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Code · REGISTER · 2008-04-18 · National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce · Notices

Notices. Notice; response to comments

47,390 words·~215 min read·/register/2008/04/18/08-1156

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

BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XA34 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; response to comments. SUMMARY: As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS has incorporated public comments into revisions of marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs). These reports for 2007 are now final and available to the public.
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of SARs are available on the Internet as regional compilations and individual reports at the following address: *http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/* . You also may send requests for copies of reports to: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226, Attn: Stock Assessments. Copies of the Alaska Regional SARs may be requested from Robyn Angliss, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way, BIN 15700, Seattle, WA 98115.
Copies of the Atlantic Regional SARs may be requested from Gordon Waring, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543. Copies of the Pacific Regional SARs may be requested from Jim Carretta, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1508. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Eagle, Office of Protected Resources, 301-713-2322, ext. 105, e-mail *Tom.Eagle@noaa.gov* ; Robyn Angliss, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 206-526-4032, email *Robyn.Angliss@noaa.gov* ;
Gordon Waring, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, email *Gordon.Waring@noaa.gov* ; or Jim Carretta, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 858-546-7171, email *Jim.Carretta@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 117 of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ) required NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS)to prepare stock assessments for each stock of marine mammals occurring in waters under the jurisdiction of the United States. These reports contain information regarding the distribution and abundance of the stock, population growth rates and trends, the stock's Potential Biological Removal level (PBR), estimates of annual human-caused mortality and serious injury from all sources, descriptions of the fisheries with which the stock interacts, and the status of the stock. Initial reports were completed in 1995. The MMPA requires NMFS and FWS to review the SARs at least annually for strategic stocks and stocks for which significant new information is available, and at least once every 3 years for non-strategic stocks. NMFS and FWS are required to revise a SAR if the status of the stock has changed or can be more accurately determined. NMFS, in conjunction with the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific Scientific Review Groups (SRGs), reviewed the status of marine mammal stocks as required and revised reports in each of the three regions. As required by the MMPA, NMFS updated SARs for 2007, and the revised reports were made available for public review and comment (71 FR 42815, July 28, 2006). The MMPA also specifies that the comment period on draft SARs must be 90 days. NMFS received comments on the draft SARs and has revised the reports as necessary. The final reports for 2007 are available. Comments and Responses During the comment period for the draft 2007 SARS, NMFS received letters from the Marine Mammal Commission, the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity, the Humane Society of the United States, the Hawaii Longline Association, Sun Coast Calamari, and Prowler Industries. Each letter contained multiple comments. Unless otherwise noted, comments suggesting editorial or minor clarifying changes were included in the reports. Such editorial comments and responses to them are not included in the summary of comments and responses below. Other comments recommended development of Take Reduction Plans or initiation or repetition of large data collection efforts, such as abundance surveys, observer programs, or other mortality estimates. Comments on actions not related to the SARs (e.g., convening a Take Reduction Team or listing a marine mammal species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)) are not included below. Many comments recommending additional data collection (e.g., additional abundance surveys or observer programs) have been addressed in previous years. NMFS' resources for surveys, observer programs, or other mortality estimates are fully utilized, and no new large surveys or other programs may be initiated until additional resources are available or until ongoing monitoring or conservation efforts can be terminated so that the resources supporting them can be redirected. Such comments on the 2007 SARs and responses to them may not be included in the summary below because the responses have not changed. In some cases, NMFS' responses state that comments would be considered for, or incorporated into, future revisions of the SAR rather than being incorporated into the final 2007 SARs. The delay is due to review of the reports by the regional SRGs. NMFS provides preliminary copies of updated SARs to SRGs prior to release for public review and comment. If a comment on the draft SAR suggests a substantive change to the SAR, NMFS may discuss the comment and prospective change with the SRG at its next meeting prior to incorporating the change. Comments on National Issues *Comment 1:* Fishery-related mortalities determined from strandings should be included in reports of total annual mortality for a stock and reported consistently within and between SARs. *Response:* Mortality determined from stranded animals cannot necessarily be used or reported in a consistent manner. In some cases, stranded marine mammals with evidence of interaction with fishing gear occur when and where the death could have resulted from observed fisheries. In other cases, there is no observed fishery that could have caused the death. For the former cases, the stranded animal should be included in the expansion of observed take to an annual estimate of mortality for the fishery. These mortalities determined from strandings should not be included in the mortality estimates. In the latter cases, the stranded animal could not have been included in an estimated take, and these should be reported in the SARs. Mortality documented through a stranding program represents a minimum estimate (at least that many deaths occurred) because some marine mammals that die off shore do not subsequently strand. *Comment 2:* All regions should err on the side of precaution when assessing serious injuries of marine mammals, stock status, and assigning “undetermined” PBR levels for stocks. *Response:* NMFS uses appropriate caution in preparing the reports and discusses the draft reports with regional SRGs prior to public review. *Comment 3:* The quantity and quality of data on fishery-related mortality continue to be inadequate for a number of marine mammal stocks. There is concern that the SARs tend to lag approximately two years behind in incorporating available observer bycatch data. It is imperative that SARs use the most recently available data in making these determinations. *Response:* NMFS is aware there is a delay between the time data are collected and when the resulting estimates are available for use in the SARs. Because these data may form the basis for management actions that affect constituents as well as marine mammals, NMFS subjects the results to stringent review, an important step requiring additional time, before including the latest results in the SAR. *Comment 4:* Survey methods could be improved further by the use of acoustic, tagging, and genetics tools to complement standard survey methods, which will in turn improve the statistical confidence in survey data and the statistical power of the analytic approaches used to derive stock size, trends, and efficacy of take reduction actions. *Response:* Surveys routinely include collection of information such as recommended in the comment. The amounts of additional information, as well as the extent and intensity of surveys, are subject to limitation due to resources. *Comment 5:* NMFS should work with Federal and state fisheries management agencies and industry to develop a funding strategy to support stronger observer programs for collecting data on incidental mortality and serious injury. This would include training and other support for stranding response teams that would lead to greater certainty about the cause of strandings and unusual mortality events. *Response:* NMFS established a National Observer Program in 1999 to combine program-specific observer effort for efficiency and to promote sustainable funding for a comprehensive marine resource observer program. The National Observer Program has been working with fishery management agencies and the fishing industry to meet these objectives and will continue to do so. The National Observer Program, in coordination with all six NMFS regions, has initiated development of a National Bycatch Report to compile species- and fishery-specific bycatch estimates for fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea birds. This initiative will incorporate the development of fishery improvement plans to improve the collection of bycatch data and bycatch estimation methodologies. These improvement plans will also provide a comprehensive assessment of resources required to improve bycatch in U.S. commercial fisheries. *Comment 6:* NMFS should build on recent advances in tag technology, as used by the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics program, to better understand aspects of population dynamics that surveys alone cannot reveal. *Response:* As noted in the response to comment 4, NMFS includes additional information in the analysis of marine mammal populations to the extent resources allow. *Comment 7:* Methods for identifying strategic stocks should be consistent between the NMFS regions. *Response:* The guidelines for preparing marine mammal stock assessment reports promote reasonable consistency in determinations; however, these guidelines also allow some level of flexibility to account for stock-specific circumstances when insufficient information results in uncertainty. *Comment 8:* The planned joint SRG meeting should address the development of a more effective means of assessing trans-boundary stocks and the effects of human activities on them. *Response:* The joint SRG meeting included a lengthy discussion of trans-boundary issues. If the SRGs make joint recommendations, NMFS would use these recommendations in revising its guidelines for preparing SARs. *Comment 9:* A consistent process for incorporating non-fishery sources of mortality in the SARs should be developed. *Response:* NMFS has incorporated research-related mortality, as appropriate, in SARs and is exploring alternatives for addressing taking incidental to activities other than commercial fishing, which will account for mortality and serious injury incidental to these activities. *Comment 10:* More than 45 stocks cannot be adequately assessed because of insufficient data on stock status and trends, mortality, or both. A concerted effort should be made between regions to use a consistent approach to determine when available data are sufficient to calculate the PBR levels and estimate mortality. *Response:* As noted in the response to comment 7, related to determining status of the stocks, the guidelines are designed to promote general consistency and leave flexibility to address case-specific circumstances. Appropriate levels of consistency were included in discussions at the recent joint SRG meeting; however, clear agreements on a need for a more prescriptive approach for the guidelines was not apparent. Comments on Alaska Regional Reports *Comment 11:* The inclusion of research-related mortality is a welcome addition to the SARs, and continuation of such reporting is encouraged. *Response:* Comment noted. *Comment 12:* The Alaska region needs to devote resources to obtaining up-to-date and reliable estimates of subsistence hunting of pinnipeds, particularly ice seals; data for some stocks has not been updated since 2000. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 18). NMFS has insufficient resources to obtain up-to-date estimates of subsistence hunting of pinnipeds and will retain old information, with appropriate dates and caveats if necessary, to document the extent of knowledge on past harvest. *Comment 13:* Previous stock assessments have provided point estimates for Alaska Native subsistence kills as well as upper and lower estimates bases on the bounds of confidence. These data are no longer provided. This practice should be reinstated. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 9). These data are not available for most stocks, and, for the stocks where the information is available, the reliability is unknown. More details on information summarized in the SARs is available in the literature cited in each SAR. *Comment 14:* Data should be presented in a manner that reflects a more precautionary approach for the Steller sea lion, western U.S. stock. A graphic suggesting an overall increase in stock abundance masks a 19 percent decline in the western Aleutian range. *Response:* Steller sea lion abundance data are presented in Figure 2 and illustrate the dynamics of three portions of the stock over the past 15 years. Abundance of smaller portions of the range are available in the literature cited in the SAR. *Comment 15:* The PBR level for the Steller sea lion, western U.S. stock, should be listed as “undetermined” because human-related causes of mortality are a plausible causative factor for a decline, even if not a direct mortality. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 8). NMFS disagrees that the PBR level for the Steller sea lion, western stock, should be “undetermined” because the stock, while at a low level relative to historical abundance, is sufficiently large to sustain some level of human-caused mortality and because recent data from 2002, 2004, and 2006 indicate that the population may have stabilized, thus reducing the need for this precautionary interpretation. *Comment 16:* Additional observer coverage is needed for the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands salmon drift gillnet fishery and other gillnet fisheries that are likely to interact with the Steller sea lion, western U.S. stock. *Response:* The NMFS Alaska Region is responsible for implementing observer programs in the Alaska state fisheries and is rotating this program through various Alaska state fisheries as resources allow. To date, this program has implemented observer programs in the Prince William Sound set and drift gillnet, South Unimak drift gillnet, Cook Inlet set and drift gillnet fishery, and the Kodiak Island set gillnet fisheries. In 2007 and 2008, and with the support of the Alaska SRG, the Alaska Region is focusing on implementing an observer program for the Yakutat Bay gillnet fishery due to concerns about potential harbor porpoise and humpback whale serious injury and mortality. Once the Yakutat program is completed, the next highest priorities for observation in Alaska state-managed fisheries are the salmon drift gillnet and purse seine fisheries in Southeast Alaska. *Comment 17:* Summaries of self-reported mortalities from commercial fisheries in Alaska should be reinstated. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 7). NMFS no longer includes these data in the body of the SARs because the data are unreliable and because the number of reports has declined dramatically in recent years. The data are provided in an appendix to the SARs as additional information. *Comment 18:* NMFS is encouraged to consider a more real-time harvest monitoring program for the Steller sea lion, western U.S. stock. There is concern regarding a slightly upward trend in subsistence harvest of this stock which is approaching the PBR level. *Response:* NMFS agrees in general that levels of human-caused serious injury and mortality approaching PBR are of concern; however, the trend in the subsistence harvest is not of concern. In the early 1990s, subsistence take of Steller sea lions, western, U.S. stock, was more than double the current levels. In the late 1990s, the annual harvest level decreased to less than 200 and was about 200 in the last 3 years reported. A more real-time harvest monitoring program is unnecessary at this time because harvest levels are reasonably consistent from year to year. *Comment 19:* Information on age and sex composition should be included in the section on Subsistence Harvest for the Steller sea lion, western U.S. stock to aid SRGs in advising NMFS on issues of uncertainty relative to mortality of animals in certain age and sex classes. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 12). NMFS has eliminated this information from the SARs upon consultation with the Alaska SRG because its inclusion is of little value without modeling to show the importance of the information in the context of the stock's population dynamics. NMFS refers the reader to the cited literature if additional information is needed. *Comment 20:* Given the variability in population trajectories within portions of the stock range, NMFS should consider viewing management actions for portions of the Steller sea lion, eastern U.S. stock, rather than basing them on the trajectory of the stock as a whole. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 14). The prohibitions on take in the MMPA apply to individual animals; thus, the management focus applies smaller than the total stock. However, the SAR reports values at the stock level. Additional details regarding substock population dynamics are available in the draft revised recovery plan for Steller sea lions (available on the Internet: *http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/stellers/recovery.htm* ). *Comment 21:* Table 4 for the Steller sea lion, eastern U.S. stock, should be updated with counts post-2002. *Response:* New data on the eastern U.S. stock are not available for every year at every site. Some counts from 2002 are currently being used because that was the last year that the entire region was surveyed for eastern Steller sea lions. NMFS will review available information to determine whether an update can be made and, if an update is appropriate, will include new information in the draft SARs for 2008. *Comment 22:* The PBR level for the Northern fur seal should be listed as “undetermined” because there is no net productivity in a declining stock. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comments 8 and 15). NMFS disagrees that the PBR level for the northern fur seal should be listed as “undetermined” because the stock, while at a low level relative to historical abundance, is very large and can sustain some level of human-caused mortality. *Comment 23:* NMFS should work with co-management partners to establish biologically meaningful stock boundaries for harbor seals in Alaska and incorporate these boundaries for prospective harbor seal stocks into the 2008 SARs. A complete revision of harbor seal stocks and recommendations regarding stock structure based on new genetic information is awaited, and further sub-division of these stocks is encouraged. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 16). As in past comments on the SARs, NMFS continues its commitment to work with its co-managers in the Alaska Native community to evaluate and revise stock structure of harbor seals in Alaska. *Comment 24:* Both the Beaufort and Chukchi stocks of beluga whale should be updated and considered for strategic status due to harvest-related and incidental mortality. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 21). The SARs for these stocks will be updated in 2008, and this comment will be considered at that time. *Comment 25:* The change in PBR level to “undetermined” for beluga whale, Cook Inlet stock, is supported. *Response:* Comment noted. *Comment 26:* Oil and gas exploration should be added to the list of potential habitat concerns for the beluga whale, Cook Inlet stock. *Response:* NMFS will update this section in the draft SAR for 2008. *Comment 27:* The population estimate for the killer whale, Northern Resident stock, should be updated. NMFS should work closely with the Canadian government to obtain information on fishery-related mortality data given the low PBR level (2). *Response:* The SAR is next scheduled for an update in 2008, for the 2009 SARs, and this comment will be considered at that time. *Comment 28:* The Pacific white-sided dolphin, North Pacific stock SAR has not been updated, and the population estimate is based on surveys from 1990. NMFS should obtain current abundance estimates, and observers should be assigned to the fisheries that have a likelihood of interacting with this stock. It is inappropriate to reclassify this stock as non-strategic. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comments 26 and 27). NMFS agrees that the abundance estimate is old however, resources do not yet allow NMFS to obtain a new estimate. Fisheries that overlap with this stock are observed, sometimes with high levels of coverage, and no serious injuries or mortalities have been observed. In addition, no other source of information (e.g., stranding data) indicates that incidental mortalities are occurring. Accordingly, this stock should not be designated as “strategic” despite uncertainty about the abundance estimate. *Comment 29:* The harbor porpoise, southeast Alaska stock, is appropriately classified as strategic; the PBR level should be “undetermined”. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comments 8 and 28). NMFS will consider whether the PBR level should be set as “undetermined” during the revisions made for the 2008 SARs. *Comment 30:* NMFS should collect current abundance data for the harbor porpoise, southeast Alaska stock, rather than re-analyze data from 10 years ago. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comment 28). At this time, a re-analysis of past survey data is the best available information for the southeast Alaska stock of harbor porpoise. NMFS conducted surveys in southeast Alaska in 2006 and 2007 and will incorporate results from these surveys when estimates have been completed and reviewed. *Comment 31:* Dall's porpoise, Alaska stock, should be listed as a strategic stock because the abundance data are outdated, and NMFS can neither estimate a minimum population or a PBR level. *Response:* NMFS responded to this comment in the notice of availability of the final SARs for 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 15, 2007, Comments 26 and 30). Although the abundance data are old, the last abundance estimate was very high. Because many fisheries that overlap with this stock are observed and the level of annual take is very low, it is not appropriate to list this as a strategic stock. *Comment 32:* The draft SAR for gray whales, Eastern North Pacific stock, does not incorporate recently published genetic information indicating that pre-exploitation population size of the gray whale was substantially higher than current estimates. (Alter, Rynes, and Palumbi. 2007. DNA evidence for historic population size and past ecosystem impacts of gray whales. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104 (38): 15162-15167). In light of this information, the current population of gray whales is less than 60 percent of its historic population and should properly be declared depleted. *Response:* The paper by Alter *et al.* was published after the draft reports were completed and distributed to the SRGs for independent peer review prior to public review. Therefore, the information from that paper was not included. The next revision of the gray whale SAR will include a discussion of the results presented by Alter *et al.* NMFS is evaluating the information presented by Alter *et al.* to see if future action regarding the status of the Eastern North Pacific gray whale stock is warranted. The method used by Alter and Palumbi (and previously by Roman and Palumbi) is controversial. Many scientists, including the International Whaling Commission
(IWC)Scientific Committee, have questioned the results and conclusions in Alter *et al.* (e.g., Palsboll *et al.* , 2008). The lower range of the confidence interval in Alter *et al.* is consistent with a historic abundance of about 30,000 whales each for the western and eastern North Pacific stocks of gray whales. An abundance of 30,000 gray whales in the Eastern North Pacific stock is well within the confidence limits for estimates of carrying capacity reported by Wade (2002). Accordingly, for the Eastern North Pacific stock of gray whales, the estimate of historic carrying capacity based upon the genetic analysis in Alter *et al.* is reasonably consistent with estimates of current carrying capacity based upon Wade's analysis of abundance surveys. Finally, as stated in a legislative proposal submitted to Congress in 1992, NMFS generally relies on current carrying capacity, absent human exploitation, to determine OSP, rather than trying to reconstruct potential carrying capacities at some time in the distant past. NMFS uses current carrying capacity in stock assessment as part of managing marine mammal-fishery interactions using the PBR system. The application of the PBR system for managing marine mammal-fishery interactions implicitly incorporates environmental conditions and their associated implications for carrying capacity over the near term (e.g., one to three decades). NMFS' use of current carrying capacity in analyses supporting management is consistent with approaches used elsewhere. For example, IWC quotas for native subsistence hunts on both eastern North Pacific gray whales and for the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort stock of bowhead whales are set as a function of current (not historic) carrying capacity. For IWC's harvest quotas, current carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of animals the environment can support or has supported within the last 150 years. *Comment 33:* Data on fishery-related mortality in the gray whale, eastern North Pacific stock, should be updated since 2003. Both gray whale and humpback whale, central North Pacific stock, SARs should include evidence from stranded or free-swimming seriously injured animals in minimum estimates of mortality and serious injury. *Response:* NMFS updated only a portion of the gray whale SAR in 2007 and will conduct a thorough update in the draft SARs for humpback whales and gray whales in 2008. *Comment 34:* Table 35 of the gray whale, eastern North Pacific stock, should clarify whether harpooned whales are included in the “struck and lost” section on native hunting or not. *Response:* NMFS updated only a portion of the gray whale SAR in 2007 and will conduct a thorough update in the draft SARs for 2008. We do not know if the harpooned whales included in the table were also included in the “struck and lost” estimates included in the Subsistence/Native Harvest section of the SAR. The stuck and lost estimate in that section was obtained from reports of aboriginal subsistence harvest in Russian waters, and the gray whales stranded or were observed in CA. *Comment 35:* The humpback whale, western North Pacific stock, SAR should not provide conclusions about the adequacy of published literature without citing a source more definitive than “generally believed”. This statement should be supported or removed. *Response:* The final SAR was changed to note that the estimate is negatively biased because only a portion of the range was surveyed. *Comment 36:* NMFS should declare all the ice-dependent seals under its jurisdiction to be strategic stocks based on observed and projected impacts of sea-ice loss on ice-dependent pinnipeds. *Response:* “Strategic stocks” are defined as those where the level of human-related serious injury or mortality is greater than the PBR level, or as an stock listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under the ESA, or as “depleted” under the MMPA. None of the ice seal species meet the requirements of the definition. *Comment 37:* The continuing lack of data from Arctic and Bering Sea species, particularly, ice-breeding seals, is noteworthy because major population changes are expected to occur as a result of global climate change. More information on the impact of climate change should be included in the SARs. *Response:* Each of the SARs for ice-breeding seals contains a notation that loss of sea ice due to climate change is a habitat concern. One of the major strengths of the SARs is their brevity so that the status of all marine mammal stocks in a region can be included in a single document. To expand each SAR to fully discuss all potential threats or other issues would eliminate this benefit. Each SAR references documents reporting the details of information summarized in the SAR. *Comment 38:* Yakutat belugas are genetically and geographically isolated from Cook Inlet belugas; therefore, they should be designated a separate stock and declared “depleted” given their small population size. *Response:* In 2007, NMFS conducted a status review for Cook Inlet beluga whales and proposed to list the Cook Inlet population as “endangered” under the ESA (72 FR 19854, April 20, 2007). In that proposed rule, Cook Inlet beluga were considered separate from the Yakutat beluga group. Should that proposed action become final, NMFS would review the depletion determination for the Cook Inlet beluga whale stock and would revise the depletion designation and SAR as appropriate, including the status of beluga whales found inYakutat Bay. *Comment 39:* The notice announcing availability of the draft SARs incorrectly refers to the “western” North Pacific stock of gray whale as being within its optimum sustainable population. Also, the eastern Pacific stock is now properly considered depleted. *Response:* The reference to the “western” North Pacific stock was an error in NMFS notice reported in the **Federal Register** ; it should have referred to the “eastern” North Pacific stock. NMFS disagrees that the eastern North Pacific stock should be considered “depleted”, as available information on the current dynamics of the stock indicate that it is within its optimum sustainable population, and likely near it's carrying capacity. Also, see the response to Comment 32. *Comment 40:* The Minerals Management Service 2007-2012 plan for outer continental slope oil and gas lease sales, which opens right whale critical habitat to oil leasing in 2011, represents a significant threat to the habitat of the North Pacific right whale, eastern North Pacific stock. The SAR should be modified to reflect this known threat to the habitat. *Response:* NMFS will update the habitat section in the 2008 SAR. Comments on Atlantic Regional Reports *Comment 41:* Efforts to define latitudinal boundaries above or below which pilot whales may be assigned to the correct species would avoid continued, inappropriate, lumping of the species. We renew our request that NMFS continue its focal efforts to define the boundaries of short-finned and long-finned pilot whales which are taken in multiple fisheries and yet are managed with a single PBR as though they are a single stock. As has been presented to several take reduction teams, this sort of analysis should be discussed, or at least alluded to, in the SAR so that reviewers understand that efforts are underway to appropriately separate the two stocks. See the Alaska SAR for harbor seals for an example on how a region can discuss ongoing efforts. *Response:* As noted in the comment, NMFS is continues to conduct research to distinguish between short-finned and long-finned pilot whales in the Atlantic Ocean, and progress in this effort has been reported in different fora. Results remain preliminary and will be included in the SARs upon peer-review of results. The SARs currently state that such research is underway; therefore, an additional discussion of the research would be unnecessary. *Comment 42:* There have been increasing reports over the last several years of shooting bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. It would be helpful to address this in the appropriate SARs (e.g., coastal or Bays, Sounds and Estuaries). *Response:* SARs for the Gulf of Mexico bottlenose dolphin, Coastal stocks and Bays, Sounds and Estuaries stocks, note gunshots as a source of mortality. The frequency of mortality for each type of human-related mortality is currently not given in these SARs, but we will evaluate whether this can be done in an efficient manner for future revisions. *Comment 43:* The 2007 Atlantic Ocean SAR does not cite potential risk to Kogia species from sonar sound, even though data in published literature support concern that military sonar may affect Kogia much like it affects beaked whales, and concern has been expressed about the potential effects on Kogia of oil and gas industry activities in the Gulf of Mexico. We believe that, to be complete, NMFS should describe in the SARs those sources of undetermined effect for which there is a reasonable basis for concern, even if conclusive evidence of effect is not yet available. *Response:* The two Atlantic Kogia SARs were revised to note potential, although undocumented, concerns from such sources. *Comment 44:* NMFS needs to better update bottlenose dolphin stock structure in the Gulf of Mexico. Given the difficulty of in ascribing fisheries-related mortality to an individual stock, all stocks should be designated as strategic. *Response:* Research concerning Gulf of Mexico bottlenose dolphin stock structure continued in 2007, and the following fieldwork was conducted:
(1)Winter and summer aerial surveys to estimate the abundance of the northern and eastern coastal stocks;
(2)A summer large-vessel abundance/biopsy survey of continental shelf waters to estimate the abundance of the Continental Shelf Stock and to provide samples for genetic stock structure studies; and
