Search Results for keywords:"regulatory flexibility"

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule establishing new procedures for the issuance of guidance documents to ensure compliance with Executive Order 13891. This rule requires that DOE guidance documents clearly state they are non-binding and do not impose any legal obligations; they serve merely to clarify existing laws. Additionally, the DOE has set up a process allowing the public to petition for the modification or withdrawal of these documents. The rule aims to enhance transparency and allow for public feedback on significant guidance documents through a dedicated online portal.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has adopted a final rule that establishes two exemptions from the requirement to execute certain swaps on regulated trading platforms. Swaps that qualify for clearing exemptions under existing regulations can now also be exempt from this execution requirement. Additionally, swaps made between eligible affiliate counterparties can be exempted from being executed on these platforms, even if these swaps are cleared. This rule aims to reduce unnecessary costs and enhance flexibility for specific types of swap transactions.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on a proposal to reduce the paperwork burden required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. This proposal focuses on simplifying the process for digital FM radio stations to report changes and requests regarding their operations, such as using different power levels on their digital sidebands, through an updated form 2100, Schedule 335-FM. The updated rules also encourage digital FM stations to operate with greater flexibility by allowing them to notify the FCC instead of applying annually for experimental authorization, which reduces regulatory barriers and encourages more stations to adopt these digital broadcasting methods. The FCC aims to alleviate the information collection burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is proposing a new rule that would allow exemptions from certain requirements tied to Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), which banks and savings associations must file. This rule aims to give national banks and federal savings associations some flexibility if they come up with new, more efficient ways to comply with anti-money laundering laws, while still being reviewed for safety and soundness. The proposal includes guidelines on how banks can apply for these exemptions and factors that will be considered in granting them, like consistency with the Bank Secrecy Act and any supervisory concerns. The OCC is inviting public comments on this proposed rule until February 22, 2021.