Search Results for keywords:"economic analysis"

The Department of Commerce is collecting public comments on the Annual Business Survey (ABS), which gathers data to better understand business dynamics in the U.S. The survey, conducted by the Census Bureau, includes information on business owners' demographics, and research and development activities, particularly aiming to improve minority and disadvantaged groups' access to resources. For 2021, the survey will expand to cover more nonprofit organizations, adding to its 308,000 respondents. The collected data will support government programs and agencies, enhance business support services, and contribute to national economic analyses.

The document is a notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding a proposed amendment to the National Market System Plan governing the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). This amendment aims to introduce limitation of liability provisions, which would limit any claims against the CAT LLC to the lesser of $500 or the total fees paid by CAT reporters in the case of a data breach. This move is intended to align with industry standards and prevent potentially high costs and litigation that do not contribute to improved data security. The document invites public comments on whether this proposed amendment is in line with the Exchange Act and appropriately manages the cyber risks involved in maintaining a large, sensitive database like the CAT.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to classify the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They aim to designate critical habitat areas, particularly in California, to protect these butterflies. Additionally, they plan to allow certain activities, like habitat restoration and conservation efforts, even if they might unintentionally harm some butterflies. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until March 12, 2025, and informational meetings are scheduled to discuss the details further.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules for the use of certain chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These rules, known as Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), require entities to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting activities considered significant new uses of these chemicals. The EPA will then assess these uses for potential risks. The proposed rules aim to ensure new chemical substances are safely manufactured and processed, protecting human health and the environment.

The Department of Commerce, through the Census Bureau, is seeking public feedback on its plan to continue the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) program. This program collects data on the financial status of U.S. corporations, targeting those in manufacturing, mining, and several other sectors. The collected information is crucial for economic analysis and requires the involvement of businesses with significant assets. Comments on the proposed information collection, which aims to minimize the burden on respondents, can be submitted until March 26, 2021.

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) has issued a final rule that updates regulations on how oil, gas, and coal are valued for royalty purposes from Federal and Indian leases, and how civil penalties for certain violations are assessed. The rule reintroduces the option for gas lessees to use an index-based valuation method, removes some limitations on transportation and processing allowances, and clarifies definitions and procedures for valuation. It also explains that civil penalties for payment violations will be assessed more transparently, considering the monetary impact of the violation, and clarifies how ONRR considers mitigating and aggravating circumstances, aiming to increase transparency and fairness.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a rule to designate critical habitat for four distinct population segments of the foothill yellow-legged frog in California under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal outlines the locations and features necessary for the conservation of this frog species, covering around 760,071 acres. The proposal also considers potential impacts on land use, such as economic and national security concerns, as well as existing conservation plans. Public comments are invited until March 17, 2025, with requests for a public hearing due by February 28, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to establish critical habitat for the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population of the longfin smelt, a fish found in California's San Francisco Bay estuary. This includes approximately 91,630 acres of land to help conserve the species under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal outlines specific water conditions and habitat requirements needed for the smelt's survival. Public comments and economic analysis on the proposal are sought before finalizing the critical habitat designation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate critical habitats for four species of freshwater mussels: the rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. These designations spread across 17 states in the United States, covering approximately 3,974 river miles. The critical habitats are aimed at protecting key environmental features essential for the mussels' survival, such as suitable water flow, quality, and host fish presence. The agency is inviting comments on this proposal until February 11, 2025, and has also released an economic analysis regarding the designations.

The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) has issued a final rule addressing adjustments to civil money penalties (CMPs), in compliance with the 2015 amendments to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990. These adjustments ensure that penalties remain effective as a deterrent by accounting for inflation, with new amounts applying from January 15, 2025, for any conduct from November 2, 2015, onward. The updated penalty for violations under section 5.65(c) or (d) of the Farm Credit Act is $264 per day. This rule bypasses standard procedure for public comment due to statutory requirements.