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23065

Proposed Rules Federal Register


Vol. 70, No. 85

Wednesday, May 4, 2005

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER arrangements with the contact person DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
contains notices to the public of the proposed shown in this preamble.
issuance of rules and regulations. The Agricultural Marketing Service
purpose of these notices is to give interested Electronic Version
persons an opportunity to participate in the 7 CFR Part 983
rule making prior to the adoption of the final The electronic file of this document is
rules. available on the date of publication in
[Docket No. FV05–983–3 PR]
the Federal Register at http://
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. It is Pistachios Grown in the State of
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION also available on the Internet site for California; Termination of Language in
SSA (i.e., Social Security Online) at Table 3, ‘‘Maximum Defect and
5 CFR Chapter LXXXI
http://policy.ssa.gov/pnpublic.nsf/ Minimum Size Levels’’
RINs 0960–AE48, 3209–AA15 LawsRegs.
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
Supplemental Standards of Ethical FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USDA.
Conduct for Employees of the Social Asim A. Akbari, Office of the General ACTION: Proposed rule.
Security Administration Counsel, Office of General Law,
telephone (410) 966–6581, fax (410) SUMMARY: This proposed rule would
AGENCY: Social Security Administration terminate language in Table 3,
(SSA). 597–0071, or TTY 1–410–966–5609. For
information on eligibility or filing for ‘‘Maximum Defect and Minimum Size
Proposed rules; reopening of
ACTION: Levels,’’ of the marketing order
comment period. benefits, call our national toll-free
numbers, 1–800–772–1213 or TTY 1– regulating pistachios produced in the
State of California. This language was
SUMMARY: On February 11, 2005, SSA, 800–325–0778, or visit our Internet Web
erroneously included in Table 3 at the
with the concurrence of the Office of site, Social Security Online, at http://
time of promulgation of the order.
Government Ethics (OGE), published a www.socialsecurity.gov.
Correction of the table was unanimously
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On recommended by the Administrative
in the Federal Register (70 FR 7192–
February 11, 2005 (70 FR 7192–7196), Committee for Pistachios, the committee
7196) that would supplement, for
we published ‘‘Supplemental Standards responsible for local administration of
officers and employees of SSA, the OGE
of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the the order.
Standards of Ethical Conduct for
Employees of the Executive Branch. The Social Security Administration’’ as an DATES: Comments received by May 19,
proposed regulations would set forth NPRM, with a 30-day public comment 2005 will be considered prior to
prohibitions and prior approval period. This NPRM would set forth issuance of a final rule.
requirements for certain outside prohibitions and prior approval ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
employment and other outside activities requirements for certain outside invited to submit written comments
for all SSA employees, except special employment and other outside activities concerning the proposal to: Docket
Government employees, and would set for all SSA employees, except special Clerk, Marketing Order Administration
forth additional prior approval Government employees, and would set Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
requirements for SSA Administrative forth additional prior approval AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
Law Judges. To allow the public requirements for SSA Administrative Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington,
additional time to send us comments, Law Judges. SSA has received a request DC, 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938,
we are reopening the comment period. E-mail: moab.docketclerk@usda.gov, or
to extend the comment period. This
DATES: To be sure that your comments Internet: http://www.regulations.gov.
factor, and the importance of the
are considered, we must receive them Comments should reference the docket
proposed rule, makes it appropriate to
by June 3, 2005. number and the date and page number
reopen the comment period for another of this issue of Federal Register and will
ADDRESSES: You may give us your 30 days, through June 3, 2005. If you
comments by: using our Internet facility be made available for public inspection
have already provided comments on the in the Office of the Docket Clerk during
(i.e., Social Security Online) at http:// NPRM, your comments will be
policy.ssa.gov/pnpublic.nsf/LawsRegs; regular business hours, or can be viewed
considered and you do not need to at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/
e-mail to regulations@ssa.gov; telefax to resubmit them.
(410) 966–2830; or letter to the moab.html.
Commissioner of Social Security, P.O. Dated: April 21, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Box 17703, Baltimore, MD 21235–7703. Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Melissa Schmaedick, Marketing Order
You may also deliver them to the Office Commissioner of Social Security. Administration Branch, Fruit and
of Regulations, Social Security Approved: April 25, 2005. Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, P.O.
Administration, 100 Altmeyer Building, Box 1035, Moab, Utah, 84532;
Marilyn L. Glynn,
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD Telephone: (435) 259–7988, Fax: (435)
21235–6401, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 Acting Director, Office of Government Ethics. 259–4945; or Rose Aguayo, California
p.m. on regular business days. [FR Doc. 05–8848 Filed 5–3–05; 8:45 am] Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order
Comments are posted on our Internet BILLING CODE 4191–02–P Administration Branch, Fruit and
site, or you may inspect them physically Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 2202
on regular business days by making Monterey Street, Suite 102 B, Fresno,

