The Department of Energy has issued a correction to its September 16, 2010 proposed rule to expand energy/water efficiency rules for consumer products. DOE is correcting its proposed regulations by replacing proposed 10 CFR 429.9(c)(9) through (10) in its entirety, regarding proposed testing requirements for direct heating equipment (not including furnaces) and conventional cooking tops. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/16/10 news, 10091620, for BP summary of the proposed rule.)
On October 1, 2010, APHIS updated its PPQ Export Program Manual. This is an operational manual for Authorized Certification Officials to enable them to inspect and issue Federal Export Certificates for plants and plant products. The Manual also provides information that helps exporters meet the plant quarantine import requirements of foreign countries.
On October 5, 2010, APHIS updated the Manual for Agricultural Clearance. The manual provides CBP personnel working at airport and maritime locations with the guidelines, directions, and policy for clearing carriers and passengers/crew and controlling garbage and cargo.
In testimony before a Senate Subcommittee1, the Government Accountability Office states that the Department of Homeland Security has made progress in implementing its management functions, but additional actions are needed.
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
On September 25, 2010, California's Governor approved a law limiting cadmium in children’s jewelry. Under the law, starting January 1, 2012, no person will be able to manufacture, ship, sell, offer for sale, or offer for promotional purposes in California children’s jewelry that contains any component or is made of any material that is more than 300 parts per million cadmium.
The Commerce Department announces that on October 4, 2010, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Sánchez launched the first trade mission to Iraq since the end of U.S. combat operations in August. Sánchez is accompanied by representatives from 14 U.S. companies looking to help Iraq rebuild its infrastructure and its economy.
The Patent and Trademark Office and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announce that the Commerce Department's Internet Policy Task Force is conducting an inquiry on copyright policy, creativity and innovation in the Internet Economy. Comments are due by November 19, 2010.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy are announcing a public conference call on October 13, 2010 in which officials will provide a progress update on the EPA/DOE Partnership on Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Products, which is intended to drive greater efficiency for U.S. consumers by enhancing the ENERGY STAR® program and driving greater efficiency in homes and buildings. The agencies will offer stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control is publishing the names of one individual whose property and interests in property has been unblocked pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, effective September 29, 2010.