The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a final rule to repeal a previous requirement for State departments of transportation (State DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets and report their progress. This decision was made because the rule was seen as unnecessary and potentially burdensome, with no clear legal backing and minimal benefits. Notably, the courts had already blocked the rule, citing legal and regulatory issues. Repealing this requirement provides clarity and aligns with recent legal decisions, but it doesn't stop State DOTs and MPOs from voluntarily tracking their own CO2 emissions.

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) is proposing a change to the rules about how loans from the Thrift Savings Plan are managed. Currently, any interest that has already been collected on a loan must be paid off before payments can be made toward the principal and current interest. The new rule suggests that the interest be added to the principal when recalculating the loan, making the process more in line with the practices used for similar private-sector plans. This change will not significantly impact small entities or require additional reporting.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to withdraw its previous decision to classify portable electric spas (PESs) as covered consumer products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This means PESs would not be subject to federal energy conservation standards. DOE determined that classifying PESs is not necessary or appropriate to conserve energy effectively. The agency invites public comments on this decision by May 19, 2025, via their submission portal or other specified methods.

The Postal Service has proposed changes to the international mailing service prices, as outlined in Notice 123, Price List. These updates come alongside recent adjustments in mailing service prices, set to take effect on July 13, 2025. The price changes will affect First-Class Mail International and certain international extra services, such as Registered Mail and Return Receipt. Comments on the proposed changes can be submitted until May 19, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve West Virginia's plan to address visibility issues caused by air pollution in national parks and wilderness areas, known as Class I areas. This decision reverses a previous proposal to disapprove the state's plan. The approval is based on West Virginia's measures to control emissions and the conclusion that no further actions are needed to improve visibility during the specified period. The EPA's decision reflects a change in their policy, suggesting that if current air conditions are below a certain improvement mark, states are meeting progress requirements.