, previously referred to as the “Current Retail Sales and Inventory Survey”. The Monthly Retail Trade Survey provides estimates of monthly retail sales, end-of-month merchandise inventories, and quarterly e-commerce sales of retailers in the United States by selected kinds of business. Also, it provides monthly sales of food service establishments. Sales and inventories data provide a current statistical picture of the retail portion of consumer activity. The sales and inventories estimates in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey measure current trends of economic activity that occur in the United States. Also, the estimates compiled from the survey provide valuable information for economic policy decisions and actions by the government and are widely used by private businesses, trade organizations, professional associations, and others for market research and analysis. The Bureau of Economic Analysis

(BEA)uses these data in determining the consumption portion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Retail and Food Services Sales during 2007 amounted to $4.5 trillion. The estimates produced in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey are critical to the accurate measurement of total economic activity. The estimates of retail sales represent all operating receipts, including receipts from wholesale sales made at retail locations and services rendered as part of the sale of the goods, by businesses that primarily sell at retail. The sales estimates include sales made on credit as well on a cash basis, but exclude receipts from sales taxes and interest charges from credit sales. Also excluded is non-operating income from such services as investments and real estate. The estimates of merchandise inventories owned by retailers represent all merchandise located in retail stores, warehouses, offices, or in transit for distribution to retail establishments. The estimates of merchandise inventories exclude fixtures and supplies not held for sale, as well as merchandise held on consignment owned by others. The BEA uses inventories data to determine the investment portion of the GDP. Retail e-commerce sales are estimated from the same sample used in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey to estimate preliminary and final U.S. retail sales. The Monthly Retail Trade sample is updated on an ongoing basis to account for new retail employer businesses (including those selling via the Internet), business deaths, and other changes to the retail business universe. Research was conducted to ensure that retail firms selected in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey sample and engaged in e-commerce are representative of the universe of e-commerce retailers. Total e-commerce sales for 2007 were estimated at $136 billion. Census publish retail sales and inventories estimates based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which has been widely adopted throughout both the public and private sectors. The BEA is the primary Federal user of data collected in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey. BEA uses the information in its preparation of the National Income and Products Accounts, and its benchmark and annual input-output tables. Statistics provided from retail sales and inventories estimates are used in the calculation of the GDP. If the survey were not conducted, BEA would lack comprehensive data from the retail sector. This would adversely affect the reliability of the National Income and Products Accounts and the GDP. The Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS)uses the data as input to their Producer Price Indexes and in developing productivity measurements. The data are also used for gauging current economic trends of the economy. Private businesses use the retail sales and inventories data to compute business activity indexes. The private sector also uses retail sales as a reliable indicator of consumer activity. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations. *Frequency:* Monthly. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *Legal Authority:* Title 13 U.S.C. 182. *OMB Desk Officer:* Brian Harris-Kojetin,

(202)395-7314. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,

(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at: *dhynek@doc.gov* ). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Brian Harris-Kojetin, OMB Desk Officer either by fax (202-395-7245) or e-mail ( *bharrisk@omb.eop.gov* ). Dated: March 24, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-6260 Filed 3-26-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION [A-583-831] Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils from Taiwan; Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Notice of Extension of Time Limits for Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 27, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Henry Almond, AD/CVD Operations, Office 2, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone:

(202)482-0049. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On July 3, 2007, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published a notice in the **Federal Register** of opportunity to request administrative review of the antidumping duty order on stainless steel sheet and strip in coils from Taiwan. *See Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity to Request Administrative Review* , 72 FR 36420 (July 3, 2007). On July 31, 2007, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(b)(1), the petitioners 1 requested an administrative review with respect to 15 producers/exporters of subject merchandise. The Department received no other requests for review. 1 The petitioners in this proceeding are Allegheny Ludlum Corporation, AK Steel Corporation, North American Stainless, United Auto Workers Local 3303, United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO/CLC, and Zanesville Armco Independent Organization. On August 24, 2007, the Department published a notice of initiation of administrative review of the antidumping duty order on stainless steel sheet and strip in coils from Taiwan. *See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Requests for Revocation in Part* , 72 FR 48613 (Aug. 24, 2007). The period of review is July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, and the review covers 15 producers/exporters of the subject merchandise to the United States. The preliminary results are currently due no later than April 1, 2008. Partial Rescission of Review On October 11, 2007, the petitioners withdrew their request for administrative review with respect to each of the following companies within the time limits set forth in 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1): 1) China Steel Corporation; 2) Tang Eng Iron Works; 3) PFP Taiwan Co., Ltd.; 4) Yieh Loong Enterprise Co., Ltd. (also known as Chung Hung Steel Co., Ltd.); 5) Yieh Trading Corp.; 6) Goang Jau Shing Enterprise Co., Ltd.; 7) Yieh Mau Corp.; 8) Chien Shing Stainless Co.; 9) Chain Chon Industrial Co., Ltd.; 10) Emerdex Stainless Flat-Rolled Products, Inc.; 11) Emerdex Stainless Steel, Inc.; and 12) Emerdex Group (and its various affiliates). Section 351.213(d)(1) of the Department's regulations requires that the Secretary rescind an administrative review if a party requesting a review withdraws the request within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation. Therefore, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), because the request for administrative review with respect to the companies listed above was timely withdrawn, we are rescinding this review with regard to those companies. Extension of Time Limit for Preliminary Results Pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), the Department shall make a preliminary determination in an administrative review of an antidumping order within 245 days after the last day of the anniversary month of the date of publication of the order. Section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act further provides, however, that the Department may extend the 245-day period to 365 days if it determines it is not practicable to complete the review within the foregoing time period. We determine that it is not practicable to complete this administrative review within the time limits mandated by section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act because we require additional time to analyze the data submitted by the companies participating in this review and issue supplemental questionnaires to them. Therefore, we have fully extended the deadline for completing the preliminary results until July 30, 2008, which is 365 days from the last day of the anniversary month of the date of publication of the order. The deadline for the final results of the review continues to be 120 days after the publication of the preliminary results. This notice is published in accordance with sections 751(a)(3)(A) and 777(i) of the Act. Dated: March 21, 2008. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E8-6268 Filed 3-26-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 080321457-8458-01] Revision to the 2008 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: NOAA publishes this notice to amend the application requirements for the 2008 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship program, which was announced in the **Federal Register** on July 2, 2007. The notice informs applicants that NOAA removes the requirement that a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form be submitted as part of the applications for the 2008 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship program. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Priti Brahma, 301-713-9437 or *priti.brahma@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA publishes this notice to remove the requirement that a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form be submitted as part of the applications for the 2008 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship program, which was announced in the **Federal Register** on July 2, 2007 (72 FR 36263). The requirement for this form is contained in the Announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity (NOS-NMS-2008-2001067), Section IV.B.5 posted to *http://www.grants.gov* and referenced in the **Federal Register** notice cited above. The requirement stated that failure to provide the form would disqualify the application from consideration. However, NOAA has determined that the Student Aid Report, a document which is also a required submission, contains the information necessary to allow a determination of the student's financial need, and that the FAFSA is not necessary. Therefore, those applications that failed to include the FAFSA will not be disqualified from the competition. All other requirements for the program as previously stated remain the same. Limitation of Liability In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program is cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Applicants are hereby given notice that funding for the Fiscal Year 2008 program is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations. Universal Identifier Applicants should be aware they are required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS)number during the application process. See the October 30, 2002, **Federal Register** , (67 FR 66177) for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or via the Internet at *http://www.dunandbradstreet.com* . National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA Web site: *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/* , including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf* , and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm* . Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for not selecting an application. In some cases if additional information is required after an application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment. The Department of Commerce Preaward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917), as amended by the **Federal Register** notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), are applicable to this solicitation. Paperwork Reduction Act This document contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)under the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866 This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* ) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Approved: Dated: March 24, 2008. Louisa Koch, Director of Education, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. E8-6285 Filed 3-26-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-12-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XG25 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Operation of an LNG Facility in Massachusetts Bay AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental harassment authorization and receipt of application for five-year regulations; request for comments and information. SUMMARY: On October 30, 2006, NMFS received a request from Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge TM L.L.C. (Northeast Gateway) and Algonquin Gas Transmission, L.L.C. (Algonquin), for authorization to harass marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to construction and operation of an offshore liquefied natural gas

