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.
The U.S. and Laos signed a comprehensive Open Skies agreement on July 13, 2010 that will expand and liberalize their bilateral civil aviation relationship. The agreement represents a market-oriented approach to aviation relations. The agreement will facilitate trade and tourism links with Laos and provide new commercial opportunities to airlines of the U.S. and Laos and the traveling public, while preserving aviation safety and security.
The Justice Department states that five men were indicted in Los Angeles on July 9, 2010 by a federal grand jury for their role in a large-scale theft scheme targeting railroad freight cars carrying costly cargo, including flat screen 3D televisions. The indictment capped a two-month investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Union Pacific Railroad Police, with assistance from the sheriff's departments in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Police and the California Highway Patrol.
The International Trade Commission has determined to delegate authority to the Secretary to the Commission to publish notice of the receipt of future complaints under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (patent-based complaints) and to solicit comments relating to the public interest.
Secretary of State Clinton gave remarks on July 8, 2010 on the signing and official launch of the U.S. Strategic Partnership Dialogue that was agreed to during Clinton's August 2009 visit to Angola. Work began in November 2009 on energy cooperation, including the development of Angola’s oil and gas resources. In April 2010, the countries signed an air services arrangement, paving the way for increased commerce and air travel between our countries. And just a few weeks ago, the first meeting of the U.S.-Angola Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council was held in Angola to discuss ways to deepen our trade and expand it beyond the oil sector.
The Bureau of Industry and Security announces that the Information Systems Technical Advisory Committee will hold a partially open meeting on July 28 and 29, 2010. The agenda for the July 28 public session includes discussion of Smart Grid, civil satellite telecommunications, and GPU/CPU/accelerators.
On July 9, 2010, the Foreign Agricultural Service issued four Market and Trade data table reports for cotton, grain, oilseeds, and world agricultural production as a whole.
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):
The State Department has designated the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (aka CPP/NPA and other aliases) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative announces the results of 2009 Generalized System of Preferences Annual Product Review with respect to: (1) disposition of the product petitions accepted for review, including petitions to add and remove products; (2) waivers of the Competitive Need Limitations; (3) revocation of CNL waivers; and (4) de minimis waivers and redesignations. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/02/10 news, 10070221, for previous BP summary of the 2009 Annual GSP Review results. See ITT's Online Archives or 07/06/10 news, 10070606, for BP summary of the Presidential Proclamation implementing the GSP changes.)