(3)A summer photo-identification and biopsy survey of Choctawhatchee Bay, FL (one of 33 Gulf of Mexico Bay, Sound and Estuarine stocks) to estimate the abundance and provide samples for genetic stock studies. Data/samples from all of these field efforts are currently being analyzed. Additional fieldwork is necessary to update all of the Gulf Bay, Sound and Estuarine stocks and Coastal stocks. Results from these efforts will be included in SARs when the data are fully analyzed and subjected to peer review. *Comment 45:* Given the increasing trend of bycatch, Atlantic white-sided dolphins should be designated as strategic. *Response:* Although incidental mortality and serious injury have increased in recent years, the estimated total remains approximately 40 percent below PBR (379). The status of this stock has been reviewed with the Atlantic SRG, and based, on those discussions, a non-strategic status was deemed to be appropriate. NMFS has convened a trawl take reduction team to reduce incidental mortality and serious injury of white-sided dolphins and other small cetaceans. *Comment 46:* Abundance and take estimates for short and long-finned pilot whales should be separated based on recent genetic and survey data. These stocks should both be considered strategic. *Response:* Genetic sampling and analyses are ongoing. At this time the data are insufficient to allocate abundance survey sightings or un-sampled bycatch to species. The status of these stocks has been reviewed with the Atlantic SRG, and, based on those discussions, a non-strategic status was deemed to be appropriate. To deal with the uncertainty regarding species identification, identical abundance and bycatch estimates were assigned to each species. Comments on Pacific Regional Reports *Comment 47:* The draft SAR conflates genetically-distinct false killer whale stocks. There is no scientifically-recognized Hawaii stock of false killer whales. NMFS' approach is not consistent with the best available scientific information. *Response:* NMFS agrees the Hawaii stock of false killer whales includes two genetically distinct populations found within the Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Insufficient information on the distribution of each population was available at the time of draft SAR preparation to separate these two populations into different stocks. The draft SAR states that for management purposes, NMFS has provisionally lumped these two genetically distinct groups of false killer whales in the EEZ. NMFS also recognizes a stock of false killer whales near Palmyra Atoll. The report also notes that NMFS continues to collect and analyze information to help resolve population structure of false killer whales in the North Pacific Ocean. At the most recent SRG meeting, NMFS proposed a revision of stock structure for false killer whales within the Hawaiian EEZ and anticipates incorporating this proposal into the draft 2008 reports. NMFS disagrees the approach used in the false killer whale SAR is inconsistent with the best available scientific information. The SAR partitions abundance, PBR and mortality/serious injury to assess the impact of removals of false killer whales incidental to U.S. fisheries with the information available (stock boundaries outside the EEZ are unknown, abundance of false killer whales outside the EEZ is unknown, and mortality and serious injury incidental to foreign fisheries is unknown). The approach is consistent with the best available information, with NMFS' guidelines for preparing SARs, and with the MMPA. *Comment 48:* Human-caused mortality estimates for blue whales should be updated to include a number of ship strike events documented in 2007. *Response:* Human-caused mortality information included in the stock assessments represents data for the most recent five-year period for which data are available. At the time the 2007 draft stock assessments were written, the recent ship strike events had not occurred. Ship strike data for the previous calendar year 2006 were also not available to the authors at that time. *Comment 49:* The SAR for short-finned pilot whales, CA/OR/WA stock, should be updated to report that a pilot observer program was implemented in this fishery in 2004 and that no pilot whale interactions have been observed in 95 fishing trips through early 2007. NMFS should also strike language from the stock assessment that assigns responsibility for 14 fishery-related pilot whale strandings between 1974 and 1990 to the squid purse seine fishery, while not providing evidence for the fishery-specific source of the mortalities. *Response:* The report was updated to reflect the recent lack of pilot whale interactions in the squid purse seine fishery. There is well-documented historical evidence (cited in the stock assessment) of pilot whale interactions and mortalities resulting from interactions with this fishery, and while no recent interactions have occurred, the text on historical interactions is included to give the reader perspective on past and current risks to the stock. *Comment 50:* The long-beaked common dolphin stock assessment should be modified so that inter-annual variability in abundance estimates is adequately addressed. The stock has gone from “non-strategic” to “strategic” status, largely because of steep decline in the estimate of abundance for this stock, while the annual human-caused mortality has not changed significantly (from 11 animals to 17 animals in the draft stock assessment). *Response:* The SAR notes the high inter-annual variability in abundance estimates for this stock. *Comment 51:* Mortalities in the form of fishery-related strandings should be included in the table that summarizes fishery mortality for Pacific white-sided dolphins, CA/OR/WA stock. *Response:* Table 1 of the stock assessment includes fishery-related strandings in the summation of mortalities although the specific fishery responsible for the mortalities is listed as unknown. *Comment 52:* We trust that methodology to allow for species-specific management of mesoplodont beaked whales is being developed, rather than the current strategy of lumping six species under one management unit. *Response:* NMFS agrees that finer scale resolution of stock management for these species is desirable. Unfortunately, field identification of most of these species is difficult, which prevents species-specific abundance estimates. Progress has been made with the identification of Blainville's beaked whales, and a stock-specific abundance estimate which appeared in the draft 2007 stock assessment. *Comment 53:* NMFS should use a more precautionary approach in designating a strategic status for the CA/OR/WA stocks of pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, given the lack of abundance estimates and evidence of historic mortality. *Response:* Pygmy and dwarf sperm whales occur only rarely in waters under the jurisdiction of the U.S. The fishery with which these stocks have interacted in the past is the CA/OR drift gillnet fishery, which has been subject to observer coverage since the early 1990s. No mortality of these stocks of marine mammals have been noted in recent years. In addition, a Take Reduction Plan has been prepared and implemented for the fishery to protect offshore cetaceans; presumably, these pygmy and dwarf sperm whales are deriving benefit from the plan even though the stocks are not driving the need for the plan. Therefore, labeling these stocks as “strategic” would add no additional protection. *Comment 54:* Provide clarification on whether or not estimates of sperm whale, CA/OR/WA stock, abundance are corrected for diving whales that were not sighted during surveys. *Response:* Estimates are corrected for diving animals not seen during surveys. The stock assessment was revised to clarify this point. Dated: April 15, 2008. David Cottingham, Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Divison, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8-8406 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Estuarine Research Reserve System AGENCY: Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Public Comment Period for the Revised Management Plan for the Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty-day public comment period on the Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision. The Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve has three sites; Monie Bay, Jug Bay, and Otter Point Creek. Monie Bay was designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1985 and Jug Bay and Otter Point Creek were designated in 1990 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating under a management plan approved in 1990. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan brings the reserve into compliance and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. A boundary expansion, new facilities, and updated programmatic objectives are notable revisions to the 1990 approved management plan. The revised management plan outlines the administrative structure; the education, stewardship, and research goals of the reserve; and the plans for future land acquisition and facility development to support reserve operations. Since 1990, the reserve has added a coastal training program that delivers science-based information to key decisionmakers in the Chesapeake Bay. The reserve has realized many aspects of the 1990 plan, including the completion of the Anita C. Leight Center in Harford County. This facility provides classrooms, lab space, exhibit space and office space and has allowed the implementation of research, education and volunteer activity at the Otter Point Creek component of the reserve. This management plan calls for a boundary expansion at two reserve sites: One thousand three hundred and forty-five acres are incorporated into the Jug Bay component site and approximately thirty-two acres will be incorporated into the Otter Point Creek site. The Otter Point Creek component will expand its land area from 443 to 475 acres. The land increase consists of two forested parcels adjacent to the current boundary that will serve as a buffer for core estuarine habitat and will also provide an important access point for monitoring and education programming. The expansion at Jug Bay includes land on both sides of the Patuxent River, increasing the acreage of this site from 491 to 1,836. The original boundary for this component site included a portion of the county owned parks. This expansion incorporates a larger portion of those parks to become designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserves. West of the Patuxent River, the reserve will add 455 acres of wetlands and buffer lands that will enhance the protection of core reserve lands and will enhance the research and monitoring. East of the Patuxent River, the reserve will be expanded by 890 acres to increase the level of protection surrounding the river and expand the area available for reserve programming. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Migliori at
(301)563-1126 or Laurie McGilvray at
(301)563-1158 of NOAA's National Ocean Service, Estuarine Reserves Division, 1305 East-West Highway, N/ORM5, 10th floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910. For copies of the Chesapeake Bay Management Plan revision, visit *http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr/* . Dated: April 10, 2008. David M. Kennedy, Director, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. E8-8345 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket No. DoD-2008-OS-0037] Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Defense Information Systems Agency, DoD. ACTION: Notice. In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the *Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,* the Defense Information Systems Agency announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. 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 of the proposed information collection;
(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 collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other form of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by June 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket 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, docket number and title 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: To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to Mr. Robert Berk, P. O. Box 4502, Arlington VA 22204-4502 or call
(703)681-2232. *Title and OMB Number:* DISA Computing Services Survey; OMB Number 0704-TBD. *Needs and Uses:* The survey data is needed from those organizations that use the DISA Computing Services provided by DISA Center for Computing Services. The survey responses will help determine the customers' satisfaction level with the provided Data Processing and Help Desk/ Operations Support team
(OST)services. It will offer an opportunity for suggested changes as well. This information will be used to develop and execute an action plan that addresses all major issue areas perceived by the customer end-users. *Affected Public:* DISA Contractors, potential DISA contractors, or all contractors who work for DoD related Services/Agencies and who use DISA Computing Services offerings. *Annual Burden Hours:* 92 hours. *Number Of Respondents:* 275. *Responses Per Respondent:* 1. *Average Burden Per Response:* 20 minutes. *Frequency:* Annually. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Summary of Information Collection The survey data is needed from those organizations that use the DISA Computing Services provided by DISA Center for Computing Services. The survey responses will help determine the customers' satisfaction level with the provided Data Processing and Help Desk/ Operations Support team
(OST)services. It will offer an opportunity for suggested changes as well. This information will be used to develop and execute an action plan that addresses all major issue areas perceived by the customer end-users. Dated: March 24, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. E8-8375 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket No. DoD-2008-OS-0034] Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: National Security Agency, DoD. ACTION: Notice In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the *Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,* the National Security Agency announces a proposed new public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. 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 of the proposed information collection;
(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 collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by June 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket 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, docket number and title 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: To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to the National Security Agency, Information Assurance Directorate, ATTN: Mr. Matthew Needleman or IAWS Coordinator, 9800 Savage Road, Suite 6716, Fort Meade, MD 20755-6716, or call the Information Assurance Directorate, Community Outreach Office, at
(410)854-3354/7811. *Title and OMB Number:* Information Assurance Workshop Survey, OMB Number 0704-TBD. *Needs and Uses:* The purpose of collecting this information is to obtain feedback from the annual Information Assurance Workshop attendees on location, accommodations, workshop speakers and content, etc. This feedback will be used to only to improve future workshops. *Affected Public:* DoD contractors. *Annual Burden Hours:* 33. *Number Of Respondents:* 400. *Responses Per Respondent:* 1. *Average Burden Per Response:* 5 minutes. *Frequency:* Annually. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Summary of Information Collection Respondents have attended the annual Information Assurance Workshop sponsored by the government. Information gathered (on a voluntary basis) will be used only to enhance future workshops. No data collected or information related to the attendee will be released or made available to the public. Additionally, no correlation between the information gathered and the attendee will me made nor is it desired. Dated: April 1, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. E8-8377 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Reserve Forces Policy Board
(RFPB)AGENCY: Department of Defense; Office of the Secretary of Defense Reserve Forces Policy Board ACTION: Notice of Advisory Committee Meeting. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR § 102-3.150, the Department of Defense announces the following Federal advisory committee meeting of the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB). Previously, the Committee Management Officer for the Department of Defense waived the 15-calendar day requirement for publishing the **Federal Register** notice for this meeting. That waiver, issued pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.150(b), remains in effect. DATES: April 15, 2008 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and April 16, 2008 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.). ADDRESSES: Meeting address is HQ U.S. Northern Command, Building 2, Peterson AFB, CO 80914. Mailing address is Reserve Forces Policy Board, 7300 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-7300. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Col Marjorie Davis, Designated Federal Officer,
(703)697-4486 (Voice),
(703)614-0504 (Facsimile), *marjorie.davis@osd.mil* . Mailing address is Reserve Forces Policy Board, 7300 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-7300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Purpose of the Meeting:* A quarterly meeting of the Reserve Forces Policy Board. *Agenda:* Discussion of homeland security and other issues relevant to the Reserve Components. *Meeting Accessibility:* Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)1, as amended, portions of the meeting will be closed. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165, and the availability of space, portions of this meeting are open to the public. To request a seat to open portions of the meeting, contact the DFO at 703-697-4486, or by e-mail, *marjorie.davis@osd.mil* and/or *donald.ahern@osd.mil* . *Written Statements:* Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140, the public or interested organizations may submit written statements to the membership of the Reserve Forces Policy Board at any time or in response to the stated agenda of a planned meeting. Written statements should be submitted to the Reserve Forces Policy Board's Designated Federal Officer. The Designated Federal Officer's contact information can be obtained from the GSA's FACA Database— *https://www.fido.gov/facadatabase/public.asp.* Written statements that do not pertain to a scheduled meeting of the Reserve Forces Policy Board may be submitted at any time. However, if individual comments pertain to a specific topic being discussed at a planned meeting then these statements must be submitted no later than five business days prior to the meeting in question. The Designated Federal Officer will review all submitted written statements and provide copies to all the committee members. Dated: April 14, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. E8-8382 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Nationwide TRICARE Demonstration Project AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs)/TRICARE Management Activity, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice Extending Deadline for Demonstration Project. SUMMARY: On November 5, 2001, the Department of Defense
(DoD)published a notice of a Nationwide TRICARE Demonstration Project (66 FR 55928-55930). On October 1, 2004, DoD published a notice (69 FR 58895) to extend the demonstration through October 31, 2005. On October 12, 2005, DoD published a notice (70 FR 59320) to extend the demonstration through October 31, 2007. On June 19, 2007, the Department published a notice (72 FR 33742) to extend the demonstration through October 31, 2008. On August 22, 2006, the Department published a proposed rule to implement sections 704 and 705 of the Ronald Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, and is in the process of promulgating the final rule. The demonstration is also referred to as the Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom Reservist and National Guard Benefits Demonstration. This notice is to advise interested parties of the continuation of the demonstration in which the DoD Military Health System addresses unreasonable impediments to the continuity of health care encountered by certain family members of Reservists and National Guardsmen called to Active Duty in support of a Federal/contingency operation. The demonstration scheduled to end on October 31, 2008, is now extended through October 31, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs), TRICARE Management Activity, TRICARE Policy and Operations Directorate, at
(703)681-0039. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The continued activation of Reserve Component members in support of Noble Eagle/Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom warrants the continuation of the demonstration to support the health care needs and morale of family members of activated reservists and guardsmen. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2005 amended existing statutes to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide these benefits permanently by regulation. The demonstration needs to be extended to allow sufficient time to complete the rule-making process. The impact, if the demonstration is not extended before the regulation is completed, includes higher out-of-pocket costs and potential inability of beneficiaries to continue to use the same provider for ongoing care. There are three separate components to the demonstration. First, those who participate in TRICARE Standard will not be responsible for paying the TRICARE Standard deductible. By law, the TRICARE Standard deductible for Active Duty dependents is $150 per individual and $300 per family ($50/$150 for E-4's and below). The second component extends TRICARE payments up to 115 percent of the TRICARE maximum allowable charge, less the applicable patient co-payment, for care received from a provider that does not participate (accept assignment) under TRICARE to the extent necessary to ensure timely access to care and clinically appropriate continuity of care. Third, the demonstration authorizes a waiver of the non-availability statement requirement of nonemergency inpatient care. This demonstration project is being conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 1092. This demonstration is extended through October 31, 2009. Dated: April 14, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. E8-8385 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors Meeting AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 9355, the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors
(BoV)will meet in the Rayburn House Building, Washington, DC, on 8 May 2008. The purpose of this meeting is to review morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy. Meeting sessions will begin at 9 a.m. on 8 May 2008, in room 2105 of the Rayburn House Building, Washington, DC. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR 102-3.155, the Department of Defense has determined that a portion of this meeting shall be closed to the public. The Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Office of the Air Force General Counsel, has determined that one portion of this meeting be closed to the public because it will involve matters covered by subsection (c)(6) of 5 U.S.C. 552b. Public attendance at the open portions of this USAFA BoV meeting shall be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis up to the reasonable and safe capacity of the meeting room. In addition, any member of the public wishing to provide input to the USAFA BoV should submit a written statement in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.140(c) and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA)and the procedures described in this paragraph. Written statements must address the following details: the issue, discussion, and a recommended course of action. Supporting documentation may also be included as needed to establish the appropriate historical context and provide any necessary background information. Written statements can be submitted to the Designated Federal Officer
(DFO)at the address detailed below at any time. However, if a written statement is not received at least 10 days before the first day of the meeting which is the subject of this notice, then it may not be provided to, or considered by, the BoV until its next open meeting. The DFO will review all timely submissions with the BoV Chairperson and ensure they are provided to members of the BoV before the meeting that is the subject of this notice. For the benefit of the public, rosters that list the names of BoV members and any releasable materials presented during open portions of this BoV meeting shall be made available upon request. If, after review of timely submitted written comments, the BoV Chairperson and DFO deem appropriate, they may choose to invite the submitter of the written comments to orally present their issue during an open portion of the BoV meeting that is the subject of this notice. Members of the BoV may also petition the Chairperson to allow specific persons to make oral presentations before the BoV. Any oral presentations before the BoV shall be in accordance with 41 CFR 102-3.140(c), section 10(a)(3) of the FACA, and this paragraph. The DFO and BoV Chairperson may, if desired, allot a specific amount of time for members of the public to present their issues for BoV review and discussion. Direct questioning of BoV members or meeting participants by the public is not permitted except with the approval of the DFO and Chairperson. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Or to attend this BoV meeting, contact Mr. Scotty Ashley, USAFA Programs Manager, Directorate of Airman Development and Sustainment, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel, AF/A1DOA, 1040 Air Force Pentagon, Washington, DC 20330-1040,
(703)695-3594. Bao-Anh Trinh, Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8372 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-05-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Availability of the Record of Decision
(ROD)for the Permanent Stationing of the 2/25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team
(SBCT)AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-3/5/7 has reviewed the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS)for the Permanent Stationing of the 2/25th SBCT and has made the decision to proceed with all facets of Alternative A. Alternative A permanently stations the 2/25th SBCT at Schofield Barracks Military Reservation
(SBMR)while conducting the required training at military training sites in Hawaii. This alternative is summarized in the Army's ROD and described fully in Chapter 2 of the FEIS. ADDRESSES: The ROD can be accessed at *http://www.aec.army.mil.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Environmental Command, Building E4460, 5179 Hoadley Road, Attention: IMAE-PA, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5401; telephone: 410-436-2556; facsimile:
(410)436-1693. The Public Affairs Office is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS assessed the potential environmental consequences of the alternatives on the biological, physical, and cultural environments. This decision incorporates analyses contained in the FEIS, comments provided during formal public comment and review periods, and an evaluation of the ability of each alternative to meet the Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action. Hawaii was selected primarily because it is best able to meet the Army's strategic defense and national security needs in the Pacific Theater. A fuller rationale for the decision can be found in the Record of Decision. Dated: April 11, 2008. Addison D. Davis, IV, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health). [FR Doc. E8-8296 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers Availability of the Draft Feasibility Report and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Draft State Environmental Impact Report for the Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Improvement Project AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District in partnership with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has prepared a joint Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and State Draft Environmental Impact Report (DSEIS/DEIR) examining improvements to deep-draft navigation channels in Boston Harbor, Boston, MA. Four separate improvements were developed. The first examined deepening the outer and lower harbor's existing 40-foot channel system to provide deeper access to Massport's Conley Terminal in South Boston for containership traffic. All depths are referenced to minus mean lower low water (MLLW). Navigation channel depths of between 45 to 50 feet were examined, with a depth of 48 feet recommended, with an additional two feet in the entrance channel. Under this plan the following project features would be improved: the 40-foot lane of the Broad Sound North Entrance Channel would be deepened to 50 feet and widened through the bend at Finn's Ledge. The 40-foot lane of the Main Ship Channel from the Broad Sound North Entrance Channel upstream through President Roads to the Reserved Channel would be deepened to 48 feet and its 600-foot-wide reaches widened to between 800 and 900 feet, with additional width in the bends. The 40-foot lower reach of Reserved Channel and its turning area would be deepened to 48 feet, with the turning area also widened to 1600 feet. The 40-foot President Roads Anchorage would be deepened to 48 feet. The second improvement would deepen the existing 40-foot lane of the Main Ship Channel from the Reserved Channel Turning Area upstream to just below the Third Harbor Tunnel to a depth of 45 feet, to improve access to the Massport Marine Terminal in South Boston. The third improvement would deepen a portion of the 35-foot Mystic River Channel lane to 40 feet to improve access to Massport's Medford Street Terminal. The fourth and final improvement would deepen the 38-foot Chelsea River Channel to 40 feet, with minor widening in the bridge approaches and the bend between the bridges. In conjunction with work in the Federal channels, the Massachusetts Port Authority would deepen vessel berths at the Conley Terminal and Marine Terminal. Terminals on the Chelsea River would also deepen their berths to match the new channel depth. A total of about 12.1 million cubic yards
(cy)of parent material, and 1.2 million cy of rock, would be removed by dredging and placed at the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site (MBDS). Beneficial use opportunities for the dredged material have been identified and would be considered further during final design of the project. Those beneficial use opportunities include: creation of rock reefs in Massachusetts Bay and Broad Sound, and using the non-rock material as cover at the former Industrial Waste Site, which overlaps the MBDS. This joint Federal and State document builds on the lessons learned from the final EIR/S prepared in June of 1995 for the previous navigation improvement project in Boston Harbor. DATES: Submit comments on or before June 2, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted to Colonel Curtis L. Thalken, District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Catherine Rogers,
(978)318-8231. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is authorized to conduct this Feasibility Study by a Senate Subcommittee on Public Works Resolution dated September 11, 1969. The DSEIS/DEIR is available on-line on the New England District's Web page at *http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/projects/ma/BHNIP/BostonHarbor_draft_FeasibilitySEIS.zip* and at the following local libraries: Boston Libraries—25 Parameter Street, 20 City Hall Avenue, 18 Barnes Avenue, 666 Boylston Street, Boston City Hall, 179 Main Street, 646 West Broadway, 276 Meridan Street; Chelsea Library—569 Broadway; Revere Library—179 Beach Street; and the Winthrop Library—2 Metcalf Square. If you wish to receive a copy of the Executive Summary or an electronic copy of the DSEIS/DEIR, please contact Ms. Catherine Rogers, Ecologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Evaluation Branch, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742. A public meeting to solicit comments has been scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, on the second floor of the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, One Black Falcon Avenue, Boston, MA. Dated: April 8, 2008. Curtis L. Thalken, Colonel, Corps of Engineers, New England District. [FR Doc. E8-8202 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-24-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement for the Carryover Storage and San Vicente Dam Raise Project (CSP), San Diego County, CA AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)of 1969 (as amended), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Corps) Regulatory Branch, in coordination with the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority), has completed a Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Carryover Storage and San Vicente Dam Raise Project (CSP). Four alternatives were co-equally analyzed in the EIR/EIS, including Alternative 1 (100,000 acre-feet of carryover storage at San Vicente), Alternative 2 (100,000 acre-feet of carryover storage at Moosa Canyon), Alternative 3 (50,000 acre-feet of carryover storage at San Vicente and 50,000 acre-feet of carryover storage at Moosa Canyon) and the No Action Alternative, as required by NEPA. As the project proponent and applicant, the Water Authority selected Alternative 1 as its preferred alternative. The proposed CSP requires authorization pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act for approximately 0.34 acre of fill placement in jurisdictional waters of the United States, including wetlands, to construct an expansion of the existing San Vicente Dam to store approximately 100,000 acre-feet of carryover storage water. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions or comments concerning the Final EIR/EIS should be directed to Mr. Robert R. Smith, Jr., Regulatory Project Manager/Team Leader San Diego Field Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, 16885 W. Bernardo Drive, Suite 300A, San Diego, CA 92127,
(858)674-6784. Alternatively, comments can be submitted electronically to: *robert.r.smith@usace.army.mil* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paper copies of the Final EIR/EIS will be made available to the public for review at the following: the San Diego County Water Authority offices at 4677 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123; the Lakeside Public Library, 9839 Vine Street, Lakeside, CA 92040; and the Valley Center Public Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. A CD copy of the document may be obtained by contacting Ms. Kelley Gage at the San Diego County Water Authority at the address above, or by e-mailing Ms. Gage at *kgage@sdcwa.org* . A copy of the Final EIR/EIS is also available online at the Water Authority's Web site: *http://www.sdcwa.org/* . Interested parties are invited to provide their comments on the Final EIR/EIS, which will become a part of the official record and will be considered in the final decision. Written comments must be received on or before May 19, 2008 and should be submitted to the contact listed above. A Record of Decision
(ROD)will be issued by the Corps no earlier than 30 days after the Notice of Receipt for the Final EIR/EIS is published in the **Federal Register** . Dated: April 8, 2008. Mark Durham, Acting Chief, Regulatory Branch. [FR Doc. E8-8282 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-KF-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Availability of Finding AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), implementing procedural provisions of NEPA, and Executive Order
(EO)12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions, the Department of the Navy
(DON)gives notice that a combined Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)/Finding of No Significant Harm (FONSH) has been issued and is available for Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise (CSG COMPTUEX) April/May 2008. DATES: The effective date of the finding is April 14, 2008. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the combined FONSI/FONSH are available for public viewing or downloading at *http://www.navydocuments.com* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander, Second Fleet Public Affairs, Commander Phillips, telephone: 757-443-9822 or visit *http://www.navydocuments.com* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CSG COMPTUEX (April-May 2008) is a major Navy Atlantic Fleet training exercise proposed to occur in April and May 2008 in the offshore Jacksonville Operating Area (OPAREA) and adjacent military installations. The purpose of this exercise is to certify naval forces as combat-ready. Activities conducted during the exercise include air-to-ground