(LNG)facility in the Massachusetts Bay. Following notice and comment, NMFS issued an incidental harassment authorization

(IHA)to Northeast Gateway and Algonquin for a period of one year from May 8, 2007, to May 7, 2008, with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements. On February 28, 2008, NMFS received a request from Tetra Tech EC, on behalf of Northeast Gateway to renew the IHA for a period of one year. NMFS will propose regulations at a later date that would govern these incidental takes under a Letter of Authorization

(LOA)issued to Northeast Gateway for a period of up to 5 years after the 1-year IHA expires. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an authorization to Northeast Gateway to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of marine mammals for a period of 1 year. NMFS is also requesting comments, information, and suggestions concerning Northeast Gateway's application and the structure and content of future regulations. DATES: Comments and information must be postmarked no later than April 28, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226. The mailbox address for providing email comments on this action is *PR1.0648-XG25@noaa.gov* . Comments sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10-megabyte file size. A copy of the application and a list of references used in this document may be obtained by writing to this address, by telephoning the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ) and is also available at: *http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm* . The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and U.S. Coast Guard

(USCG)Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) on the Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge LNG Deepwater Port license application is available for viewing at *http://dms.dot.gov* under the docket number 22219. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shane Guan, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,

(301)713-2289, ext 137. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ) direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. An authorization shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence uses, and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings are set forth. NMFS has defined “negligible impact” in 50 CFR 216.103 as “...an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival.” Subsection 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization to incidentally take marine mammals by harassment. With respect to “military readiness activities,” the MMPA defines “harassment” as follows:

(i)any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or

(ii)any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B harassment]. On October 30, 2006, NMFS received an application from Northeast Gateway and Algonquin for an IHA to take small numbers of several species of marine mammals, by Level B (behavioral) harassment, for a period of 1 year, incidental to construction and operation of an offshore LNG facility. On May 7, 2007, NMFS issued an IHA to Northeast Gateway and Algonquin to take marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to construction and operation of the Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port

(Port)to import LNG into the New England region. As one of the mitigation measures required by the IHA, construction of the LNG Port and its associated Pipeline Lateral was limited to between May 1 and November 30, 2007 so that acoustic disturbance to the endangered North Atlantic right whale would largely be avoided. On November 15, 2007, Northeast Gateway and Algonquin submitted a letter to NMFS requesting a modification to their IHA to allow construction activities to extend into December 2007, due to unforeseen scheduling issues. Following a thorough review of Northeast Gateway's remaining construction activities, weekly marine mammal monitoring reports from previous construction, and analysis of the potential impacts to marine mammal species in the vicinity of the LNG Port, NMFS modified the IHA to allow Port construction activities into December 2007, with additional mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures. On December 21, 2007, Northeast Gateway reported that the LNG Port construction was complete. The Port, which is located in Massachusetts Bay, consists of a submerged buoy system to dock specifically designed LNG carriers approximately 13 mi (21 km) offshore of Massachusetts in federal waters approximately 270 to 290 ft (82 to 88 m) in depth. After construction, the Port completed commissioning activities on February 27, 2008, enabling the facility to receive natural gas and to begin operations. Description of the Activity The Port consists of two subsea Submerged Turret Loading (STL ) buoys, each with a flexible riser assembly and a manifold connecting the riser assembly, via a steel flowline, to the subsea Pipeline Lateral. Northeast Gateway utilizes vessels from its current fleet of specially designed Energy-Bridge TM Regasification Vessels (EBRVs), each capable of transporting approximately 2.9 billion ft 3 (Bcf; 82 million m 3 ) of natural gas condensed to 4.9 million ft 3 (138,000 m 3 ) of LNG. Northeast Gateway will also add vessels to its fleet that will have a cargo capacity of approximately 151,000 m 3 . The mooring system installed at the Port is designed to handle both the existing vessels and any of the larger capacity vessels that may come into service in the future. The EBRVs dock to the STL TM buoys which serve as both the single-point mooring system for the vessels and the delivery conduit for natural gas. Each of the STL TM buoys is secured to the seafloor using a series of suction anchors and a combination of chain/cable anchor lines. During the Port operations, EBRVs servicing the Port would utilize the newly configured and International Maritime Organization-approved Boston Traffic Separation Scheme

