Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a new rule to replace an old airworthiness directive concerning the maintenance of BAE Systems Model 4101 airplanes. This new rule will require airlines to update their maintenance and inspection programs with stricter safety guidelines to prevent structure fatigue and fuel tank issues that could lead to serious accidents. The FAA believes these new measures are necessary to ensure continued safe operation of these airplanes. Comments on this proposal are being accepted until May 9, 2025.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proposing a new rule that would allow states to waive the hazardous materials endorsement requirement for drivers with a Class A commercial driver's license who transport up to 1,000 gallons of aviation jet fuel for agricultural operations. This change aims to help agricultural aviation companies, especially those in remote areas, by making it easier to find drivers to deliver jet fuel, thus supporting these businesses' efficiency. The proposal may lead to cost savings for both drivers and agricultural operators, without reducing safety, as these operations typically occur in low-traffic rural areas. Public comments on the proposal are being accepted until February 3, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented new rules to manage the use of certain frequency bands for commercial space launches. This is part of the Launch Communications Act, which requires the FCC to regulate spectrum usage for space operations, ensuring cooperation between various users to avoid interference. The 2360-2395 MHz band has now been allocated for space launch operations, with specific technical and licensing rules to ensure the protection of existing users. These new rules aim to streamline the licensing and coordination process for space launches, making it simpler and more efficient for new and existing space launch providers.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is asking for public comments on how the growing use of devices connecting directly to satellites in the L-band might affect GPS signals. These devices, operating between 1610-1660.5 MHz, have less strict emission limits than terrestrial ones, posing risks of interference with GPS signals at 1575.42 MHz. NTIA seeks input on the interference risks and possible solutions to safeguard GPS while allowing the advantages of these direct-to-device services. The comments are due by February 10, 2025.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for onshore oil and gas operations and coal trespass due to inflation. This update, effective January 17, 2025, follows the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. The rule does not allow for public comment due to its non-discretionary nature, and it outlines increases in specific monetary penalties to maintain their deterrent effect. The adjustments are calculated using a multiplier based on the change in the Consumer Price Index from October 2023 to October 2024.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a notice making technical revisions to the "Operations Notice for the Expansion of the Moving to Work Demonstration Program," with changes effective March 20, 2025. These updates include clarifications on the program's funding, financial reporting, and the use of waivers, while ensuring no material changes are made to the previous notice issued on August 28, 2020. Revisions also include updating contact information and adding new categories to existing program components, such as voucher types and flexibility applications. These changes aim to enhance the clarity and guidance provided to public housing agencies.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized a rule allowing non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite services (FSS) to operate in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band for space-to-Earth communications. This decision, part of their Report and Order, aims to promote efficient spectrum usage by sharing the band primarily with existing geostationary satellites and allowing coexistence with terrestrial services. The FCC has also established technical safeguards, such as specific power limits, to prevent interference with current operators and ensure reliable high-speed internet services, especially in underserved areas. The changes align the U.S. frequency allocations with international standards to facilitate improved satellite telecommunications for American consumers.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes a rule to update brake system safety standards for trains that use an electronic air brake slip (eABS) system. This new system would allow certain rail cars to travel longer distances between brake tests, specifically up to 2,500 miles rather than the current 1,500 miles, provided the cars meet specific criteria. The proposal includes maintaining extended records of the cars' brake tests and allowing the swapping of blocks of cars in trains without additional tests. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce employee injury risks while still ensuring train safety.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a final rule that updates the maximum daily civil penalties for violations related to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA). These updates adjust for inflation, applying a 2025 multiplier set at 1.02598, which reflects inflation from October 2023 through October 2024. The adjusted penalties now stand at $55,764 for OCSLA and $59,114 for OPA violations. These changes, effective January 13, 2025, ensure BOEM penalties maintain their deterrent effect and comply with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. The adjustments are automatic and exempt from the usual rulemaking procedures like public commentary.