83_FR_11920 83 FR 11867 - Revision of Delegation of Authority for the State Executive Director (SED) for the Farm Loan Programs

83 FR 11867 - Revision of Delegation of Authority for the State Executive Director (SED) for the Farm Loan Programs

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 53 (March 19, 2018)

Page Range11867-11869
FR Document2018-05466

This document amends the delegations of authority from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy Administrator of Farm Loan Programs (FLP). The change will specify that the Deputy Administrator redelegates certain authority to the State Executive Directors (SED). The change will also specify that SEDs may redelegate the authority to a Farm Loan Chief, Farm Loan Specialist, District Director, Farm Loan Manager, Senior Farm Loan Officer, Farm Loan Officer, Loan Analyst, Loan Resolution Specialist, or Program Technician to perform loan activities. This will ensure that certain loan documents can be signed off locally instead of requiring the FLP Deputy Administrator to have to sign off on certain loan documents.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 53 (Monday, March 19, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 53 (Monday, March 19, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11867-11869]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05466]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency

7 CFR Part 761


Revision of Delegation of Authority for the State Executive 
Director (SED) for the Farm Loan Programs

AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document amends the delegations of authority from the 
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy Administrator of Farm Loan Programs 
(FLP). The change will specify that the Deputy Administrator 
redelegates certain authority to the State Executive Directors (SED). 
The change will also specify that SEDs may redelegate the authority to 
a Farm Loan Chief, Farm Loan Specialist, District Director, Farm Loan 
Manager, Senior Farm Loan Officer, Farm Loan Officer, Loan Analyst, 
Loan Resolution Specialist, or Program Technician to perform loan 
activities. This will ensure that certain loan documents can be signed 
off locally instead of requiring the FLP Deputy Administrator to have 
to sign off on certain loan documents.

DATES: Effective: March 19, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Mair; telephone: (202) 720-1645. 
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    FSA makes and services a variety of direct and guaranteed loans to 
the nation's farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain private 
commercial credit at reasonable rates and terms. FSA also provides 
direct loan customers with credit counseling and supervision to enhance 
their opportunity for success. FSA direct and guaranteed loan 
applicants are often beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged 
farmers who do not qualify for conventional loans because of 
insufficient net worth or established farmers who have suffered 
financial setbacks due to natural disasters or economic downturns. FSA 
tailors direct and guaranteed loans to a customer's needs and may be 
used to buy farmland and to finance agricultural production.
    The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of 1972, as 
amended, (CONACT) (7 U.S.C. 1921-2009dd-7)) authorizes FSA's Direct and 
Guaranteed Farm Loan Programs.

Redelegation to and by SEDs

    As part of loan servicing, various real estate documents must be 
signed by FSA and the files must be on public record in certain states. 
Some of the real estate documents that FSA signs include, but are not 
limited to, lien satisfactions, partial releases, and subordinations. 
FSA's intent has always been for the real estate documents to be signed 
by FSA officials at the local level. In the past, the regulations in 7 
CFR part 1900 included specific wording concerning which employees were 
delegated with signature authority. In 2007, when FSA streamlined the 
FLP regulations, 7 CFR 761.1 broadened the regulatory text concerning 
FLP delegations, but the original intent as to who would have the 
authority to sign the real estate documents did not change. FSA 
recently determined that more specificity in 7 CFR 761.1 regarding the 
delegation of authority would be helpful and is therefore revising the 
regulation.
    FSA is amending the regulation in 7 CFR part 761 regarding the 
delegation of authority for the Deputy of Administrator of FLP to 
specify that the Deputy Administrator of FLP redelegates certain loan 
making and servicing authority to SEDs and when there is no loss to 
FSA, the SEDs may redelegate the authority to the Farm Loan Chief, Farm 
Loan Specialist, District Director, Farm Loan Manager, Senior Farm Loan 
Officer, Farm Loan Officer, Loan Analyst, Loan Resolution Specialist, 
or Program Technician. The revised delegation will clarify the 
authority for the Acting SED and other authorized officials to sign 
certain loan documents and to perform other loan activities for SEDs.

