Search Results for keywords:"interim rule"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized rules regarding salamanders to protect U.S. ecosystems from the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). These rules affirm the 2016 interim rule that listed 20 genera of salamanders as injurious and add 16 more genera to the list. The regulation prohibits the import and transport of these genera among certain U.S. jurisdictions, with exceptions for purposes like scientific research. This action aims to prevent the introduction and spread of Bsal, which can have devastating effects on native salamander populations.

The U.S. Copyright Office has amended its regulations to allow the registration of copyright claims in secure tests via secure videoconference due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This interim rule enables remote examinations for secure tests to take place until the national emergency ends, addressing a backlog of over 1,500 pending claims. While in-person examinations are on hold, applicants must still submit necessary documents electronically, and remote videoconferencing will be utilized to review these applications. The situation will be monitored to determine future procedures once regular operations resume.

The U.S. Copyright Office has introduced an interim rule aimed at safeguarding confidential information managed by the mechanical licensing collective and the digital licensee coordinator under the Music Modernization Act. This rule establishes procedures to secure private and sensitive data and regulates who has access to this information, emphasizing that disclosure should be limited to authorized personnel for specific tasks. The rule was created after receiving public comments, and it aims to balance transparency with protecting confidential business and personal data. It includes provisions for handling how this information can be shared and used, ensuring compliance with statutory licensing requirements.

The Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have issued an interim rule affecting the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This rule, effective since November 12, 2024, prohibits the procurement and operation of unmanned aircraft systems from certain foreign entities. They are extending the deadline for public comments on this rule from January 13, 2025, to January 27, 2025, to allow more time for feedback. Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking portal at regulations.gov.

The final rule permanently adopts changes to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) made by the interim rule published in January 2020. It responds to public comments and adjusts several program aspects, including clarifying definitions, addressing eligibility requirements for agricultural and wetland easements, and enhancing conservation and land management practices. The changes, based on the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, are intended to improve the program's efficiency, allowing for more flexible non-Federal cost-sharing and incorporating additional conservation planning. The rule emphasizes voluntary participation by landowners and seeks to enhance the conservation value of public investments.