Changes to the Federal Register for May 11, 2007

Agriculture Subtitle B Regulations Of The Department Of Agriculture (Continued) 7 CFR 300-399 Part 319
We recently published a final rule amending the cut flowers regulations to establish specific requirements for the importation of cut flowers that are hosts of chrysanthemum white rust (CWR) from countries where the disease is known to occur. The final rule had an effective date of May 3, 2007. In order to allow affected exporters of cut flowers and the national plant protection organizations of countries where CWR is known to occur additional time to make necessary preparations to comply with certain new inspection and certification procedures that will be required as a result of the final rule, we are staying a portion of the amended regulations for 30 days from the effective date of our final rule. [72 FR 26711]

Air Programs 40 CFR 1-69 Parts 52 and 81
EPA is granting a request submitted by the State to redesignate the South Coast from nonattainment to attainment for the CO National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is also approving a state implementation plan (SIP) revision for the South Coast nonattainment area in California as meeting the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for maintenance plans for carbon monoxide (CO). EPA is finding adequate and approving motor vehicle emission budgets, which are included in the maintenance plan. Finally, EPA is approving the California motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program as meeting the low enhanced I/M requirements for CO in the South Coast. [72 FR 26718]

Air Programs II 40 CFR 70-99 Parts 52 and 81
EPA is granting a request submitted by the State to redesignate the South Coast from nonattainment to attainment for the CO National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is also approving a state implementation plan (SIP) revision for the South Coast nonattainment area in California as meeting the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for maintenance plans for carbon monoxide (CO). EPA is finding adequate and approving motor vehicle emission budgets, which are included in the maintenance plan. Finally, EPA is approving the California motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program as meeting the low enhanced I/M requirements for CO in the South Coast. [72 FR 26718]

Public Health 42 CFR 400-429 Parts 412 and 413
This final rule updates the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals (LTCHs). The final payment amounts and factors used to determine the updated Federal rates that are described in this final rule were determined based on the LTCH PPS rate year July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. The annual update of the long-term care diagnosis-related group (LTC-DRG) classifications and relative weights remains linked to the annual adjustments of the acute care hospital inpatient diagnosis-related group system, and continue to be effective each October 1. The final outlier threshold for July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, is derived from the LTCH PPS rate year calculations. We are also finalizing policy changes which include revisions to the GME and IME policies. In addition, we are adding a technical amendment correcting the regulations text at §412.22.

Wildlife And Fisheries 50 CFR 200-599 Part 223
We, NMFS, are issuing a final determination to list the distinct population segment (DPS) of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Puget Sound, Washington, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We intend to issue final protective regulations and propose critical habitat for this DPS in separate rulemakings. [72 FR 26722]

Wildlife And Fisheries 50 CFR 600-END Part 635
This final rule suspends mandatory circle hook requirements for participants in Atlantic billfish fishing tournaments through December 31, 2007. Circle hook requirements will be reinstated unchanged effective 12:01 a.m., January 1, 2008. The suspension is intended to increase post-release survival rates of Atlantic billfish in the long-term by providing an additional phase-in period during which Atlantic billfish tournament anglers can become more proficient and familiar with circle hooks and their ecological benefits, respectively. [72 FR 26735]