Search Results for type:"Rule"

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a new Regulatory Guide (RG) 3.78, titled "Acceptable ASME Section XI Inservice Inspection Code Cases", which offers guidance for the inservice inspection of spent fuel storage systems. It includes methods the NRC deems acceptable for compliance with its regulations regarding the inspection of confinement boundary components and aging management activities. The guide endorses specific codes and standards for certain licensees and holders to ensure safety and efficiency in nuclear storage practices. It does not mandate compliance but provides a reliable framework for industry participants.

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 Bureau of Industry and Security, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is updating the Export Administration Regulations to impose new restrictions on certain biotechnology equipment. This interim final rule targets equipment, such as flow cytometers and mass spectrometers, used in advanced biotechnology, which could pose national security risks if misused. These regulations come into effect on January 16, 2025, and they also invite the public to comment on the new measures by March 17, 2025. The rule aims to prevent these technologies from being used in ways that could threaten U.S. security while still allowing for their beneficial use in fields like health and environmental science.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to update the Class E airspace at Prairie Du Chien Municipal Airport in Wisconsin. This change involves reducing the radius of airspace from 9.3 miles to 6.6 miles and adding specific extensions from the airport in certain directions. The adjustments are necessary following the removal of a navigation aid and are part of the FAA's ongoing effort to manage airspace efficiently while ensuring safety. These revisions have been deemed noncontroversial and are not expected to have significant economic or environmental impacts.

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.