(TSS)on their approach to and departure from the NEG Port at the earliest practicable point of transit. EBRVs would maintain speeds of 12 knots or less while in the TSS except when transiting the Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area between March 1 and April 30, the Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area between April 1 and July 31, or when there have been active right whale sightings, active acoustic detections, or both, in the vicinity of the transiting EBRV in the TSS or at the Port in which case the vessels would slow their speeds to 10 knots or less. See the Proposed Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Section. As an EBRV makes its final approach to the Port, vessel speed will gradually be reduced to 3 knots at 1.86 mi (1.16 km) out to less than 1 knot at a distance of 1,640 ft (500 m) from the Port. When an EBRV arrives at the Port, it will retrieve one of the two permanently anchored submerged STL TM buoys. It will make final connection to the buoy through a series of engine and bow thruster actions. The EBRV will require the use of thrusters for dynamic positioning during docking procedure. Typically, the docking procedure is completed over a 10- to 30-minute period, with the thrusters activated as necessary for short periods of time in second bursts, not a continuous sound source. Once connected to the buoy, the EBRV will begin vaporizing the liquified natural gas

(LNG)into its natural gas state using the onboard regasification system. As the LNG is regasified, natural gas will be transferred at pipeline pressures off the EBRV through the STL TM buoy and flexible riser via a steel flowline leading to the connecting Pipeline Lateral. When the LNG vessel is on the buoy, wind and current effects on the vessel will be allowed to “weathervane” on the single-point mooring system; therefore, thrusters will not be used to maintain a stationary position. It would take approximately 8 days for each EBRV to moor to the STL TM Buoy, regasify its cargo of LNG and send it to the Northeast Gateway Pipeline Lateral, and disengage from the buoy. It is estimated that the Port could receive approximately 65 cargo deliveries a year. During this time period thrusters will be engaged in use for docking at the Port approximately 10 to 30 minutes for each vessel arrival and departure. The specified design life of the NEG Port is about 40 years, with the exception of the anchors, mooring chain/rope, and riser/umbilical assemblies, which are based on a maintenance-free design life of 20 years. The buoy pick-up system components are considered consumable and will be inspected following each buoy connection, and replaced (from inside the STL TM compartment during the normal cargo discharge period) as deemed necessary. The underwater components of the Port will be inspected once yearly using either divers or remotely operated vehicles to check and record the condition of the various STL TM system components. These activities will be conducted using the Port's normal support vessel, and to the extent possible will coincide with planned weekly visits to the Port. Detailed information on these activities can be found in the MARAD/USCG Final EIS on the Northeast Gateway Project (see ADDRESSES for availability) and in the IHA application. Detailed information on the LNG facility's operation and maintenance activities, and noise generated from operations was also published in the **Federal Register** on March 13, 2007 (72 FR 11328). Marine Mammals Affected by the Activity Marine mammal species that potentially occur in the vicinity of the Northeast Gateway facility include several species of cetaceans and pinnipeds: North Atlantic right whale ( *Eubalaena glacialis* ), humpback whale ( *Megaptera novaeangliae* ), fin whale ( *Balaenoptera physalus* ), minke whale ( *B. acutorostrata* ), pilot whale ( *Globicephala spp.* ), Atlantic white-sided dolphin ( *Lagenorhynchus acutus* ), bottlenose dolphin ( *Tursiops truncatus* ), common dolphin ( *Delphinus delphis* ), killer whale ( *Orcinus orca* ), harbor porpoise ( *Phocoena phocoena* ), harbor seal ( *Phoca vitulina* ), and gray seal ( *Halichoerus grypus* ). Information on those species that may be impacted by this activity are discussed in detail in the USCG Final EIS on the Northeast Gateway LNG proposal. Please refer to that document for more information on these species and potential impacts from construction and operation of this LNG facility. In addition, general information on these marine mammal species can also be found in Wursig *et al.*

