The boundaries of distinct definable areas are determined using the criteria in paragraphs (b) through (d) of Sec. 301.893, which provide for the regulation of less than an entire State, the inclusion of noninfected acreage in a regulated area, and the temporary designation of nonregulated areas as regulated areas. Paragraph (c) of Sec. 301.89 3 states that the Administrator may include noninfected acreage within a regulated area due to its proximity to an infestation or inseparability from the infected locality for regulatory purposes, as determined by:

The regulations at Sec. 301.893(f) set the boundaries for regulated areas in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Certain regulated areas in Arizona, California, and Texas include noninfected acreage that functions as a buffer zone to guard against the spread of Karnal bunt.

When we include noninfected acreage in a regulated area for one or more of the reasons previously listed, the noninfected acreage, along with the rest of the acreage in the regulated area, is intensively surveyed. Negative results from surveys of the noninfected acreage provide assurance that all infected acreage is within the regulated area. In effect, the noninfected acreage serves as a buffer zone between fields or areas associated with a bunted kernel and areas outside of the regulated area.

In this document, we are adding to the list of regulated areas in Texas Throckmorton and Young Counties in their entirety. This action is necessary due to the discovery of bunted wheat
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kernels in several wheat fields in western Young County, adjacent to Throckmorton County. Initial surveys indicate that Karnal bunt is also present in other fields in the area we are regulating, and that the spread of the disease to the infected fields may have occurred as a result of the movement of contaminated seed into the area or through the movement into the area of cattle that may have grazed in infected fields. Until we are able to determine the extent of this new infection by conducting detection and delimiting surveys, it is essential that we delineate a large enough regulated area to include any fields for which there is a reasonable possibility of infection.

Emergency Action

This rulemaking is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent Karnal bunt from spreading to noninfected areas of the United States. Under these circumstances, the Administrator has determined that prior notice and opportunity for public comment are contrary to the public interest and that there is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 533 for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

We will consider comments that are received within 60 days of publication of this rule in the Federal Register. After the comment period closes, we will publish another document in the Federal Register. The document will include a discussion of any comments we receive and any amendments we are making to the rule as a result of the comments.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. For this action, the Office of Management and Budget has waived its review process required by Executive Order 12866.

This emergency situation makes timely compliance with section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) impracticable. We are currently assessing the potential economic effects of this action on small entities. Based on that assessment, we will either certify that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities or publish a final regulatory flexibility analysis.

Executive Order 12372

This program/activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.025 and is subject to Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. (See 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V.)

Executive Order 12988

This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts all State and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule; (2) has no retroactive effect; and (3) does not require administrative proceedings before parties may file suit in court challenging this rule. Paperwork Reduction Act

This interim rule contains no information collection or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 301

Agricultural commodities, Plant diseases and pests, Quarantine, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Accordingly, we are amending 7 CFR part 301 as follows: PART 301DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES

1. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 166, 7711, 7712, 7714, 7731, 7735, 7751, 7752, 7753, and 7754; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.

2. In Sec. 301.893, paragraph (f), under the heading for ``Texas'', add two new entries in alphabetical order to read as follows:
Sec. 301.893 Regulated areas.
* * * * *
Texas
* * * * *

Throckmorton County. The entire county.

Young County. The entire county.

Done in Washington, DC, this 8th day of June, 2001. Bobby R. Acord,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 0114942 Filed 61301; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 341034P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Dr. Vedpal S. Malik, National Karnal Bunt Coordinator, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 207371231; (301) 7346774.