Search Results for agency_names:"Commerce Department"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as requested by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has issued regulations to allow the oil and gas industry to unintentionally take marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five years. This means that companies can get special permissions to conduct surveys that might disturb marine mammals, as long as they follow guidelines to minimize the impact on these animals and their habitats. This includes using monitoring and reporting methods to ensure compliance with the rules, and taking measures like stopping activities to avoid harming the animals. These regulations aim to balance industrial activities with the protection of marine life.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for Area 2A, which includes waters off Washington, Oregon, and California. These changes aim to manage recreational fisheries better and include adjustments to fishing seasons, allocations, and management measures. The proposed rule is intended to conserve the Pacific halibut while allowing for more angler opportunities. The public is invited to submit comments on this proposal by March 15, 2021.

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.

Irma Lizette Trevizo was convicted of conspiring to smuggle firearms and ammunition from the U.S. to Mexico, resulting in a prison sentence and additional penalties. As a result of her conviction, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has decided to deny her the privilege to export goods from the U.S. for ten years, until April 30, 2029. This order also revokes any BIS-issued licenses she held at the time of her conviction. Trevizo has the option to appeal this decision within 45 days of the order being issued.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is requesting public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection related to "Representative and Address Provisions." According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, they are inviting comments to be submitted before March 16, 2021. The collection includes various forms and procedures for managing power of attorney and correspondence addresses related to patent applications. USPTO is seeking feedback on the necessity, burden, and efficacy of the information collection methods, including electronic submission options.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the final rule for the 2021 and 2022 harvest limits in the Gulf of Alaska's groundfish fishery. This rule sets the total allowable catch limits for various fish species to sustain fish populations and comply with management plans. The specifications are intended to balance environmental conservation with economic opportunities for fisheries and are in line with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These regulations take effect from February 19, 2021, ensuring the responsible management of fisheries resources in the region.

The Department of Commerce is submitting an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the National Survey of Children's Health. This survey gathers data on the health and well-being of children across the United States, helping agencies estimate national and state-level impacts, especially for children with special health care needs. The survey involves about 375,000 addresses and uses both web and mail questionnaires, with some households receiving cash incentives to encourage participation. Written comments on the survey are invited within 30 days of the notice's publication.

The Department of Commerce is planning to submit an information collection request for the Annual Business Survey (ABS) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This survey aims to reduce the burden on businesses while gathering data on business characteristics, such as research and development, innovation, and demographics of business owners. The 2025 survey will include a reduced sample size and changes to the survey process to be more efficient, with data collected through an online questionnaire. This information will help various stakeholders, including government and business leaders, understand and assess business dynamics in the U.S.

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies on their data collection activities. This request is related to the identification requirements for fishing gear on the West Coast, which are necessary for effective fisheries management and regulatory compliance. The comments are invited to help improve this process and reduce the public's reporting burden. Interested parties have until March 26, 2021, to submit their feedback via email.

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking public comments on renewing an information collection program. This program, under the Merchant Marine Act, allows commercial fishing entities to defer taxable income in a Capital Construction Fund for specific vessel-related projects. Comments are invited on the necessity and burden of this collection by May 30, 2025, as part of the review process before submitting information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Respondents, including businesses and organizations, are required to submit information via specified forms to qualify and participate in the program.