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23066 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 4, 2005 / Proposed Rules

California 93721; Telephone: (559) 487– all information in the table would be This language should be removed
5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906. captured under the table heading prior to the effective date of the
Small businesses may request ‘‘Maximum permissible defects (percent regulatory provisions of the order
information on complying with this by weight).’’ This language was (August 1, 2005).
regulation by contacting Jay Guerber, erroneously included in Table 3 at the The Regulatory Flexibility Act and
Marketing Order Administration time of promulgation of the order. Effects on Small Businesses
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Termination of this language would
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence remove these errors and would allow Pursuant to the requirements set for in
Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, Table 3 to read as originally intended by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) the
DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– the group establishing the order. administrator of the Agricultural
2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or E-mail: Suspension of this language was Marketing Service (AMS) has
Jay.Guerber@usda.gov. unanimously recommended by the considered the economic impact of this
Administrative Committee for proposal on small entities.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule The purpose of the RFA is to fit
is proposed pursuant to the Agricultural Pistachios (ACP), the group responsible
for local administration of the order, at regulatory actions to the scale of
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as business subject to such actions in order
amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674), hereinafter a December 15, 2004, committee
that small businesses will not be unduly
referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’ meeting. However, because this is a
or disproportionately burdened.
The Department of Agriculture permanent correction, USDA is
Marketing orders issued pursuant to the
(USDA) is issuing this rule in proposing to remove and terminate the
Act, and rules issued thereunder, are
conformance with Executive Order language.
unique in that they are brought about
12866. The federal marketing order through group action of essentially
This proposal has been reviewed regulating the handling of pistachios small entities acting on their own
under Executive Order 12988, Civil produced in the State of California was behalf. Thus, both statutes have small
Justice Reform. This proposal is not promulgated in 2004. Provisions to entity orientation and compatibility.
intended to have retroactive effect. This establish the ACP became effective on There are approximately 20 handlers
proposed rule will not preempt any April 6, 2004 (69 FR 17844, April 5, of California pistachios subject to
State or local laws, regulations, or 2004). The regulatory provisions of the regulation the marketing order and
policies, unless they present an order will become effective on August 1, approximately 741 producers in the
irreconcilable conflict with this 2005 (70 FR 661, January 5, 2005; 70 FR production area. Small agricultural
proposed rule. 4191, January 28, 2005). service firms are defined as those whose
The Act provides that administrative Section 983.39, Minimum quality annual receipts are less than $6,000,000
proceedings must be exhausted before levels, of the order establishes and small agricultural producers have
parties may file suit in court. Under maximum defect and minimum size been defined by the Small Business
section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any tolerances for pistachios produced and Administration as those having annual
handler subject to an order may file handled in California. Table 3 of the receipts less than $750,000 (13 CFR
with USDA a petition stating that the order, which is included in § 983.39, 121.201). Eight out of the 20 handlers
order, any provision of the order, or any describes the maximum thresholds for subject to regulation have annual
obligation imposed in connection with defects, as well as the maximum pistachio receipts of at least $6,000,000.
the order is not in accordance with law tolerance for minimum-sized pistachios, In addition, 722 producers have annual
and request a modification of the order of the provisions in table format. Table receipts less than $750,000. Thus, the
or to be exempted therefrom. A handler 3 also serves as a reference tool for majority of pistachio producers and
is afforded the opportunity for a hearing handlers regulated by the order to easily handlers regulated under the marketing
on the petition. After the hearing USDA interpret the written quality and size order may be classified as small entities.
would rule on the petition. The Act provisions of the order under § 983.39. This action would terminate language
provides that the district court of the ACP preparations for implementing in Table 3, ‘‘Maximum Defect and
United States in any district in which the regulatory provisions of the order Minimum Size Levels’’ in § 983.39 of
the handler is an inhabitant, or has his have brought to light that two sub- the order. The termination would apply
or her principal place of business, has headings in Table 3, ‘‘Maximum Defect to language in two portions of the table:
jurisdiction to review USDA’s ruling on and Minimum Size Levels,’’ were (1) In the ‘‘Internal (Kernel) Defects’’
the petition, provided an action is filed erroneously included at the time of section, the words ‘‘external or’’ would
not later than 20 days after date of the promulgation. In the ‘‘Internal (Kernel) be removed from the heading ‘‘Total
entry of the ruling. Defects’’ section, the words ‘‘external external or internal defects allowed’’
This action would terminate language or’’ would be removed from the heading because this section of the table only
in Table 3, ‘‘Maximum Defect and ‘‘Total external or internal defects pertains to internal defects, and (2) the
Minimum Size Levels,’’ of the marketing allowed’’ because this section of the sub-heading ‘‘Minimum permissible
order regulating pistachios produced in table only applies to internal defects, defects (percent by weight)’’ would be
the State of California (69 FR 17844, not external defects. Additionally, the removed so that all information in the
April 5, 2004). The termination would sub-heading ‘‘Minimum permissible table would be captured under the table
apply to language in two portions of the defects (percent by weight)’’ would be heading ‘‘Maximum permissible defects
table: (1) In the ‘‘Internal (Kernel) removed from the table so that all (percent by weight).’’ Neither the
Defects’’ section, the words ‘‘external information in the table would be thresholds contained in the table nor the
or’’ would be removed from the heading captured under the table heading regulatory provisions outlined in
‘‘Total external or internal defects ‘‘Maximum Permissible Defects (percent § 983.39 of the order would be impacted
allowed’’ because this section of the by weight).’’ Termination of this by this termination. The termination
table only covers internal defects language would remove these errors and would serve to facilitate more accurate
allowed, and (2) the sub-heading would allow Table 3 to read as interpretation of the information
‘‘Minimum permissible defects (percent originally intended by the group presented in Table 3. Thus, no
by weight)’’ would be removed so that responsible for promulgating the order. significant impact on large or small

