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The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new tariff-rate quota limits for goods imported from Australia under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement for the year 2025. These limits specify how much of certain goods can enter the U.S. without facing higher tariffs. Beginning January 1, 2025, various products, including beef and other goods classified under specific subheadings in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, have defined quantity limits. This notice clarifies the allowable quantities to ensure fair trade practices between the U.S. and Australia.

The document is a Notice of Effectiveness from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, part of the Energy Department. It announces that, as of January 2025, certain entities have been recognized as Exempt Wholesale Generators or Foreign Utility Companies according to Commission regulations. This status became effective without further action required, as outlined in 18 CFR 366.7(a) of the 2024 regulations. The notice was filed by Secretary Debbie-Anne A. Reese on February 5, 2025, and was published in the Federal Register on February 11, 2025.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), part of the Department of Justice, has issued a final order establishing the aggregate production quotas for controlled substances in schedules I and II, and the annual needs for chemicals like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine for 2025. The order responds to public comments, particularly concerns about potential drug shortages, emphasizing that DEA aims to balance preventing drug misuse with ensuring adequate supply for medical and scientific needs. The quotas are set to address legitimate needs while considering factors like past usage data and potential diversion risks. Public concerns about opioid shortages were discussed, with the DEA noting that various external factors could affect drug availability and reassured that they are working with other agencies to mitigate such issues.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to continue the countervailing duty order on sodium nitrite from China. This decision was made because removing these duties could lead to unfair government subsidies and harm American industries. The duties help prevent material injury by maintaining extra costs on imports. The current order will remain effective from February 5, 2025, and a new review will be initiated before the fifth anniversary of this date.

The National Institute on Aging has announced a closed meeting scheduled for February 20, 2025. The meeting will be held virtually to review grant applications, specifically focusing on research about age-related changes in gait biomechanics and their impact on walking. The closure is due to the potential discussion of confidential information and personal privacy concerns. Interested parties may contact Nesar Uddin Akanda for further details.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has set up an Emergency Relief Docket for 2025, allowing public transportation agencies affected by emergencies or disasters to request temporary relief from certain requirements. If these rules hinder their response efforts during such situations, grantees or subgrantees can request waivers for specific regulations. The process involves submitting a petition detailing the need for relief. The FTA will review these requests and provide a decision within three business days, with the possibility for reconsideration based on any new information or comments received.

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission announced the appointment of new members to their Performance Review Board (PRB), effective February 19, 2025. The PRB evaluates the performance of senior executives within the commission and makes recommendations on their performance ratings and possible pay adjustments. Members, who serve for 24 months, include Fred B. Jacob, Michael A. McCord, and Reggie James. The appointments ensure compliance with the legal requirement that a majority of the board consists of career appointees when assessing career personnel.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has temporarily banned fishing for Pacific cod with jig gear in a specific area of the Gulf of Alaska. This decision aims to ensure that the amount of fish caught does not exceed the allowed limit for the A season of 2025. The restriction is active from April 14, 2025, to June 10, 2025, and is based on regulations established to protect fish populations. The agency expedited the rule's implementation due to urgent, recent data indicating the catch limit was nearly reached.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA and the Commerce Department, has announced a temporary rule to stop directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in a specific part of the Gulf of Alaska. This decision is to ensure the 2025 total allowable catch for this area is not exceeded and will be in effect from February 28, 2025, to June 10, 2025. The rule was enacted quickly without prior public notice or comment due to the urgent nature of the situation, based on data that became available in January 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it received applications to register new pesticide products containing active ingredients not found in any currently registered products. This announcement invites the public to review and comment on these applications by April 28, 2025. The notice includes information about the applicants, the new active ingredients, and how the public can participate in the commenting process. The EPA emphasizes that receiving these applications does not imply any decisions have been made regarding their approval.