(ATG)bombing at land ranges, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Naval Gunfire, Fast Attack Craft/Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FAC/FIAC), and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), including use of mid-frequency active
(MFA)sonar. The FONSI is based on analysis contained in a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment
(EA)addressing environmental impacts associated with land-based training for Major Atlantic Fleet Training Exercises on the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. The FONSH is based on analysis contained in a Comprehensive Overseas Environmental Assessment
(OEA)and Supplement to the Comprehensive OEA
(SOEA)for environmental impacts associated with Navy's conduct of major exercise training in offshore operating areas along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. Environmental concerns addressed in the EA included land use, community facilities, coastal zone management, socioeconomics, cultural resources, airspace, air quality, noise, geology, soils, water resources, biological resources, munitions and hazardous materials management, and safety. The EA and OEA addressed potential impacts to the ocean physical environment, fish and Essential Fish Habitat; sea turtles and marine mammals; seabirds and migratory birds; endangered and threatened species; socioeconomics; and cultural resources. The SOEA included an updated analysis of MFA sonar use associated with the CSG COMPTUEX. This action includes mitigation measures to reduce impacts to a level that is less than significant. In accordance with the Major Atlantic Fleet Training Exercise EA and OEA and the SOEA and the evaluation of the nature, scope and intensity of the proposed action, the Navy finds that the conduct of the CSG COMPTUEX in April and May 2008 will not significantly impact or harm the environment and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement or Overseas Environmental Impact Statement is not required. Dated: April 9, 2008. T. M. Cruz, Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8383 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Paducah AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE). ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Paducah. 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: Thursday, May 15, 2008, 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: Barkley Centre, 111 Memorial Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reinhard Knerr, Deputy Designated Federal Officer, Department of Energy Paducah Site Office, Post Office Box 1410, MS-103, Paducah, Kentucky 42001,
(270)441-6825. 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 6 p.m. Call to Order, Introductions, Review of Agenda, Approval of March Meeting Minutes. 6:15 p.m. Deputy Designated Federal Officer's Comments. 6:30 p.m. Federal Coordinator's Comments. 6:35 p.m. Liaisons' Comments. 6:45 p.m. Presentation. 7:15 p.m. Public Comments. 7:30 p.m. Administrative Issues. • Motions. • Review Next Agenda. 7:45 p.m. Final Comments. 8 p.m. Adjourn. Breaks taken as appropriate. *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 Reinhard Knerr 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 Reinhard Knerr at the address and phone number listed above. Minutes will also be available at the Web site *http://www.pgdpcab.org/minutes.htm.* Issued at Washington, DC on April 15, 2008. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8389 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridge Reservation 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), Oak Ridge Reservation. 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: Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: DOE Information Center, 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Halsey, Federal Coordinator, Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box 2001, EM-90, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Phone
(865)576-4025; Fax
(865)576-2347 or e-mail: *halseypj@oro.doe.gov* or check the Web site at *http://www.oakridge.doe.gov/em/ssab* . 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:* The main meeting topic will be on the “Report on Submittal of the Integrated Facility Disposition Project Critical Decision-1 Document.” *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 the agenda item should contact Pat Halsey 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 Pat Halsey at the address and phone number listed above. Minutes will also be available at the following Web site: *http://www.oakridge.doe.gov/em/ssab/minutes.htm* . Issued at Washington, DC on April 14, 2008. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8404 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY High Energy Physics Advisory Panel AGENCY: Department of Energy, Office of Science. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel (HEPAP). Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these meetings be announced in the **Federal Register** . DATES: Thursday, May 29, 2008; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, May 30, 2008; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: DoubleTree Hotel, 1515 Rhode Island Ave, NW., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Kogut, Executive Secretary; High Energy Physics Advisory Panel; U.S. Department of Energy; SC-25/Germantown Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-1290; Telephone: 301-903-1298. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Purpose of Meeting:* To provide advice and guidance on a continuing basis to the high energy physics research program. *Tentative Agenda:* Agenda will include discussions of the following: Thursday, May 29, 2008, and Friday, May 30, 2008 • Discussion of Department of Energy High Energy Physics Program. • Discussion of National Science Foundation Elementary Particle Physics Program. • Reports on and Discussions of Topics of General Interest in High Energy Physics. • Public Comment (10-minute rule). *Public Participation:* The meeting is open to the public. If you would like to file a written statement with the Panel, you may do so either before or after the meeting. If you would like to make oral statements regarding any of these items on the agenda, you should contact John Kogut, 301-903-1298 or *John.Kogut@science.doe.gov* (e-mail). You must make your request for an oral statement at least 5 business days before the meeting. Reasonable provision will be made to include the scheduled oral statements on the agenda. The Chairperson of the Panel will conduct the meeting to facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Public comment will follow the 10-minute rule. *Minutes:* The minutes of the meeting will be available for public review and copying within 90 days on the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel Web site. Minutes will also be available by writing or calling John Kogut at the address and phone number listed above. Issued at Washington, DC, on April 15, 2008. Rachel Samuel, Deputy Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8428 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [ER-FRL-6698-1] Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments Availability of EPA comments prepared pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), under section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at 202-564-7167. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental impact statements
(EISs)was published in FR dated April 11, 2008 (73 FR 19833). Draft EISs EIS No. 20070534, ERP No. D-AFS-L65546-ID, Idaho Roadless Area Conservation Project, To Provide State-Specific Direction for the Conservation and Management of Inventoried Roadless Areas, National Forest System Lands in Idaho. *Summary:* EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to drinking water, ground water, and the potential impacts from expansions of phosphate mining. The final EIS should clarify the disposition of temporary roads, especially duration and closure, consistent with NFMA. *Rating* EC2. EIS No. 20080014, ERP No. D-NPS-L65547-WA, San Juan Island National Historical Park, General Management Plan, Implementation, WA. *Summary:* EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to air and water quality, and requested additional data on current water and air quality within the park and mitigation for air and water quality impacts. *Rating* EC2. EIS No. 20080068, ERP No. D-NPS-J61113-SD, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, General Management Plan, Implementation, Jackson and Pennington Counties, SD. *Summary:* EPA has no objections to NPS's Preferred (Alternative 4). *Rating* LO. Final EISs EIS No. 20080051, ERP No. F-AFS-J65446-MT, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Draft Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, Implementation, Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow, Deerlodge, Granite, Jefferson, Madison Counties, MT. *Summary:* EPA continues to have environmental concerns about impacts to fisheries, wildlife and other unique aquatic resources. EIS No. 20080124, ERP No. F-USN-D11043-MD, National Naval Medical Center, Activities to Implement 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Actions, Construction and Operation of New Facilities for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. *Summary:* EPA's previous concerns have been resolved; therefore, EPA does not object to the proposed action. EIS No. 20080093, ERP No. FS-AFS--L65382-ID, Meadow Face Stewardship Pilot Project, Improvement to Aquatic and Terrestrial Vegetative Conditions, Supplement Information on the Cumulative Effects Analysis, Nez Perce National Forest, Clearwater Ranger District, Idaho County, ID. *Summary:* No comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. Dated: April 15, 2008. Robert W. Hargrove, Director, NEPA Compliance Division Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. E8-8396 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [ER-FRL-6697-9] Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability *Responsible Agency:* Office of Federal Activities, General Information
(202)564-7167 or *http://www.epa.gov/compliance/nepa/* . Weekly receipt of Environmental Impact Statements filed 04/07/2008 through 04/11/2008 pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.9. EIS No. 20080133, Draft EIS, NPS, TX, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, General Management Plan, Implementation, Culberson and Hudspeth Counties, TX, Comment Period Ends: 06/09/2008, Contact: Roxanne Runkel 303-969-2377. EIS No. 20080134, Draft EIS, NPS, MI, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, General Management Plan and Wilderness Study, Implementation, Benzie and Leelanau Counties, MI, Comment Period Ends: 06/02/2008, Contact: Nick Chevance 402-661-1844. EIS No. 20080135, Draft EIS, COE, TN, PROGRAMMATIC—Hydropower Rehabilitations, Dissolved Oxygen and Minimum Flow Regimes at Wolf Creek Dam, Kentucky and Center Hill and Dale Hollow Dams, Tennessee, Implementation, Comment Period Ends: 06/03/2008, Contact: Chip Hall 615-736-7666. EIS No. 20080136, Draft EIS, BIA, CA, Ione Band of Miwok Indians Project, Proposed 228.04 Acre Fee-to-Trust Land Transfer and Casino Project, Amador County, CA, Comment Period Ends: 07/02/2008, Contact: John Rydzik 916-978-6042. EIS No. 20080137, Draft EIS, AFS, OR, East Maury Fuels and Vegetation Management Project, Proposed Fuels and Vegetation Treatments Reduce the Risk of Stand Loss, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Ochoco National Forest, Crook County, OR , Comment Period Ends: 06/02/2008, Contact: Barb Fontaine 541-416-6500. EIS No. 20080138, Final EIS, NOA, 00, Reef Fish Amendment 30A: Greater Amberjack—Revise Rebuilding Plan, Accountability Measures: Gray Triggerfish-Establish Rebuilding Plan, End Overfishing, Accountability Measures, Regional Management, Management Thresholds and Benchmarks, Gulf of Mexico, Wait Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Roy E. Crabtree 727-824-5305. EIS No. 20080139, Draft EIS, FHW, MN, Trunk Highway 23 and U.S. Highway 71 Project, Construction of One or More Grade-Separated Bridge Crossings, Dovre Township, Northeast of Wilmar County, Kandiyohi, MN, Comment Period Ends: 06/02/2008, Contact: Lowell Flaten 320-214-6367. EIS No. 20080140, Final EIS, DOI, UT, Lower Duchesne River Wetlands Mitigation Project (LDWP), Restoration Measures in the Lower Duchesne River Area, Strawberry Aqueduct and Collection System
(SACS)on portion of the Strawberry Reservoir, Implementation, Ute Indian Tribe, NPDES and U.S. Army COE Section 404 Permits, Duchesne, Utah, Uintah Counties, UT , Wait Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Ralph G.Swanson 801-379-1254. EIS No. 20080141, Final EIS, TVA, TN, Rutherford-Williamson-Davidson Power Supply Improvement Project, Proposes to Construct and Operate a New 500-kilovolt
(kV)Rutherford Substation, a New 27-mile 500-kV Transmission Line and Two New 9- and 15-mile 161-kV Transmission Lines, Rutherford, Williamson and Maury Counties, TN, Wait Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Anita E. Masters 423-751-8697. EIS No. 20080142, Final EIS, COE, CA, Carryover Storage and San Vicente Dam Raise Project, Providing Additional Storage Capacity for 100,000 area feet of Water by the Year 2011, Issuance of Permits, Section 10 and 404 Permits, San Diego County, CA, Wait Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Robert R. Smith 858-674-6784. EIS No. 20080143, Second Draft Supplement, COE, MA, Boston Harbor Federal Deep Draft Navigation Improvement Project, To Evaluate the Feasibility of Channel Deepening and Related Berth Improvements at the Port of Boston, Chelsea and Revere, Boston, MA, Comment Period Ends: 06/02/2008, Contact: Catherine Rogers 978-318-8231. EIS No. 20080144, Draft EIS, CGD, FL, Port Dolphin LLC Liquefied Natural Gas Deepwater Port License Application, Proposes to Own, Construct and Operate a Deepwater Port, Outer Continental Shelf, Manatee County, FL, Comment Period Ends: 06/02/2008, Contact: Raymond Martin 202-372-1449. EIS No. 20080145, Final EIS, FRC, 00, Rockies Express Pipeline Project (REX-East), Construction and Operation of Natural Gas Pipeline Facilities, WY, NE, MO, IL, IN and OH, Wait Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Andy Black 1-866-208-3372. EIS No. 20080146, Final EIS, NOA, 00, Amendment 2 to the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan, To Implement Management Measures that Prevent Overfishing and Rebuild Overfished Stocks, Implementation, Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ)of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, Wait Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen 301-713-2347. Amended Notices EIS No. 20080004, Draft EIS, NSA, 00, PROGRAMMATIC—EIS—Complex Transformation, To Make the U.S. Nuclear Weapon Complex Smaller, and more Responsive, Efficient and Secure in Order to Meet National Security Requirements, CA, NV, NM, SC, TN and TX, Comment Period Ends: 4/30/2008, Contact: Theodore A. Wyka 1-800-832-0885 Ext 63519. Revision of FR Notice Published 01/11/2008: Extending Comment Period from 04/09/2008 to 04/30/2008. EIS No. 20080021, Draft EIS, SFW, AK, Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge Project, Proposed Federal and Public Land Exchange, Right-of-Way Grant, Anchorage, AK, Comment Period Ends: 05/19/2008, Contact: Cyndie Wolfe 907-786-3463. Revision of FR Notice Published 01/25/2008: Reopening Comment Period from 03/25/2008 to 05/19/2008. EIS No. 20080088, Final EIS, FHW, MT, Miller Creek Road Project, To Provide Safe and Improved Access between U.S. 93 and the Miller Creek Area, Missoula County, MT, Wait Period Ends: 05/01/2008, Contact: Craig Genzlinger 406-449-5302 Ext 240. Revision to FR Notice Published 03/14/2008: Extending Comment Period from 04/14/2008 to 05/1/2008. Dated: April 15, 2008. Robert W. Hargrove, Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. E8-8397 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0274; FRL-8360-8] FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Notice of Public Meeting AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: There will be a 4 -day meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review The Agency's Evaluation of the Toxicity Profile of Chlorpyrifos. DATES: The meeting will be held on July 15-18, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Eastern Time. *Comments* . The Agency encourages that written comments be submitted by July 7, 2008 and requests for oral comments be submitted by July 10, 2008. However, written comments and requests to make oral comments may be submitted until the date of the meeting. Anyone submitting written comments after July 7, 2008 should contact the Designated Federal Official
(DFO)listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. For additional instructions, see Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . *Nominations* . Nominations of candidates to serve as ad hoc members of the FIFRA SAP for this meeting should be provided on or before May 2, 2008. *Special accommodations* . For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, and to request accommodation of a disability, please contact the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT at least 10 days prior to the meeting to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Environmental Protection Agency Conference Center, Lobby Level, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA 22202. *Comments.* Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID)number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0274, by one of the following methods: • *Federal eRulemaking Portal* : *http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • *Mail* : Office of Pesticide Programs
(OPP)Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. • *Delivery* : OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The Docket Facility telephone number is
(703)305-5805. *Instructions* . Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0274. If your comments contain any information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected, please contact the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT to obtain special instructions before submitting your comments. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the docket without change and may be made available on-line at *http://www.regulations.gov* , including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information
(CBI)or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-mail. The regulations.gov website is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. *Docket* . All documents in the docket are listed in a docket index available in regulations.gov. To access the electronic docket, go to *http://www.regulations.gov* , select “Advanced Search,” then “Docket Search.” Insert the docket ID number where indicated and select the “Submit” button. Follow the instructions on the regulations.gov website to view the docket index or access available documents. Although, listed in a docket index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available in the electronic docket at *http://www.regulations.gov* , or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The hours of operation of this Docket Facility are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is
(703)305-5805. *Nominations, requests to present oral comments, and requests for special accommodations* . Submit nominations to serve as an ad hoc member of the FIFRA SAP, requests for special seating accommodations, or requests to present oral comments to the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharlene R. Matten, DFO, Office of Science Coordination and Policy (7201M), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(202)564-0130; fax number:
(202)564-8382; e-mail addresses: *matten.sharlene@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, however, be of interest to persons who are or may be required to conduct testing of chemical substances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), FIFRA, and the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA). Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? When submitting comments, remember to: 1. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying information (subject heading, **Federal Register** date and page number). 2. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR)part or section number. 3. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. 4. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. 5. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. 6. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and suggest alternatives. 7. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. 8. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. C. How May I Participate in this Meeting? You may participate in this meeting by following the instructions in this unit. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0274 in the subject line on the first page of your request. 1. *Written comments* . The Agency encourages that written comments be submitted, using the instructions in ADDRESSES , no later than July 7, 2008, to provide FIFRA SAP the time necessary to consider and review the written comments. However, written comments are accepted until the date of the meeting. Persons wishing to submit written comments at the meeting should contact the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT and submit 30 copies. Anyone submitting written comments after July 7, 2008 should contact the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . There is no limit on the extent of written comments for consideration by FIFRA SAP. 2. *Oral comments* . The Agency encourages that each individual or group wishing to make brief oral comments to FIFRA SAP submit their request to the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT no later than July 10, 2008, in order to be included on the meeting agenda. Requests to present oral comments will be accepted until the date of the meeting and, to the extent that time permits, the Chair of the FIFRA SAP may permit the presentation of oral comments at the meeting by interested persons who have not previously requested time. The request should identify the name of the individual making the presentation, the organization (if any) the individual will represent, and any requirements for audiovisual equipment (e.g., overhead projector, 35 mm projector, chalkboard). Oral comments before FIFRA SAP are limited to approximately 5 minutes unless prior arrangements have been made. In addition, each speaker should bring 30 copies of his or her comments and presentation slides for distribution to the FIFRA SAP at the meeting. 3. *Seating at the meeting* . Seating at the meeting will be on a first-come basis. 4. *Request for nominations to serve as ad hoc members of the FIFRA SAP for this meeting* . As part of a broader process for developing a pool of candidates for each meeting, the FIFRA SAP staff routinely solicits the stakeholder community for nominations of prospective candidates for service as ad hoc members of the FIFRA SAP. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals to be considered as prospective candidates for a specific meeting. Individuals nominated for this meeting should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: i. Organophosphate pesticides. ii. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition. iii. Chlorpyrifos metabolism including paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) expression and activity. iv. Cholinergic and non-cholinergic modes/mechanisms of toxicity. v. Developmental neurotoxicity. vi. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling. vii. Interpretation of metabolite data from human samples. viii. Mode of action framework. ix Human relevance framework. x. Human health risk assessment. xi. Epidemiology. xii. IPSC WHO Guidance on Chemical Specific Adjustment Factors. Nominees should be scientists who have sufficient professional qualifications, including training and experience, to be capable of providing expert comments on the scientific issues for this meeting. Nominees should be identified by name, occupation, position, address, and telephone number. Nominations should be provided to the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT on or before May 2, 2008. The Agency will consider all nominations of prospective candidates for this meeting that are received on or before this date. However, final selection of ad hoc members for this meeting is a discretionary function of the Agency. The selection of scientists to serve on the FIFRA SAP is based on the function of the panel and the expertise needed to address the Agency's charge to the panel. No interested scientists shall be ineligible to serve by reason of their membership on any other advisory committee to a Federal department or agency or their employment by a Federal department or agency except the EPA. Other factors considered during the selection process include availability of the potential panel member to fully participate in the panel's reviews, absence of any conflicts of interest or appearance of lack of impartiality, independence with respect to the matters under review, and lack of bias. Although, financial conflicts of interest, the appearance of lack of impartiality, lack of independence, and bias may result in disqualification, the absence of such concerns does not assure that a candidate will be selected to serve on the FIFRA SAP. Numerous qualified candidates are identified for each panel. Therefore, selection decisions involve carefully weighing a number of factors including the candidates' areas of expertise and professional qualifications and achieving an overall balance of different scientific perspectives on the panel. In order to have the collective breadth of experience needed to address the Agency's charge for this meeting, the Agency anticipates selecting approximately 10 to 15 ad hoc scientists. FIFRA SAP members are subject to the provisions of 5 CFR part 2634, Executive Branch Financial Disclosure, as supplemented by the EPA in 5 CFR part 6401. In anticipation of this requirement, prospective candidates for service on the FIFRA SAP will be asked to submit confidential financial information which shall fully disclose, among other financial interests, the candidate's employment, stocks and bonds, and where applicable, sources of research support. The EPA will evaluate the candidates financial disclosure form to assess whether there are financial conflicts of interest, appearance of a lack of impartiality or any prior involvement with the development of the documents under consideration (including previous scientific peer review) before the candidate is considered further for service on the FIFRA SAP. Those who are selected from the pool of prospective candidates will be asked to attend the public meetings and to participate in the discussion of key issues and assumptions at these meetings. In addition, they will be asked to review and to help finalize the meeting minutes. The list of FIFRA SAP members participating at this meeting will be posted on the FIFRA SAP website at *http://epa.gov/scipoly/sap* or may be obtained from the OPP Regulatory Public Docket at *http://www.regulations.gov* . II. Background A. Purpose of the FIFRA SAP The FIFRA SAP serves as the primary scientific peer review mechanism of EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) and is structured to provide scientific advice, information and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on pesticides and pesticide-related issues as to the impact of regulatory actions on health and the environment. The FIFRA SAP is a Federal advisory committee established in 1975 under FIFRA that operates in accordance with requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The FIFRA SAP is composed of a permanent panel consisting of seven members who are appointed by the EPA Administrator from nominees provided by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. FIFRA, as amended by FQPA, established a Science Review Board consisting of at least 60 scientists who are available to the Scientific Advisory Panel on an ad hoc basis to assist in reviews conducted by the Scientific Advisory Panel. As a peer review mechanism, the FIFRA SAP provides comments, evaluations and recommendations to improve the effectiveness and quality of analyses made by Agency scientists. Members of the FIFRA SAP are scientists who have sufficient professional qualifications, including training and experience, to provide expert advice and recommendation to the Agency. B. Public Meeting In the last decade, there has been a substantial amount of research on the human health effects of chlorpyrifos. The Agency is currently updating the hazard identification and hazard characterization for chlorpyrifos, in part, by evaluating aspects of this research. The Agency is particularly focusing on studies that evaluate the effects of chlorpyrifos on infants and children from *in utero* and/or post-natal exposures and on studies that evaluate population variability with respect to response to chlorpyrifos. This review will encompass selected human epidemiological data, *in vivo* data in laboratory animals and *in vitro* studies. The Agency will be seeking comments from the SAP on the following areas: 1. Interpretation of recent epidemiological studies associating *in utero* and/or post-natal chlorpyrifos exposure with health outcomes; 2. Aspects of chlorpyrifos metabolism, such as differences in paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) expression and activity, which affects population variability with respect to the effects of chlorpyrifos and its oxon metabolite; and 3. Cholinergic and non-cholinergic modes/mechanisms of toxicity which are relevant to evaluating hazard and risk to infants and children. As part of this review, the Agency is evaluating the relevance of animal studies conducted by different routes of administration (e.g., gavage or subcutaneous injection) for conducting human health risk assessment to different age groups and by different exposure pathways. C. FIFRA SAP Documents and Meeting Minutes EPA's background paper, related supporting materials, charge/questions to the FIFRA SAP, FIFRA SAP composition (i.e., members and ad hoc members for this meeting), and the meeting agenda will be available by late June 2008. In addition, the Agency may provide additional background documents as the materials become available. You may obtain electronic copies of these documents, and certain other related documents that might be available electronically, at *http://www.regulations.gov* and the FIFRA SAP homepage at *http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap* . The FIFRA SAP will prepare meeting minutes summarizing its recommendations to the Agency approximately 90 days after the meeting. The meeting minutes will be posted on the FIFRA SAP website or may be obtained from the OPP Regulatory Public Docket at *http://www.regulations.gov* . List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elizabeth A. Resek, Acting Director, Office of Science Coordination and Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8399 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 a.m.] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8555-7] Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Notification of a Meeting of the Science Advisory Board's Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis (Council) AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The EPA Science Advisory Board
(SAB)Staff Office announces a public face-to-face meeting of the Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis (Council). DATES: The meeting dates are Thursday, May 8, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, May 9, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern Time). ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the SAB Conference Center at 1025 F Street, NW., Suite 3700, Washington, DC 20004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Members of the public who wish to obtain further information about this meeting may contact Dr. Holly Stallworth, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office (1400F), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; by telephone/voice mail:
(202)343-9867 or at *stallworth.holly@epa.gov* . General information about the SAB, as well as any updates concerning the meeting announced in this notice, may be found on the SAB Web Site at: * http://www.epa.gov/sab* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Background:* The Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis (Council) is a Federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., App. The Council is charged with providing advice, information and recommendations to the Agency on the economic issues associated with programs implemented under the Clean Air Act and its Amendments. Pursuant to a requirement under Section 812 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, EPA conducts periodic studies to assess the benefits and the costs of the Clean Air Act. The Council has been the chief reviewing body for these studies and has issued advice on a retrospective study issued in 1997, a prospective study issued in 1999 and since 2001, analytic blueprints for a second prospective study on the costs and benefits of clean air programs covering the years 1990-2020. On May 9, 2008, the Council will review a case study entitled “Section 812 Prospective Study of the Benefits and Costs of the Clean Air Act: Air Toxics Case Study—Health Benefits of Benzene Reductions in Houston, 1990-2020.” This case study presents a methodology for assessing the benefits of reducing benzene levels in the Houston, Texas, area over 30 years. EPA's Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR)conducted this case study (posted at *http://www.epa.gov/air/sect812/prospective2.html#mar08/* ) as part of the second prospective study on the costs and benefits of the Clean Air Act programs being developed by EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). EPA's OAR has also requested the Council's advice on using results of a recently conducted expert elicitation in the regulatory context of a benefits assessment conducted as part of a regulatory impact analysis for a regulation promulgated in 2006. To better characterize uncertainty in the health benefits of particulate matter reductions, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation undertook an expert elicitation study in 2005-2006 to characterize the uncertainty in the concentration-response function for premature mortality related to particulate matter, specifically PM <sup>2.5</sup> . EPA applied the results of this study to develop probabilistic estimates of reductions in premature mortality as part of its regulatory impact analysis for the 2006 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particle Pollution. The Council's review will focus on Chapter 5 and the Executive Summary of the regulatory impact analysis found at *http://www.epa.gov/ttn/ecas/regdata/RIAs/Chapter%205—Benefits.pdf* . The Council, augmented with additional experts, will conduct this review on May 8, 2008. The SAB Staff Office described a process for identifying experts for this advisory activity in the **Federal Register** on June 28, 2007 (72 FR 35463-35465). The meeting agenda for May 8-9, 2008 and any background materials will be posted on the Council area ( *http://www.epa.gov/advisorycouncilcaa* ) of the SAB Web Site prior to the meeting. *Technical Contacts:* The OAR technical contact for the benzene case study is Ms. Jeneva Craig at