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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 4, 2005 / Proposed Rules 23067

entities is anticipated as a result of this Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the the previously mentioned address in the
proposal. information collection and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
One alternative to this action would recordkeeping requirements imposed by section.
be to not remove and terminate the this order have been previously In summary, the termination would
identified language in Table 3. However, approved by OMB and assigned OMB apply to language in two portions of the
at a December 15, 2004 meeting of the Number 0581–0215. This action table. In the ‘‘Internal (Kernel) Defects’’
ACP, it was determined that if this imposes no additional reporting or section, the words ‘‘external or’’ would
language were not removed from the recordkeeping requirements on either be removed and terminated, and the
table, handlers regulated under the small or large pistachio handlers. As sub-heading ‘‘Minimum permissible
order may not correctly interpret the with all Federal marketing order defects (percent by weight)’’ would be
thresholds outlined in Table 3. Thus, programs, reports and forms are removed and terminated so that all
the ACP unanimously recommended periodically reviewed to reduce information in the table would be
that the table be corrected. Committee information requirements and captured under the table heading
meetings are open to the public. No duplication by industry and public ‘‘Maximum permissible defects (percent
comments or recommendations against sector agencies. In addition, USDA has by weight).’’
the recommendation were received. not identified any relevant Federal rules
A comment period of 15 days after that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 983
publication of this proposal in the this rule.
Federal Register is deemed appropriate Pistachios, Marketing agreements and
The Committee’s meeting was
so that the termination of language in publicized and all Committee members orders, Reporting and recordkeeping
Table 3 can be made effective as soon and alternate Committee members, requirements.
as possible and prior to the beginning of representing both large and small For the reasons set forth in the
the 2005–2006 production year, which entities, were invited to attend the preamble, 7 CFR part 983 is proposed to
begins September 1, 2005, and ends meeting and participate in Committee be amended as follows:
August 31, 2006. Pistachios harvested deliberations. The Committee itself is
and received in August of any year are composed of 11 members, of which 8 PART 983—PISTACHIOS GROWN IN
applied to the subsequent production members are growers, 2 are handlers, CALIFORNIA
year for marketing order purposes. This and one represents the public.
proposal has been discussed at open A small business guide on complying 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
meetings of the ACP and is fully with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop part 983 continues to read as follows:
supported. marketing agreements and orders may Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
In compliance with Office of be viewed at the following Web site:
Management and Budget (OMB) http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/moab.html. § 983.39 [Amended]
regulations (5 CFR part 1320) which Any questions about the compliance 2. In § 983.39, Table 3 is revised to
implement the Paperwork Reduction guide should be sent to Jay Guerber at read as follows:

TABLE 3.—MAXIMUM DEFECT AND MINIMUM SIZE LEVELS


Maximum permissible defects
(percent by weight)
Factor
Inshell Kernels

EXTERNAL (SHELL) DEFECTS

1. Non-splits & not split on suture ....................................................................................................................... 10.0 ........................