Notice and Comment

    In general, the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) 
requires that a notice of proposed rulemaking be published in the 
Federal Register and interested persons be given an opportunity to 
participate in the rulemaking through submission of written data, 
views, or arguments with or without opportunity for oral presentation, 
except that when the rule involves a matter relating to public 
property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts section 553 does not 
apply. This rule involves matters relating to loans and is therefore 
being published as a final rule without the prior opportunity for 
comments.

Effective Date

    The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) provides generally 
that

[[Page 11868]]

before rules are issued by Government agencies, the rule is required to 
be published in the Federal Register, and the required publication of a 
substantive rule is to be not less than 30 days before its effective 
date. However, as noted above, one of the exceptions is that section 
553 does not apply to rulemaking that involves a matter relating to 
loans. Therefore, because this rule relates to loans, the 30-day 
effective period requirement in section 553 does not apply. This final 
rule is effective when published in the Federal Register.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 13771, and 13777

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 
direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select 
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive 
impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasized the importance 
of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of 
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. Executive Order 13777, 
``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' established a federal 
policy to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens on the American 
people.
    In section 3(d), Executive Order 12866 defines ``regulation'' or 
``rule.'' In the definition, it specifically does not include 
regulations or rules that are limited to agency organization, 
management, or personnel matters. This rule relates to internal agency 
management; therefore, it is exempt from the provisions of Executive 
Order 12866.
    Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs,'' requires that in order to manage the private costs 
required to comply with Federal regulations that for every new 
significant or economically significant regulation issued, the new 
costs must be offset by the elimination of at least two prior 
regulations. This rule does not rise to the level required to comply 
with Executive Order 13771.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA, 
Pub. L. 104-121), generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory 
flexibility analysis of any rule whenever an agency is required by the 
Administrative Procedure Act or any other law to publish a proposed 
rule, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act because FSA 
is not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law to 
publish a proposed rule for this rulemaking.

Environmental Review

    The environmental impacts of this final rule have been considered 
in a manner consistent with the provisions of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), the regulations 
of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and 
the FSA regulations for compliance with NEPA (7 CFR part 799). FSA has 
determined that the provisions identified in this final rule are 
administrative in nature, solely relating to internal agency 
management, and do not constitute a major Federal action that would 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment, individually 
or cumulatively. Provisions for signature authorities are purely 
administrative and would not alter any environmental impacts associated 
with any loans. Therefore, as this rule presents administrative 
clarifications only, FSA will not prepare an environmental assessment 
or environmental impact statement for this regulatory action.

Executive Order 12372

    Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' requires consultation with State and local officials that 
would be directly affected by proposed Federal financial assistance. 
The objectives of Executive Order 12372 are to foster an 
intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened Federalism, by relying 
on State and local processes for State and local government 
coordination and review of proposed Federal Financial assistance and 
direct Federal development. For reasons specified in the final rule 
related notice regarding 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29115, June 
24, 1983), the programs and activities within this rule are excluded 
from the scope of Executive Order 12372, which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform.'' This rule will not preempt State or local laws, 
regulations, or policies unless they represent an irreconcilable 
conflict with this rule. The rule will not have a retroactive effect. 
Before any judicial action may be brought regarding the provisions of 
this rule, the administrative appeal provisions of 7 CFR parts 11 and 
780 are to be exhausted.

Executive Order 13132

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13132, 
``Federalism.'' The policies contained in this rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the 
Federal government and the States, or the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, except as 
required by law. Nor will this rule impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore, 
consultation with the States is not required.

Executive Order 13175

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal government 
and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal government and Indian tribes.
    FSA has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian tribes and 
determined that this rule does not, to our knowledge, have tribal 
implications that require tribal consultation under Executive Order 
13175. If a Tribe requests consultation, FSA will work with the USDA 
Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is 
provided.

