Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has revised its Continuity of Operations Plan, adding the Director and staff of the Office of Energy Infrastructure Security to the list of those who can take over during an emergency. This update reflects the increasing threats to energy infrastructure and ensures the office plays a key role in emergencies. The rule, effective January 16, 2025, does not have a significant economic impact on small entities and is considered an internal agency procedure.

The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) is scheduled to hold its quarterly meeting on March 5, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Registration is required for those attending in-person due to a 50-person limit. The meeting will focus on updates from subcommittees working on various issues like antidumping, intellectual property rights, forced labor, and secure trade lanes. Public comments can be submitted using the designated methods before the February 28 deadline, and a public comment period is included in the meeting agenda.

The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) will hold its quarterly meeting on March 17, 2021. The meeting will only be accessible to the public via webinar, and attendees must register online by March 16, 2021. During this meeting, topics to be discussed include updates on unified entry processes, broker exam improvements, bond guidelines, and secure trade lane developments, among others. Public comments are invited before the meeting and additional opportunities for public comment will be available throughout the virtual meeting.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proposing a new rule that would allow states to waive the hazardous materials endorsement requirement for drivers with a Class A commercial driver's license who transport up to 1,000 gallons of aviation jet fuel for agricultural operations. This change aims to help agricultural aviation companies, especially those in remote areas, by making it easier to find drivers to deliver jet fuel, thus supporting these businesses' efficiency. The proposal may lead to cost savings for both drivers and agricultural operators, without reducing safety, as these operations typically occur in low-traffic rural areas. Public comments on the proposal are being accepted until February 3, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a new rule to replace an old airworthiness directive concerning the maintenance of BAE Systems Model 4101 airplanes. This new rule will require airlines to update their maintenance and inspection programs with stricter safety guidelines to prevent structure fatigue and fuel tank issues that could lead to serious accidents. The FAA believes these new measures are necessary to ensure continued safe operation of these airplanes. Comments on this proposal are being accepted until May 9, 2025.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a virtual meeting of the Business and Operations Advisory Committee scheduled for March 10, 2021. This open-to-public meeting will discuss various topics related to the NSF's business operations, including updates on budget and information technology, challenges in award reporting, and strategic planning. Attendees must request a meeting link via email. The purpose of the meeting is to provide advice on the oversight and improvement of NSF's operations.

The Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection concerning timber sale contract operations. This involves acquiring information from contractors working on timber sales, which helps manage contracts and assure safety and compliance. Forms used range from operational plans to consent for electronic business, with some new forms being introduced and old ones phased out. Comments can be submitted by mail or email before May 27, 2025, and all contributions will be made part of the public record.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing a new rule regarding how to determine the availability of channels for unlicensed devices in the TV bands, which are known as white spaces. The FCC seeks feedback on using a model called Longley-Rice, which takes into account the terrain to predict signal availability more accurately compared to the current method. The aim is to see if this model can better serve both white space device users and television broadcasters while still protecting broadcast signals from interference. The FCC invites public comments on various technical and implementation aspects of using this model.

Mazda North American Operations submitted a petition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claiming that a defect in Takata airbag inflators in some Mazda vehicles was inconsequential to safety. The defect involves propellant degradation that could lead to inflator ruptures and potentially cause injury. After reviewing the evidence and arguments presented, NHTSA denied Mazda's petition, stating that Mazda had not adequately demonstrated that the defect posed no significant risk to motor vehicle safety. Consequently, Mazda is required to notify vehicle owners and provide a remedy for the defect.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.