(i) Maximum non-splits allowed .................................................................................................................... 4.0 ........................
2. Adhering hull material ...................................................................................................................................... 2.0 ........................
3. Dark stain ........................................................................................................................................................ 3.0 ........................
4. Damage by other means, other than 1, 2 and 3 above, which materially detracts from the appearance or
the edible or marketing quality of the individual shell or the lot. ..................................................................... 10.0 ........................

INTERNAL (KERNEL) DEFECTS

1. Damage ........................................................................................................................................................... 6.0 3.0


Immature kernel (Fills <75%–>50% of the shell)
Kernel spotting (Affects 1⁄8 aggregate surface)
2. Serious damage .............................................................................................................................................. 4.0 2.5
Minor insect or vertebrate injury/insect damage, insect evidence, mold, rancidity, decay
(i) Maximum insect damage allowed ............................................................................................................ 2.0 0.5
Total internal defects allowed .............................................................................................................................. 9.0 ........................

OTHER DEFECTS

1. Shell pieces and blanks .................................................................................................................................. 2.0 ........................


(Fills <50% of the shell)
(i) Maximum blanks allowed ......................................................................................................................... 1.0 ........................
2. Foreign material—No glass, metal or live insects permitted .......................................................................... 0.25 0.1
3. Particles and dust ............................................................................................................................................ 0.25 ........................
4. Loose kernels .................................................................................................................................................. 6.0 ........................
Maximum allowable inshell pistachios that will pass through a 30⁄64ths inch round hole screen ....................... 5.0 ........................

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23068 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 4, 2005 / Proposed Rules