Unfunded Mandates

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L. 
104-4) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their 
regulatory actions on State, local, or Tribal governments, or the 
private sector. Agencies generally must prepare a written statement, 
including a cost-benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with 
Federal mandates that may result in expenditures of $100 million or 
more in any 1 year for State, local, or Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or

[[Page 11869]]

to the private sector. UMRA generally requires agencies to consider 
alternatives and adopt the more cost effective or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. This rule 
contains no Federal mandates, as defined in Title II of UMRA, for 
State, local, and Tribal governments or private sector. Therefore, this 
rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 
UMRA.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501-3520), the rule does not change the approved information 
collection approved under OMB control number 0560-0238, General Program 
Administration.

E-Government Act Compliance

    FSA is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote 
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services and other purposes.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 761

    Accounting, Loan programs--agriculture, Rural areas.

    For reasons discussed above, FSA amends 7 CFR chapter VII as 
follows:

PART 761--FARM LOAN PROGRAMS; GENERAL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 761 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 and 7 U.S.C. 1989.

0
2. Revise Sec.  761.1(b) to read as follows:


Sec.  761.1  Introduction.

* * * * *
    (b) The Deputy Administrator:
    (1) Delegates to each State Executive Director within the State 
Executive Director's jurisdiction the authority, and in the absence of 
the State Executive Director, the person acting in that position, to 
act for, on behalf of, and in the name of the United States of America 
or the Farm Service Agency to do and perform acts necessary in 
connection with making and guaranteeing loans, such as, but not limited 
to, making advances, servicing loans and other indebtedness, and 
obtaining, servicing, and enforcing or releasing security and other 
instruments related to the loan. For actions that do not result in a 
loss to the Farm Service Agency, a State Executive Director may 
redelegate authorities received under this paragraph to a Farm Loan 
Chief, Farm Loan Specialist, District Director, Farm Loan Manager, or 
Senior Farm Loan Officer, Farm Loan Officer, Loan Analyst, Loan 
Resolution Specialist, or Program Technician.
    (2) May establish procedures for further redelegation or limitation 
of authority.
* * * * *

Steven J. Peterson,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 2018-05466 Filed 3-16-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 53 / Monday, March 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                          11867

