Proposed rule published by Agriculture Department on Aug. 4

The US Agriculture Department published a three page proposed rule on Aug. 4, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.

The proposed rule is focused on Lacey Act Implementation Plan; Definitions for Exempt and Regulated Articles.

The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.

Notices are required documents detailing rules and regulations being proposed by each federal department. This allows the public to see what issues legislators and federal departments are focusing on.

Any person or organization can comment on the proposed rules. Departments and agencies must then address “significant issues raised in comments and discuss any changes made,” the Federal Register says.

Notices published by the Agriculture Department on Aug. 4

Title
Lacey Act Implementation Plan; Definitions for Exempt and Regulated Articles
Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders Regarding Assessments Focused on Improving Food Aid and Providing Safe Water
Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2010 Funding Opportunity for Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives (REIC)
Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Forestry Research Advisory Council
West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee
Ketchikan Resource Advisory Committee
Changes to Treatments for Sweet Cherries from Australia and Irradiation Dose for Mediterranean Fruit Fly
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-In-Depth Case Studies of Advanced Modernization Initiatives
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request