(202)564-1674 or *craig.jeneva@epa.gov* . The technical contact for the review of the application of the PM-Mortality expert elicitation is Ms. Lisa Conner at
(919)541-5060 or *conner.lisa@epa.gov* . *Availability of Meeting Materials:* Materials in support of this meeting will be placed on the on the Council area ( *http://www.epa.gov/advisorycouncilcaa* ) of the SAB Web site in advance of this meeting. *Procedures for Providing Public Input:* Interested members of the public may submit relevant written or oral information for the Council to consider on the topics included in this advisory activity or the group providing advice on the benzene case study. *Oral Statements:* In general, individuals or groups requesting an oral presentation at a public meeting will be limited to five minutes per speaker, with no more than one hour for all speakers. Interested parties should contact Dr. Stallworth at the contact information provided above by May 1, 2008, to be placed on the public speaker list for the May 8-9, 2008 meeting. *Written Statements:* Written statements should be received in the SAB Staff Office by May 1, 2008, so that the information may be made available to the Council for their consideration prior to this meeting. Written statements should be supplied to the DFO via e-mail to *stallworth.holly@epa.gov* (acceptable file format: Adobe Acrobat PDF, WordPerfect, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, or Rich Text files in IBM-PC/Windows 98/2000/XP format). *Accessibility:* For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Dr. Holly Stallworth at
(202)343-9867, or via e-mail at *stallworth.holly@epa.gov* . To request accommodation of a disability, please contact Dr. Stallworth, preferably at least 10 days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: April 11, 2008. Anthony Maciorowski, Deputy Director, EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office. [FR Doc. E8-8393 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8555-8] Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Request for Nominations to Augment Expertise on the Radiation Advisory Committee
(RAC)AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice request for nominations. SUMMARY: The EPA Science Advisory Board
(SAB)Staff Office is requesting nominations of experts in the area of radiogenic cancer risk to augment expertise to the SAB's Radiation Advisory Committee (RAC). Nominees with appropriate expertise will be considered for service on the augmented RAC to review the EPA draft document under development entitled *EPA Radiation Risk Estimates Based on BEIR VII, dated 2008* . DATES: Nominations should be submitted by May 9, 2008 per the instructions below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Members of the public wishing further information regarding this Request for Nominations may contact Dr. K. Jack Kooyoomjian, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), via telephone/voice mail at
(202)343-9984; via e-mail at *kooyoomjian.jack@epa.gov* , or at the U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board (1400F), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. General information about the SAB as well as any update concerning this request for nominations may be found on the SAB Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab* . *Technical Contact:* For information concerning the draft technical document currently under development and any background information contact Dr. Mary E. Clark at
(202)343-9348 or *clark.marye@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1994, the EPA published a report, entitled “Estimating Radiogenic Cancer Risks,” (often referred to as the “Blue Book”) which lays out the EPA's methodology for quantitatively estimating radiogenic cancer risks *http://epa.gov/radiation/docs/assessment/402-r-93-076.pdf* . That document revised methodology for EPA's estimation of cancer risks due to low-Linear-Energy-Transfer
(LET)radiation exposures developed in light of new information on the Japanese atomic bomb survivors. In 1999, a follow-on report made minor adjustments to the previous estimates and presented a partial analysis of the uncertainties in the numerical estimates *http://epa.gov/radiation/docs/assessment/402-r-99-003.pdf* . Also in 1999 the Agency published Federal Guidance Report 13 *http://epa.gov/radiation/docs/federal/402-r-99-001.pdf* which utilized the previously published cancer risk models, in conjunction with International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP)dosimetric models and the U.S.A. usage patterns, to obtain cancer risk estimates for over 800 radionuclides, and for several exposure pathways. These were later updated at *http://www.epa.gov/radiation/federal/techdocs.html#cd_supplement* . In 2006, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS/NRC) released *Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation BEIR VII Phase 2* which primarily addresses cancer and genetic risks from low doses of low-LET radiation (available at *http://newton.nap.edu/catalog/11340.html#toc* . Also available at: *http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11340#toc* ). In August, 2006 EPA prepared the draft *White Paper: Modifying EPA Radiation Risk Models Based on BEIR VII* , (available at *http://epa.gov/radiation/docs/assessment/white-paper8106.pdf* ), where the Agency proposed changes to the EPA's methodology for estimating radiogenic cancers, based on the contents of BEIR VII. The Agency expects to adopt the models and methodology recommended in BEIR VII, but believes that certain modifications and expansions are desirable or necessary for the EPA's purposes. EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
(ORIA)requested the SAB to review the Agency's draft White Paper and provide advice regarding the proposed approach to dose-response assessment of radionuclides. The EPA SAB/RAC prepared an advisory entitled “ *Advisory on Agency Draft White Paper entitled Modifying EPA Radiation Risk Models Based on BEIR VII* ” (EPA-SAB-08-006) dated January 31, 2008 (see *http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/FD9963E56C66E4FF852573E200493359/$File/EPA-SAB-08-006-unsigned.pdf* ). The EPA has asked the SAB to review the draft document currently under development entitled *EPA Radiation Risk Estimates Based on BEIR VII,* dated 2008. This document under preparation utilizes the advice contained in the NAS/NRC BEIR VII, Phase 2 report, as well as the SAB's recently completed advisory (EPA-SAB-08-006) described above. The SAB was established by 42 U.S.C. 4365 to provide independent scientific and technical advice to the EPA Administrator on the technical basis for Agency positions and regulations. The SAB is a Federal Advisory Committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., App. The SAB will comply with the provisions of FACA and all appropriate SAB Staff Office procedural policies in conducting advisory activities. The SAB RAC provides scientific and technical advice to the EPA Administrator through the chartered SAB on scientific matters pertaining to EPA's mission in protecting public health and the environment. *Request for Nominations:* The SAB RAC augmented with experts in radiogenic cancer risk will review the Agency's draft document currently under preparation and to be entitled *EPA Radiation Risk Estimates Based on BEIR VII.* Accordingly, the SAB is seeking nominations of nationally and internationally recognized experts with specialized expertise and experience in radiogenic cancer risk in one or more of the following areas: radiobiology, radiation biophysics, cancer epidemiology related to radiation, radiation exposure and uptake, and high-to-low dose extrapolation for LET radiation. The augmented RAC will provide advice through the chartered SAB, and will comply with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA)and all appropriate SAB procedural policies. *Process and Deadline for Submitting Nominations:* Any interested person or organization may nominate individuals qualified in the areas of radiogenic cancer risk described above. Self-nominations are also requested. Nominations may be submitted in electronic format through a link on the blue navigational bar on the SAB Web Site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab.* Please follow the instructions for submitting nominations carefully, and include all of the information requested. The SAB Staff Office requests contact information of the person making the nomination; contact information for the nominee; the disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee; the nominee's curriculum vita; and a biographical sketch of the nominee indicating current position, educational background, research activities, and recent service on other national advisory committees or national professional organizations. Anyone unable to submit nominations using the electronic form, or who may have questions concerning the nomination process or any other aspect of this notice may contact Dr. K. Jack Kooyoomjian, DFO, at the contact information above. Nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than May 9, 2008. The SAB Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of nominations. The selection process used by the SAB Staff office in selecting nominees for service on SAB Committees and Panels is described in *Overview of the Panel Formation Process at the Environmental Protection Agency, Science Advisory Board* (EPA-SAB-EC-COM-02-010), on the SAB Web Site. Nominees identified by respondents to this **Federal Register** notice and other sources, will be included in an initial list termed the “Widecast”. The credentials submitted by nominees will be evaluated by the SAB Staff Office, and all technically qualified candidates will be included in a smaller subset of nominees termed the “Short List” for additional consideration. The Short List will be posted on the SAB Web Site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab* and will include the nominee's name and biographical sketch. Public comments on the Short List will be accepted for 21 calendar days. During this comment period, the public will be requested to provide information, analysis or other documentation on nominees that the SAB Staff Office should consider in evaluating candidates for the panel. For the SAB, a balanced panel is characterized by inclusion of nominees who possess the necessary domains of knowledge, the relevant scientific perspectives (which, among other factors, can be influenced by work history and affiliation), and the collective breadth of experience to adequately address the charge. Public responses to the Short List will be considered in the selection of the panel members, along with information provided by nominees and information independently gathered by SAB Staff (e.g., financial disclosure information and computer searches to evaluate a nominee's prior involvement with the topic under review). Specific criteria to be used in evaluating Short List nominees include:
(a)Scientific and/or technical expertise, knowledge, and experience (primary factors);
(b)absence of financial conflicts of interest;
(c)scientific credibility and impartiality;
(d)availability and willingness to serve; and
(e)ability to work constructively and effectively on committees. Dated: April 11, 2008. Anthony F. Maciorowski, Deputy Director, EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office. [FR Doc. E8-8400 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8555-6] EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office Request for Nominations of Candidates for EPA Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis; EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and EPA Science Advisory Board AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA)Science Advisory Board
(SAB)Staff Office is soliciting nominations for consideration of membership on EPA's Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis (Council), EPA's Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), and EPA's Science Advisory Board
(SAB)and its Standing Subcommittees. DATES: Nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than May 19, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nominators unable to submit nominations electronically as described below, may submit a paper copy by contacting Ms. Wanda Bright, U.S. EPA SAB Staff Office (Mail Code 1400F), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460 (FedEx/Courier address: U.S. EPA SAB, Suite 3600, 1025 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20004),
(202)343-9986 (telephone),
(202)233-0643 (fax), or via e-mail at *bright.wanda@epa.gov.* General inquiries regarding the work of the Council, CASAC and SAB may be directed to Dr. Anthony F. Maciorowski, Deputy Director, U.S. EPA SAB Staff Office,
(202)343-9983 (telephone), or via e-mail at: *maciorowski.anthony@epa.gov.* *Background:* Established by statute, the Council (42 U.S.C 7612), the CASAC (42 U.S.C. 7409) and SAB (42 U.S.C. 4365) are EPA's chartered Federal Advisory Committees that provide independent scientific and technical peer review, consultation, advice and recommendations directly to the EPA Administrator on a wide variety of EPA science activities. As Federal Advisory Committees, the Council, CASAC, and SAB conduct business in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA)(5 U.S.C. App. C) and related regulations. Generally, Council, CASAC and SAB meetings are announced in the **Federal Register** , conducted in public view, and provide opportunities for public input during deliberations. Additional information about these Federal Advisory Committees may be found at: *http://www.epa.gov/advisorycouncilcaa, http://www.epa.gov/casac* , and *http://www.epa.gov/sab.* Members of the Council, CASAC, the SAB, and their Subcommittees constitute a distinguished body of non-EPA scientists, engineers, economists, and social scientists that are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their respective fields. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for a period of three years, with the possibility of re-appointment to a second three-year term. This notice specifically requests nominations for the chartered Council, the chartered CASAC, the chartered SAB and its Subcommittees. *Expertise Sought:* The Council was established in 1990 pursuant to the Clean Air Act
(CAA)Amendments of 1990 to provide advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on technical and economic aspects of the impacts of the Clean Air Act
(CAA)on the public health, economy, and environment of the United States. The SAB Staff Office is seeking nominations of experts for the Council in the following disciplines: *Air quality modeling; environmental economics; and epidemiology.* Established in 1977 under the Clean Air Act
(CAA)Amendments, the chartered CASAC reviews and offers scientific advice to the EPA Administrator on technical aspects of national ambient air quality standards for criteria pollutants. As required under the CAA section 109(d), CASAC will be composed of seven members, with at least one member of the National Academy of Sciences, one physician, and one person representing State air pollution control agencies. The SAB Staff Office is seeking nominations of experts for CASAC in the following disciplines: *Environmental health sciences; inhalation toxicology; risk assessment; statistics; mathematics; and biostatistics.* The chartered SAB (or Board) was established in 1978 by the Environmental Research, Development and Demonstration Act to provide independent advice to the Administrator on general scientific and technical matters underlying the Agency' policies and actions. All the work of the SAB is under the direction of the Board. The chartered Board provides strategic advice to the EPA Administrator on a variety of EPA science and research issues and programs and reviews and approves all SAB Subcommittee and Panel reports. The chartered SAB consists of about thirty members. The SAB Staff Office is seeking nominations of experts for the chartered Board in the following disciplines: *Behavioral and decision sciences; ecological sciences; environmental economics; environmental engineering; environmental modeling; epidemiology; risk assessment, statistics, mathematics, and biostatistics.* The SAB Drinking Water Committee
(DWC)provides advice on the technical aspects of EPA's national drinking water standards program. The SAB Staff office is seeking nominations of experts for the DWC in the following disciplines: *Chemistry; epidemiology; environmental health sciences; and environmental engineering.* The SAB Exposure and Human Health Committee
(EHHC)provides advice on the development and use of guidelines for human health effects, exposure assessment, and risk assessment. The SAB Staff office is seeking nominations of experts for the EHHC in the following disciplines: *Carcinogenesis; reproductive toxicology; developmental toxicology; epidemiology; and risk assessment.* The Radiation Advisory Committee
(RAC)provides advice on radiation protection, radiation science, and radiation risk assessment. The SAB Staff office is seeking nominations of experts for the RAC in the following disciplines: *Radiation biology, radiation biophysics, radiation dosimetry, and cancer epidemiology.* *How to Submit Nominations:* Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to these chartered advisory committees and SAB Standing Committees. Individuals may self-nominate. Qualified nominees will demonstrate appropriate scientific education, training, and experience to evaluate basic and applied science issues addressed by these advisory committees. Successful nominees will have distinguished themselves professionally and be available to invest the time and effort in providing advice and recommendations on the development and application of science at EPA. Nominations should be submitted in electronic format (preferred) following the instructions for “Nominating Experts to a Chartered Advisory Committee or Standing Committee” provided on the SAB Web site. The form can be accessed through the “Public Involvement in Advisory Committee” link on the blue navigational bar on the SAB Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab.* To be considered, all nominations should include the information requested. Nominators are asked to identify the specific committee(s) for which nominees would like to be considered. The nominating form requests contact information about: The person making the nomination; contact information about the nominee; the disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee; the nominee's curriculum vita; and a biographical sketch of the nominee indicating current position, educational background; research activities; and recent service on other national advisory committees or national professional organizations. Persons having questions about the nomination procedures, or who are unable to submit nominations through the SAB Web site, should contact Ms. Wanda Bright as indicated above in this notice. Non-electronic submissions must follow the same format and contain the same information as the electronic form. The SAB Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of nominations. Candidates invited to serve will be asked to submit the “Confidential Financial Disclosure Form for Special Government Employees Serving on Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form allows EPA to determine whether there is a statutory conflict between that person's public responsibilities as a Special Government Employee and private interests and activities, or the appearance of a lack of impartiality, as defined by Federal regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded through the “Ethics Requirements for Advisors” link on the blue navigational bar on the SAB Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/sab.* This form should not be submitted as part of a nomination. The SAB Staff Office seeks candidates who possess the necessary domains of knowledge, and relevant scientific perspectives (which, among other factors, can be influenced by work history and affiliation) to adequately address scientific issues facing the Agency. The primary criteria to be used in evaluating potential nominees will be scientific and/or technical expertise, knowledge, and experience. Additional criteria that will be used to evaluate technically qualified nominees will include: The absence of financial conflicts of interest; scientific credibility and impartiality; availability and willingness to serve; and the ability to work constructively and effectively on committees. The selection of new members will also include consideration of the collective breadth and depth of scientific perspectives; a balance of scientific perspectives; continuity of knowledge and understanding of EPA missions and environmental programs, and diversity factors (e.g., geographical areas and professional affiliations) for each of the chartered committees and subcommittees. Dated: April 11, 2008. Vanessa T. Vu, Director, EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office. [FR Doc. E8-8401 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities AGENCY: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. ACTION: Notice of Information Collection—no change: Local Union Report (EEO-3). SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC)announces that it intends to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)a request for a three-year extension of the existing collection as described below. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be submitted on or before June 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should also be sent to Stephen Llewellyn, Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 10th Floor, 1801 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20507. As a convenience to commentators, the Executive Secretariat will accept comments totaling six or fewer pages by facsimile (“FAX”) machine. This limitation is necessary to assure access to the equipment. The telephone number of the FAX receiver is
(202)663-4114. (This is not a toll-free number.) Receipt of FAX transmittals will not be acknowledged, except that the sender may request confirmation of receipt by calling the Executive Secretariat staff at
(202)663-4070 (voice) or
(202)663-4074 (TTD). (These are not toll-free telephone numbers.) You may also submit comments and attachments electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov* , which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for submitting comments. Copies of comments submitted by the public will be available to review at the Commission's library, Room 6502, 1801 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20507 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or can be reviewed at *http://www.regulations.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Edwards, Director, Program Research and Surveys Division, 1801 L Street, NW., Room 9222, Washington, DC 20507;
(202)663-4958 (voice) or
(202)663-7063 (TDD). This notice is also available in the following formats: large print, Braille, audio tape and electronic file on computer disk. Requests for this notice in an alternative format should be made to the Publications Center at 1-800-669-3392. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and OMB regulations 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the Commission solicits public comment to enable it to:
(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)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 submission of responses. Overview of This Information Collection *Collection Title:* Local Union Report (EEO-3). *OMB Number:* OMB Number 3046-0006. *Frequency of Report:* Biennial. *Type of Respondent:* Referral local unions with 100 or more members. *Description of Affected Public:* Referral local unions and independent or unaffiliated referral unions and similar labor organizations. *Responses:* 3,000. *Reporting Hours:* 3,000 (4,500 including record keeping). *Federal Cost:* $50,000. *Number of Forms:* 1 *Abstract:* Section 709
(c)of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(c), requires employers to make and keep records relevant to a determination of whether unlawful employment practices have been or are being committed and to make reports therefrom as required by the EEOC. Accordingly, the EEOC has issued regulations, Title 29, Chapter XIV, Subpart F, 1602.22-26, which set forth the reporting requirements for various kinds of labor organizations. Referral local unions with 100 or more members have been required to submit EEO-3 reports since 1967 (biennially since 1985). The individual reports are confidential. *Burden Statement:* The estimated number of respondents included in the biennial EEO-3 survey is 3,000 referral unions. The biennial reporting is estimated to take 3,000 hours, and total biennial reporting and record keeping is 4,500 hours. Dated: April 14, 2008. For the Commission. Naomi Earp, Chair. [FR Doc. E8-8481 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6570-01-P EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Notice of Information Collection—No Change; Elementary-Secondary Staff Information Report EEO-5 AGENCY: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. SUMMARY: In accordance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC)announces that it intends to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)a request for a three-year extension of the existing collection as listed below. DATE: Written comments on this notice must be submitted on or before June 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted to Stephen Llewellyn, Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 10th Floor, 1801 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20507. As a convenience to commentators, the Executive Secretariat will accept comments totaling six or fewer pages by facsimile (“FAX”) machine. This limitation is necessary to assure access to the equipment. The telephone number of the FAX receiver is
(202)663-4114. (This is not a toll-free number.) Receipt of FAX transmittals will not be acknowledged, except that the sender may request confirmation of receipt by calling the Executive Secretariat staff at
(202)663-4070 (voice) or
(202)663-4074 (TTD). (These are not toll-free telephone numbers.) You may also submit comments and attachments electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov,* which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for submitting comments. Copies of comments submitted by the public will be available to review at the Commission's library, Room 6502, 1801 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20507 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or can be reviewed at *http://www.regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Edwards, Director, Program Research and Surveys Division, 1801 L Street, NW., Room 9222, Washington, DC 20507,
(202)663-4958 (voice) or
(202)663-7063 (TDD). This notice is also available in the following formats: large print, Braille, audio tape and electronic file on computer disk. Requests for this notice in an alternative format should be made to the Publications Center at 1-800-669-3392. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and OMB regulations 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the Commission solicits public comment to enable it to:
(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)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 submission of responses. Overview of This Information Collection *Collection Title:* Elementary-Secondary Staff Information Report EEO-5. *OMB-Number:* 0346-0003. *Frequency of Report:* Biennial. *Type of Respondent:* Public elementary and secondary school districts with 100 or more employees. *Description of Affected Public:* State and Local Government. *Number of Responses:* 5,000. *Reporting Hours:* 12,000. *Federal Cost:* $80,000. *Number of Forms:* 1. *Abstract:* Section 709(c) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(c), requires employers to make and keep records relevant to a determination of whether unlawful employment practices have been or are being committed and to make reports therefrom as required by the EEOC. Accordingly, the EEOC has issued regulations which set forth the reporting requirement for various kinds of employers. Elementary and secondary public school systems and districts have been required to submit EEO-5 reports to EEOC since 1974 (biennially in even-numbered years since 1982). Since 1996 each school district or system has submitted all of the district data on a single form, EEOC Form 168A. The individual school form, EEOC Form 168B, was eliminated in 1996, greatly reducing the respondent burden and cost. EEO-5 data are used by the EEOC to investigate charges of employment discrimination against elementary and secondary public school districts. The data are used to support EEOC decisions and conciliations, and for research. The data are shared with the Department of Education (Office for Civil Rights and the National Center for Education Statistics) and the Department of Justice. Pursuant to Section 709(d) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, EEO-5 data are also shared with 86 State and Local Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs). *Burden Statement:* The estimated number of respondents included in the annual EEO-5 survey is 5000 public elementary and secondary school districts. The number of responses per respondent is one report. The annual number of responses is approximately 5,000 and the total hours per response ranges from one
(1)to five
(5)hours. The estimated total number of response hours is 12,000 each time the survey is conducted (i.e., biennially.) Respondents are encouraged to report data on electronic media such as magnetic tapes and diskettes. Dated: April 14, 2008. For the Commission. Naomi C. Earp, Chair. [FR Doc. E8-8495 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6570-01-P EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities AGENCY: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. ACTION: Notice of Information Collection—no change: State and Local Government Information (EEO-4). SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC)announces that it intends to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)a request for a three-year extension of the existing collection as described below. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be submitted on or before June 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to Stephen Llewellyn, Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 10th Floor, 1801 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20507. As a convenience to commentators, the Executive Secretariat will accept comments totaling six or fewer pages by facsimile (“FAX”) machine. This limitation is necessary to assure access to the equipment. The telephone number of the fax receiver is
(202)663-4114. (This is not a toll-free number). Receipt of FAX transmittals will not be acknowledged, except that the sender may request confirmation of receipt by calling the Executive Secretariat staff at
(202)663-4070 (voice) or
(202)663-4074 (TTD). (These are not toll-free telephone numbers.) You may also submit comments and attachments electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov* , which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for submitting comments. Copies of comments submitted by the public will be available to review at the Commission's library, Room 6502, 1801 L Street, NW., Washington, DC 20507 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or can be reviewed at *http://www.regulations.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Edwards, Director, Program Research and Surveys Division, 1801 L Street, NW., Room 9222, Washington, DC 20507;
(202)663-4958 (voice) or
(202)663-7063 (TDD). This notice is also available in the following formats: large print, Braille, audio tape and electronic file on computer disk. Requests for this notice in an alternative format should be made to the Publications Center at 1-800-669-3392. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and OMB regulations 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the Commission solicits public comment to enable it to:
(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)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 submission of responses. Overview of This Information Collection *Collection Title:* State and Local Government Information (EEO-4). *OMB—Number:* 3046-0008. *Frequency of Report:* Biennial. *Type of Respondent:* State and local government jurisdictions with 100 or more full-time employees. *Description of Affected Public:* State and local governments excluding elementary and secondary public school districts. *Number of Responses:* 10,000. *Reporting Hours:* 40,000. *Cost to Respondents:* $600,000. *Number of Forms:* 1. *Form Number:* EEOC Form 164. *Federal Cost:* $47,000 (annualized). *Abstract:* Section 709(c) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(c), requires employers to make and keep records relevant to a determination of whether unlawful employment practices have been or are being committed and to make reports therefrom as required by the EEOC. Accordingly, the EEOC has issued regulations which set forth the reporting requirements for various kinds of employers. State and local governments with 100 or more full-time employees have been required to submit EEO-4 reports since 1973 (biennially in odd-numbered years since 1993). The individual reports are confidential. EEO-4 data are used by the EEOC to investigate charges of discrimination against state and local governments and to provide information on the employment status of minorities and women. The data are shared with several other Federal government agencies. Pursuant to section 709(d) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, EEO-4 data are also shared with eighty-six State and Local Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs). Aggregated data are also used by researchers and the general public. *Burden Statement:* The estimated number of respondents included in the EEO-4 survey is 5,000 state and local governments. The estimated number of responses per respondent is approximately two
