Search Results for keywords:"Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized a rule to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, specifically its section 22425. This rule amends the Freight Car Safety Standards to enforce restrictions on new freight cars introduced in the U.S. It prohibits using sensitive technology and components originating from countries of concern or state-owned enterprises, as well as materials that infringe on U.S. intellectual property rights. From January 21, 2025, freight car manufacturers must certify compliance with these standards to operate their vehicles in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized a rule that updates the State Energy Program regulations. This rule incorporates changes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, mandating states to include transmission and distribution planning support in their energy conservation plans. These changes were initially made in an interim rule released in April 2024, and as no comments were received, the interim rule is now adopted without any modifications. The final rule becomes effective on December 12, 2024.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced that it will not enforce the regulations of the State Safety Oversight final rule, which was published on October 18, 2024, until March 20, 2025. This decision aligns with the President's memorandum titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” which suggests delaying rules to ensure they align with current laws and policies. The rule aims to implement new safety requirements from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and streamline notification processes. This pause allows time for a thorough review to confirm their compliance with legal and administrative principles.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a final rule that amends its existing Buy America requirements. This rule terminates the general waiver for manufactured products and applies new requirements to products used in Federal-aid highway projects, aligning with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA). These requirements mandate that manufactured products must be assembled in the U.S., and beginning October 2026, at least 55% of their components by cost must also be of U.S. origin. The rule aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and create a more resilient supply chain.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing a temporary waiver under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) that would allow the use of domestically assembled solar modules for certain federally funded projects, as fully BABA-compliant solar modules are currently not available in sufficient quantities. The waiver aims to consolidate waivers for multiple projects, reduce paperwork, and support the growth of domestic solar manufacturing. This proposal supports creating a supply chain for American-made solar products and promoting the benefits for communities receiving HUD assistance. HUD is inviting public comments on this proposed waiver, which would be effective until December 31, 2025, with installation by June 30, 2026.

The President issued Executive Order 14154 titled "Unleashing American Energy," aiming to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands, eliminate certain regulatory barriers, and encourage the American energy sector's growth. The order revokes several environmental executive orders from the previous administration and calls for an immediate review of agency actions that may hinder domestic energy resource development. It emphasizes efficient permitting processes, prioritizes accuracy in environmental assessments, and seeks to boost the United States' role in global mineral production. Additionally, it stops funding distribution for initiatives aligned with the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act until they are reviewed for consistency with the new policies.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), part of the USDA, has announced a funding opportunity under the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program for 2024. This program will help lenders provide loans to entities looking to build or improve sawmills and wood processing facilities near priority U.S. Forest Service lands. Over $200 million will be available starting in 2025, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal is to support ecological restoration efforts by using byproducts from these projects and to advance rural economic opportunities, while prioritizing climate change mitigation and racial equity.