                                              adding the words ‘‘plants for planting’’                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                             Redelegation to and by SEDs
                                              in their place; and                                                                                             As part of loan servicing, various real
                                                                                                      Farm Service Agency
                                              ■ d. By removing the words ‘‘stock is’’                                                                       estate documents must be signed by
                                              and adding the words ‘‘plants are’’ in                                                                        FSA and the files must be on public
                                                                                                      7 CFR Part 761
                                              their place.                                                                                                  record in certain states. Some of the real
                                                                                                      Revision of Delegation of Authority for               estate documents that FSA signs
                                              § 340.4   [Amended]                                                                                           include, but are not limited to, lien
                                                                                                      the State Executive Director (SED) for
                                              ■  42. In § 340.4, paragraph (f)(11)(i) is              the Farm Loan Programs                                satisfactions, partial releases, and
                                              amended by removing the citation                                                                              subordinations. FSA’s intent has always
                                                                                                      AGENCY:  Farm Service Agency,                         been for the real estate documents to be
                                              ‘‘§ 319.37–14’’ and adding the words
                                                                                                      Department of Agriculture (USDA).                     signed by FSA officials at the local
                                              ‘‘accordance with § 319.37–8(a)’’ in its
                                                                                                      ACTION: Final rule.                                   level. In the past, the regulations in 7
                                              place.
                                                                                                                                                            CFR part 1900 included specific
                                                                                                      SUMMARY:    This document amends the                  wording concerning which employees
                                              § 340.7   [Amended]
                                                                                                      delegations of authority from the Farm                were delegated with signature authority.
                                              ■ 43. In § 340.7, paragraph (b)                         Service Agency (FSA) Deputy                           In 2007, when FSA streamlined the FLP
                                              introductory text is amended by                         Administrator of Farm Loan Programs                   regulations, 7 CFR 761.1 broadened the
                                              removing the citation ‘‘§ 319.37–14’’ and               (FLP). The change will specify that the               regulatory text concerning FLP
                                              adding the words ‘‘accordance with                      Deputy Administrator redelegates                      delegations, but the original intent as to
                                              § 319.37–8(a)’’ in its place.                           certain authority to the State Executive              who would have the authority to sign
                                                                                                      Directors (SED). The change will also                 the real estate documents did not
                                              PART 360—NOXIOUS WEED                                   specify that SEDs may redelegate the                  change. FSA recently determined that
                                              REGULATIONS                                             authority to a Farm Loan Chief, Farm                  more specificity in 7 CFR 761.1
                                                                                                      Loan Specialist, District Director, Farm              regarding the delegation of authority
                                              ■ 44. The authority citation for part 360               Loan Manager, Senior Farm Loan                        would be helpful and is therefore
                                              continues to read as follows:                           Officer, Farm Loan Officer, Loan                      revising the regulation.
                                                Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781–
                                                                                                      Analyst, Loan Resolution Specialist, or                 FSA is amending the regulation in 7
                                              7786; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.                      Program Technician to perform loan                    CFR part 761 regarding the delegation of
                                                                                                      activities. This will ensure that certain             authority for the Deputy of
                                              § 360.400   [Amended]                                   loan documents can be signed off                      Administrator of FLP to specify that the
                                                                                                      locally instead of requiring the FLP                  Deputy Administrator of FLP
                                              ■  45. In § 360.400, paragraph (a)(2) is                Deputy Administrator to have to sign off
                                              amended by removing the citation                                                                              redelegates certain loan making and
                                                                                                      on certain loan documents.                            servicing authority to SEDs and when
