A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions HERE.
REGULATORY: APHIS, EPA, FCA, FWS, NOAA
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
Final rule advising public of APIHS’s decision to authorize the importation into the continental United States of fresh pummelo fruit from Thailand. Info here.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Notice announcing that the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces four public meetings of the SAB per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Review Panel (PFAS Review Panel). Info here.
Notice announcing that the EPA’s Office of Mission Support is giving notice that it proposes to amend its current list of general routine uses for EPA systems of records in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act. Info here.
FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
Notice announcing the forthcoming regular meeting of the Farm Credit Administration Board. The regular meeting of the Board will be held November 18, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until such time as the Board may conclude its business. Info here.
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Final rule announcing that FWS is revising the designation of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) under the Endangered Species Act by withdrawing the January 15, 2021, final rule that would have been effective December 15, 2021. Info here.
Proposed rule announcing FWS’s 12-month finding on a petition to list the bracted twistflower (Streptanthus bracteatus), a plant species from Texas, as a threatened species and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, FWS finds that listing the species is warranted. Info here.
Notice announcing FWS’s 90-day rulings on two petitions to add species to the approved list for captive-bred exotic bird species under the Wild Bird Conservation Act. FWS finds that the petitions to add cactus conure (Aratinga cactorum) and lineolated parakeet (green form) (Bolborhynchus lineola (green form)) do not present sufficient information indicating that the petitioned actions might be warranted. Info here.
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
Temporary rule implementing accountability measures applicable to the commercial harvest of hogfish in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone off Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina (Georgia-North Carolina) for the 2021 fishing year. NMFS estimates that commercial landings of the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock have reached the sector’s annual catch limit. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for the Georgia-North Carolina hogfish stock on November 10, 2021. Info here.
Final rule reopening gillnet fishing in the Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas previously ordered suspended by a Court decision. Gillnet fishing will be allowed in the Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Groundfish Closure Areas, as approved in the New England Fishery Management Council’s Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. Info here.