The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing to grant a 2-year, limited exemption from the federal hours-of-service regulations for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia from any distribution point to a local farm retailer and/or to the ultimate consumer, if it takes place within a 100 air-mile radius of the distribution point. Comments are due by August 13, 2010.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has determined that, effective July 14, 2010, certain textile and apparel goods from Burkina Faso shall be treated as “folklore articles” and “ethnic printed fabrics” and qualify for preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and imports of eligible products with an appropriate visa will qualify for duty-free treatment.
The Commerce Department announced that U.S. exports increased by 2.4 percent in May 2010 to $152.3 billion from their April 2010 level. Imports in May increased 2.9 percent over April to $194.5 billion. Commerce Secretary Locke noted that exports continue to boost the number of U.S. goods and services sold overseas -- up almost 18 percent over the first five months of the year.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau on June 23, 2010 issued guidance stating that Kombucha products containing at least 0.5 percent alcohol by volume are alcohol beverages. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is typically marketed as a non-alcoholic beverage, which means that it may contain a trace amount of alcohol, as long as the overall alcohol content is less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume.
The Commerce Department announces that Peter Perez, a 40-year veteran of the manufacturing sector, joined the International Trade Administration on July 12, 2010 as the deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing. Perez will be responsible for identifying key factors affecting competitiveness and barriers to exports for more than 21 industry sectors.
Commerce Secretary Locke announced on July 13, 2010 the members of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a group that will support the Administration's innovation strategy by helping to develop policies that foster entrepreneurship and identifying new ways to take ideas from the lab to the marketplace to drive economic growth and create jobs. Included on the list are Steve Case, Mary Sue Coleman, and Desh Deshpande who will serve as Co-Chairs.
On July 12, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the 2011 percentage standards for the four fuels categories under the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard program, known as RFS2. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the annual renewable fuel volume targets, reaching an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner, importer and non-oxygenate blender of gasoline determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.
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):