(2)EEO-4 reports and the reporting burden averages between 1 and 5 hours per response, including the time needed to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data, and complete and review the collection of information. The total number of responses is thus 10,000 reports while the total burden is estimated to be 40,000 hours, including record keeping burden. In order to help reduce burden, respondents are encouraged to report data on electronic media such as diskettes. Dated: April 14, 2008 For the Commission. Naomi C. Earp, Chair. [FR Doc. E8-8496 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6570-01-P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Federal Open Market Committee; Domestic Policy Directive of March 18, 2008 In accordance with § 271.25 of its rules regarding availability of information (12 CFR part 271), there is set forth below the domestic policy directive issued by the Federal Open Market Committee at its meeting held on March 18, 2008, 2008. 1 1 Copies of the Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on March 18, 2008, which includes the domestic policy directive issued at the meeting, are available upon request to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, D.C. 20551. The minutes are published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin and in the Board's annual report. The Federal Open Market Committee seeks monetary and financial conditions that will foster price stability and promote sustainable growth in output. To further its long-run objectives, the Committee in the immediate future seeks conditions in reserve markets consistent with reducing the federal funds rate at an average of around 2 1/4 percent. By order of the Federal Open Market Committee, April 11, 2008. Brian F. Madigan, Secretary, Federal Open Market Committee. [FR Doc. E8-8333 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION Delegation of Authority To Disclose Certain Nonpublic Complaint Information to Domestic Law Enforcement Agencies AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Delegation of Authority. SUMMARY: The Commission has delegated authority to the Associate Director of the Division of Planning and Information, Bureau of Consumer Protection, to allow U.S. Consumer Sentinel law enforcement members to access, via the secure Consumer Sentinel Web site, all consumer complaints received by the FTC. DATES: *Effective Date:* June 1, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Mastrocinque, 202-326-3188, Division of Planning & Information, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1961, 26 FR 6191, the Commission has delegated to the Associate Director of the Division of Planning and Information, Bureau of Consumer Protection, the authority to permit U.S. Consumer Sentinel law enforcement members to access, via the secure Consumer Sentinel Web site, all consumer complaint information it receives. Domestic Consumer Sentinel members will have expanded access to complaints previously unavailable to them in Consumer Sentinel, including complaints against third-party debt collectors, credit bureaus, and mortgage lenders. When exercising its authority under this delegation, staff will require from the Consumer Sentinel law enforcement agency members assurances of confidentiality and data security. This delegation does not apply to competition-related investigations. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8-8482 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary Notice of Interest Rate on Overdue Debts Section 30.13 of the Department of Health and Human Services' claims collection regulations (45 CFR Part 30) provides that the Secretary shall charge an annual rate of interest as fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury after taking into consideration private consumer rates of interest prevailing on the date that HHS becomes entitled to recovery. The rate generally cannot be lower than the Department of Treasury's current value of funds rate or the applicable rate determined from the “Schedule of Certified Interest Rates with Range of Maturities.” This rate may be revised quarterly by the Secretary of the Treasury and shall be published quarterly by the Department of Health and Human Services in the **Federal Register** . The Secretary of the Treasury has certified a rate of 11 3/8 % for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. This interest rate will remain in effect until such time as the Secretary of the Treasury notifies HHS of any change. Dated: April 14, 2008. Molly P. Dawson, Director, Office of Financial Policy and Reporting. [FR Doc. E8-8374 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-04-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [ATSDR-243] Availability of Two Interaction Profiles [Draft Documents] AGENCY: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ACTION: Notice of availability for public comments. SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of two interaction profiles prepared by ATSDR for public comments [draft documents]. DATES: The interaction profiles will be available to the public on or about April 15, 2008. ADDRESSES: The documents will be available on ATSDR's Web site at *http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please submit comments regarding the information contained in the profiles to Dr. Hana Pohl, Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Mailstop F-32, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Atlanta, Georgia 30333, telephone
(888)422-8737. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ATSDR develops interaction profiles for hazardous substances found at the National Priority List
(NPL)sites under Section 104(i)(3) and
(5)of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). This public law mandates that ATSDR assess whether or not adequate information on health effects is available for priority hazardous substances. Where such information is not available or under development, ATSDR shall, in cooperation with the National Toxicology Program, initiate a research program to determine these health effects. The act further directs that, where feasible, ATSDR shall develop methods to determine the health effects of these priority hazardous substances in combination with other substances commonly found with them. To carry out these legislative mandates, ATSDR has developed a chemical mixtures program. As part of the mixtures program, ATSDR developed a guidance manual that outlines the latest methods for mixtures health assessment. In addition, a series of documents called “interaction profiles” is being developed for certain priority mixtures that are of special concern to ATSDR. To recommend approaches for the exposure-based assessment of the potential hazard to public health, an interaction profile evaluates data on the toxicology of the whole priority mixture, if available, and on the joint toxic action of the chemicals in the mixture. The entire interaction profile development process is as follows: • ATSDR selects substances/chemicals for development of interaction profiles through inter/intra agency communications collaboration and literature reviews. • After the selection, a letter is sent to individuals and agencies on ATSDR's mailing list providing notice of ATSDR's intent to create an interaction profile. • A notice is posted in the **Federal Register** to inform the public of ATSDR's intent to develop a particular interaction profile. • The draft interaction profile undergoes both internal and external peer review. • A **Federal Register** notice announces the release of the official draft for public comment. • ATSDR posts a link to the draft interaction profile on its Web site, giving the public an opportunity to provide comments. • ATSDR reviews all public comments and revises the draft, as appropriate, before issuing the final version. The following documents will be available to the public on or about April 15, 2008. Document 1 Interaction Profile for Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Methylene Chloride, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Tetrachloroethylene. Document 2 Interaction Profile for Chloroform, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, and Vinyl Chloride. Document 1 evaluates a mixture of chemicals often found in indoor air based on the information regarding residential (i.e., background) exposures provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Data on background exposures can be used for evaluations of total exposures in populations living around hazardous waste sites. Document 2 evaluates a mixture of volatile organic chemicals. This particular mixture was chosen as a subject for the interaction profile because these chemicals are among the top 10 chemicals found in water around hazardous waste sites. Consequently, they are also encountered in combinations. The two interaction profiles underwent external peer review. These documents were also reviewed by the ATSDR's Interagency Workgroup on Mixtures. The documents will be available for public comments for 90 days. Dated: April 11, 2008. Tim Hack, Deputy Director, Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. [FR Doc. E8-8167 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-70-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Epidemiology of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Healthcare Setting, Potential Extramural Projects
(PEP)2008-R-24 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2 p.m., May 15, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Epidemiology of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Healthcare Setting, PEP 2008-R-24.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8355 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Monitoring Hospitalizations and Outpatient Visits for Pneumonia and Other Non-Invasive Pneumonococcal Diseases by Using National Databases, Potential Extramural Project
(PEP)2008-R-17 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., May 19, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Monitoring Hospitalizations and Outpatient Visits for Pneumonia and other Non-Invasive Pneumonococcal Diseases by Using National Databases, PEP 2008-R-17.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8356 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Survey of Community Support Interventions for Mammography Screenings, Potential Extramural Project
(PEP)2008-R-13 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., May 20, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Survey of Community Support Interventions for Mammography Screenings, PEP 2008-R-13.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8357 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): The Effect of Prenatal Bleeding on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With a Previously Undiagnosed Bleeding Disorder, Potential Extramural Project
(PEP)2008-R-27 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2 p.m., May 14, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)
(4)and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “The Effect of Prenatal Bleeding on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with a Previously Undiagnosed Bleeding Disorder, PEP 2008-R-27.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8363 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Impact of Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors on Post-Treatment Surveillance among African Americans with Colorectal Cancer, Potential Extramural Project
(PEP)2008-R-03 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-3 p.m., May 29, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Impact of Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors on Post-Treatment Surveillance among African Americans with Colorectal Cancer, PEP 2008-R-03.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 9, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8368 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): A Retrospective Evaluation of Patterns of Care for American Indian and Alaska Native Men With Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen, Potential Extramural Project
(PEP)2008-R-15 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting: *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., May 19, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “A Retrospective Evaluation of Patterns of Care for American Indian and Alaska Native Men with Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen, PEP 2008-R-15.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8369 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Evaluation of the Immune Response to a Modified Dosing Schedule for the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus
(HPV)Vaccine, Potential Extramural Projects
(PEP)2008-R-22 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time And Date:* 1 p.m.-2 p.m., May 15, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Evaluation of the Immune Response to a Modified Dosing Schedule for the Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine, PEP 2008-R-22.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8370 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Postpartum Hemorrhage Among Women with an Undiagnosed Bleeding Disorder, Potential Extramural Projects
(PEP)2008-R-28 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2 p.m., May 16, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Postpartum Hemorrhage Among Women with an Undiagnosed Bleeding Disorder, PEP 2008-R-28.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8407 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Evaluation of Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Programs for African-American Women, Potential Extramural Project
(PEP)2008-R-25 In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)announces the aforementioned meeting. *Time and Date:* 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., May 22, 2008 (Closed). *Place:* Teleconference. *Status:* The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. *Matters to be Discussed:* The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of “Evaluation of Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Programs for African-American Women, PEP 2008-R-25.” *Contact Person for More Information:* Linda Shelton, Program Specialist, Coordinating Center for Health and Information Service, Office of the Director, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E21, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone
(404)498-1194. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign **Federal Register** notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: April 10, 2008. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E8-8438 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Document Identifier: CMS-10260] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS)is publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects:
(1)The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions;
(2)the accuracy of the estimated burden;
(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden. 1. *Type of Information Collection Request:* New collection; *Title of Information Collection:* Medicare Advantage
(MA)Disclosure Requirements; *Use:* The information collection requirements are mandated by 42 CFR 422.111 and 422.80. MA organizations will be required to notify plan members of the coming year's changes using a combined standardized document. MA organizations and potential MA organizations (applicants) will use the information to comply with the eligibility requirements and the MA contract requirements. CMS will use this information to ensure that correct information is disclosed to Medicare beneficiaries, both potential enrollees and enrollees. *Form Number:* CMS-10260 (OMB# 0938-New); *Frequency:* Yearly; *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit; *Number of Respondents:* 670; *Total Annual Responses:* 670; *Total Annual Hours:* 8040. To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web Site address at *http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995,* or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to *Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov,* or call the Reports Clearance Office on
(410)786-1326. In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways by *June 17, 2008:* 1. *Electronically.* You may submit your comments electronically to *http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments. 2. *By regular mail.* You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number ___, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850. Dated: April 9, 2008. Michelle Shortt, Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. E8-8229 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2007-N-0321] (formerly Docket No. 2007N-0485) Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Application for Food and Drug Administration Approval to Market a New Drug AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA)is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Fax written comments on the collection of information by May 19, 2008. ADDRESSES: To ensure that comments on the information collection are received, OMB recommends that written comments be faxed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attn: FDA Desk Officer, FAX: 202-395-6974, or e-mailed to *baguilar@omb.eop.gov* . All comments should be identified with the OMB control number 0910-0111 and Application for Food and Drug Administration Approval to Market a New Drug. Also include the FDA docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Berbakos, Office of the Chief Information Officer (HFA-250), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-1482. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with 44 U.S.C. 3507, FDA has submitted the following proposed collection of information to OMB for review and clearance. Application for Food and Drug Administration Approval to Market a New Drug—(OMB Control Number 0910-0001—Extension) Under section 505(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) (21 U.S.C. 355(a)), a new drug may not be commercially marketed in the United States, imported, or exported from the United States, unless an approval of an application filed with FDA under section 505(b) or 505(j) of the act is effective with respect to such drug. Under the act, it is the sponsor's responsibility to provide the information needed by FDA to make a scientific and technical determination whether the product is safe and effective for use. This information collection approval request is for all information requirements imposed on sponsors by the regulations under part 314 (21 CFR part 314), who apply for approval of a new drug application
(NDA)or abbreviated new drug application
(ANDA)in order to market or to continue to market a drug. Section 314.50(a) requires that an application form (Form FDA 356h) be submitted that includes introductory information about the drug as well as a checklist of enclosures. Section 314.50(b) requires that an index be submitted with the archival copy of the application and that it reference certain sections of the application. Section 314.50(c) requires that a summary of the application be submitted that presents a good general synopsis of all the technical sections and other information in the application. Section 314.50(d) requires that the NDA contain the following technical sections about the new drug: Chemistry, manufacturing, and controls; nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology; human pharmacokinetics and bioavailability; microbiology; clinical data; and statistical section. Section 314.50(e) requires the applicant to submit samples of the drug if requested by FDA. In addition, the archival copy of the application must include copies of the label and all labeling for the drug. Section 314.50(f) requires that case report forms and tabulations be submitted with the archival copy. Section 314.50(h) requires that patent information, as described under § 314.53, be submitted with the application. (The burden hours for § 314.50(h) are already approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0513 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.50(i) requires that patent certification information be submitted in section 505(b)(2) applications for patents claiming the drug, drug product, or method of use. Section 314.50(j) requires that applicants that request a period of marketing exclusivity submit certain information with the application. Section 314.50(k) requires that an archival, review, and field copy of the application be submitted. Section 314.52 requires that any notice of certification of invalidity or noninfringement of a patent to each patent owner and the NDA holder be sent by a section 505(b)(2) applicant that relies on a listed drug. A 505(b)(2) applicant is required to amend its application at the time notice is provided to include a statement certifying that the required notice has been provided. A 505(b)(2) applicant also is required to amend its application to document receipt of the required notice. Section 314.54 sets forth the content requirements for applications filed under section 505(b)(2) of the act. (The information collection burden estimate for 505(b)(2) applications is included in table 1 of this document under the estimates for § 314.50 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (k)). Section 314.60 sets forth reporting requirements for sponsors who amend an unapproved application. Section 314.65 states that the sponsor must notify FDA when withdrawing an unapproved application. Sections 314.70 and 314.71 require that supplements be submitted to FDA for certain changes to an approved application. Section 314.72 requires sponsors to report to FDA any transfer of ownership of an application. Section 314.80(c)(1) and (c)(2) sets forth requirements for expedited adverse drug experience postmarketing reports and followup reports, as well as for periodic adverse drug experience postmarketing reports (Form FDA 3500A). (The burden hours for §§ 314.80(c)(1) and (c)(2) are already approved by OMB under OMB control numbers 0910-0230 and 0910-0291 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.80(i) establishes recordkeeping requirements for reports of postmarketing adverse drug experiences. (The burden hours for § 314.80(i) are already approved by OMB under OMB control numbers 0910-0230 and 0910-0291 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.81(b)(1) requires that field alert reports be submitted to FDA (Form FDA 3331). Section 314.81(b)(2) requires that annual reports be submitted to FDA (Form FDA 2252). Section 314.81(b)(3)(i) requires that drug advertisements and promotional labeling be submitted to FDA (Form FDA 2253). Form FDA 2253 has been revised by FDA as follows: On line 8, “Please check one or both” has been revised to read “Please check only one.” In the instruction for line 8, the sentence “Consumer and professional pieces should be submitted separately” has been added. Section 314.81(b)(3)(iii) sets forth reporting requirements for sponsors who withdraw an approved drug product from sale. (The burden hours for § 314.81(b)(3)(iii) are already approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0045 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.90 sets forth requirements for sponsors who request waivers from FDA for compliance with §§ 314.50 through 314.81. (The information collection burden estimate for NDA waiver requests is included in table 1 of this document under estimates for §§ 314.50, 314.60, 314.70 and 314.71.) Section 314.93 sets forth requirements for submitting a suitability petition in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and 10.30. (The burden hours for § 314.93 are already approved by OMB under control number 0910-0183 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.94(a) and
(d)requires that an ANDA contain the following information: Application form; table of contents; basis for ANDA submission; conditions of use; active ingredients; route of administration, dosage form, and strength; bioequivalence; labeling; chemistry, manufacturing, and controls; samples; patent certification. Section 314.95 requires that any notice of certification of invalidity or noninfringement of a patent to each patent owner and the NDA holder be sent by ANDA applicants. Section 314.96 sets forth requirements for amendments to an unapproved ANDA. Section 314.97 sets forth requirements for submitting supplements to an approved ANDA for changes that require FDA approval. Section 314.98(a) sets forth postmarketing adverse drug experience reporting and recordkeeping requirements for ANDAs. (The burden hours for § 314.98(a) are already approved by OMB under OMB control numbers 0910-0230 and 0910-0291 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.98(c) requires other postmarketing reports for ANDAs: Field alert reports (Form FDA 3331), annual reports (Form FDA 2252), and advertisements and promotional labeling (Form FDA 2253). (The information collection burden estimate for field alert reports is included in table 1 of this document under § 314.81(b)(1); the estimate for annual reports is included under § 314.81(b)(2); the estimate for advertisements and promotional labeling is included under § 314.81(b)(3)(i).) Section 314.99(a) requires that sponsors comply with certain reporting requirements for withdrawing an unapproved ANDA and for a change in ownership of an ANDA. Section 314.99(b) sets forth requirements for sponsors who request waivers from FDA for compliance with §§ 314.92 through 314.99. (The information collection burden estimate for ANDA waiver requests is included in table 1 of this document under estimates for § 314.94(a) and
(d)and §§ 314.96 and 314.97.) Section 314.101(a) states that if FDA refuses to file an application, the applicant may request an informal conference with FDA and request that the application be filed over protest. Section 314.107(c) requires notice to FDA by the first applicant to submit a substantially complete ANDA containing a certification that a relevant patent is invalid, unenforceable, or will not be infringed of the date of first commercial marketing. Section 314.107(e) requires that an applicant submit a copy of the entry of the order or judgment to FDA within 10 working days of a final judgment. Section 314.107(f) requires that ANDA or section 505(b)(2) applicants notify FDA immediately of the filing of any legal action filed within 45 days of receipt of the notice of certification. A patent owner may also notify FDA of the filing of any legal action for patent infringement. If the patent owner or approved application holder who is an exclusive patent licensee waives its opportunity to file a legal action for patent infringement within the 45-day period, the patent owner or approved application holder must submit to FDA a waiver in the specified format. Section 314.110(a)(3) and (a)(4) states that, after receipt of an FDA approvable letter, an applicant may request an opportunity for a hearing on the question of whether there are grounds for denying approval of the application. (The burden hours for § 314.110(a)(3) and (a)(4) are included under parts 10 through 16 (21 CFR part 16) hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.110(a)(5) states that, after receipt of an approvable letter, an applicant may notify FDA that it agrees to an extension of the review period so that it can determine whether to respond further. Section 314.110(b) states that, after receipt of an approvable letter, an ANDA applicant may request an opportunity for a hearing on the question of whether there are grounds for denying approval of the application. (The burden hours for § 314.110(b) are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.120(a)(3) states that, after receipt of a not approvable letter, an applicant may request an opportunity for a hearing on the question of whether there are grounds for denying approval of the application. (The burden hours for § 314.120(a)(3) are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the hour burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.120(a)(5) states that, after receipt of a not approvable letter, an applicant may notify FDA that it agrees to an extension of the review period so that it can determine whether to respond further. Section 314.122(a) requires that an ANDA or a suitability petition that relies on a listed drug that has been voluntarily withdrawn from sale must be accompanied by a petition seeking a determination whether the drug was withdrawn for safety or effectiveness reasons. (The burden hours for § 314.122(a) are already approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0183 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.122(d) sets forth requirements for relisting petitions for unlisted discontinued products. (The burden hours for § 314.122(d) are already approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0183 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.126(c) sets forth requirements for a petition to waive criteria for adequate and well-controlled studies. (The burden hours for § 314.126(c) are already approved by OMB under 0910-0183 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.151(a) and
(b)set forth requirements for the withdrawal of approval of an ANDA and the applicant's opportunity for a hearing and submission of comments. (The burden hours for § 314.151(a) and
(b)are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.151(c) sets forth the requirements for withdrawal of approval of an ANDA and the applicant's opportunity to submit written objections and participate in a limited oral hearing. (The burden hours for § 314.151(c) are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.152(b) sets forth the requirements for suspension of an ANDA when the listed drug is voluntarily withdrawn for safety and effectiveness reasons, and the applicant's opportunity to present comments and participate in a limited oral hearing. (The burden hours for § 314.152(b) are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and is not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.161(b) and
(e)sets forth the requirements for submitting a petition to determine whether a listed drug was voluntarily withdrawn from sale for safety or effectiveness reasons. (The burden hours for § 314.161(b) and
(e)are already approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0183 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.200(c), (d), and
(e)requires that applicants or others subject to a notice of opportunity for a hearing who wish to participate in a hearing file a written notice of participation and request for a hearing as well as the studies, data, and so forth, relied on. Other interested persons may also submit comments on the notice. This section also sets forth the content and format requirements for the applicants' submission in response to notice of opportunity for hearing. (The burden hours for § 314.200(c), (d), and
(e)are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.200(f) states that participants in a hearing may make a motion to the presiding officer for the inclusion of certain issues in the hearing. (The burden hours for § 314.200(f) are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.200(g) states that a person who responds to a proposed order from FDA denying a request for a hearing provide sufficient data, information, and analysis to demonstrate that there is a genuine and substantial issue of fact which justifies a hearing. (The burden hours for § 314.200(g) are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and is not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.420 states that an applicant may submit to FDA a drug master file in support of an application, in accordance with certain content and format requirements. Section 314.430 states that data and information in an application are disclosable under certain conditions, unless the applicant shows that extraordinary circumstances exist. (The burden hours for § 314.430 is included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and is not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.530(c) and
(e)states that, if FDA withdraws approval of a drug approved under the accelerated approval procedures, the applicant has the opportunity to request a hearing and submit data and information. (The burden hours for § 314.530(c) and
(e)are included under parts 10 through 16 hearing regulations, in accordance with § 314.201, and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.530(f) requires that an applicant first submit a petition for stay of action before requesting an order from a court for a stay of action pending review. (The burden hours for § 314.530(f) are already approved by OMB under 0910-0194 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.610(b)(1) requires that applicants include a plan or approach to postmarketing study commitments in applications for approval of new drugs when human efficacy studies are not ethical or feasible, and provide status reports of postmarketing study commitments. (The information collection burden estimate for § 314.610(b)(1) is included in table 1 of this document under the estimates for §§ 314.50 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and
(k)and 314.81(b)(2)). Section 314.610(b)(3) requires that applicants propose labeling to be provided to patient recipients in applications for approval of new drugs when human efficacy studies are not ethical or feasible. (The information collection burden estimate for § 314.610(b)(3) is included in table 1 of this document under the estimates for § 314.50(e)). Section 314.630 requires that applicants provide postmarketing safety reporting for applications for approval of new drugs when human efficacy studies are not ethical or feasible. (The burden hours for § 314.630 are already approved by OMB under OMB control numbers 0910-0230 and 0910-0291 and are not included in the burden estimates in table 1 of this document.) Section 314.640 requires that applicants provide promotional materials for applications for approval of new drugs when human efficacy studies are not ethical or feasible. (The information collection burden estimate for § 314.640 is included in table 1 of this document under the estimates for § 314.81(b)(3)(i)). Respondents to this collection of information are all persons who submit an application or abbreviated application or an amendment or supplement to FDA under part 314 to obtain approval of a new drug, and any person who owns an approved application or abbreviated application. In the **Federal Register** of January 4, 2008 (73 FR 865), FDA published a 60-day notice requesting public comment on the information collection provisions. No comments were received. **Table 1.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 21 CFR Section [Form Number] No. of Respondents No. of Responses Per Respondent Total Annual Responses Hours Per Response Total Hours 314.50 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and
(k)85 1.41 120 1,917 230,040 314.50(i) and 314.94(a)(12) 96 9.61 923 2 1,846 314.50(j) 71 4.02 286 2 572 314.52 and 314.95 71 3.66 260 16 4,160 314.60 305 15.05 4,590 80 367,200 314.65 13 1.08 14 2 28 314.70 and 314.71 281 9.30 2,613 150 391,950 314.72 69 3.40 235 2 470 314.81(b)(1) [3331] 114 2.68 306 8 2,448 314.81(b)(2) [2252] 724 11.15 8,073 40 322,920 314.81(b)(3)(i) [2253] 390 61.39 23,942 2 47,884 314.94(a)(1)-(11) and
