Search Results for keywords:"regulatory framework"

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced its schedule for public meetings for February and early March 2021. There are no meetings scheduled for the weeks of February 1, February 22, March 1, and March 8. However, on February 11, there will be a discussion on the NRC’s regulatory framework for dry cask storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel. On February 18, there will be a briefing on equal employment opportunity, affirmative employment, and small business. Due to COVID-19, these meetings will be held virtually, and the public can watch via webcast. Anyone needing special accommodations or who wishes to receive meeting updates can contact the NRC for assistance.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on a new survey aimed at collecting information about the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones. The survey will focus on fatigue-related practices, necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, testing, and staffing procedures for UAS operation. This initiative is part of efforts to integrate UAS operations more effectively into the National Airspace System by gathering data that could inform future regulations. The survey expects about 180 respondents, targeting a wide range of stakeholders, and aims to enhance the understanding of UAS operations and the needs for pilot certification requirements.

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.

MIAX Emerald, LLC proposed a new fee for market participants who want a dedicated connection to access its testing systems. This proposal was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is immediately effective but open to public comments until April 8, 2025. Details about the proposed fee and its purpose, including how it fits within the regulatory framework, can be found on MIAX Emerald's and the SEC's websites. The SEC invites public feedback through various submission methods and will post all comments online.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its delegation of authority to the State of West Virginia, allowing them to implement and enforce the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). This delegation was made official through a letter from the EPA on October 8, 2020, acknowledging West Virginia's authority, based on their updated rules. West Virginia has agreed to enforce the standards as per the conditions of the EPA's previous delegation. The updated rules include ending the use of certain exemptions, as per a court ruling in the Sierra Club vs. EPA case.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the final rule for the 2021 and 2022 harvest limits in the Gulf of Alaska's groundfish fishery. This rule sets the total allowable catch limits for various fish species to sustain fish populations and comply with management plans. The specifications are intended to balance environmental conservation with economic opportunities for fisheries and are in line with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These regulations take effect from February 19, 2021, ensuring the responsible management of fisheries resources in the region.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is considering removing 49 Division 1.1 explosive chemicals from Appendix A of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) regulations. These chemicals are currently regulated by both CISA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which creates a regulatory overlap. By removing these explosives from CFATS, the agency aims to reduce the regulatory burden on facilities overseen by both CISA and ATF, without compromising security. CISA is seeking public comments on this proposal to better understand its potential impact on facility security and regulatory obligations.

The Department of the Treasury has proposed changes to its system of records notice under the Privacy Act of 1974 for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) Case Management System. These changes will update the legal authorities and clarify regulations to help CFIUS assess and review foreign investments for national security risks. The amendments add new legal authorities and adjust existing ones, allowing CFIUS to better manage and store information related to foreign investments in the U.S. The modifications are set to take effect on March 8, 2021, unless further adjustments are necessary based on public comments received by that date.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has started an investigation to see if the rate schedule for Fowler Ridge IV Wind Farm LLC is fair or lawful. This is under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act. People who want to be involved in the case can file a request, but they need to do so within 21 days. The announcement provides information on how to access the document online and encourages electronic submissions instead of paper.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule approving a revision to the Feather River Air Quality Management District (FRAQMD) segment of California's State Implementation Plan (SIP). This revision involves replacing historical air pollution control rules for Sutter and Yuba Counties with updated FRAQMD rules under the Clean Air Act. The action essentially updates the SIP with FRAQMD's rules, aiming to make the rules clearer and more effective without altering their substance. This rule will be effective on April 18, 2025, and ensures a coherent regulatory framework for controlling air pollutants in the district.