Search Results for type:"Rule"

The final rule permanently adopts changes to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) made by the interim rule published in January 2020. It responds to public comments and adjusts several program aspects, including clarifying definitions, addressing eligibility requirements for agricultural and wetland easements, and enhancing conservation and land management practices. The changes, based on the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, are intended to improve the program's efficiency, allowing for more flexible non-Federal cost-sharing and incorporating additional conservation planning. The rule emphasizes voluntary participation by landowners and seeks to enhance the conservation value of public investments.

The U.S. Copyright Office has introduced a new group registration option called "Group Registration of Works on an Album of Music" (GRAM) that allows for the registration of musical works, sound recordings, and certain associated works distributed together on an album. This rule adopts, with some updates, previous proposals from a 2019 notice and will be effective starting March 26, 2021. Applicants can register up to twenty musical works and sound recordings from the same album using this option, which includes the implementation of specific online applications and a fee of $65. The rule aims to streamline the registration process and includes details on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deposit requirements.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has finalized amendments to its rules about margin requirements for certain swaps. These changes update how entities determine if they fall under the requirement to exchange initial margin for swaps that aren't centrally cleared. The amendments align the CFTC rules with international standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Organization of Securities Commissions. In addition, it allows certain swap dealers to use a risk-based model from other registered swap dealers to calculate necessary initial margins, making compliance more practical and internationally consistent.

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) implemented new export control rules to manage the global distribution of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models and computing technologies. These rules introduce tighter controls on exporting certain AI model weights and advanced computing chips to protect national security. The measures include new licensing requirements, exceptions, and procedures for companies to follow when exporting these technologies. Additionally, BIS aims to balance securing these technologies with allowing their beneficial uses, ensuring that they are shared responsibly and securely.

The U.S. Copyright Office issued a final rule under the Music Modernization Act (MMA) to address how digital music providers should handle and report accrued royalties for unmatched musical works. This rule aims to clarify the processes for transferring royalties to the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) while ensuring accurate payments to songwriters and copyright owners. It addresses the necessity of estimates and adjustments to royalties due to unknown factors, like the pending final determination of royalty rates. The rule also considers previous private agreements to prevent double payments while ensuring that unmatched royalties are correctly transferred and accounted for.

The Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, issued a final rule to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" in its regulations. This change follows Executive Order 14172, titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," and aims to ensure consistency across federal government references. No notice of proposed rulemaking was required for this rule as it makes no substantive changes impacting public rights or obligations. The renaming is effective March 17, 2025, and involves technical amendments with no additional costs to the public.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The U.S. Department of Labor is updating the civil monetary penalties it can impose, based on inflation, as part of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This requires an annual review and adjustment of penalty amounts to ensure they keep pace with inflation. These updates are set to take effect on January 15, 2021, and apply to penalties assessed after this date. Different divisions within the Department, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, are involved in overseeing these changes, which aim to maintain their deterrent effect.

The Coast Guard has introduced a final rule to enhance cybersecurity standards for U.S.-flagged vessels and facilities. This rule mandates the creation of cybersecurity and incident response plans, appointing a cybersecurity officer, and implementing security measures like multifactor authentication and encryption. These steps aim to safeguard the maritime transportation system against increasing cyber threats. The Coast Guard is also inviting public comments on possible delays for these implementations.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary rule to maintain a modified schedule for operating the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge over the Okeechobee Waterway in Stuart, Florida. This rule, effective until May 31, 2025, aims to keep train traffic moving efficiently while ensuring predictable and reliable drawbridge openings for boats. The Coast Guard is extending the temporary rule without a prior notice due to insufficient time to evaluate necessary data before the previous rule expired. Public comments regarding this temporary rule are welcome until March 10, 2025, and any necessary changes will be considered for a final decision.