(d)110 7.21 793 480 380,640 314.96 300 28 8,400 80 672,000 314.97 215 20.66 4,442 80 355,360 314.99(a) 40 2.02 81 2 162 314.101(a) 1 1 1 .50 .50 314.107(c) - 56 4.1 230 .50 115 314.107(e) - 25 3.92 98 .50 49 314.107(f) - 56 4.1 230 .50 115 314.110(a)(5) 45 1.15 52 .50 26 314.120(a)(5) 10 1.20 12 .50 6 314.420 487 1.98 964 61 58,804 Total 2,836,795.5 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. Dated: April 10, 2008. Jeffrey Shuren, Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning. [FR Doc. E8-8459 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2008-D-0224] Draft Guidance for Sponsors, Industry, Researchers, Investigators, and Food and Drug Administration Staff: Certifications to Accompany Drug, Biological Product, and Device Applications/Submissions: Compliance With Section 402(j) of the Public Health Service Act, Added by Title VIII of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or agency) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Guidance for Sponsors, Industry, Researchers, Investigators, and FDA Staff: Certifications To Accompany Drug, Biological Product, and Device Applications/Submissions: Compliance with Section 402(j) of The Public Health Service Act (PHS Act), Added By Title VIII of The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007.” The draft guidance provides sponsors, industry, researchers, investigators, and FDA staff with the agency's views on some types of information and documents submitted to FDA that typically need not be accompanied by the certification described in section 402(j)(5)(B) of the PHS Act. DATES: Although you can comment on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5)), to ensure that the agency considers your comment on this draft guidance before it begins work on the final version of the guidance, submit written or electronic comments on the draft guidance by June 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit written requests for single copies of the draft guidance to the Office of Policy (HF-11), Office of Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Send one self addressed adhesive label to assist that office in processing your requests. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for electronic access to the draft guidance document. Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm.1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to *http://www.regulations.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jarilyn Dupont, Office of Policy (HF-11), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-3360. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Title VIII of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) (Public Law 110-85) amended the PHS Act by adding new section 402(j) (42 U.S.C. 282(j)). The new provisions require that additional information be submitted to the clinical trials data bank ( *www.ClinicalTrials.gov* ) previously established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Library of Medicine, including expanded information on clinical trials and information regarding the results of clinical trials. One new provision, section 402(j)(5)(B) of the PHS Act, requires that a certification accompany certain human drug, biological product, and device applications and submissions to FDA. The purpose of title VIII of FDAAA is to provide a means for ensuring that the public has access to information about certain clinical trials. Specifically, title VIII is intended to provide a mechanism for the public to learn about clinical trials that are being conducted, as well as the results of those trials. The certification, which accompanies certain applications and submissions to FDA, plays a role in helping to achieve the purposes of title VIII of FDAAA. One purpose of the certification is to require the submitter to confirm that it has complied with all applicable requirements of title VIII, including the requirement to register applicable clinical trials. Failure to submit a certification, knowingly submitting a false certification, failure to submit required clinical trial information, and submission of clinical trial information that is false or misleading are all newly added prohibited acts under section 301(jj) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 331(jj)). Requiring a certification to accompany certain information and documents submitted to FDA is, therefore, one way of encouraging compliance with the provisions of the law. The certification also serves the purpose of enabling FDA to exercise its responsibilities under the new law. The certification is critical to the agency's ability to determine whether the law has been complied with and whether a party has committed any of the new prohibited acts under section 301(jj) of the FD&C Act such that an enforcement action is appropriate. Section 402(j)(3)(F) of the PHS Act also requires FDA to notify the Director of NIH of certain actions taken on applications and reports that were accompanied by a certification. That notification alerts NIH to the fact that the responsible party must submit the results of the trials within a certain period of time, thereby enabling NIH to exercise its responsibilities under title VIII of FDAAA. The information in the certification form also will help FDA assist NIH in “linking” information posted on FDA's Web site regarding certain FDA regulatory actions to specific applicable clinical trials included in ClinicalTrials.gov. This linking, using the information in the certification form, eventually will allow FDA to help the public more easily correlate various reports, medical reviews, advisories, health alerts, advisory committee actions, and other materials with specific applicable clinical trials registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. The certification requirement went into effect on December 26, 2007. To assist sponsors, industry, researchers, and investigators in complying with the requirement, FDA created a certification form, FDA Form 3674, that they may use to satisfy the certification requirement. Since the provision went into effect, FDA has received numerous inquiries asking whether various kinds of information and documents that sponsors, industry, researchers, and investigators submit to the agency should be accompanied by the certification. The purpose of this draft guidance document is to provide FDA's current thinking regarding specific types of information and documents submitted to FDA under section 505, 515, 520(m), or 510(k) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355, 360e, 360j(m), or 360(k)), or under section 351 of the PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 262) that typically need not be accompanied by the certification described in section 402(j)(5)(B) of the PHS Act. In determining whether specific information or documents submitted under the previously noted statutory sections typically should be accompanied by a certification, FDA has focused on the role the certification plays in achieving the purposes of title VIII of FDAAA. We believe that it would not further the purposes of the legislation if a certification were to accompany every type of information or document submitted to the agency regarding a medical product regulated by FDA. While we intend the draft guidance to assist submitters in determining whether to submit a certification based on the type of document being submitted to FDA, this guidance does not address, nor does it make a recommendation on, all possible information and documents that may be submitted to FDA under those sections of the FD&C Act or the PHS Act. The guidance is currently limited to those specific types of submissions of information or documents described in the draft guidance. We will continue to review the types of information and documents that a certification typically does not need to accompany. We are interested in receiving comments from sponsors, industry, researchers, and investigators about additional types of information and documents submitted to FDA that typically need not be accompanied by a certification. (See section II of this document for instructions on how to submit comments on the draft guidance.) We intend to update this draft guidance document as appropriate to address additional information and documents that may be submitted under those sections and whether a certification should accompany those types of submissions of information or documents. This draft guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The draft guidance, when finalized, will represent the agency's current thinking on those types of submissions of information or documents a certification typically does not need to accompany. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. An alternative approach may be used if such approach satisfies the requirements of applicable statutes and regulations. II. Comments We are interested in receiving comments from sponsors, industry, researchers, investigators, and other interested stakeholders on other types of information and documents that typically need not be accompanied by a certification. A description of the specific type of information or document and an explanation of the rationale for why a certification should not be necessary will assist us in evaluating the need for an accompanying certification. Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES ) written or electronic comments regarding this document. Submit a single copy of electronic comments or two paper copies of any mailed comments, except that individuals may submit one paper copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that on January 15, 2008, the FDA Division of Dockets Management Web site transitioned to the Federal Dockets Management System (FDMS). FDMS is a Government-wide, electronic docket management system. Electronic comments or submissions will be accepted by FDA through FDMS only. III. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 This draft guidance refers to previously approved collections of information found in FDA regulations. These collections of information are subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The collections of information have been approved under OMB control no. 0910-0616. IV. Electronic Access Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the draft guidance document at either *http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/advance/fdaaa.html* or *http://www.regulations.gov* . Dated: April 14, 2008. Jeffrey Shuren, Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning. [FR Doc. E8-8349 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of a public advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public. *Name of Committee* : Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee. *General Function of the Committee* : To provide advice and recommendations to the agency on FDA's regulatory issues. *Date and Time* : The meeting will be held on May 29, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. *Location* : Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Advisory Committee Conference Room, Rm. 1066, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD. *Contact Person* : Yvette Waples, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (HFD-21), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane (for express delivery, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1093) Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-7001, FAX: 301-827-6776, e-mail: *Yvette.Waples@fda.hhs.gov* , or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1-800-741-8138 (301-443-0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 3014512534. Please call the Information Line for up-to-date information on this meeting. A notice in the **Federal Register** about last minute modifications that impact a previously announced advisory committee meeting cannot always be published quickly enough to provide timely notice. Therefore, you should always check the agency's Web site and call the appropriate advisory committee hot line/phone line to learn about possible modifications before coming to the meeting. *Agenda* : The committee will discuss new drug application
(NDA)22-212, difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion, Sirion Therapeutics, Inc., proposed for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. FDA intends to make background material available to the public no later than 2 business days before the meeting. If FDA is unable to post the background material on its Web site prior to the meeting, the background material will be made publicly available at the location of the advisory committee meeting, and the background material will be posted on FDA's Web site after the meeting. Background material is available at *http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/acmenu.htm* , click on the year 2008 and scroll down to the appropriate advisory committee link. *Procedure* : Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to the contact person on or before May 14, 2008. Oral presentations from the public will be scheduled between approximately 11 a.m. and 12 noon. Those desiring to make formal oral presentations should notify the contact person and submit a brief statement of the general nature of the evidence or arguments they wish to present, the names and addresses of proposed participants, and an indication of the approximate time requested to make their presentation on or before May 6, 2008. Time allotted for each presentation may be limited. If the number of registrants requesting to speak is greater than can be reasonably accommodated during the scheduled open public hearing session, FDA may conduct a lottery to determine the speakers for the scheduled open public hearing session. The contact person will notify interested persons regarding their request to speak by May 7, 2008. Persons attending FDA's advisory committee meetings are advised that the agency is not responsible for providing access to electrical outlets. FDA welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Yvette Waples at least 7 days in advance of the meeting. FDA is committed to the orderly conduct of its advisory committee meetings. Please visit our Web site at *http://www.fda.gov/oc/advisory/default.htm* for procedures on public conduct during advisory committee meetings. Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2). Dated: April 10, 2008. Randall W. Lutter, Deputy Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8351 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Pediatric Ethics Subcommittee of the Pediatric Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of a public advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public. *Name of Committee* : Pediatric Ethics Subcommittee of the Pediatric Advisory Committee. *General Function of the Committee* : To provide advice and recommendations to the Pediatric Advisory Committee on FDA and certain Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS)regulatory issues. *Date and Time* : The meeting will be held on June 9, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and June 10, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. *Location* : Holiday Inn /Gaithersburg, The Ballroom, Two Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, MD. *Contact Person* : Carlos Peña, Office of the Commissioner (HF-33), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, (for express delivery, rm. 14B-08) Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-3340, e-mail: *Carlos.Peña@fda.hhs.gov* or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1-800-741-8138 (301-443-0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 8732310001. Please call the Information Line for up-to-date information on this meeting. A notice in the **Federal Register** about last minute modifications that impact a previously announced advisory committee meeting cannot always be published quickly enough to provide timely notice. Therefore, you should always check the agency's Web site and call the appropriate advisory committee hotline/phone line to learn about possible modifications before coming to the meeting. *Agenda* : On June 9, 2008, the Pediatric Ethics Subcommittee of the Pediatric Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the application of 21 CFR 50.52 (Clinical investigations involving greater than minimal risk but presenting the prospect of direct benefit to individual subjects) to FDA-regulated research. The discussion will be illustrated with hypothetical case examples of research involving HIV vaccines in adolescents and controlled trials of inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma. On June 10, 2008, the Subcommittee will meet to discuss the application of 21 CFR 50.52 to FDA-regulated research illustrated with a hypothetical case example of research using stem cells for treating periventricular white matter injury in children. FDA intends to make background material available to the public no later than 2 business days before the meeting. If FDA is unable to post the background material on its Web site prior to the meeting, the background material will be made publicly available at the location of the advisory committee meeting, and the background material will be posted on FDA's Web site after the meeting. Background material is available at *http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/acmenu.htm* , click on the year 2008 and scroll down to the appropriate advisory committee link. *Procedure* : Interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to the contact person on or before May 20, 2008. Oral presentations from the public will be scheduled between approximately 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on June 9, 2008, and between approximately 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on June 10, 2008. Those desiring to make formal oral presentations should notify the contact person and submit a brief statement of the general nature of the evidence or arguments they wish to present, the names and addresses of proposed participants, and an indication of the approximate time requested to make their presentation on or before May 13, 2008. Time allotted for each presentation may be limited. If the number of registrants requesting to speak is greater than can be reasonably accommodated during the scheduled open public hearing session, FDA may conduct a lottery to determine the speakers for the scheduled open public hearing session. Persons making oral presentations should arrive early to be sure that they are present to make their presentation in case the schedule advances. The contact person will notify interested persons regarding their request to speak by May 12, 2008. Persons attending FDA's advisory committee meetings are advised that the agency is not responsible for providing access to electrical outlets. FDA welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Carlos Peña at least 7 days in advance of the meeting. FDA is committed to the orderly conduct of its advisory committee meetings. Please visit our Web site at *http://www.fda.gov/oc/advisory/default.htm* for procedures on public conduct during advisory committee meetings. Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2). Dated: April 10, 2008. Randall W. Lutter, Deputy Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8352 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging; Notice of Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Advisory Council on Aging. The meeting will be open to the public as indicated below, with attendance limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. *Name of Committee:* National Advisory Council on Aging. *Date:* May 20-21, 2008. *Closed:* May 20, 2008, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. *Agenda:* To review and evaluate grant applications. *Place:* National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 31 Center Drive, Conference Room 6, Bethesda, MD 20892. *Open:* May 21, 2008, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. *Agenda:* Call to order and reports from the Task Force Minority Aging Research Report; Working Group on Program Report; and Program Highlights. *Place:* National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 31 Center Drive, Conference Room 6, Bethesda, MD 20892. *Contact Person:* Robin Barr, PhD, Director, National Institute on Aging, Office of Extramural Activities, Gateway Building, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814,
(301)496-9322, *barrr@nia.nih.gov* . Any interested person may file written comments with the committee by forwarding the statement to the Contact Person listed on this notice. The statement should include the name, address, telephone number and, when applicable, the business or professional affiliation of the interested person. In the interest of security, NIH has instituted stringent procedures for entrance onto the NIH campus. All visitor vehicles, including taxicabs, hotel, and airport shuttles will be inspected before being allowed on campus. Visitors will be asked to show one form of identification (for example, a government-issued photo ID, driver's license, or passport) and to state the purpose of their visit. Information is also available on the Institute's/Center's home page: *http://www.nih.gov/nia/naca/* , where an agenda and any additional information for the meeting will be posted when available. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.866, Aging Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: April 10, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8222 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. *Name of Committee:* National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Initial Review Group Epidemiology, Prevention and Behavior Research Review Subcommittee. *Date:* June 26-27, 2008. *Time:* 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Agenda:* To review and evaluate grant applications. *Place:* Doubletree Bethesda, Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD. *Contact Person:* Lorraine Gunzerath, PhD, MBA, Scientific Review Administrator, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Office of Extramural Activities, Extramural Project Review Branch, 5635 Fishers Lane, Room 3043, Bethesda, MD 20892-9304, 301-443-2369, *lgunzera@mail.nih.gov.* (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.271, Alcohol Research Career Development Awards for Scientists and Clinicians; 93.272, Alcohol National Research Service Awards for Research Training; 93.273, Alcohol Research Programs; 93.891, Alcohol Research Center Grants, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: April 11, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8338 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. *Name of Committee:* National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Special Emphasis Panel. *Date:* June 26-27, 2008. *Time:* 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. *Agenda:* To review and evaluate grant applications. *Place:* Legacy, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. *Contact Person:* Beata Buzas, PhD, Scientific Review Administrator, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5635 Fishers Lane, Rm 3041, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-443-0800, *bbuzas@mail.nih.gov.* (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.271, Alcohol Research Career Development Awards for Scientists and Clinicians; 93.272, Alcohol National Research Service Awards for Research Training; 93.273, Alcohol Research Programs; 93.891 Alcohol Research Center Grants, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: April 11, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8340 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. *Name of Committee:* National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Initial Review Group; Clinical, Treatment and Health Services Research Review Subcommittee *Date:* June 3-4, 2008. *Time:* 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Agenda:* To review and evaluate grant applications. *Place:* Crowne Plaza, 877 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. *Contact Person:* Katrina L. Foster, PhD, Scientific Review Administrator, National Inst on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5635 Fishers Lane, Rm. 3042, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-443-4032, *katrina@mail.nih.gov.* (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.271, Alcohol Research Career Development Awards for Scientists and Clinicians; 93.272, Alcohol National Research Service Awards for Research Training; 93.273, Alcohol Research Programs; 93.891, Alcohol Research Center Grants, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: April 11, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8341 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. *Name of Committee:* National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Initial Review Group; Biomedical Research Review Subcommittee. *Date:* June 2-3, 2008. *Time:* 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Agenda:* To review and evaluate grant applications. *Place:* Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, NW., Washington, DC 20005. *Contact Person:* Philippe Marmillot, PhD, Scientific Review Administrator, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 5635 Fishers Lane, Rm 3045, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-443-2861, *marmillotp@mail.nih.gov.* (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.271, Alcohol Research Career Development Awards for Scientists and Clinicians; 93.272, Alcohol National Research Service Awards for Research Training; 93.273, Alcohol Research Programs; 93.891, Alcohol R arch Center Grants, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: April 11, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. E8-8344 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; DHS Individual Complaint of Employment Discrimination AGENCY: Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, DHS. ACTION: 30-Day Notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing information collection 1610-0001, DHS Form 3090-1. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, submits this extension for the following information collection request
(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is soliciting comments concerning an extension to an existing information collection, DHS Individual Complaint of Employment Discrimination Form, DHS 3090-1. DHS previously published this information collection request
(ICR)in the **Federal Register** on January 22, 2008 at 73 FR 3738, for a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received by DHS. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30-days for public comments. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until May 19, 2008. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to
(202)395-6974. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments which: 1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2. 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; 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 4. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If additional information is required contact: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Mail Stop 0800, 245 Murray Lane, SW., Bldg 110, Washington, DC 20528,
(202)401-1474,
(202)401-0470 (TTY). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This form will allow a complainant to submit required information used by the Department to process an employment discrimination complaint with the Department of Homeland Security. The information contained in this form will allow the Department to accept, investigate and further process, or to dismiss issues. Analysis *Agency:* Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. *Title:* DHS Individual Complaint of Employment Discrimination Form. *OMB Number:* 1610-0001. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Affected Public:* Federal Government and Individuals or Households. Information collection is necessary for DHS CRCL to identify problem areas, propose changes, and assist individuals experiencing problems during the filing of a formal EEO complaint with DHS. *Number of Respondents:* 1200 respondents. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 30 minutes per response. *Total Burden Hours:* 600 annual burden hours. *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* None. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining):* None. Dated: April 9, 2008. Charles Armstrong, Acting, Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8476 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of the Secretary Office of Policy, Private Sector Office, DHS; Welcome to the United States Survey AGENCY: Office of Policy, Private Sector Office, DHS. ACTION: 30-Day Notice and request for comments; Reinstatement without change of a previously approved information collection OMB Control Number 1601-0003. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Office of Policy, Private Sector Office will submit this reinstatement without change for the following information collection request
(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The Private Sector Office is soliciting comments concerning the reinstatement without change to a previously approved information collection, Welcome to the United States Survey. DHS previously published this information collection request
(ICR)in the **Federal Register** on January 31, 2008 at 73 FR 5861, for a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received by DHS. The purpose of this notice is to allow additional 30-days for public comments. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until May 19, 2008. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to
(202)395-6974. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments which: 1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2. 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; 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 4. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If additional information is required contact: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Private Sector Office, Jenny Randall
(202)282-9801, this is not a toll free number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Secretary, Office of Policy, Private Sector Office, in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection
(CBP)and Research Triangle Institute, International, will interview foreign visitors entering the United States at four southern border ports of entry, three northern border ports of entry and four airport ports of entry. This survey will measure how CBP is serving the American public with vigilance and integrity, while providing courteous and helpful treatment to visitors, immigrants and travelers. Additionally, this survey will further the Rice-Chertoff Initiative as has been announced by evaluating the two model airports (Dulles International Airport, Chantilly, VA, and Houston International Airport, Houston, TX) for baseline information as well as how welcomed foreign visitors feel upon entering the United States and interacting with a DHS Customs and Border Protection officer. Analysis *Agency:* Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Office of Policy, Private Sector Office. *Title:* Welcome to the United States Survey. *OMB Number:* 1601-0003. *Frequency:* One-time collection. *Affected Public:* Foreign visitors into the United States. *Number of Respondents:* 939 respondents. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 5 minutes per response. *Total Burden Hours:* 78.22 annual burden hours. *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* None. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining):* None. Dated: April 10, 2008. Charles Armstrong, Acting, Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-8505 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA-1751-DR] Arkansas; Amendment No. 2 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Arkansas (FEMA-1751-DR), dated March 26, 2008, and related determinations. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 9, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Miller, Disaster Assistance Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472,
(202)646-2705. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Arkansas is hereby amended to include the following areas among those areas determined to have been adversely affected by the catastrophe declared a major disaster by the President in his declaration of March 26, 2008. Monroe and Prairie Counties for Individual Assistance. Pope and Sharp Counties for Individual Assistance (already designated for emergency protective measures [Category B], limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.) Scott County for Individual Assistance (already designated for Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance.) Clay, Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Howard, Newton, Pope, Sharp, and Van Buren Counties for Public Assistance (already designated for emergency protective measures [Category B], limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.) Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Logan, Marion, Randolph, Stone, and Woodruff Counties for Public Assistance (already designated for Individual Assistance and emergency protective measures [Category B], limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.) Monroe and Perry Counties for Public Assistance. (The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers
(CFDA)are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant; 97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidential Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidential Declared Disaster Assistance—Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050 Presidential Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.) R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. E8-8454 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA-1749-DR] Missouri; Amendment No. 3 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Missouri (FEMA-1749-DR), dated March 19, 2008, and related determinations. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 9, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Miller, Disaster Assistance Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472,
(202)646-2705. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Missouri is hereby amended to include the following areas among those areas determined to have been adversely affected by the catastrophe declared a major disaster by the President in his declaration of March 19, 2008. Barry, Barton, Camden, Cedar, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Howell, Lawrence, Miller, Mississippi, Montgomery, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, St. Clair, and Wright Counties for Public Assistance (already designated for emergency protective measures [Category B], limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.) Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Christian, Franklin, Gasconade, Howard, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, Maries, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, Texas, Washington, Wayne, and Webster Counties for Public Assistance (already designated for Individual Assistance and emergency protective measures [Category B], limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.) (The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers
(CFDA)are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant; 97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidential Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidential Declared Disaster Assistance—Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050 Presidential Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs, 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.) R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. E8-8456 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Transportation Security Administration [Docket Nos. TSA-2006-24191; Coast Guard—2006-24196] Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC); Enrollment Dates for the Ports of Juneau, AK; Freeport, TX; Galveston, TX; Anchorage, AK; and Sandusky, OH AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration; United States Coast Guard; DHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security
(DHS)through the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA)issues this notice of the dates for the beginning of the initial enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential
(TWIC)for the Ports of Juneau, AK; Freeport, TX; Galveston, TX; Anchorage, AK; and Sandusky, OH. DATES: TWIC enrollment begins in Juneau and Galveston on April 30, 2008; Freeport on May 1, 2008; Sandusky on May 7, 2008; and Anchorage on May 8, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may view published documents and comments concerning the TWIC Final Rule, identified by the docket numbers of this notice, using any one of the following methods.
