Search Results for keywords:"transparency"

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on a proposed information collection related to managing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. This request is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collected will help ensure that funds are properly managed and used exclusively for unemployment benefits. The public can provide feedback on the necessity and accuracy of this data collection by March 21, 2025.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has proposed new rules requiring audit firms to disclose more information to improve transparency and oversight. These rules include reporting on financial and governance details, special events, and cybersecurity issues. The changes aim to enhance investor confidence and the PCAOB's regulatory functions. To ease the transition, the new requirements will be implemented in phases, with larger firms required to comply first.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its Scientific Integrity Policy to foster a culture of scientific honesty and transparency. This Policy aims to ensure that all scientific activities within HHS are conducted without inappropriate interference, upholding principles like honesty, objectivity, and inclusivity. It outlines the responsibilities of HHS employees and provides protections for reporting violations. The Policy also covers procedures for addressing concerns, promoting open communication of scientific information, and ensuring accountability and professional development within the Department.

The National Park Service is proposing changes to how the U.S. participates in the World Heritage Convention. These updates aim to align U.S. regulations with the latest guidelines from UNESCO regarding cultural and natural heritage sites. The proposal includes refining procedures for nominating U.S. sites to the World Heritage List, ensuring adequate legal protection for nominated sites, and encouraging public involvement in heritage preservation. The public is invited to comment on these proposed rules, with feedback due by February 3, 2025.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule aiming to make payments to poultry growers fairer. This rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits certain unfair practices used by live poultry dealers, especially in the competitive systems that determine how much growers are paid. It also requires dealers to provide more information to growers before asking them to invest in expensive farm updates, helping to reduce confusion and unfair advantage. Overall, the rule strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in the industry.

Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc. has filed a proposed rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend its Fee Schedule by adjusting the rates related to adding and removing liquidity for securities priced below $1.00. This proposal was submitted on February 3, 2025, and has been designated for immediate effectiveness. The Commission is inviting public comments on the proposal until March 13, 2025, and all submissions will be available on its website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule to improve transparency in its significant regulatory and scientific actions. The rule emphasizes the importance of making dose-response data publicly accessible for independent validation, which refers to reanalyzing data to confirm study results. While the rule encourages using studies with available data, it also allows for exceptions in specific cases, like when data privacy laws restrict sharing. This effort aims to enhance public trust in the EPA's decisions by promoting openness and scientific scrutiny.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a policy statement on No-Action Letters (NALs) aimed at promoting innovation and competition in consumer financial services while ensuring ethical standards and transparency. This policy outlines conditions under which companies can receive a No-Action Letter, which indicates that the CFPB will not take enforcement action against them for certain practices. It also includes safeguards to prevent abuses, such as not granting letters to companies with recent legal issues and not allowing firms to misrepresent their regulatory status. The policy is designed to foster improvements in consumer financial markets without favoring particular companies or compromising market competition.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a final rule under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to improve transparency in the extraction industry. This rule requires companies involved in the extraction of oil, natural gas, or minerals to report payments made to foreign governments or the U.S. federal government for resource development. Companies must include details about the type and amount of payments, and this information must be presented publicly in a specific electronic format. The rule aims to deter corruption and promote accountability, although some exemptions and delayed reporting options are available to reduce the compliance burden on smaller companies.

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council has announced a new rule that includes mining as a sector eligible for coverage under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). This means that mining projects can now benefit from improved coordination and transparency in the federal permitting process. The rule aims to make the permitting process for mining projects more efficient without bypassing any environmental reviews or public consultations. By adding mining to the list of FAST-41 sectors, it is expected to help streamline the project review process for eligible mining endeavors.