Search Results for keywords:"public safety"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has responded to a court order by reviewing how its decision to reclassify broadband internet access affects public safety, pole attachments, and support for low-income consumers through the Lifeline program. The FCC decided to maintain the classification of broadband as an information service, emphasizing the benefits of regulatory certainty and innovation, despite some concerns about its impact on public safety and infrastructure. They concluded that the advantages of encouraging investment and innovation outweigh potential drawbacks, ensuring that the Lifeline program can still support broadband access for low-income Americans through carefully defined legal authority. Additionally, adjustments will be made to Lifeline rules, removing broadband as a standalone supported service while continuing to fund it as part of voice-broadband bundles.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted 68 exemptions to 26 licensees in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health emergency. These exemptions provide temporary or permanent relief from certain regulatory requirements, allowing facilities to manage staffing and safety measures more flexibly. Specifically, the record details exemptions related to work-hour controls, emergency preparedness exercises, and security personnel training to ensure operations can continue safely during the pandemic. The NRC is using a single Federal Register notice to compile these exemptions, enhancing transparency about the actions taken during this period.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is seeking public comments on a new information collection request that involves a bathtub slip resistance study. This study aims to support the development of a voluntary safety standard for bathtubs and showers by measuring how slip-resistant they need to be. Participants will be recruited to step in and out of bathtubs while researchers measure the friction and movements of their feet. The objective is to prevent slip-related accidents, especially among older adults. Comments on this proposed study are open until March 7, 2025.

The President of the United States has issued a memorandum to extend and expand the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain residents of Hong Kong living in the U.S. This decision comes in response to actions by China, which have undermined human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. The memorandum allows eligible Hong Kong residents to stay in the U.S. for an additional 24 months and provides them with the opportunity to work. The memorandum excludes those who pose security concerns, have committed certain crimes, or recently returned to Hong Kong or China.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on its plan to renew an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection helps determine if applicants meet the requirements for renewing a launch license to ensure public safety during reentry operations. Comments must be submitted by March 26, 2025. The information is crucial for those applying for a license to operate reusable launch vehicles or carry out reentry activities, as required by U.S. law.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to renew vision requirement exemptions for 63 commercial vehicle drivers. These exemptions allow individuals to operate in interstate commerce with vision issues in one eye. The FMCSA concluded that continuing these exemptions maintains or exceeds current safety levels. No public comments were received during the announcement period, and the exemptions are valid for two years starting in December 2020, unless revoked earlier.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) confirms that on April 21, 2025, a new rule will be enacted. This rule updates the spent fuel storage regulations, specifically revising the listing of the Holtec International HI-STORM UMAX Canister Storage System. The updates focus on radiation protection specifications, including clarifying dose rate limits and modifying their values and measurement locations. Since no major issues were raised in public comments, the rule will proceed as planned.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued License Amendment No. 182 and granted an exemption to Southern Nuclear Operating Company for the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Unit 3 in Georgia. This exemption allows for changes to certain safety requirements and seismic gap specifications in the plant's design, which were necessary due to some construction discrepancies. The NRC determined that these changes do not pose a risk to public safety and meet regulatory standards. Additionally, a planned hearing request was denied based on the NRC staff's conclusion that there were no significant hazards associated with the amendment.

SpecGx LLC has applied to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to become an importer of certain controlled substances. The company aims to import these substances for the purpose of manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which will then be distributed to its customers. However, this registration does not automatically allow for permit applications to import these substances to be approved; approval will be granted only if the business activities comply with specific legal requirements. Public comments or requests for a hearing regarding this application are open until April 28, 2025, and can be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted a one-time exemption to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Unit 2. This exemption allows certain workers to follow less strict work hour rules for up to 21 days during early 2025 to complete necessary maintenance and repairs. The exemption aims to ensure plant safety and reliability while not endangering public health. TVA plans to complete critical testing and maintenance during this period to prepare the plant for higher power demands in warmer months.