(1)Searching the Federal Docket Management System
(FDMS)Web page at *http://www.regulations.gov* ;
(2)Accessing the Government Printing Office's Web page at *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html* ; or
(3)Visiting TSA's Security Regulations Web page at *http://www.tsa.gov* and accessing the link for “Research Center” at the top of the page. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Orgill, TSA-19, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-4220. Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing (TTAC), TWIC Program,
(571)227-4545; e-mail: *credentialing@dhs.gov* . Background The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the United States Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), issued a joint final rule (72 FR 3492; January 25, 2007) pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064 (November 25, 2002), and the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act), Pub. L. 109-347 (October 13, 2006). This rule requires all credentialed merchant mariners and individuals with unescorted access to secure areas of a regulated facility or vessel to obtain a TWIC. In this final rule, on page 3510, TSA and Coast Guard stated that a phased enrollment approach based upon risk assessment and cost/benefit would be used to implement the program nationwide, and that TSA would publish a notice in the **Federal Register** indicating when enrollment at a specific location will begin and when it is expected to terminate. This notice provides the start date for TWIC initial enrollment at the Ports of Juneau, AK and Galveston, TX on April 30, 2008; Freeport, TX on May 1, 2008; Sandusky, OH on May 7, 2008; and Anchorage, AK on May 8, 2008. The Coast Guard will publish a separate notice in the **Federal Register** indicating when facilities within the Captain of the Port Zone Southeast Alaska, including those in the Port of Juneau; Captain of the Port Zone Houston/Galveston, including those in the Ports of Freeport and Galveston; Captain of the Port Zone Western Alaska, including those in the Port of Anchorage; and Captain of the Port Zone Detroit, including those in the Port of Sandusky must comply with the portions of the final rule requiring TWIC to be used as an access control measure. That notice will be published at least 90 days before compliance is required. To obtain information on the pre-enrollment and enrollment process, and enrollment locations, visit TSA's TWIC Web site at *http://www.tsa.gov/twic* . Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on April 15, 2008. Rex Lovelady, Program Manager, TWIC, Office of Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing, Transportation Security Administration. [FR Doc. E8-8423 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-05-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians' Proposed 228.04-Acre Fee-To-Trust Land Transfer and Casino Project, Amador County, CA AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA)as lead agency, with the Ione Band of Miwok Indians (Tribe), National Indian Gaming Commission, City of Plymouth, California, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), intends to file a Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS)with the EPA for the proposed 228.04 acre trust acquisition and construction of casino project to be located within the City of Plymouth in Amador County, California and that the DEIS is now available for public review. This notice provides a 75-day public comment period and thereby grants a 30-day extension to the normal 45-day public comment period. This notice also announces a public hearing to receive comments on the DEIS. DATES: Written comments on the DEIS must arrive by July 2, 2008. The public hearing will be held May 21, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., or until the last public comment is received. ADDRESSES: You may mail or hand carry written comments to Dale Risling, Deputy Regional Director, Pacific Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825. Please include your name, return address, and the caption, “DEIS Comments, Ione Band of Miwok Indians' Casino Project,” on the first page of your written comments. The public hearing will be at the Amador County Fairgrounds, 18621 Sherwood and School Streets, Plymouth, California. The DEIS is available for review at the Amador County Library, Jackson Main Library, 530 Sutter Street, Jackson, California 95642 and at the City Clerk, Plymouth City Hall, 9426 Main Street, Plymouth, California 95669. General information for the Amador County Library, Jackson Main Library, may be obtained by calling
(209)223-6400. General information for the City Clerk, Plymouth City Hall, may be obtained by calling
(209)245-6941. If you would like to obtain a copy of the DEIS, please write or call John Rydzik, Chief of the Division of Environmental, Cultural Resource Management and Safety, at the BIA address above or the telephone number provided below. An electronic version of the DEIS may be viewed at *http://www.ioneeis.com* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Rydzik,
(916)978-6042. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Tribe has requested that the BIA take into Federal trust 228.04 acres of land currently held in fee by the Tribe, on which the Tribe proposes to construct a casino, a hotel, parking areas and other facilities. The proposed project is located in the City of Plymouth in Amador County, California. The project site is located immediately east of State Highway 49 and is within 2 1/2 miles of State Highway 16. The project site consists of 12 parcels of land totaling 228.04 acres. Eight of the 12 parcels (10.28 acres) are located within the City of Plymouth, while the remaining four parcels, approximately 218 acres, are located on unincorporated land within Amador County. Phase I of the proposed action includes the development of a 120,000 square foot casino complex, which would consist of a porte cochere, main gaming hall, food and beverage services, retail space and administration space. Approximately 65,000 square feet of this building space would be devoted to the main gaming hall, while the balance of the facility would include administration space, small retail shops, food/beverage facilities and a small gift and art shop. This entire complex would be built on land currently within the City of Plymouth. Primary access to the casino complex would be via State Highway 49. Phase II of the proposed action consists of the construction of a hotel (250 rooms maximum), which would include small conference style facilities, together with food and beverage services. The proposed hotel would also be fitted with a dual plumbing system for the use of potable and recycled water. In addition, site parking would be increased to supply adequate parking for hotel and conference patrons. The hotel is anticipated to be operational no sooner than the middle of year 3-4 of the project. Primary vehicle access to the hotel would be provided by the main casino and surface-parking driveway. A range of project alternatives is considered in the DEIS, including:
(1)Preferred casino and hotel;
(2)reduced casino and hotel;
(3)reduced casino, no hotel;
(4)regional shopping development; and
(5)no action. Environmental issues addressed in the DEIS include land resources, water resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, socioeconomic conditions, resource use patterns, public services, other values including noise, hazards and hazardous materials and visual resources and environmental justice, cumulative effects, indirect effects, growth inducing effects and mitigation measures. Input from the public, including that from public scoping meetings the BIA held November 19, 2003, and February 4, 2004, at the Amador County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, California, was included in the development of these alternatives and issues. Public Comment Availability Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the BIA address shown in the ADDRESSES section, during business hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority This notice is published in accordance with section 1503.1 of the Council of Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR, parts 1500 through 1508) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.), Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1-6), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8.1. Dated: January 22, 2008. Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. E8-8334 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-W7-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM-030-1220-NLCS] Emergency Closure to Unpermitted Collection of Petrified Wood and Plant Fossils in the Robledo Mountains on Federal Land, Dona Ana County, NM. AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that certain public land located in the southern Robledo Mountains, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, is subject to an emergency closure to unpermitted collection (free use) of fossilized wood and plant fossils. This closure is necessary in order to prevent further adverse impacts to paleontological resources in the area while the formal conservation status of the region is under determination. Closure will remain in effect for 2 years and may be renewed upon the completion of the Tri-County Resource Management Plan. Closure signs will be posted at main entry points to this area. Maps of the closure area, as well as documents associated with environmental review of this closure may be obtained at the Las Cruces District Office. DATES: This closure is effective upon publication in the **Federal Register** , and will remain in effect for two years from April 18, 2008. This closure may be renewed upon the completion of the Tri-County Resource Management Plan. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Sanders, Assistant District Manager, Multi-Resources, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005, Telephone
(575)525-4393. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The area has been proposed as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and also is under Congressional consideration for National Monument status. A management plan to address the long-term management of paleontological resources would be initiated upon designation. Resource damage has already taken place and the potential for additional adverse effects occurring as a result of unrestricted collection within this area is substantial and significant. The authorities for this closure may be found at 43 CFR Subpart 3622, and 43 CFR Subpart 8364. This order applies to all forms of collection of fossilized plant and petrified wood materials; all unpermitted collection or free use of fossilized plant and petrified wood materials in the location identified in this closure order is prohibited. On all public land, under section 303(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 U.S.C. 1733(a), 43 CFR 8360.0-7, and 43 CFR 9262.1, any person who violates any closures or restriction on public land as announced in this order may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined no more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for no more that 12 months, or both. Such violations may also be subject to enhanced fines provided for by 18 U.S.C. 3571 (not to exceed $100,000.00 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months). The public land affected by the closure order is located northwest of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and west of Interstate-25, in Dona Ana County, New Mexico and is described as follows: New Mexico Principal Meridian T., 22 S., R. 1 W., Section 24 Section 25 and Portions of Sections 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 26, 35, 36. T. 22 S., R. 1 E., Portions of Sections 19, 30, 31. The area described contains approximately 5,240 acres, more or less, of the Robledo Mountain Range. Maps of the land affected by this closure, as well as documents associated with environmental review of the closure are available in the Las Cruces District Office, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico. The area affected by this order will be posted with appropriate signs announcing this closure. Authority: 43 CFR 3622.3(a), and 43 CFR 8364.1. Bill Childress, District Manager, Las Cruces. [FR Doc. E8-8384 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-FB-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [MT-924-1430-FQ; SDM 034316] Public Land Order No. 7702; Partial Revocation of Public Land Order No. 1446; South Dakota AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Public Land Order. SUMMARY: This order revokes a Public Land Order insofar as it affects 20 acres of public land within the Black Hills National Forest withdrawn from surface entry and mining and reserved for use of the Forest Service as the Pactola Administrative Site. The land is no longer needed for administrative purposes. This order opens the land for sale. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 19, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra Ward, BLM Montana State Office, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana 59101-4669, 406-896-5052. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The revocation is needed to facilitate a Forest Service land sale conducted in accordance with Public Laws 106-329 and 109-54. Order By virtue of the authority vested in the Secretary of the Interior by Section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. 1714 (2000), it is ordered as follows: 1. Public Land Order No. 1446 (22 FR 5873 (1957)), which withdrew public land from surface entry and mining and reserved it for use of the Forest Service as the Pactola Administrative Site, is hereby revoked insofar as it affects the following described land: Black Hills Meridian Black Hills National Forest T. 2 N., R. 5 E., Sec. 26, E 1/2 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 . The area described contains 20 acres in Pennington County. 2. The above-described land is hereby made available for sale in accordance with Public Law 106-329 and Public Law 109-54. Authority: 43 CFR 2370. Dated: April 3, 2008. C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. E8-8409 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3419-11-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [SDM 94312] Public Land Order No. 7705; Withdrawal of National Forest System Land To Preserve Cave Resources Adjacent to Jewel Cave National Monument; South Dakota AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Public Land Order. SUMMARY: This order withdraws 4,595.78 acres of National Forest System land from mining for a period of 20 years to preserve unique cave resources adjacent to Jewel Cave National Monument. The land has been and will remain open to such forms of disposition as may by law be made of National Forest System land and to mineral leasing. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 18, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Valerie Hunt, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, 303-275-5122 or Sandra Ward, BLM Montana State Office, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana 59101-4669, 406-896-5052. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Geological formations nearby indicate that continued exploration may result in discovery of additional passageways and caverns beyond the known extent of Jewel Cave. This order protects the passageway and caverns extending beyond the exterior boundaries of the Jewel Cave National Monument. Order By virtue of the authority vested in the Secretary of the Interior by Section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. 1714 (2000), it is ordered as follows: 1. Subject to valid existing rights, the following described National Forest System land is hereby withdrawn from settlement, sale, location or entry under the United States mining laws (30 U.S.C. Ch. 2 (2000)), to preserve unique cave resources adjacent to the Jewel Cave National Monument: Black Hills National Forest Black Hills Meridian T. 4 S., R. 2 E., Sec. 12, E 1/2 SW 1/4 and SE 1/4 ; Sec. 13, E 1/2 and E 1/2 NW 1/4 . T. 4 S., R. 3 E., Sec. 5, lot 6 and lots 10 to 16, inclusive; Sec. 6, lots 1 to 5, inclusive, S 1/2 NE 1/4 , SE 1/4 NW 1/4 , and E 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 7, lots 3 and 4, E 1/2 NE 1/4 , E 1/2 SW 1/4 , and SE 1/4 ; Sec. 8, lots 1 to 16, inclusive; Sec. 9, lots 4 to 8, inclusive, and lots 11 to 14, inclusive; Sec. 16, lots 4, 5, 8, and 9, NW 1/4 NW 1/4 and SE 1/4 SW 1/4 ; Sec. 17, lots 1 to 14, inclusive; Sec. 18, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, E 1/2 , and E 1/2 W 1/2 ; Sec. 19, lots 1 and 2, NE 1/4 , and E 1/2 NW 1/4 ; Sec. 20, lots 1 to 9, inclusive, S 1/2 NE 1/4 , SW 1/4 NW 1/4 , NW 1/4 SW 1/4 , S 1/2 SW 1/4 , and N 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 21, lots 1 to 9 inclusive, and NW 1/4 SW 1/4 . The area described contains 4,595.78 acres in Custer County. 3. The withdrawal made by this order does not alter the applicability of those public land laws governing the use of National Forest System land under lease, license, or permit, or governing the disposal of their mineral or vegetative resources other than under the mining laws. 4. This withdrawal will expire 20 years from the effective date of this order unless, as a result of a review conducted before the expiration date pursuant to Section 204(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. 1714(f) (2000), the Secretary determines that the withdrawal shall be extended. Authority: 43 CFR 2310.3-3. Dated: April 7, 2008. C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. E8-8410 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO-923-1430-ET; COC-69155] Public Land Order No. 7700; Transfer of Public Land for the Maybell West Uranium Repository; Colorado AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Public Land Order. SUMMARY: This order permanently transfers 160 acres of public land to the Department of Energy for its Maybell West Uranium Repository, in accordance with the terms of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-604), as amended. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 18, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Senti, BLM Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215-7093, 303-239-3713. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Umetco Maybell Uranium Mill Site has been stabilized and the Department of Energy plans to convert the site to a uranium mill tailings repository. Under Public Law 95-604, the Department of Energy is legally obligated to become the long-term custodian of the stabilized Umetco Maybell Uranium Mill Site. The long-term custodial responsibility is perpetual and is administered by the DOE under a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license. The land must be transferred in order for the Department of Energy to execute its responsibilities under Public Law 95-604. Order By virtue of the authority vested in the Secretary of the Interior by the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 7916 (2000)), as amended, it is ordered as follows: 1. Subject to valid existing right, the following described public land is hereby permanently transferred to the Department of Energy, and as a result of this transfer, the land is no longer subject to the operation of the general land laws, including the mining and mineral leasing laws, for the Maybell West Uranium Repository: Sixth Principal Meridian T. 7 N., R. 95 W., Sec. 24, S 1/2 NW 1/4 and N 1/2 SW 1/4 . The area described contains 160 acres in Moffat County. 2. The transfer of the above-described land to the Department of Energy vests in that Department, full management, jurisdiction, responsibility, and liability for such land and all activities conducted thereon, except as provided in Paragraph 3. 3. The Secretary of the Interior shall retain the authority to administer any existing claims, rights, and interests in this land that were established before the effective date of the transfer. Dated: March 27, 2008. C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. E8-8418 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JB-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service [Docket No. MMS-2008-OMM-0020] Notice of Nominations Received and Proposed Limited Alternative Energy Leases on the Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS)and Initiation of Coordination and Consultation AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Announcement of nominations and processing priorities, inquiry on competing nominations for proposed limited alternative energy leases, and request for comments from interested and affected parties. SUMMARY: On November 6, 2007, the Minerals Management Service
(MMS)published in the **Federal Register** (72 FR 214, pp. 62673-62675) a request for information and nominations of areas for leases authorizing alternative energy resource assessment and technology testing activities pursuant to subsection 8(p) of the OCS Lands Act, as amended. We received over 40 nominations of areas for limited leases authorizing such activities relating to wind, wave, and ocean current energy resources on the OCS. The MMS has considered the nominations in light of relevant criteria for proceeding with the issuance of leases. As required by subsection 8(p), MMS must issue such leases on a competitive basis unless we determine after public notice that there is no competitive interest. Subsection 8(p) also requires MMS to coordinate and consult with relevant Federal agencies and affected State and local governments concerning the issuance of OCS alternative energy leases. This Notice provides the required public notice of proposed leases by announcing the nominations that MMS has decided to process as a priority and inquiring as to the existence of any competitive interest in these nominated areas. Also, with this announcement we intend to inform all interested and affected parties of these nominations and invite comments and information—including information on environmental issues and concerns—that will be useful in our consideration of the nominated areas for the issuance of limited alternative energy leases. DATES: The MMS requests any competing nominations and relevant comments and information by May 19, 2008. As it pertains to nominations, this is a strict deadline, and nominations received after the deadline will be not be considered by MMS for the purpose of determining competitive interest in the areas originally nominated. Other comments may be submitted within 60 days. ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments by one of two methods:
(1)Federal eRulemaking Portal: *http://www.regulations.gov* . Under the tab “More Search Options,” click “Advanced Docket Search,” then select “Minerals Management Service” from the agency drop-down menu, then click “submit.” In the Docket ID column, select MMS-2008-OMM-0020 to submit public comments and to view supporting and related materials available for this rulemaking. Information on using *Regulations.gov* , including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's “User Tips” link. The MMS will post all comments.
(2)Mailing your comments to the following address: Minerals Management Service, Offshore Minerals Management, Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Team, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Maureen Bornholdt, Minerals Management Service, Offshore Minerals Management, 381 Elden Street, Mail Stop 4080, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817,
(703)787-1300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Public Comment Policy.* Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your submission, you should be aware that your entire submission—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. *Background.* Under the interim policy described in the November 6, 2007, **Federal Register** Notice referenced above, MMS stated its intention to issue limited OCS alternative energy leases for a term of 5 years that would authorize resource assessment and technology testing activities, subject to specific terms and conditions. That Notice invited respondents who wish to acquire limited OCS alternative energy leases to nominate areas of interest by January 7, 2008. On December 14, 2007, MMS published in the **Federal Register** (72 FR 240, pp. 71152-71157) a Notice of new information collection that presented a proposed “Lease of Submerged Lands for Alternative Energy Activities on the OCS” and requested comments by February 12, 2008. In addition to the nominations submitted by prospective lessees, MMS received numerous comments from proponents of OCS alternative energy development, including industry associations. Several of those comments stated that the interim policy should be revised to provide a right to commercial development for those who acquire leases for resource assessment and technology testing. As MMS stated in the November 6, 2007, **Federal Register** Notice, the interim policy is intended to permit the collection of resource assessment and technology testing data in support of future development activity without any priority right for future commercial development. It is designed to begin the process in the acquisition of needed information about a variety of OCS conditions under a relatively simple authorizing process. Conveyance of full commercial development rights would entail a much lengthier and complicated process than MMS is willing to undertake at this time under the interim policy. Therefore, MMS reiterates and reaffirms its interim policy as originally formulated and proposed. Further, in the absence of promulgated rules, MMS does not plan to revise the interim policy or adopt a new policy to authorize commercial development of OCS alternative energy. We will continue to defer consideration of commercial OCS alternative energy projects until regulations governing alternative energy activities on the OCS are in place, except with respect to the two proposed projects that are the subject of the savings provision of section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Prospective lessees, both the original nominators and those responding to this Notice, must show that they are qualified to hold an OCS lease before MMS will consider their proposals. The qualifications for holders of OCS oil and gas leases set forth at 30 CFR 256.35 provide useful guidance in this regard to prospective limited alternative energy lessees. Limited alternative energy lease holders must also comply with all terms and conditions of their lease (see the December 14, 2007, **Federal Register** Notice of the proposed lease form). As stated in the November 6, 2007, **Federal Register** Notice proposing the interim policy, a limited lease will grant the lessee the exclusive right to conduct the activities identified in the lease on the designated lease area. Acquisition of a limited lease will not grant the lessee any rights with respect to the future acquisition of commercial development rights for the leased site. *Nominations.* We received nominations on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. Most of the Atlantic Coast nominations are for meteorological and oceanographic data collection facilities that would support wind energy projects off of the coasts of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. There also are nominations for areas off of the coast of Florida focused on ocean current information collection and technology testing. On the Pacific coast, the main interest is in wave energy, and nominations were received for areas off California, Oregon and Washington. The MMS has decided to give priority consideration to issuing limited leases for:
(1)Data collection activities relating to wind resources off of the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, and Georgia;
(2)data collection and technology testing activities relating to current resources off of the coast of Florida; and
(3)data collection and technology testing activities relating to wave resources off of the coast of Northern California. These locations of proposed OCS alterative energy limited leasing are described as follows: Adjacent state Official protraction diagram Block(s) Resource 1. New Jersey Hudson Canyon NJ 18-03 6451 Wind. 2. New Jersey Wilmington NJ 18-02 6936 and 7131 Wind. 3. New Jersey Wilmington NJ 18-02 6931 Wind. 4. New Jersey Wilmington NJ 18-02 6738 Wind. 5. New Jersey Wilmington NJ 18-02 7033 Wind. 6. Delaware Salisbury NJ 18-05 6325 Wind. 7. Georgia Brunswick NH 17-02 6074 Wind. 8. Georgia Brunswick NH 17-02 6174 Wind. 9. Georgia Brunswick NH 17-02 6126 Wind. 10. Florida Bahamas NG 17-06 7103 Current. 11. Florida Bahamas NG 17-05 7040 and 7090 Current. Bahamas NG 17-06 7001, 7002, 7003, 7004, 7005, 7006, 7007, 7051, 7052, 7053, 7054, 7055, 7056, 7057, 7104, 7105, 7106, and 7107 12. Florida Bahamas NG 17-06 6702, 6703, 6704, 6705, 6706, 6707, and 6708 Current. 13. Florida Miami NG 17-08 6040 Current. 14. Florida Bimini NG 17-09 6001 Current. 15. California Ukiah NJ 10-02 6405, 6455, 6456, 6504, 6505, 6506, 6554, 6555, 6604, 6605, 6654, 6655, 6704, and 6705 Wave. 16. California Eureka NK 10-10 6031, 6032, 6033, 6080, 6081, 6082, 6083, 6130, 6131, 6132, 6133, 6179, 6180, 6181, 6182, 6229, 6230, 6231, 6232, 6279, 6280, 6281, 6330, and 6331 Wave. The above locations refer to areas identified on the Official Protraction Diagrams that are available from each MMS regional office and online at *http://www.mms.gov/ld/Maps.htm,* and the areas are identified as OCS blocks that are generally nine square miles in size. The nominated areas may be located on those maps or on a map viewer maintained by MMS at *http://www.mms.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/WebMappingViewer.htm.* The MMS reviewed in detail all nominations we received and established our priority areas for initial leasing in light of considerations such as technological complexity, timing needs, competing use issues, and relationships to relevant state-supported renewable energy activities, as well as considerations relating to limited available MMS staff and budget resources for processing and managing limited leases. We also took into consideration the desirability of authorizing the advancement of activities relating to each of the alternative energy resource types cited in the nominations—wind, current, and wave. We chose proposed leasing locations off of the New Jersey and Delaware coasts primarily because the installation of data collection facilities relating to wind would support the concurrent efforts by those States to foster commercial development of wind power on the adjoining OCS. We also selected the area off of the coast of Georgia as a site for limited leasing related to wind because of the ongoing efforts of Southern Company and the Georgia Institute of Technology Strategic Energy Institute to acquire wind data to determine the technical and economic feasibility of locating an OCS wind energy project off of the coast of Georgia. Their efforts include the use of existing U.S. Navy meteorological and oceanographic data collection platforms and other lower elevation facilities for several years. They now propose to gather critical data at a substantially higher height. We chose proposed leasing locations off of the coast of Florida, because the data collection and technology testing activities relate to ocean currents. The State of Florida has supported ocean current research through the Florida Atlantic University Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology, which includes several academic, Federal Government, and private industry participants. We chose two proposed leasing locations off of the coast of Northern California, specifically offshore Humboldt and Mendocino Counties, because the data collection and technology testing activities relate to ocean wave activities. The areas were nominated to conduct alternative energy resource assessment and technology testing with respect to the WaveConnect Projects proposed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company in each area. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has sought or obtained permits from other Federal agencies and has applied to the California Public Utilities Commission for funds to conduct studies related to these projects. It is important to note that MMS has not made any final decision to award leases in the areas identified in this Notice. We have identified these areas as our priorities for potentially authorizing limited leases under this interim policy, and through this Notice we are soliciting comments to determine if competitive interest exists in these areas. Nominations that were not selected for processing as a priority, as well as additional nominations received in the future, may be processed by MMS at a later date. We have chosen to process a lease or group of leases relating to each type of alternative energy resource in accordance with our staff and budget resources and associated timing considerations. Many of the nominations that were not selected for priority processing appear to entail complex technology (e.g., new deeper-water designs) or environmental or conflicting use concerns that would make processing them more difficult and time consuming. *Request for Competing Nominations.