(2000)and in the NMFS Stock Assessment Reports (Waring *et al.* , 2007). This latter document is available at: *http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/publications/tm/tm201/* . An updated summary on several commonly sighted marine mammal species distribution and abundance in the vicinity of the proposed action area is provided below. Humpback Whale The highest abundance for humpback whales was distributed primarily along a relatively narrow corridor following the 100-m (328 ft) isobath across the southern Gulf of Maine from the northwestern slope of Georges Bank, south to the Great South Channel, and northward alongside Cape Cod to Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge. The relative abundance of whales increased in the spring with the highest occurrence along the slope waters (between the 40- and 140-m, or 131- and 459-ft, isobaths) off Cape Cod and Davis Bank, Stellwagen Basin and Tillies Basin and between the 50- and 200-m (164- and 656-ft) isobaths along the inner slope of Georges Bank. High abundance was also estimated for the waters around Platts Bank. In the summer months, abundance increased markedly over the shallow waters (<50 m, or <164 ft) of Stellwagen Bank, the waters (100 - 200 m, or 328 - 656 ft) between Platts Bank and Jeffreys Ledge, the steep slopes (between the 30- and 160-m isobaths) of Phelps and Davis Bank north of the Great South Channel towards Cape Cod, and between the 50- and 100-m (164- and 328-ft) isobath for almost the entire length of the steeply sloping northern edge of Georges Bank. This general distribution pattern persisted in all seasons except winter, when humpbacks remained at high abundance in only a few locations including Porpoise and Neddick Basins adjacent to Jeffreys Ledge, northern Stellwagen Bank and Tillies Basin, and the Great South Channel. Fin Whale Spatial patterns of habitat utilization by fin whales were very similar to those of humpback whales. Spring and summer high-use areas followed the 100-m (328 ft) isobath along the northern edge of Georges Bank (between the 50- and 200-m (164- and 656-ft) isobaths), and northward from the Great South Channel (between the 50- and 160-m, or 164- and 525-ft, isobaths). Waters around Cashes Ledge, Platts Bank, and Jeffreys Ledge are all high-use areas in the summer months. Stellwagen Bank was a high-use area for fin whales in all seasons, with highest abundance occurring over the southern Stellwagen Bank in the summer months. In fact, the southern portion of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) was used more frequently than the northern portion in all months except winter, when high abundance was recorded over the northern tip of Stellwagen Bank. In addition to Stellwagen Bank, high abundance in winter was estimated for Jeffreys Ledge and the adjacent Porpoise Basin (100- to 160-m, 328- to 656-ft, isobaths), as well as Georges Basin and northern Georges Bank. Minke Whale Like other piscivorous baleen whales, highest abundance for minke whale was strongly associated with regions between the 50- and 100-m (164- and 328-ft) isobaths, but with a slightly stronger preference for the shallower waters along the slopes of Davis Bank, Phelps Bank, Great South Channel and Georges Shoals on Georges Bank. Minke whales were sighted in the SBNMS in all seasons, with highest abundance estimated for the shallow waters (approximately 40 m, or 131 ft) over southern Stellwagen Bank in the summer and fall months. Platts Bank, Cashes Ledge, Jeffreys Ledge, and the adjacent basins (Neddick, Porpoise and Scantium) also supported high relative abundance. Very low densities of minke whales remained throughout most of the southern Gulf of Maine in winter. North Atlantic Right Whale North Atlantic right whales were generally distributed widely across the southern Gulf of Maine in spring with highest abundance located over the deeper waters (100- to 160-m, or 328- to 525-ft, isobaths) on the northern edge of the Great South Channel and deep waters (100 - 300 m, 328 - 984 ft) parallel to the 100-m (328-ft) isobath of northern Georges Bank and Georges Basin. High abundance was also found in the shallowest waters (< 30 m, or <98 ft) of Cape Cod Bay, over Platts Bank and around Cashes Ledge. Lower relative abundance was estimated over deep-water basins including Wilkinson Basin, Rodgers Basin and Franklin Basin. In the summer months, right whales moved almost entirely away from the coast to deep waters over basins in the central Gulf of Maine (Wilkinson Basin, Cashes Basin between the 160- and 200-m, or 525- and 656-ft, isobaths) and north of Georges Bank (Rogers, Crowell and Georges Basins). Highest abundance was found north of the 100-m (328-ft) isobath at the Great South Channel and over the deep slope waters and basins along the northern edge of Georges Bank. The waters between Fippennies Ledge and Cashes Ledge were also estimated as high-use areas. In the fall months, right whales were sighted infrequently in the Gulf of Maine, with highest densities over Jeffreys Ledge and over deeper waters near Cashes Ledge and Wilkinson Basin. In winter, Cape Cod Bay, Scantum Basin, Jeffreys Ledge, and Cashes Ledge were the main high-use areas. Although SBNMS does not appear to support the highest abundance of right whales, sightings within SBNMS are reported for all four seasons, albeit at low relative abundance. Highest sighting within SBNMS occured along the southern edge of the Bank. Pilot whale Pilot whales arrived in the southern Gulf of Maine in spring, with highest abundance in the region occurring in summer and fall. Summer high-use areas included the slopes of northern Georges Bank along the 100-m (328-ft) isobath and pilot whales made extensive use of the shoals of Georges Bank (<60 m, or <197 ft, depth). Similarly, fall distributions were also primarily along the slopes of northern Georges Bank, but with high-use areas also occurring amongst the deep-water basins and ledges of the south-central Gulf of Maine. Within SBNMS, pilot whales were sighted infrequently and were most often estimated at low density. Cape Cod Bay and southern SBNMS were the only locations with pilot whale sightings for winter. Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin In spring, summer and fall, Atlantic white-sided dolphins were widespread throughout the southern Gulf of Maine, with the high-use areas widely located either side of the 100-m (328-ft) isobath along the northern edge of Georges Bank, and north from the Great South Channel to Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, Platts Bank and Cashes Ledge. In spring, high-use areas existed in the Great South Channel, northern Georges Bank, the steeply sloping edge of Davis Bank and Cape Cod, southern Stellwagen Bank and the waters between Jeffreys Ledge and Platts Bank. In summer, there was a shift and expansion of habitat toward the east and northeast. High-use areas were identified along most of the northern edge of Georges Bank between the 50- and 200-m (164- and 656-ft) isobaths and northward from the Great South Channel along the slopes of Davis Bank and Cape Cod. High sightings were also recorded over Truxton Swell, Wilkinson Basin, Cashes Ledge and the bathymetrically complex area northeast of Platts Bank. High sightings of white-sided dolphin were recorded within SBNMS in all seasons, with highest density in summer and most widespread distributions in spring located mainly over the southern end of Stellwagen Bank. In winter, high sightings were recorded at the northern tip of Stellwagen Bank and Tillies Basin. A comparison of spatial distribution patterns for all baleen whales (Mysticeti) and all porpoises and dolphins combined showed that both groups have very similar spatial patterns of high- and low-use areas. The baleen whales, whether piscivorous or planktivorous, were more concentrated than the dolphins and porpoises. They utilized a corridor that extended broadly along the most linear and steeply sloping edges in the southern Gulf of Maine indicated broadly by the 100 m (328 ft) isobath. Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge supported a high abundance of baleen whales throughout the year. Species richness maps indicated that high-use areas for individual whales and dolphin species co-occurred, resulting in similar patterns of species richness primarily along the southern portion of the 100-m (328-ft) isobath extending northeast and northwest from the Great South Channel. The southern edge of Stellwagen Bank and the waters around the northern tip of Cape Cod were also highlighted as supporting high cetacean species richness. Intermediate to high numbers of species are also calculated for the waters surrounding Jeffreys Ledge, the entire Stellwagen Bank, Platts Bank, Fippennies Ledge and Cashes Ledge. Killer Whale, Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Harbor Porpoise Although these four species were some of the most widely distributed small cetacean species in the world (Jefferson *et al.* , 1993), there were not commonly seen in the vicinity of the proposed project area in Massachusetts Bay (Wiley *et al.* , 1994; NCCOS, 2006; Northeast Gateway Marine Mammal Monitoring Weekly Reports, 2007). Harbor Seal and Gray Seal In the U.S. waters of the western North Atlantic, both harbor and gray seals were usually found from the coast of Maine south to southern New England and New York (Warrings *et al.* , 2007). Along the southern New England and New York coasts, harbor seals occur seasonally from September through late May (Schneider and Payne, 1983). In recent years, their seasonal interval along the southern New England to New Jersey coasts had increased (deHart, 2002). In U.S. waters, harbor seal breeding and pupping normally occur in waters north of the New Hampshire/Maine border, although breeding has occurred as far south as Cape Cod in the early part of the 20 th century (Temte *et al.* , 1991; Katona *et al.* , 1993). Although gray seals were often seen off the coast from New England to Labrador, within the U.S. waters, only small numbers of gray seals have been observed pupping on several isolated islands along the Maine coast and in Nantucket-Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts (Katona *et al.* , 1993; Rough, 1995). In the late 1990s, a year-round breeding population of approximately over 400 gray seals was documented on outer Cape Cod and Muskeget Island (Warring *et al.* , 2007). Potential Effects of Noise on Marine Mammals The effects of noise on marine mammals are highly variable, and can be categorized as follows (based on Richardson *et al.* , 1995):

(1)The noise may be too weak to be heard at the location of the animal (i.e., lower than the prevailing ambient noise level, the hearing threshold of the animal at relevant frequencies, or both);