                                              ‘‘§ 319.37–6’’ and adding the words
                                                                                                      DATES: Effective: March 19, 2018.                     there is no loss to FSA, the SEDs may
                                              ‘‘§ 319.37–9(c) of this chapter’’ in its
                                                                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      redelegate the authority to the Farm
                                              place, and by removing the citation
                                                                                                      Bruce Mair; telephone: (202) 720–1645.                Loan Chief, Farm Loan Specialist,
                                              ‘‘§ 319.37–13(c)’’ and adding the citation
                                                                                                      Persons with disabilities who require                 District Director, Farm Loan Manager,
                                              ‘‘§ 319.37–9(c)’’ in its place.                         alternative means for communication                   Senior Farm Loan Officer, Farm Loan
                                              PART 361—IMPORTATION OF SEED                            should contact the USDA Target Center                 Officer, Loan Analyst, Loan Resolution
                                                                                                      at (202) 720–2600.                                    Specialist, or Program Technician. The
                                              AND SCREENINGS UNDER THE
                                              FEDERAL SEED ACT                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            revised delegation will clarify the
                                                                                                                                                            authority for the Acting SED and other
                                                                                                      Background
                                              ■ 46. The authority citation for part 361                                                                     authorized officials to sign certain loan
                                                                                                         FSA makes and services a variety of                documents and to perform other loan
                                              continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                      direct and guaranteed loans to the                    activities for SEDs.
                                                Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1581–1610; 7 CFR                  nation’s farmers and ranchers who are
                                              2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.                                  unable to obtain private commercial                   Notice and Comment
                                                                                                      credit at reasonable rates and terms.                   In general, the Administrative
                                              § 361.2   [Amended]
                                                                                                      FSA also provides direct loan customers               Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) requires
                                              ■  47. In § 361.2, paragraph (d) is                     with credit counseling and supervision                that a notice of proposed rulemaking be
                                              amended by removing the words                           to enhance their opportunity for                      published in the Federal Register and
                                              ‘‘restrictions of § 319.37–3(a)(7)’’ and                success. FSA direct and guaranteed loan               interested persons be given an
                                              adding the words ‘‘permit requirements                  applicants are often beginning farmers                opportunity to participate in the
                                              of § 319.37–5 of this chapter’’ in their                and socially disadvantaged farmers who                rulemaking through submission of
                                              place.                                                  do not qualify for conventional loans                 written data, views, or arguments with
                                                                                                      because of insufficient net worth or                  or without opportunity for oral
                                                Done in Washington, DC, this 9th day of               established farmers who have suffered                 presentation, except that when the rule
                                              March 2018.                                             financial setbacks due to natural                     involves a matter relating to public
                                              Kevin Shea,                                             disasters or economic downturns. FSA                  property, loans, grants, benefits, or
                                              Administrator, Animal and Plant Health                  tailors direct and guaranteed loans to a              contracts section 553 does not apply.
                                              Inspection Service.                                     customer’s needs and may be used to                   This rule involves matters relating to
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                                              [FR Doc. 2018–05424 Filed 3–16–18; 8:45 am]             buy farmland and to finance agricultural              loans and is therefore being published
                                              BILLING CODE 3410–34–P                                  production.                                           as a final rule without the prior
                                                                                                         The Consolidated Farm and Rural                    opportunity for comments.
                                                                                                      Development Act of 1972, as amended,
                                                                                                      (CONACT) (7 U.S.C. 1921–2009dd–7))                    Effective Date
                                                                                                      authorizes FSA’s Direct and Guaranteed                  The Administrative Procedure Act (5
                                                                                                      Farm Loan Programs.                                   U.S.C. 553) provides generally that


