On May 20, the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus unveiled its 2009 International Piracy Watch List, announcing it will closely monitor copyright piracy in Canada, China, Mexico, Russia, and Spain. According to the caucus, these countries stand out because of the scope and depth of their piracy problems, which cost the U.S. copyright industries and the millions of Americans who work in these companies more than $25 billion each year. (Caucus press release, dated 05/20/09, available at http://schiff.house.gov/antipiracycaucus/pdf/2009pressrelease.pdf and Caucus 2009 Country Watch List available at http://schiff.house.gov/antipiracycaucus/pdf/IAPC_2009_Watch_List.pdf)
On May 20, 2009, the Federal Maritime Commission was scheduled to begin posting on its website new statistics detailing the number and types of filings made to the Commission's automated Service Contract Filing System, used by common carriers to confidentially file service contracts, service arrangements, and associated amendments. Beginning with January 2008 data, the newly available filing statistics will include monthly data by the type of filing, i.e., service contract or Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) Service Arrangement (NSA), and by category, i.e., original contract or amendment. (Notice, dated 05/20/09, available at http://www.fmc.gov/speeches/newsrelease.asp?SPEECH_ID=278)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin informing the general aviation community of a change in procedure that will require all private aircraft to report to a single CBP approved General Aviation Facility (GAF) upon landing from abroad at Los Angeles International Airport. (LA09-017 is available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)
The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule to implement an assessment (tax) of 7.5 cents per hundredweight of milk, or equivalent thereof, on imported dairy products, in order to fund promotion and research. This proposed action is pursuant to the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. Written comments are due by June 18, 2009. (AMS proposed rule, D/N DA-08-07: AMS-DA-8-050, FR Pub 05/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-11492.pdf and AMS press release, dated 05/18/09, available here.)
CBP has posted updated bond processing statistics that provide information regarding the estimated processing times for bond applications, etc. as of May 11, 2009. (Statistics, available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/priority_trade/revenue/bonds/pilot_program/bond_stats.ctt/bond_stats.xls)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sources have stated by phone that the date by which eligible entities must contact APHIS to participate in the Lacey Act Blanket Declaration Pilot Program is "effectively extended" until May 31, 2009.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to establish a new process to provide the public with notice and the opportunity to comment on changes to phytosanitary treatment schedules, and to remove the lists of authorized treatments and schedules from its phytosanitary treatment regulations1 in order to integrate them into its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued its instructions and reconciliation form for the Lacey Act Blanket Declaration Pilot Program, which began on May 1, 2009.
The General Services Administration has posted to its RegInfo.gov Web site the spring 2009 semi-annual regulatory agendas for Federal government agencies.
The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved up to $44.2 million in Port funding toward the 2009 Clean Truck Incentive Program at the Port of Los Angeles. The funds will be used to offer concessionaires in the Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program (CTP) incentives of up to $80,000 for each Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck they purchase. Port terminal operators or concessionaires can also receive up to 80 percent of negotiated cost for each electric truck they purchase for terminal or drayage truck use. (News release, dated 05/08/09, available at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/newsroom/2009_releases/news_050809_lng.asp)