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In a new final rule, the Department of Energy (DOE) has updated its test procedures for small electric motors and electric motors to align more closely with industry standards. This includes incorporating the latest version of the IEEE 112 standard, adding a new IEC standard as an optional method for testing, and providing clearer definitions and testing instructions to improve consistency and reduce testing burdens for manufacturers. The rule emphasizes that these changes will not affect the measured efficiency of the motors and sets specific compliance dates for manufacturers to implement the new procedures. The revisions are expected to reduce costs and harmonize testing practices with international standards.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a final rule aimed at protecting consumers in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, a program that lets property owners fund energy-efficient home improvements through tax assessments. This rule ensures that consumers' ability to repay is considered before PACE loans are approved and includes new disclosure requirements to help consumers better understand their financial obligations. The rule includes adjustments specific to PACE loans to address their unique nature and excludes PACE loans from qualifying as "qualified mortgages," which typically have regulatory protections. The changes are meant to standardize practices across states, improve consumer understanding, and ultimately prevent unaffordable loans that could lead to financial difficulties.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced updates to the rules for managing lead and copper in drinking water to better protect public health. These changes include improved methods to detect high levels of lead, enhance sampling reliability, and increase public awareness on the risks of lead exposure. For the first time, community water systems are required to test lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. The rule also aims to speed up the replacement of lead service lines and close existing regulatory gaps to ensure safer drinking water.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for cleanup efforts at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California, focusing on Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone. This SEIS will explore new alternatives for soil remediation, as prior efforts have faced challenges like unattainable cleanup standards and false positive results in testing. The DOE seeks public comments on these plans during a 60-day scoping period and will hold two public meetings to gather input and discuss the proposed actions and their potential environmental impacts. The SEIS aims to ensure that the cleanup is thorough and complies with environmental regulations to protect public health and safety.

The Administration for Children and Families has issued a final rule permitting State and Tribal child support agencies to use federal funds to provide employment and training services to eligible noncustodial parents. These services aim to help parents find and keep jobs to ensure consistent child support payments. Effective January 13, 2025, the rule allows noncustodial parents with open child support cases to receive assistance such as job search help, skills training, and work support services. The initiative also seeks to enhance coordination with existing federal employment and training programs to prevent duplication and maximize benefits.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to improve care coordination and individual engagement. These changes aim to facilitate better communication among healthcare providers, payors, and individuals, reducing unnecessary barriers and maintaining patient privacy. The proposed modifications include new definitions for terms like "electronic health record" and adjustments to individual rights for accessing their health information. HHS seeks public comments on these proposals by March 22, 2021, to ensure that the regulations support the shift to value-based healthcare.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule amending its Uniform Administrative Requirements to realign with statutory nondiscrimination provisions stated by Congress, thus significantly altering previous regulations. This rule focuses on requiring recipients of HHS awards to adhere to applicable federal statutory nondiscrimination laws and ensures compliance with relevant Supreme Court decisions. The action also addresses concerns that previous rules might violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by causing undue burdens on religious organizations. This change aims to provide clarity and stability for grantees, while planning to avoid issues related to RFRA compliance.

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 USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has amended the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order to remove frozen mangos as a covered commodity, following a referendum where the majority of first handlers and importers voted against their inclusion. This change discontinues the collection of assessments for frozen mangos and reduces the National Mango Board's membership from 21 to 18 members. These changes are intended to relieve regulatory burdens on frozen mango importers and streamline the Order's provisions, including clarifying definitions and updating voting procedures. The rule became effective on February 25, 2021, and stakeholders are invited to submit comments by April 26, 2021.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has adopted a final rule to clarify the role of supervisory guidance in regulating credit unions. This rule makes clear that supervisory guidance, unlike laws or regulations, doesn't have the force of law and does not create binding obligations. The NCUA won't take enforcement actions based on supervisory guidance but will use it to communicate expectations and provide examples of best practices. The rule is intended to ensure that guidance remains a helpful tool for both examiners and credit unions without creating legal obligations.