* As stated above, the areas that have been nominated for proposed alternative energy limited leases are identified as blocks on the OCS Official Protraction Diagrams. While we received some nominations for areas smaller than OCS blocks, we have decided that the minimum size for limited leases issued under the interim policy will be a block or aggregation of blocks but will not be smaller than a block. Upon acquisition of such a lease, a lessee may contract the original lease area by relinquishing aliquot parts of the lease, a part as small as 1/16 of a block. We request respondents who wish to compete for limited leases for the areas identified in this Notice to submit a nomination identifying the block(s) in which you are interested, the resource(s) you want to assess (e.g., wind, current, wave) and the technology you want to test. Also, provide a general description of the type and number of installations or technologies you would use and a project schedule for the activities you propose. Your nomination of an area must be consistent with the type of alternative energy resource identified for that area (e.g., a nomination off of the coast of New Jersey must pertain to data collection activities relating to wind resources). A nomination that is not consistent with the resource identified for a specific area will not be considered. The block(s) you wish to nominate should be identified using the information on Official Protraction Diagrams available as described above. Also, if you submit such a nomination, please provide the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of an individual for the MMS to contact. With this request MMS is inviting nominations from parties who have not previously submitted nominations for the areas identified in this Notice and are interested in acquiring leases only for one or more of the blocks listed above. Those who have already submitted nominations for these areas should not resubmit the same nomination. A nomination received in response to the November 6, 2007, **Federal Register** Notice will be considered active unless the original nominator notifies MMS in writing that the nominator is no longer interested in obtaining a lease for the area originally nominated. If an original nominator is interested in competing for a lease area identified in this Notice and it was not the original nominator of that site, it must submit a new nomination for that lease area as provided in this Notice. If you have not already submitted a nomination and wish to submit one for an area listed above, you must submit by the deadline stated above. Late submissions will not be considered. *MMS Analysis of Nominations.* The MMS will consider the nominations received in response to this Notice along with the original nominations. We will determine that there is competitive interest for any proposed lease area that receives more than one nomination and that there is no competitive interest for any area that receives only one nomination. In instances where our analysis determines that there is competitive interest, we will contact the competing nominators to explore options for collaboration or refinements of proposals before considering options for proceeding with a competitive auction. If we receive a competing nomination that only partially overlaps a multiple-block original nomination, we may determine that there is no competition, because in such a case the proposed lease area subject to competition would comprise the entire multiple-block original nomination. However, based on the information we receive in response to this notice, MMS may decide to issue a subsequent public notice requesting expressions of interest in the partial area where the competing nominations overlap separate from the remainder of the multiple-block area proposed for lease. In instances where our analysis concludes that there is no competitive interest in a previously nominated area, we will contact the nominators and proceed with noncompetitive lease issuances as time and resources allow. However, we may first choose to explore options for collaboration in the interest of optimizing efficiency. The MMS will publicly announce the results of its analyses to determine competitive interest and its intentions to proceed with the issuance of leases. Coordination and Consultation The MMS invites all interested and affected parties to submit comments and information pertaining to the nominated areas listed above. We believe such input would be useful as we consider these areas for limited leasing, and we especially welcome information concerning geographic characteristics and environmental resources, as this will assist us in our environmental review processes. We seek information on the nominated areas relating to other ocean and seabed uses, relationships to onshore energy markets of the nominated areas, and applicable State and local laws and policies. We also request comments and suggestions on how we may best coordinate and consult comprehensively and efficiently to comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and policies. Officials of MMS intend to contact Federal, State, and local government counterparts during the comment period to discuss the nominations and the process for issuing limited OCS alternative energy leases under the interim policy. Such discussions may explore methods to foster intergovernmental coordination, including whether to establish intergovernmental task forces with Federal, State, and local entities for this purpose. Dated: April 2, 2008. Randall B. Luthi, Director, Minerals Management Service. [FR Doc. E8-8387 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation South Valley Facilities Expansion Project—Clark County, NV AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement
(EIS)and notice of scoping meetings. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), together with the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)and the National Park Service
(NPS)as cooperating agencies, is preparing an EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the effects of the South Valley Facilities Expansion
(SVFE)Project (Project), as proposed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). The SNWA has applied for temporary and permanent rights-of-way to construct water treatment and conveyance facilities on public land administered by Reclamation, BLM, and NPS in Clark County, Nevada. DATES: Public scoping meetings will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with a half-hour presentation at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 5, 6, and 7, 2008, to receive oral and written input on the scope of issues to be addressed in the EIS such as alternatives, resources, and other concerns. Written comments on the scope of the EIS should be submitted by May 23, 2008. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Ms. Laureen Perry (LC-2631), Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, PO Box 61470, Boulder City, NV 89006-1470, or to *svfe-eis@lc.usbr.gov,* or fax to 702-293-8418. The public scoping meetings will be held at the following locations: • *Monday, May 5, 2008:* Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris Street, Henderson, NV 89015. • *Tuesday, May 6, 2008:* Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Center, 2020 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Henderson, NV 89012. • *Wednesday, May 7, 2008:* Wingate Hotel, 3041 St. Rose Parkway, Henderson, NV 89052. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laureen Perry at 702-293-8020, or at the above address. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Evolving water use patterns in the southern area of the Las Vegas Valley and the need to increase the reliability and flexibility of the SNWA water supply system have resulted in the proposal to redistribute, treat, and convey existing water supplies to meet the water demand projections and use patterns in this area. The proposed SVFE Project would increase treatment and conveyance capacity to allow SNWA to redistribute existing water supplies to locations identified by the City of Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley Water District to meet projected water demands and to increase the flexibility and reliability of the SNWA system to meet seasonal and regional water needs. The Project consists of two major elements:
(1)An expansion of raw water transmission and treatment facilities (the treatment element), and
(2)construction of a new transmission system to convey treated water to the southern area of the Las Vegas Valley (the conveyance element). The raw water transmission and treatment element of the Project includes upgrades and additional facilities to redistribute raw water from existing sources at Lake Mead to the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility (RMWTF); expansion of treatment capacity within the existing footprint of the RMWTF; and enhancement of existing pumping station capacity and water filtration rates. The conveyance element would include construction of approximately 26 miles of underground pipeline (72- to 114-inch diameter) from the RMWTF to a location west of Interstate 15 in the vicinity of Cactus Avenue and Decatur Boulevard. Appurtenant facilities would include a 40-million gallon storage reservoir, rate-of-flow control stations, and a pumping station. Currently, the South Valley Lateral transmits water supplies to the southern Las Vegas Valley. The conveyance element of the SVFE Project would increase SNWA's management flexibility and system reliability by supplying water to locations identified by the City of Henderson and Las Vegas Valley Water District, and through a planned interconnection with the South Valley Lateral, would allow areas to be served from either lateral if needed as a result of maintenance, repair, or power outage. Potential project alternatives include different pipeline alignments, different pipeline construction methods (trench excavation and tunneling), and different locations for pumping stations, storage reservoir, and appurtenant facilities. Alignments being considered for the treatment element of the Project include following the existing raw water pipeline from the vicinity of Lake Mead to the RMWTF, or a new route under the River Mountains. One alignment being considered for the conveyance element includes a southern route from the RMWTF that heads south and then west and generally parallels the southern corporate limits of the City of Henderson, the northern boundary of Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, and north of the Henderson Executive Airport to Gillespie Street. The northern conveyance alignment heads west from the RMWTF to U.S. Highway 95 where the alignment may go either north or south around Black Mountain. The route continues west and generally parallels Interstate 215 to St. Rose Parkway and to Maryland Parkway where the route turns south and then west to Gillespie Street. At Gillespie Street both the northern and southern alignments head south to St. Rose Parkway and north to Silverado Ranch Boulevard to new distribution facilities, and west across Interstate 15 to the terminus in the vicinity of Cactus Avenue and Decatur Boulevard. Maps of the potential alternative alignments will be available for review at the public scoping meetings, may be requested from Ms. Laureen Perry (at the above address), or may be viewed at *http://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g2000/envdocs.html* . Special Assistance for Public Scoping Meeting If special assistance or other accommodation is needed, please notify Ms. Laureen Perry at 702-293-8020, or at *svfe-eis@lc.usbr.gov,* or by mail at the above address as far in advance as possible to secure the needed services. If a request cannot be honored, the requestor will be notified. Public Disclosure Before including your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, Reclamation cannot guarantee it will be able to do so. Dated: March 20, 2008. Jayne Harkins, Deputy Regional Director, Lower Colorado Region. [FR Doc. E8-8380 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation Meeting of the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River; Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, WA AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington, established by the Secretary of the Interior, will hold a public meeting. The purpose of the Conservation Advisory Group is to provide technical advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and Washington State on the structure, implementation, and oversight of the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program. DATES: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. ADDRESSES: Bureau of Reclamation, Yakima Field Office, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima, Washington. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Walt Larrick, Assistant Program Manager, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima, Washington 98901; 509-575-5848, extension 209. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the meeting will be to review the option of using the acquired habitat lands to mitigate the impacts that occur from the planned conservation measures and develop recommendations. This meeting is open to the public. Dated: March 25, 2008. Walter Larrick, Assistant Program Manager Pacific Northwest Region. [FR Doc. E8-8236 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MN-M INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 337-TA-587] In the Matter of Certain Connecting Devices (“Quick Clamps”) for Use With Modular Compressed Air Conditioning Units, Including Filters, Regulators, and Lubricators (“FRL's”) That Are Part of Larger Pneumatic Systems and the FRL Units They Connect; Notice of Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial Determination of the Administrative Law Judge Finding No Violation of Section 337; Termination of the Investigation AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined not to review an initial determination (“ID”) issued by the presiding administrative law judge (“ALJ”) determining that there is no violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark B. Rees, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436, telephone
(202)205-3116. Copies of non-confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation are or will be available for inspection during official business hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436, telephone
(202)205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server at *http://www.usitc.gov.* The public record for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket
(EDIS)at *http://edis.usitc.gov.* Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on
(202)205-1810. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission instituted this investigation on November 13, 2006, based on a complaint filed by Norgren, Inc. (“Norgren”) of Littleton, Colorado. 71 FR 66193 (Nov. 13, 2006). An amended complaint was filed on October 25, 2006. A supplement to the complaint was filed on November 1, 2006. The amended complaint alleged violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337) in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain devices for modular compressed air conditioning units and the FRL units they connect by reason of infringement of claims 1-9 of U.S. Patent No. 5,372,392 (“the '392 patent”). The amended complaint also alleged that a domestic industry exists with regard to the '392 patent under subsection (a)(2) of section 337. The amended complaint named SMC Corporation of Japan; SMC Corporation of America of Indianapolis, Indiana (collectively, “SMC”); AIRTAC of China; and MFD Pneumatics (“MFD”) of Chicago, Illinois as the respondents and requested a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. On July 13, 2007, the Commission determined not to review an ID terminating the investigation with respect to MFD and AIRTAC on the basis of a consent order stipulation and consent order. On February 13, 2008, the ALJ issued his final ID finding no violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337). Specifically, the ALJ found that there had been an importation of SMC's accused products and that none of the accused products infringe the asserted claims of the '392 patent. He also found that the asserted claims are not invalid due to obviousness. He further found that Norgren satisfies the domestic industry requirement with respect to the '392 patent. On February 25, 2008, the ALJ issued a recommended determination on remedy and bonding in the event the Commission reversed his finding of no violation of section 337. On February 25, 2008, Norgren and SMC each filed a separate petition for review of the ID. The Commission Investigative Attorney (“IA”) did not file a petition for review. On March 3, 2008, Norgren and SMC filed responses in opposition to each other's petitions for review, and the IA filed her response in opposition to both petitions. On March 5, 2008, the Commission determined to extend the deadline for determining whether to review the ID by 14 days, *i.e.* , until April 14, 2008. Having examined the record of this investigation, including the ALJ's final ID and the submissions of the parties, the Commission has determined not to review the ALJ's determination and has terminated this investigation with a finding of no violation. The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in section 210.42-45 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 210.42-45). By order of the Commission. Issued: April 14, 2008. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. E8-8353 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-59,649] Rowe Furniture, Inc., Including On-Site Leased Workers From Penske Logistics, Elliston, VA; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance In accordance with section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2273), and section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974 (26 U.S.C. 2813), as amended, the Department of Labor issued a Certification of Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and a Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility to Apply for Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance on July 25, 2006, applicable to workers of Rowe Furniture, Inc., Elliston, Virginia. The notice was published in the **Federal Register** on August 14, 2006 (71 FR 46518). At the request of the State agency, the Department reviewed the certification for workers of the subject firm. The workers are engaged in the production of upholstered living room furniture. New information shows that leased workers of Penske Logistics were employed on-site at the Elliston, Virginia location of Rowe Furniture. The Department has determined that these workers were sufficiently under the control of the subject firm to be considered leased workers. Based on these findings, the Department is amending this certification to include leased workers of Penske Logistics working on-site at the Elliston, Virginia location of the subject firm. The intent of the Department's certification is to include all workers employed at Rowe Furniture, Inc., Elliston, Virginia who were adversely affected by increased imports. The amended notice applicable to TA-W-59,649 is hereby issued as follows: All workers of Rowe Furniture, Inc., including on-site leased workers from Penske Logistics, Elliston, Virginia, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after June 28, 2005, through July 25, 2008, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974. I further determine that all workers of Rowe Furniture, Inc., Elliston, Virginia are denied eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974. Signed at Washington, DC, this 14th day of April 2008. Richard Church, Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. E8-8354 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-63,020] Owens Brockway, Fulton, NY; Notice of Termination of Investigation Pursuant to section 221 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, an investigation was initiated on March 18, 2008 in response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at Owens Brockway, Fulton, New York. The petitioner has requested that the petition be withdrawn. Consequently, the investigation has been terminated. Signed in Washington, DC, this 4th day of April 2008. Richard Church, Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. E8-7741 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION Sunshine Act Meetings of the Board of Directors and the Board's Committees; Revised Notice; Technical Revisions Notice The Legal Services Corporation
(LSC)is announcing technical revisions to the notices of meetings of the Board of Directors and two of its Committees. The revisions appear in *italic* . There are no other changes. Times and Dates: The Legal Services Corporation Board of Directors and *five* of the Board's Committees will meet on April 25-26, 2008 in the order set forth in the following schedule, with each meeting commencing within 10 minutes after adjournment of the immediately preceding meeting. Public Observation By Telephone: Members of the public who wish to listen to the open portions of the meetings live may do so by following the telephone call-in directions given below. You are asked to keep your telephone muted to eliminate background noises. Comments from the public may from time to time be solicited by the presiding Chairman. Call-In Directions for Open Sessions Friday, April 25, 2008 • Call toll-free number 1-888-831-6080. • When prompted, enter the following numeric pass code: 23698. • When connected to the call, please “MUTE” your telephone immediately. Saturday, April 26, 2008 • Call toll-free number 1-888-913-9965. • When prompted, enter the following numeric pass code: 58990. • When connected to the call, please “MUTE” your telephone immediately. Meeting Schedule Date Time 1 Friday, April 25, 2008: 1. Provision for the Delivery of Legal Services Committee (Provisions Committee) 1:30 p.m. 2. Operations & Regulations Committee. Saturday, April 26, 2008: 3. Finance Committee 9 a.m. 4. Audit Committee. 5. Annual Performance Reviews Committee. 6. Board of Directors. 1 Please note that all times in this notice are *Central Daylight Time.* Location: The Marriott Hotel, 3233 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Status of Meetings: Open, except as noted below. • *April 26, 2008 Finance Committee Meeting* —A portion of the Committee's meeting may be *closed* to the public pursuant to a vote of the Board of Directors authorizing the Committee to meet in executive session to receive a report/briefing on staff's assessment of proposals submitted by companies competing for selection to serve as Administrator of the 403(b) Thrift Plan
(Plan)for LSC employees, as well as to permit the Committee to conduct confidential interviews of representatives of two of the competing companies. The staff report/briefing is not subject to the Government in the Sunshine Act or the Legal Services Corporation regulations implementing the Sunshine Act. 2 The closing is authorized by the relevant provision of the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and (c)(9)(B), and the corresponding provisions of the Legal Services Corporation's implementing regulation, 45 CFR 1622.5(c) and (g). A *verbatim* written transcript of the session will be made. The transcript of any portions of the closed session falling within the relevant provision(s) of the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6), and the corresponding provision of LSC's implementing regulation, 45 CFR 1622.5(e), will not be available for public inspection. The transcript of any portions not falling within the cited provisions will be available for public inspection. A copy of the General Counsel's Certification that the closing is authorized by law will be available upon request. 1 Any portion of the closed session consisting solely of staff briefings does not fall within the Sunshine Act's definition of the term “meeting” and, therefore, the requirements of the Sunshine Act do not apply to such portion of the closed session. 5 U.S.C. 552b(a)(2) and (b). *See* also 45 CFR 1622.2 & 1622.3. • *April 26, 2008 Board of Directors Meeting* —Open, except that a portion of the meeting of the Board of Directors may be closed to the public pursuant to a vote of the Board of Directors to consider and perhaps act on the General Counsel's report on potential and pending litigation involving LSC. A *verbatim* written transcript of the session will be made. The transcript of any portions of the closed session falling within the relevant provisions of the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(10), and the corresponding provisions of the Legal Services Corporation's implementing regulation, 45 CFR 1622.5(h), will not be available for public inspection. The transcript of any portions not falling within the cited provisions will be available for public inspection. A copy of the General Counsel's Certifications that the closings are authorized by law will be available upon request. Matters To Be Considered: Friday, April 25, 2008 Provision for the Delivery of Legal Services Committee Agenda Open Session 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Approval of the Committee's meeting minutes of January 25, 2008. 3. Staff Update on activities implementing the * LSC Private Attorney Involvement Action Plan—Help Close the Justice Gap: Unleash the Power of Pro Bono. * 4. Staff Update on LSC Technology *Capacities* for Legal Aid Offices. 5. Presentation on Native American Delivery and Funding. • Representatives of Native American Indian Legal Services (NAILS). 6. Consider and act on Provision for the Delivery of Legal Services Committee charter to propose to the Board of Directors for adoption. 7. Chairman's Update on Provisions Committee 2008 Agenda. 8. Public comment. 9. Consider and act on other business. 10. Consider and act on adjournment of meeting. Operations & Regulations Committee Agenda Open Session 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Approval of the minutes of the Committee's January 25, 2008 meeting. 3. Approval of the minutes of the Committee's January 26, 2008 meeting. 4. Consider and act on initiation of rulemaking to adopt “lesser sanctions”. a. Staff report. b. OIG comment. c. Public comment. 5. Consider and act on Operations & Regulations Committee charter to propose to the Board of Directors for adoption. 6. Staff report on development of LSC's in-house Compliance Program. 7. Staff report on LSC's Continuation of Operations Plan (“COOP”). 8. Staff report on LSC's risk management plan. 9. Public comment. 10. Consider and act on other business. 11. Consider and act on adjournment of meeting. Saturday, April 26, 2008 Finance Committee Agenda Open Session 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Approval of the minutes of the Committee's meeting of January 26, 2008. 3. Consider and act on adjustments to the Consolidated Operating Budget for FY 2008 and recommend Resolution # 2008-004 to the full Board. • Presentation by David Richardson, Treasurer/Comptroller. • Comments by Charles Jeffress. 4. Presentation on LSC's Financial Reports for the first six months of FY 2008. • Presentation by David Richardson, Treasurer/Comptroller. • Comments by Charles Jeffress, Chief Administrative Officer. 5. Report on FY 2009 appropriations process. • Presentation by John Constance, Director, Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs. 6. Consider and act on Finance Committee charter to propose to the Board of Directors for adoption. Closed Session 7. Consider and act on a recommendation to the Board for a new plan administrator for the 403(b) Thrift Plan for Employees of LSC, Resolution 2008-005. • Introduction by Charles Jeffress. • Presentation by the Nationwide Team, Ivette Dominguez, Regional Vice President, Private Sector Retirement Plans, Nationwide Financial; Ralph Prisco, President, Long Island Employee Benefits Group; and Thomas Gletner, SunTrust Investment Services. • Presentation by the American United Life/One America Team, David Frost, Regional Sales Director, AUL/One America; and David Ponder, Ponder Financial Group, Financial Adviser. Open Session 8. Public comment. 9. Consider and act on other business. 10. Consider and act on adjournment of meeting. Audit Committee Agenda Open Session 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Report of the Committee Chairman on the Board's actions regarding establishment of the Audit Committee. 3. Report on Board Chairman's appointments to the Audit Committee. 4. Committee Chairman's summary of the Audit Committee's Charter. 5. Consider and act on the process used by the Inspector General to select and/or retain the Corporation's external auditor. 6. Consider and act on how the work of the Office of Inspector General will assist and complement the work of the Audit Committee. 7. Comments by LSC's Independent Public Accountant (“IPA”) regarding the IPA's perspective on the Audit Committee mission. 8. Consider and act on development of a plan of action for the Committee. 9. Public comment. 10. Consider and act on other business. 11. Consider and act on adjournment of meeting. Performance Reviews Committee Agenda *Open* Session 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Consider and act on establishment of procedures and a protocol for the annual performance review of the LSC Inspector General. 3. Consider and act on other business. 4. Consider and act on adjournment of meeting. Board of Directors Agenda Open Session 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Approval of minutes of the *Board's* Open Session meeting of January 26, 2008. 3. Approval of minutes of the *Board's* Open Session *telephonic* meeting of February 20, 2008. 4. Approval of minutes of the *Board's* Open Session telephonic meeting of March 24, 2008. 5. Consider and act on delegation to Chairman of authority to assign Directors to the various committees of the Board and to appoint each committee's chairperson. 6. *Chairman's* Report. 7. *Members'* Reports. 8. *President's* Report. 9. *Inspector General's* Report. 10. Consider and act on the report of the *Provision for the Delivery of Legal Services Committee* . 11. Consider and act on the report of the *Finance Committee* . 12. Consider and act on the report of the *Operations & Regulations Committee* . 13. Consider and act on the report of the *Audit Committee* . 14. *Consider and act on the report of the Performance Reviews Committee* . 15. Consider and act on the report of the Board's 2008 *Ad Hoc Committee* Liaison. 16. Consider and act on recommendations made to the Board in the Government Accountability Office report on LSC governance. a. Develop a plan for providing a regular training program for board members that includes providing updates or changes in LSC's operating environment and relevant governance and accountability practices. b. Implement a periodic self-assessment of the Board's, the committees’, and each individual member's performance for purposes of evaluating whether improvements can be made to the board's structure and processes. c. Develop and implement procedures to periodically evaluate key management processes, including at a minimum, processes for risk assessment and mitigation, internal control, and financial reporting. d. Establish and implement a comprehensive orientation program for new board members to include key topics such as fiduciary duties, IRS requirements, and interpretation of the financial statements. e. Adopt Board committee charters. 17. Consider and act on proposed Protocol for Board member access to Corporation records. 18. Public comment. 19. Consider and act on other business. 20. Consider and act on whether to authorize an executive session of the Board to address items listed below under *Closed Session* . Closed Session 21. Approval of minutes of the *Board's* Executive Session of January 26, 2008. 22. Consider and act on General Counsel's report on potential and pending litigation involving LSC. 23. Consider and act on motion to adjourn meeting. Contact Person for Information: Patricia D. Batie, Manager of Board Operations, at
(202)295-1500. Special Needs: Upon request, meeting notices will be made available in alternate formats to accommodate visual and hearing impairments. Individuals who have a disability and need an accommodation to attend the meeting may notify Patricia D. Batie, at
(202)295-1500. Dated: April 16, 2008. Victor M. Fortuno, Vice President & General Counsel. [FR Doc. 08-1156 Filed 4-16-08; 2:16 pm]
Connectionstraces to 26
Traces to 26 documents
U.S. Code
34 references not yet in our index
  • 41 CFR 102
  • 10 USC 9355
  • Pub. L. 92-463
  • 40 CFR 1506.9
  • 5 CFR 2634
  • 5 CFR 6401
  • 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)
  • 12 CFR 271
  • 45 CFR 30
  • 42 CFR 422.111
  • 21 CFR 314
  • 21 CFR 16
  • Pub. L. 110-85
  • 44 USC 3501-3520
  • Pub. L. 104-13
  • 5 CFR 1320.10
  • Pub. L. 107-295
  • Pub. L. 109-347
  • 43 CFR 8360.0-7
  • 43 CFR 9262.1
  • 43 CFR 3622.3(a)
  • 43 CFR 8364.1
  • Pub. L. 106-329
  • Pub. L. 109-54
  • 43 CFR 2370
  • 43 CFR 2310.3-3
  • Pub. L. 95-604
  • 30 CFR 256.35
  • 19 CFR 210.42-45
  • 26 USC 2813
  • 45 CFR 1622.5(c)
  • 45 CFR 1622.5(e)
  • 45 CFR 1622.2
  • 45 CFR 1622.5(h)
Citation graph
cites case law
Notices
Notice; response to comments
U.S.C.§ 1361
U.S.C.§ 1461
C.F.R.§ 921.33
U.S.C.§ 552b
U.S.C.§ 1092
Stat.Public Law 92–463
U.S.C.§ 4365
U.S.C.§ 7612
U.S.C.§ 7409
Cite41 CFR 102
Cite10 USC 9355
Pub. L.Pub. L. 92-463
Cites 60 · showing 12Cited by 0 across 0 sources
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