(2)The noise may be audible but not strong enough to elicit any overt behavioral response;

(3)The noise may elicit reactions of variable conspicuousness and variable relevance to the well being of the marine mammal; these can range from temporary alert responses to active avoidance reactions such as vacating an area at least until the noise event ceases;

(4)Upon repeated exposure, a marine mammal may exhibit diminishing responsiveness (habituation), or disturbance effects may persist; the latter is most likely with sounds that are highly variable in characteristics, infrequent and unpredictable in occurrence, and associated with situations that a marine mammal perceives as a threat;

(5)Any anthropogenic noise that is strong enough to be heard has the potential to reduce

(mask)the ability of a marine mammal to hear natural sounds at similar frequencies, including calls from conspecifics, and underwater environmental sounds such as surf noise;

(6)If mammals remain in an area because it is important for feeding, breeding or some other biologically important purpose even though there is chronic exposure to noise, it is possible that there could be noise-induced physiological stress; this might in turn have negative effects on the well-being or reproduction of the animals involved; and

(7)Very strong sounds have the potential to cause temporary or permanent reduction in hearing sensitivity. In terrestrial mammals, and presumably marine mammals, received sound levels must far exceed the animal's hearing threshold for there to be any temporary threshold shift

(TTS)in its hearing ability. For transient sounds, the sound level necessary to cause TTS is inversely related to the duration of the sound. Received sound levels must be even higher for there to be risk of permanent hearing impairment. In addition, intense acoustic (or explosive events) may cause trauma to tissues associated with organs vital for hearing, sound production, respiration and other functions. This trauma may include minor to severe hemorrhage. There are three general kinds of sounds recognized by NMFS: continuous (such as shipping sounds), intermittent (such as vibratory pile driving sounds), and impulse. No impulse noise activities, such as blasting or standard pile driving, are associated with this project. The noise sources of potential concern are regasification/offloading (which is a continuous sound) and dynamic positioning of vessels using thrusters (an intermittent sound). Based on research by Malme *et al.* (1983; 1984), for both continuous and intermittent sound sources, Level B harassment is presumed to begin at received levels of 120-dB. None of the continuous sound sources associated with operation of the Northeast Gateway Project is expected to exceed the 120-dB threshold for Level B harassment. However, the intermittent noises from thruster use associated with dynamic positioning of vessels during operation (docking) may occasionally exceed this 120-dB threshold. Consequently, thruster use has the potential for a “take” by Level B harassment of any marine mammal occurring with a zone of ensonification (greater than 120 dB) emanating from the sound source. The potential impacts to marine mammals associated with sound propagation from vessel movements, anchors, chains and LNG regasification/offloading could be the temporary and short-term displacement of seals and whales from within the 120-dB zones ensonified by these noise sources. Animals would be expected to re-occupy the area once the noise ceases. In the vicinity of the LNG Port, where the water depth is about 80 m (262 ft), the 120-dB radius is estimated to be approximately 2.56 km (1.6 mi) from the second source during dynamic positioning for the container ship, making a ZOI of 21 km 2 (8.1 mi 2 ). Estimates of Take by Harassment The basis for Northeast Gateway's “take” estimate is the number of marine mammals that would be exposed to sound levels in excess of 120 dB. This is determined by multiplying the ZOI by local marine mammal density estimates, corrected to take account for 50 percent marine mammals that may be underwater, and then by estimated LNG container ship visits per year. In the case of data gaps, a conservative approach was used to ensure the potential number of takes is not underestimated, as described next. NMFS recognizes that baleen whale species other than North Atlantic right whales have been sighted in the proposed project area from May to November. However, the occurrence and abundance of fin, humpback, and minke is not well documented within the project area. Nonetheless, NMFS uses the data on cetacean distribution within Massachusetts Bay, such as those published by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS, 2006), to determine potential takes of marine mammals in the vicinity of project area. The NCCOS study used cetacean sightings from two sources:

(1)the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (NARWC) sightings database held at the University of Rhode Island (Kenney, 2001); and

(2)the Manomet Bird Observatory

(MBO)database, held at NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The NARWC data contained survey efforts and sightings data from ship and aerial surveys and opportunistic sources between 1970 and 2005. The main data contributors included: Cetacean and Turtles Assessment Program (CETAP), Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, PCCS, International Fund for Animal Welfare, NOAA's NEFSC, New England Aquarium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the University of Rhode Island. A total of 653,725 km (406,293 mi) of survey track and 34,589 cetacean observations were provisionally selected for the NCCOS study in order to minimize bias from uneven allocation of survey effort in both time and space. The sightings-per-unit-effort

(SPUE)was calculated for all cetacean species by month covering the southern Gulf of Maine study area, which also includes the proposed project area (NCCOS, 2006). The MBO's Cetacean and Seabird Assessment Program

(CSAP)was contracted from 1980 to 1988 by NMFS NEFSC to provide an assessment of the relative abundance and distribution of cetaceans, seabirds, and marine turtles in the shelf waters of the northeastern United States (MBO, 1987). The CSAP program was designed to be completely compatible with NMFS NEFSC databases so that marine mammal data could be compared directly with fisheries data throughout the time series during which both types of information were gathered. A total of 5,210 km (8,383 mi) of survey distance and 636 cetacean observations from the MBO data were included in the NCCOS analysis. Combined valid survey effort for the NCCOS studies included 567,955 km (913,840 mi) of survey track for small cetaceans (dolphins and porpoises) and 658,935 km (1,060,226 mi) for large cetaceans (whales) in the southern Gulf of Maine. The NCCOS study then combined these two data sets by extracting cetacean sighting records, updating database field names to match the NARWC database, creating geometry to represent survey tracklines and applying a set of data selection criteria designed to minimize uncertainty and bias in the data used. Owning to the comprehensiveness and total coverage of the NCCOS cetacean distribution and abundance study, NMFS subsequently recalculated the estimated take number of marine mammals based on the most recent NCCOS report published in December 2006. A summary of seasonal cetacean distribution and abundance in the proposed project area is provided above, in the Marine Mammals Affected by the Activity section. For a detailed description and calculation of the cetacean abundance data and SPUE, please refer to the NCCOS study (NCCOS, 2006). These data show that the upper limit of the relative abundance of North Atlantic right, fin, humpback, minke, and pilot whales, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins for all seasons, as calculated by SPUE in number of animals per square kilometer, is 0.0082, 0.0097, 0.0265, 0.0059, 0.0407, and 0.1314 n/km, respectively. In calculating the area density of these species from these linear density data, NMFS used 0.4 km (0.25 mi), which is a quarter the distance of the radius for visual monitoring (see Monitoring, Mitigation, and Reporting section below), as a conservative hypothetical strip width (W). Thus the area density

