Noxious Weeds; Permits and Interstate Movement

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations to clearly state that a permit is required for the movement of noxious weeds interstate, as well as into or through the United States. Prior to the interim rule, the regulations provided for the issuance of permits for movements of noxious weeds into or through the United States, but did not explicitly address interstate movements. This action is necessary to help prevent the artificial interstate spread of noxious weeds into noninfested areas of the United States.