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                                              11868              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 53 / Monday, March 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              before rules are issued by Government                   Procedure Act or any other law to                     policies unless they represent an
                                              agencies, the rule is required to be                    publish a proposed rule, unless the                   irreconcilable conflict with this rule.
                                              published in the Federal Register, and                  agency certifies that the rule will not               The rule will not have a retroactive
                                              the required publication of a substantive               have a significant economic impact on                 effect. Before any judicial action may be
                                              rule is to be not less than 30 days before              a substantial number of small entities.               brought regarding the provisions of this
                                              its effective date. However, as noted                   This rule is not subject to the Regulatory            rule, the administrative appeal
                                              above, one of the exceptions is that                    Flexibility Act because FSA is not                    provisions of 7 CFR parts 11 and 780 are
                                              section 553 does not apply to                           required by the Administrative                        to be exhausted.
                                              rulemaking that involves a matter                       Procedure Act or any other law to
                                                                                                                                                            Executive Order 13132
                                              relating to loans. Therefore, because this              publish a proposed rule for this
                                              rule relates to loans, the 30-day effective             rulemaking.                                             This rule has been reviewed under
                                              period requirement in section 553 does                                                                        Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism.’’
                                                                                                      Environmental Review                                  The policies contained in this rule do
                                              not apply. This final rule is effective
                                              when published in the Federal Register.                    The environmental impacts of this                  not have any substantial direct effect on
                                                                                                      final rule have been considered in a                  States, on the relationship between the
                                              Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 13771,                   manner consistent with the provisions                 Federal government and the States, or
                                              and 13777                                               of the National Environmental Policy                  the distribution of power and
                                                 Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory                  Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321–4347), the                  responsibilities among the various
                                              Planning and Review,’’ and Executive                    regulations of the Council on                         levels of government, except as required
                                              Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation                     Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts                   by law. Nor will this rule impose
                                              and Regulatory Review,’’ direct agencies                1500–1508), and the FSA regulations for               substantial direct compliance costs on
                                              to assess all costs and benefits of                     compliance with NEPA (7 CFR part                      State and local governments. Therefore,
                                              available regulatory alternatives and, if               799). FSA has determined that the                     consultation with the States is not
                                              regulation is necessary, to select                      provisions identified in this final rule              required.
                                              regulatory approaches that maximize                     are administrative in nature, solely
                                              net benefits (including potential                       relating to internal agency management,               Executive Order 13175
                                              economic, environmental, public health                  and do not constitute a major Federal                   This rule has been reviewed in
                                              and safety effects, distributive impacts,               action that would significantly affect the            accordance with the requirements of
                                              and equity). Executive Order 13563                      quality of the human environment,                     Executive Order 13175, ‘‘Consultation
                                              emphasized the importance of                            individually or cumulatively. Provisions              and Coordination with Indian Tribal
                                              quantifying both costs and benefits, of                 for signature authorities are purely                  Governments.’’ Executive Order 13175
                                              reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,                   administrative and would not alter any                requires Federal agencies to consult and
                                              and of promoting flexibility. Executive                 environmental impacts associated with                 coordinate with tribes on a government-
                                              Order 13777, ‘‘Enforcing the Regulatory                 any loans. Therefore, as this rule                    to-government basis on policies that
                                              Reform Agenda,’’ established a federal                  presents administrative clarifications                have tribal implications, including
                                              policy to alleviate unnecessary                         only, FSA will not prepare an                         regulations, legislative comments or
                                              regulatory burdens on the American                      environmental assessment or                           proposed legislation, and other policy
                                              people.                                                 environmental impact statement for this               statements or actions that have
                                                 In section 3(d), Executive Order 12866               regulatory action.                                    substantial direct effects on one or more
                                              defines ‘‘regulation’’ or ‘‘rule.’’ In the                                                                    Indian tribes, on the relationship
                                              definition, it specifically does not                    Executive Order 12372                                 between the Federal government and
                                              include regulations or rules that are                      Executive Order 12372,                             Indian tribes or on the distribution of
                                              limited to agency organization,                         ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal                 power and responsibilities between the
                                              management, or personnel matters. This                  Programs,’’ requires consultation with                Federal government and Indian tribes.
                                              rule relates to internal agency                         State and local officials that would be                 FSA has assessed the impact of this
                                              management; therefore, it is exempt                     directly affected by proposed Federal                 rule on Indian tribes and determined
                                              from the provisions of Executive Order                  financial assistance. The objectives of               that this rule does not, to our
                                              12866.                                                  Executive Order 12372 are to foster an                knowledge, have tribal implications that
                                                 Executive Order 13771, ‘‘Reducing                    intergovernmental partnership and a                   require tribal consultation under
                                              Regulation and Controlling Regulatory                   strengthened Federalism, by relying on                Executive Order 13175. If a Tribe
                                              Costs,’’ requires that in order to manage               State and local processes for State and               requests consultation, FSA will work
                                              the private costs required to comply                    local government coordination and                     with the USDA Office of Tribal
                                              with Federal regulations that for every                 review of proposed Federal Financial                  Relations to ensure meaningful
                                              new significant or economically                         assistance and direct Federal                         consultation is provided.
                                              significant regulation issued, the new                  development. For reasons specified in
                                                                                                                                                            Unfunded Mandates
                                              costs must be offset by the elimination                 the final rule related notice regarding 7
                                              of at least two prior regulations. This                 CFR part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29115,                  Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
                                              rule does not rise to the level required                June 24, 1983), the programs and                      Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L.
                                              to comply with Executive Order 13771.                   activities within this rule are excluded              104–4) requires Federal agencies to
                                                                                                      from the scope of Executive Order                     assess the effects of their regulatory
                                              Regulatory Flexibility Act                                                                                    actions on State, local, or Tribal
                                                                                                      12372, which requires
                                                 The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                    intergovernmental consultation with                   governments, or the private sector.
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                                              U.S.C. 601–612), as amended by the                      State and local officials.                            Agencies generally must prepare a
                                              Small Business Regulatory Enforcement                                                                         written statement, including a cost-
                                              Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA, Pub. L.                   Executive Order 12988                                 benefit analysis, for proposed and final
                                              104–121), generally requires an agency                    This rule has been reviewed under                   rules with Federal mandates that may
                                              to prepare a regulatory flexibility                     Executive Order 12988, ‘‘Civil Justice                result in expenditures of $100 million or
                                              analysis of any rule whenever an agency                 Reform.’’ This rule will not preempt                  more in any 1 year for State, local, or
                                              is required by the Administrative                       State or local laws, regulations, or                  Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 53 / Monday, March 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         11869

