Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a final rule to update the rules for civil money penalties by adjusting them for inflation. This adjustment is in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, ensuring penalties stay current with economic changes. The new penalty amounts will be effective from January 16, 2025, and apply to violations occurring on or after January 15, 2025. The FHFA will calculate penalties on a case-by-case basis, using a formula tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index, and these updates are mandated by law.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to address a safety issue found in certain CFM International LEAP-1B engines. The problem involves a manufacturing defect in high-pressure compressor seals, which might cause damage to engine components during use. To resolve this, the FAA requires that operators perform specific inspections and replace the affected parts if necessary, to prevent potential engine failure and aircraft damage. These changes will take effect on February 12, 2025.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has amended regulations to add 13 new standards of fill for wine and 15 for distilled spirits, aiming to offer more flexibility in container sizes. The TTB considered eliminating standards of fill altogether but decided against it to prevent consumer confusion and market disruption. Instead, the additional sizes are expected to support domestic and international trade and provide more options for consumers. Moreover, the TTB has removed the distinction between canned and other containers for distilled spirits, allowing the same standards to apply across all types. These changes take effect on January 10, 2025.

The Rural Housing Service of the USDA has issued a final rule to update smoke alarm requirements for housing funded through its Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan Programs. This rule aligns with the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which mandates that federally assisted housing units must have either hardwired smoke alarms or 10-year battery-powered alarms that are sealed and tamper-resistant, with additional notification systems for individuals with hearing loss. The changes aim to enhance safety in rural housing units by ensuring smoke alarms meet modern safety standards, and they apply from January 21, 2025. Feedback from the public was considered, but no changes were made to the final rule as a result.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving changes to the Illinois State Implementation Plan (SIP) that were submitted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on January 23, 2020. This change removes certain allowances, known as variances, that were previously granted to the Illinois Power Holdings and AmerenEnergy Medina Valley Cogen facilities, specifically regarding sulfur dioxide emission standards. As a result, stricter limits on emissions will be applied to all current coal-fired electrical generating units at these facilities. The changes will take effect on March 31, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two new methods to test contaminants in drinking water, as outlined in a rule published in the Federal Register. This action permits public water systems and related agencies to use these alternative methods, offering more flexibility and potentially lowering monitoring costs without compromising public health. The approved methods, effective January 16, 2025, are EPA Method 537.1 for detecting selected PFAS chemicals and the e-sens Automated Micro Chlorine Detection Method for measuring free and total chlorine. These alternative methods are considered as effective as existing methods and are added as options for compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued an interim final rule to change the reporting requirements for beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act. Previously, both domestic and foreign companies had to report information about their owners. Now, domestic companies are exempt from these requirements, and foreign companies are only required to report information about non-U.S. owners. This change is intended to reduce the burden on U.S. businesses, and FinCEN is asking for public comments before finalizing the rule.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule updating regulations for seafood inspection procedures, which were last majorly revised in 1971. The rule aims to improve the consistency and accuracy of seafood inspections by adopting recognized best practices and simplifying procedures. These updates are expected to benefit the seafood industry by modernizing inspection methods and shifting regulatory language to a digital manual. The rule will become effective on January 15, 2025, and aligns definitions with existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a plan from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to maintain air quality standards for ozone in a specific area of West Virginia, including Brooke and Hancock counties. This action is part of West Virginia's plan to ensure compliance with the 1997 8-hour ozone standards and is in line with the Clean Air Act. The plan includes measures like monitoring air quality and having contingency plans ready if issues arise, and it will be effective from March 22, 2021. The EPA addressed public comments expressing concerns about the plan, concluding that it met all necessary criteria for approval.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has revised its rules to improve the conciliation process, which aims to encourage employers to settle discrimination charges before going to court. The new rules require the EEOC to provide clear information to employers about the claims, the legal basis, and the relief sought, with the goal of making the process fairer and more transparent. This change is expected to lead to more successful resolutions, helping employees receive quicker relief and reducing the need for lengthy and expensive litigation. The rule will take effect on February 16, 2021.