(D)of these species in the proposed project area can be obtained by the following formula: D = SPUE/2W. Based on the calculation, the estimated take numbers per year for North Atlantic right, fin, humpback, minke, and pilot whales, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins, within the 120-dB ZOI of the LNG Port facility area of approximately 21 km 2 (8.1 mi 2 ) maximum ZOI, corrected for 50 percent underwater, are 21, 90, 165, 15, 104, and 336, respectively. This estimate is based on an average of 65 visits by LNG container ships to the project area per year (or approximately 1.25 visits per week), operating the vessels' thrusters for dynamic positioning before offloading natural gas. It is expected that total amount of time of dynamic positioning is about 30 minutes, therefore, any marine mammals that are potentially exposed to noise levels about 120 dB re 1 microPa from container ships' dynamic positioning would be brief. There is no danger of injury, death, or hearing impairment from the exposure to these noise levels. These numbers represent approximately 7, 3, 18, 0.4, 0.3, and 0.7 percent of the populations for these species, respectively. In addition, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbor porpoises, harbor seals, and gray seals could also be taken by Level B harassment as a result of the proposed deepwater LNG port project. The numbers of estimated take of these species are not available they are rare in the proposed project area. The population estimates of these marine mammal species and stock in the west North Atlantic basin are 81,588, 120,743, 89,700, 99,340, and 195,000 for bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbor porpoises, harbor seals, and gray seals, respectively (Waring *et al.* , 2007). Since the Massachusetts Bay represents only a small fraction of the west North Atlantic basin where these animals occur, and these animals do not congregate in the vicinity of the proposed project area, NMFS believes that only relatively small numbers of these marine mammal species would be potentially affected by the proposed Northeast Gateway LNG deepwater project. From the most conservative estimates of both marine mammal densities in the proposed project area and the size of the 120-dB zone of (noise) influence (ZOI), the calculated number of individual marine mammals for each species that could potentially be harassed annually is small relative to the overall population size. Potential Impact on Habitat Operation of the Port and Pipeline Lateral will result in long-term effects on the marine environment, including alteration of seafloor conditions, continued disturbance of the seafloor, regular withdrawal of sea water, and regular generation of underwater noise. A small area (0.14 acre) along the Pipeline Lateral will be permanently altered (armored) at two cable crossings. In addition, the structures associated with the Port will occupy 4.8 acres of seafloor. An additional area of the seafloor of up to 38 acres will be subject to disturbance due to chain sweep while the buoys are occupied. The benthic community in the up-to 38 acres of soft bottom that may be swept by the anchor chains while EBRVs are docked will have limited opportunity to recover, so this area will experience a long-term reduction in benthic productivity. Each EBRV will require the withdrawal of an average of 4.97 million gallons per day of sea water for general ship operations during its 8-day stay at the Port. As with hydrostatic testing, plankton associated with the sea water will not likely survive this activity. Based on densities of plankton in Massachusetts Bay, it is estimated that sea water use during operations will consume, on a daily basis, about 3 200 x 1,010 phytoplankton cells (about several hundred grams of biomass), 6.5 x 108 zooplankters (equivalent to about 1.2 kg of copepods), and on the order of 30,000 fish eggs and 5,000 fish larvae. Also, the daily removal of sea water will reduce the food resources available for planktivorous organisms. However, the removal of these species is minor relative to the overall area they occupy and unlikely to measurably affect the food sources available to marine mammals. Proposed Monitoring, Mitigation, and Reporting All individuals onboard the EBRVs responsible for the navigation and lookout duties on the vessel must receive training prior to assuming navigation and lookout duties, a component of which will be training on marine mammal sighting/reporting and vessel strike avoidance measures. Crew training of EBRV personnel will stress individual responsibility for marine mammal awareness and reporting. If a marine mammal is sighted by a crew member, an immediate notification will be made to the Person-in-Charge on board the vessel and the Northeast Port Manager, who will ensure that the required reporting procedures are followed. Vessel Strike Avoidance

(1)All EBRVs approaching or departing the port will comply with the Mandatory Ship Reporting

(MSR)system to keep apprised of right whale sightings in the vicinity. Vessel operators will also receive active detections from the passive acoustic array prior to and during transit through the northern leg of the Boston TSS where the buoys are installed.

(2)In response to active right whale sightings (detected acoustically or reported through other means such as the MSR or SAS), and taking into account safety and weather conditions, EBRVs will take appropriate actions to minimize the risk of striking whales, including reducing speed to 10 knots or less and alerting personnel responsible for navigation and lookout duties to concentrate their efforts.

(3)EBRVs will maintain speeds of 12 knots or less while in the TSS until reaching the vicinity of the buoys (except during the seasons and areas defined below, when speed will be limited to 10 knots or less). At 1.86 miles (3 km) from the NEG port, speed will be reduced to 3 knots, and to less than 1 knot at 1,640 ft (500 m) from the buoy.

(4)EBRVs will reduce transit speed to 10 knots or less (unless hydrographic, meteorological, or traffic conditions dictate an alternative speed to maintain the safety or maneuverability of the vessel) from March 1 - April 30 in all waters bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated below. This area is also known as the Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area (SMA). 42°30′N 70°30′W 42°30′N 69°45′W 41°40′N 69°45′W 41°40′N 69°57′W 42°04.8′N 70°10′W 42°12′N 70°15′W 42°12′N 70°30′W 42°30′N 70°30′W

(5)EBRVs will reduce transit speed to 10 knots or less (unless hydrographic, meteorological, or traffic conditions dictate an alternative speed to maintain the safety or maneuverability of the vessel) from April 1 - July 31 in all waters bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated below. This area is also known as the Great South Channel SMA. 42°30′N 69°45′W 42°30′N 67°27′W 42°09′N 67°08.4′W 41°00′N 69°05′W 41°40′N 69°45′W 42°30′N 69°45′W

(6)EBRVs are not expected to transit Cape Cod Bay. However, in the event transit through Cape Cod Bay is required, EBRVs will reduce transit speed to 10 knots or less (unless hydrographic, meteorological, or traffic conditions dictate an alternative speed to maintain the safety or maneuverability of the vessel) from January 1 - May 15 in all waters in Cape Cod Bay, extending to all shorelines of Cape Cod Bay, with a northern boundary of 42°12′N latitude.