                                              to the private sector. UMRA generally                   Farm Loan Manager, or Senior Farm                     (1) Be a Hispanic-Serving Institution
                                              requires agencies to consider                           Loan Officer, Farm Loan Officer, Loan                 (HSI), (2) offer agriculture-related
                                              alternatives and adopt the more cost                    Analyst, Loan Resolution Specialist, or               degrees, (3) not appear on the Excluded
                                              effective or least burdensome alternative               Program Technician.                                   Parties List System (EPLS), (4) be
                                              that achieves the objectives of the rule.                 (2) May establish procedures for                    accredited, and (5) award at least 15%
                                              This rule contains no Federal mandates,                 further redelegation or limitation of                 of agriculture-related degrees to
                                              as defined in Title II of UMRA, for State,              authority.                                            Hispanic students over the two most
                                              local, and Tribal governments or private                *     *    *     *     *                              recent academic years.
                                              sector. Therefore, this rule is not subject                                                                      NIFA obtained the latest report from
                                              to the requirements of sections 202 and                 Steven J. Peterson,                                   the U.S. Department of Education’s
                                              205 of UMRA.                                            Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.            National Center for Education Statistics
                                                                                                      [FR Doc. 2018–05466 Filed 3–16–18; 8:45 am]           that lists all HSIs and the degrees
                                              Paperwork Reduction Act                                 BILLING CODE 3410–01–P                                conferred by these institutions
                                                In accordance with the Paperwork                                                                            (completion data) during the 2015–16
                                              Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–                                                                        academic year. NIFA used this report to
                                              3520), the rule does not change the                     DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                             identify HSIs that conferred a degree in
                                              approved information collection                                                                               an instructional program that appears in
                                              approved under OMB control number                       National Institute of Food and                        appendix A of 7 CFR part 3434 and to
                                              0560–0238, General Program                              Agriculture                                           confirm that over the 2014–15 and
                                              Administration.                                                                                               2015–16 academic years at least 15% of
                                                                                                      7 CFR Part 3434                                       the degrees in agriculture-related fields
                                              E-Government Act Compliance                                                                                   were awarded to Hispanic students.
                                                                                                      RIN 0524–AA39
                                                FSA is committed to complying with                                                                          NIFA further confirmed that these
                                              the E-Government Act, to promote the                    Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges                institutions were nationally accredited
                                              use of the internet and other                           and Universities (HSACU) Certification                and were not on the exclusions listing
                                              information technologies to provide                     Process                                               in the System for Award Management
                                              increased opportunities for citizen                                                                           (https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/
                                              access to Government information and                    AGENCY:  National Institute of Food and               ##11).
                                              services and other purposes.                            Agriculture (NIFA), USDA.                                The updated list of HSACUs is based
                                                                                                      ACTION: Final rule.                                   on (1) completions data from 2014–15
                                              List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 761
                                                                                                      SUMMARY:   This amendment to NIFA                     and 2015–16, and (2) enrollment data
                                                Accounting, Loan programs—                                                                                  from Fall 2016. NIFA identified 147
                                              agriculture, Rural areas.                               regulations updates the list of
                                                                                                                                                            institutions that met the eligibility
                                                                                                      institutions that are granted Hispanic-
                                                For reasons discussed above, FSA                                                                            criteria to receive HSACU certification
                                                                                                      Serving Agricultural Colleges and
                                              amends 7 CFR chapter VII as follows:                                                                          for FY 2018 (October 1, 2017 to