Dated: April 29, 2005. and postal service address of the remanded the case for further action
Kenneth C. Clayton, commenter or they will not be consistent with the court’s decision. The
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing considered. The Commission will post Commission has initiated this
Service. comments on its Web site after the rulemaking to comply with the district
[FR Doc. 05–8861 Filed 5–3–05; 8:45 am] comment period ends. If the court order.
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P Commission decides a hearing is 1. 11 CFR 100.24(a)(2)—Definition of
necessary, the hearing will be held in ‘‘Voter Registration Activity’’
the Commission’s ninth floor meeting
room, 999 E Street, NW., Washington, BCRA does not define ‘‘voter
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
DC. registration activity’’ other than to
11 CFR Part 100 specify that it is only FEA when it is
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. conducted 120 days or fewer before a
[Notice 2005–13] Mai T. Dinh, Assistant General Counsel, regularly scheduled Federal election.
Mr. J. Duane Pugh Jr., Senior Attorney, See 2 U.S.C. 431(20)(A)(i). Current
Definition of Federal Election Activity or Ms. Margaret G. Perl, Attorney, 999 section 100.24(a)(2) defines voter
E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463, registration activity to mean ‘‘contacting
AGENCY: Federal Election Commission. (202) 694–1650 or (800) 424–9530.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. individuals by telephone, in person, or
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The by other individualized means to assist
SUMMARY: The Federal Election Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of them in registering to vote.’’ (Emphasis
Commission seeks comments on 2002 (‘‘BCRA’’), Public Law No. 107– added). The definition also includes a
proposed changes to its rules defining 155, 116 Stat. 81 (2002), amended FECA non-exhaustive list of examples of costs
‘‘Federal election activity’’ under the by adding a new term, ‘‘Federal election that are included, such as printing and
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, activity’’ (‘‘FEA’’), that describes certain distributing registration and voting
as amended (‘‘FECA’’). The proposed activities that State, district, and local information, providing individuals with
changes would retain the existing party committees must pay for with voter registration forms, and assisting
definition of ‘‘voter registration activity’’ either Federal funds 1 or a combination individuals in the completion and filing
and modify the existing definitions of of Federal and Levin funds.2 2 U.S.C. of such forms.
‘‘get-out-the-vote activity’’ and ‘‘voter 431(20) and 441i(b)(1); see also 2 U.S.C. In Shays, the plaintiffs argued that the
identification’’ consistent with the 441i(d)(1) (prohibiting national, State, requirement that voter registration
ruling of the U.S. District Court for the district or local party committees from activity ‘‘assist’’ in the registration of
District of Columbia in Shays v. FEC. soliciting or directing non-Federal funds voters impermissibly narrowed the
The Commission has made no final to 501(c) tax-exempt organizations definition because it excludes from its
decision on the issues presented in this which engage in FEA); 2 U.S.C. reach encouragement that does not
rulemaking. Further information is 441i(e)(4) (limiting Federal candidate constitute actual assistance. See Shays
provided in the supplementary and officeholder solicitations for funds at 98. The district court found that the
information that follows. on behalf of 501(c) tax-exempt Commission’s interpretation of section
organizations whose principal purpose 431(20)(A) does not conflict with the
DATES: Comments must be received on
is to conduct certain types of FEA). The expressed intent of Congress. Shays at
or before June 3, 2005. If the 99–100. ‘‘[T]he Court note[d] that it is
Commission further defined FEA in 11
Commission receives sufficient requests possible to read the term ‘voter
CFR 100.24. In Shays v. FEC, 337 F.
to testify, it may hold a hearing on these registration activity’ to encompass those
Supp.2d 28, 101, 106–07 (D.D.C. 2004),
proposed rules. Anyone wishing to activities that actually register persons
appeal docketed, No. 04–5352 (D.C. Cir.
testify at the hearing must file written to vote, as opposed to those that only
Sept. 28, 2004) (‘‘Shays’’), the district
comments by the due date and must encourage persons to do so without
court held that certain parts of the
include a request to testify in the more. [citation omitted]. Moreover, the
definitions of ‘‘voter registration
written comments. Court [did not] find based on the record
activity’’ and ‘‘get-out-the-vote activity’’
ADDRESSES: All comments must be in (‘‘GOTV’’) in 11 CFR 100.24(a)(2) and presented that the ‘common usage’ of
writing, addressed to Ms. Mai T. Dinh, (3), respectively, had not been the term ‘voter registration activity’
Assistant General Counsel, and promulgated with adequate notice and necessarily includes the latter type of
submitted in either electronic, facsimile opportunity for comment. In addition, activities.’’ Id. at 99.4
or hard copy form. Commenters are the district court held that certain The court also held that the question
strongly encouraged to submit aspects of the definitions of ‘‘get-out- of whether the regulation satisfies step
comments electronically to ensure the-vote activity’’ and ‘‘voter two of the Chevron test—whether the
timely receipt and consideration. identification’’ in 11 CFR 100.24(a)(3) Commission’s interpretation of the
Electronic comments must be sent to and (4), respectively, were inconsistent statute is a permissible one—was not
either FEAdef@fec.gov or submitted with Congressional intent. Shays at 104, ripe for review. While the court found
through the Federal eRegulations Portal 107 n.83, and 108.3 The district court that the regulation is not an
at http://www.regulations.gov. If the impermissible construction of BCRA,
electronic comments include an 1 ‘‘Federal funds’’ are funds subject to the

attachment, the attachment must be in limitations, prohibitions, and reporting the end of the matter; for the court, as well as the
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or Microsoft Word requirements of the Act. See 11 CFR 300.2(g). agency, must give effect to the unambiguously
2 ‘‘Levin funds’’ are funds that are raised by State, expressed intent of Congress.’ ’’ See Shays at 51
(.doc) format. Faxed comments should
district or local party committees pursuant to the (quoting Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Res. Def.
be sent to (202) 219–3923, with hard restrictions in 11 CFR 300.31 and disbursed subject Council, 467 U.S. 837, 842–43 (1984)).
copy follow-up. Hard copy comments to the restrictions in 11 CFR 300.32. See 11 CFR 4 The Court also noted an apparent discrepancy

and hard copy follow-up of faxed 300.2(i). between 11 CFR 100.133 and 11 CFR 106.5(a)(2)(iv)
3 The district court described the first step of the with regard to the definition of voter registration
comments should be sent to the Federal
Chevron analysis, which courts use to review an and get-out-the-vote activity. See Shays at 99 n.71,
Election Commission, 999 E Street, agency’s regulations: ‘‘a court firsts asks ‘whether 103 n.77. However, any such comparison is no
NW., Washington, DC 20463. All Congress has directly spoken to the precise question longer relevant since the latter regulation sunsetted
comments must include the full name at issue. If the intent of Congress is clear, that is on December 31, 2002.

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