(7)In such cases where speeds in excess of the ten knot speed maximums as described above are required, the reasons for the deviation, the speed at which the vessel is operated, the area, and the time and duration of such deviation will be documented in the logbook of the vessel and reported to the NMFS Northeast Region Ship Strike Coordinator. PAM Program An array of ABs will be installed in the Boston TSS that meets the criteria specified in the recommendations developed by NOAA through consultation with the USCG under the National Marine Sanctuary Act (NMSA). The system will provide near real-time information on the presence of vocalizing whales in the shipping lanes. An archival array of acoustic recording units (ARUs), or “pop-ups,” will be installed around the port site that meets the criteria specified in the program developed by NOAA in consultation with the USCG under the NMSA. The ARUs will be in place for 5 years following initiation of operations to monitor the actual acoustic output of port operations and alert NOAA to any unanticipated adverse effects of port operations, such as large-scale abandonment of the area or greater acoustic impacts than predicted through modeling. Reporting The Project area is within the Mandatory Ship Reporting Area (MSRA), so all vessels entering and exiting the MSRA would report their activities to WHALESNORTH. During all phases of the Northeast Gateway LNG Port operation, sightings of any injured or dead marine mammals would be reported immediately to the USCG or NMFS, regardless of whether the injury or death is caused by project activities. An annual report on marine mammal monitoring and mitigation would be submitted to NMFS Office of Protected Resources and NMFS Northeast Regional Office within 90 days after the expiration of the IHA. The annual report should include data collected for each distinct marine mammal species observed in the project area in the Massachusetts Bay during the period of LNG facility operation. Description of marine mammal behavior, overall numbers of individuals observed, frequency of observation, and any behavioral changes and the context of the changes relative to construction and operation activities shall also be included in the annual report. Endangered Species Act

(ESA)On February 5, 2007, NMFS concluded consultation with MARAD and the USCG, under section 7 of the ESA, on the proposed construction and operation of the Northeast Gateway LNG facility and issued a biological opinion. The finding of that consultation was that the construction and operation of the Northeast Gateway LNG terminal may adversely affect, but is not likely to jeopardize, the continued existence of northern right, humpback, and fin whales, and is not likely to adversely affect sperm, sei, or blue whales and Kemp's ridley, loggerhead, green or leatherback sea turtles. NMFS determined the issuance of the IHA for the construction and operation of the LNG Port facility for the period between May 8, 2007, and May 7, 2008, with construction activities limited from May to November 2007, would not have impacts beyond what was analyzed in the biological opinion so additional consultation was not required. An incidental take statement

(ITS)was issued following NMFS' issuance of the IHA. On November 15, 2007, Northeast Gateway and Algonquin submitted a letter to NMFS requesting an extension for the LNG Port construction into December 2007. Upon reviewing Northeast Gateway's weekly marine mammal monitoring reports submitted under the previous IHA, NMFS recognized that the potential take of some marine mammals resulting from the LNG Port and Pipeline Lateral by Level B behavioral harassment likely had exceeded the original take estimates. Therefore, NMFS Northeast Region

(NER)reinitiated consultation with MARAD and USCG on the construction and operation of the Northeast Gateway LNG facility, based on their proposed action to issue revised permits allowing construction to continue through December 2007 and including the mitigation measures that are also included as part of the IHA modification, and the fact that the takes associated with the project likely had exceeded the amount of take in the ITS of the February 5, 2007, biological opinion. On November 30, 2007, NMFS NER issued a revised biological opinion, reflecting the revised construction time period and including a revised ITS. This revised biological opinion concluded that the construction and operation of the Northeast Gateway LNG terminal may adversely affect, but is not likely to jeopardize, the continued existence of northern right, humpback, and fin whales, and is not likely to adversely affect sperm, sei, or blue whales. NMFS has concluded that issuance of this proposed IHA renewal would not have impacts beyond what was analyzed in the November 30, 2007, biological opinion, so additional consultation is not required. National Environmental Policy Act MARAD and the USCG released a Final EIS/Environmental Impact Report

(EIR)for the proposed Northeast Gateway Port and Pipeline Lateral. A notice of availability was published by MARAD on October 26, 2006 (71 FR 62657). The Final EIS/EIR provides detailed information on the proposed project facilities, construction methods and analysis of potential impacts on marine mammal. NMFS was a cooperating agency (as defined by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1501.6)) in the preparation of the Draft and Final EISs. NMFS has reviewed the Final EIS and has adopted it. Therefore, the preparation of another EIS or EA is not warranted. Preliminary Determinations NMFS has preliminarily determined that the impact of operation of the Northeast Gateway Port Project may result, at worst, in a temporary modification in behavior of small numbers of certain species of marine mammals that may be in close proximity to the Northeast Gateway LNG facility and associated pipeline during its operation. These activities are expected to result in some local short-term displacement and will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammals. Taking these two factors together, NMFS concludes that there will be no biologically significant effects on the survival and reproduction of these species or stocks. Please see Estimate of Take by Harassment section below for the calculation of these take numbers. This preliminary determination is supported by proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures described in this document and NMFS' Biological Opinion on this action. As a result of the described proposed mitigation and monitoring measures, no take by injury or death would be requested, anticipated or authorized, and the potential for temporary or permanent hearing impairment is very unlikely due to the relatively low noise levels (and consequently small zone of impact). While the number of marine mammals that may be harassed will depend on the distribution and abundance of marine mammals in the vicinity of the LNG Port facility, the estimated numbers of marine mammals to be harassed is small relative to the affected species or stock sizes. Proposed Authorization NMFS proposes to issue an IHA to Northeast Gateway and Algonquin for conducting LNG Port facility operations in Massachusetts Bay, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. Information Solicited NMFS requests interested persons to submit comments and information concerning this proposed IHA and Northeast Gateway and Algonquin's application for incidental take regulations (see ADDRESSES ). NMFS requests interested persons to submit comments, information, and suggestions concerning both the request and the structure and content of future regulations to allow this taking. NMFS will consider this information in developing proposed regulations to govern the taking. Dated: March 20, 2008. Helen Golde, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8-6292 Filed 3-26-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE Post Registration (Trademark Processing) 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 take this opportunity to comment on the extension of a 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 May 27, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: *E-mail: Susan.Fawcett@uspto.gov.* Include “0651-0055 comment” in the subject line of the message. *Fax:* 571-273-0112, marked to the attention of Susan K. 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. *Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to the attention of Janis Long, Attorney Advisor, Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, by telephone at 571-272-9573, or by e-mail at *janis.long@uspto.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) administers the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. 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 USPTO. Such individuals and businesses may also submit various communications to the USPTO, including requests to amend their registrations to delete goods or services that are no longer being used by the registrant. Registered marks remain on the register for ten years and can be renewed, but will be cancelled unless the owner files with the USPTO a declaration attesting to the continued use (or excusable non-use) of the mark in commerce within specific deadlines. Applicants may also surrender a registration and, in limited situations, petition the Director to reinstate a registration that has been cancelled. The rules implementing the Act are set forth in 37 CFR Part 2. These rules mandate that each register entry include the mark, the goods and/or services in connection with which the mark is used, ownership information, dates of use, and certain other information. The USPTO also provides similar information concerning pending applications. The register and pending application information may be accessed by an individual or by businesses to determine availability of a mark. By accessing the USPTO's information, parties may reduce the possibility of initiating use of a mark previously adopted by another. The Federal trademark registration process may lessen the filing of papers in court and between parties. II. Method of Collection Electronically if applicants submit the information using the forms available through TEAS. By mail or hand delivery if applicants choose to submit the information in paper form. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0651-0055. *Form Number(s):* PTO Forms 4.16, 1553, 1583, 1597 and 1963. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Primarily business or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 106,030 per year. *Estimated Time per Response:* The USPTO estimates that it will take approximately 3 minutes (0.05 hours) to 30 minutes (0.50 hours) to complete this information. This includes the time to gather the necessary information, create the documents, and submit the completed request to the USPTO. *Estimated Total Annual Respondent Burden Hours:* 16,689 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost Burden:* $5,073,456. The USPTO believes that associate attorneys will complete this information. The professional hourly rate for associate attorneys in private firms is $304. Using this hourly rate, the USPTO estimates that the total respondent cost burden for this collection is $5,073,456. Item Estimated time for response

