Search Results for keywords:"Additive Manufacturing

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a request for information (RFI) to improve the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors for commercial information technology products. They are seeking feedback from the public on how to strengthen America's semiconductor supply chain by relying on domestic sources and reducing dependency on foreign production. The agency aims to gather insights on various strategies, including dual sourcing and industrial mobilization, to enhance national and economic security. Responses to the RFI will inform potential government actions to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and are due by March 17, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules to reduce hazardous air pollutants from chemical manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. Under this proposal, the EPA aims to introduce stricter monitoring, reporting, and emission reduction standards for facilities using, producing, or emitting EtO. The proposed changes are expected to impact 280 facilities, reducing overall hazardous emissions by about 158 tons annually and EtO emissions by approximately 4.6 tons per year. These measures are intended to mitigate health risks, including cancer, for those living near these facilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing source category. These changes stem from a review under the Clean Air Act to ensure the current standards are effective in protecting public health and addressing any emission risks. While the EPA found current emissions pose acceptable risks, they are proposing updated standards for process wastewater and emphasizing electronic reporting. The aim is to enhance monitoring, compliance, and data accuracy without expecting significant changes in emissions or economic impacts for the industry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the regulations for emissions standards from Refractory Products Manufacturing under the Clean Air Act. The proposed revisions include adding new emission standards for certain hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and updating standards to address the startup, shutdown, and malfunction of equipment. The proposal also suggests amending electronic reporting requirements to improve the tracking of emissions data. These amendments aim to enhance environmental protection by ensuring that emissions standards are met at all times and by enabling better monitoring and compliance.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA has announced an extension for the loan guarantee application deadline for the 9003 Program. This program supports the development of biorefineries, renewable chemicals, and biobased products with loan guarantees up to $250 million. Originally due on October 1, applications can now be submitted until December 31, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Despite requiring a non-binding letter of intent 30 days prior, exceptions can be made, and questions can be directed to the provided USDA contact information.

In a new interim final rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced changes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regarding advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing items. These changes include new controls on semiconductor equipment, high bandwidth memory, and software keys. The rule aims to limit specific exports to countries of concern, such as China, due to national security risks. The refinements include foreign direct product rules, license requirements, and clarifications to assist compliance.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the collection of information under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for boat manufacturing. This proposed extension, which is currently approved until February 28, 2025, applies to facilities that manufacture boats and release hazardous air pollutants. These facilities must send notifications, conduct tests, and report regularly to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Public comments on this request are being accepted until March 31, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend an information collection related to lime manufacturing. This includes regulations for lime kilns that ensure compliance with specific environmental standards. The public has until March 31, 2025, to submit comments about this proposed extension. The request includes keeping the current reporting obligations but updates the estimated costs due to inflation, with no changes in the burden on respondents since industry growth is low.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a final rule updating the policies and procedures for loan guarantees and direct loans under the Title XVII Program and the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program. The rule aligns with an Executive Order aimed at reducing reliance on foreign critical minerals and includes refined definitions of "Eligible Projects," as well as guidelines for preliminary term sheets, conditional commitments, and third-party payments of costs and fees. The changes are intended to make loan guarantees more accessible for projects involving critical minerals and innovative technologies. Additionally, the rule clarifies that payment of costs and fees by non-Federal third parties is permissible to support applicants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a proposal to extend its information collection request regarding new source performance standards (NSPS) for glass manufacturing plants. This extension aims to ensure compliance with federal regulations for glass melting furnaces at such facilities. The public has an additional 30 days until January 13, 2025, to submit comments on this proposal. The estimated cost and burden associated with these regulations remain the same as previously approved, with some increase in operation and maintenance costs due to updated price indexes.