On September 17, 2010, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announced the opening of a new Agricultural Trade Office in Shenyang, the capital of northwest China's international trade hub in Liaoning province. The opening of this Agricultural Trade Office marks USDA's expansion into the hub of northeast China and reflects the Administration's National Export Initiative (NEI).
The State Department is requesting comments or suggestions regarding items for inclusion in a new Plan of Action for implementing the U.S.-Oman Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation (MOU) signed on February 20, 2006. It encourages submitters to refer to: (1) the U.S.-Oman MOU, (2) the U.S.-Oman 2006-2008 Environmental Cooperation Work Program, (3) the Environment Chapter (17) of the U.S. -- Oman Free Trade Agreement, and (4) the Environmental Review of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Comments are due by October 20, 2010.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing an October 25-28, 2010 meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) in Madison, Wisconsin.
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 National Marine Fisheries Service announces its finding that a petition to list Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) presents substantial scientific information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted, and NMFS will conduct a status review to determine whether it should prohibit the international trade in specimens of this species under the ESA. Information related to this petition finding is due by November 19, 2010.
The White House has posted a new report, "100 Recovery Act Projects that are Changing America,” which highlights some of the most innovative and effective Recovery Act projects across the U.S.
On September 17, 2010, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Rebecca Dye as a Commissioner to the Federal Maritime Commission. Dye was originally confirmed as a Federal Maritime Commissioner in 2002. She was nominated to her second term, which expired on June 30, 2010, in July 2005.
On September 15, 2010, the U.S. Trade Representative and Department of Agriculture issued a joint public statement noting that a technical working-level meeting between the U.S. and Japan regarding U.S. beef and beef products covered a wide array of technical topics related to BSE, including Japan's import inspection and border measures.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a proposed rule that would restrict the use of cell phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. This rulemaking would also address the National Transportation Safety Board's "Most Wanted List" of safety recommendations.
The International Trade Administration is currently seeking nominations for membership on the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC). The purpose of the CINTAC is to advise the Secretary regarding the development and administration of programs to expand U.S. exports of civil nuclear goods and services in accordance with applicable U.S. regulations. Nominations are due by October 12, 2010.