(min)Estimated annual responses Estimated annual burden hours Declaration of Use of a Mark in Commerce Under § 8 11 866 156 TEAS Declaration of Use of a Mark in Commerce Under § 8 10 6,559 1,115 Combined Declaration of Use in Commerce & Application for Renewal of Registration of a Mark Under §§ 8 & 9 14 3,013 693 TEAS Combined Declaration of Use in Commerce & Application for Renewal of Registration of a Mark Under §§ 8 & 9 12 41,287 8,257 Declaration of Incontestability of a Mark Under § 15 3 92 5 TEAS Declaration of Incontestability of a Mark Under § 15 6 508 51 Combined Declaration of Use & Incontestability Under §§ 8 & 15 5 7,120 570 TEAS Combined Declaration of Use & Incontestability Under §§ 8 & 15 3 37,555 1,878 Amendments and Corrections 30 4,780 2,390 Surrenders 30 450 225 Section 7 Request 20 1,900 627 TEAS Section 7 Request 23 1,900 722 Totals 106,030 16,689 *Estimated Total Annual Non-Hour Respondent Cost Burden (includes postage costs and filing fees):* $37,153,771. This collection has no operating, maintenance or recordkeeping costs. Customers incur postage costs when submitting non-electronic information to the USPTO by mail through the United States Postal Service. The USPTO estimates that the majority of submissions for these paper forms are made via first class mail. First class postage is 41 cents. Therefore, a total estimated mailing cost of $7,471 is incurred (18,221 responses × $0.41). Item Responses

(yr)Postage costs Total cost

(b)(a × b) Declaration of Use of a Mark in Commerce Under § 8 866 $0.41 $355.00 Combined Declaration of Use in Commerce & Application for Renewal of Registration of a Mark Under §§ 8 & 9 3,013 0.41 1,235.00 Declaration of Incontestability of a Mark Under § 15 92 0.41 38.00 Combined Declaration of Use & Incontestability Under §§ 8 & 15 7,120 0.41 2,919.00 Amendments and Corrections 4,780 0.41 1,960.00 Surrenders 450 0.41 185.00 Section 7 Requests 1,900 0.41 779.00 Totals 18,221 7,471.00 Filing fees of $37,146,300 are associated with this collection. The filing fees are based on per class filing of goods and services, therefore, the total filing fees can vary depending on the number of classes. There is a $100 filing fee for Section 7 Requests unless the correction is due to a USPTO error, in which case there is no fee. The USPTO estimates that approximately 2,533 of the 3,800 expected Section 7 Requests would require the fee. The filing fees shown here are the minimum fees associated with this information collection. Item Responses

(yr)Filing fees

(b)Total cost

(b)(a × b) Declaration of Use of a Mark in Commerce Under § 8 866 $100.00 $86,600.00 TEAS Declaration of Use of a Mark in Commerce Under § 8 6,559 100.00 655,900.00 Combined Declaration of Use in Commerce & Application for Renewal of Registration of a Mark Under §§ 8 & 9 3,013 500.00 1,506,500.00 TEAS Combined Declaration of Use in Commerce & Application for Renewal of Registration of a Mark Under §§ 8 & 9 41,287 500.00 20,643,500.00 Declaration of Incontestability of a Mark Under § 15 92 200.00 18,400.00 TEAS Declaration of Incontestability of a Mark Under § 15 508 200.00 101,600.00 Combined Declaration of Use & Incontestability Under §§ 8 & 15 7,120 300.00 2,136,000.00 TEAS Combined Declaration of Use & Incontestability Under §§ 8 & 15 37,555 300.00 11,266,500.00 Amendments and Corrections 4,780 100.00 478,000.00 Surrenders 450 0.00 0.00 Section 7 Requests 1,266 100.00 126,600.00 TEAS Section 7 Requests 1,267 100.00 126,700.00 Totals 104,763 37,146,300.00 *Note: All filing fees are based on per class filing. 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 will also become a matter of public record. Dated: March 20, 2008. Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public Information Services Division. [FR Doc. E8-6297 Filed 3-26-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-16-P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Notice of Sunshine Act Meeting Agency Holding the Meeting: Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Sunshine Act Meetings TIME AND DATE: 9 a.m., Tuesday April 22, 2008. PLACE: 1155 21st St., NW., Washington, DC, 9th Floor Commission Conference Room. STATUS: Open. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Public meeting to discuss recent events affecting the agricultural commodity markets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sauntia S. Warfield, 202-418-5084. David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 08-1080 Filed 3-25-08; 1:23 pm]

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