                                                                                                      Universities (HSACU) certification by
                                                                                                                                                            September 30, 2018).
                                              PART 761—FARM LOAN PROGRAMS;                            the Secretary and are eligible for
                                                                                                      HSACU programs for the period starting                Declaration of Intent To Opt Out of
                                              GENERAL PROGRAM
                                                                                                      October 1, 2017, and ending September                 HSACU Designation and Apply for Non
                                              ADMINISTRATION
                                                                                                      30, 2018.                                             Land-Grant College of Agriculture
                                              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 761                DATES: This rule is effective March 19,               (NLGCA) Designation
                                              continues to read as follows:                           2018 and applicable October 1, 2017.                     As set forth in Section 7101 of the
                                                  Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 and 7 U.S.C. 1989.          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113–
                                              ■   2. Revise § 761.1(b) to read as follows:            Joanna Moore; Senior Policy Specialist;               79), which amends 7 U.S.C. 3103, an
                                                                                                      National Institute of Food and                        institution that is eligible to be
                                              § 761.1   Introduction.                                 Agriculture; U.S. Department of                       designated as an HSACU may notify the
                                              *     *     *     *      *                              Agriculture; STOP 2272; 1400                          Secretary of its intent not to be
                                                (b) The Deputy Administrator:                         Independence Avenue SW, Washington,                   considered an HSACU. Institutions that
                                                (1) Delegates to each State Executive                 DC 20250–2272; Voice: 202–690–6011;                   opt out of HSACU designation will have
                                              Director within the State Executive                     Fax: 202–401–7752; Email: jmoore@                     the option to apply for designation as a
                                              Director’s jurisdiction the authority, and              nifa.usda.gov.                                        Non-Land Grant College of Agriculture
                                              in the absence of the State Executive                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            (NLGCA) institution. To opt out of
                                              Director, the person acting in that                                                                           designation as an HSACU, an
                                              position, to act for, on behalf of, and in              HSACU Institutions for Fiscal Year                    authorized official at the institution
                                              the name of the United States of                        2018                                                  must submit a declaration of intent not
                                              America or the Farm Service Agency to                      This rule makes changes to the                     to be considered an HSACU to NIFA by
                                              do and perform acts necessary in                        existing list of institutions in appendix             email at NLGCA.status@nifa.usda.gov.
                                              connection with making and                              B of 7 CFR part 3434. The list of                     In accordance with Section 7101, a
                                              guaranteeing loans, such as, but not                    institutions is amended to reflect the                declaration by an institution not to be
                                              limited to, making advances, servicing                  institutions that are granted HSACU                   considered an HSACU shall remain in
                                              loans and other indebtedness, and                       certification by the Secretary and are                effect until September 30, 2018. To be
                                              obtaining, servicing, and enforcing or                  eligible for HSACU programs for the                   eligible for NLGCA designation,
nshattuck on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES




                                              releasing security and other instruments                period starting October 1, 2017, and                  institutions must be public colleges or
                                              related to the loan. For actions that do                ending September 30, 2018.                            universities offering baccalaureate or
                                              not result in a loss to the Farm Service                                                                      higher degrees in the study of food and
                                              Agency, a State Executive Director may                  Certification Process                                 agricultural sciences, as defined in 7
                                              redelegate authorities received under                     As stated in 7 CFR 3434.4, an                       U.S.C. 3103. An online form to request
                                              this paragraph to a Farm Loan Chief,                    institution must meet the following                   NLGCA designation is available at
                                              Farm Loan Specialist, District Director,                criteria to receive HSACU certification:              http://nifa.usda.gov/webform/request-


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Document Created: 2018-03-17 04:24:39
Document Modified: 2018-03-17 04:24:39
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective: March 19, 2018.
ContactBruce Mair; telephone: (202) 720-1645. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600.
FR Citation83 FR 11867 
CFR AssociatedAccounting; Loan Programs-Agriculture and Rural Areas

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