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The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to establish a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, to ensure safety during a bank stabilization construction project. Starting December 2, 2024, until July 11, 2025, vessel speeds will be limited, and access to the RNA will be restricted during construction hours unless permitted by the Captain of the Port. The rule aims to minimize risks to both vessels and construction workers, while also providing exceptions for small entities, and has been reviewed to ensure compliance with various federal regulations and executive orders.

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council has announced a new rule that includes mining as a sector eligible for coverage under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). This means that mining projects can now benefit from improved coordination and transparency in the federal permitting process. The rule aims to make the permitting process for mining projects more efficient without bypassing any environmental reviews or public consultations. By adding mining to the list of FAST-41 sectors, it is expected to help streamline the project review process for eligible mining endeavors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is proposing to change the rules around selling certain types of securities. They want to revise how the holding period is determined for securities obtained from market-adjustable ones, specifically for companies that are not listed on a national exchange. This means the holding period won't start until the securities are actually received upon conversion. The SEC also plans to require that Form 144 be filed electronically for companies subject to Exchange Act reporting, align the filing deadline for Form 144 with Form 4, and remove the need to file Form 144 for selling securities of companies not subject to Exchange Act reporting. These changes aim to make the process simpler and more transparent for investors and to prevent unregistered sales of securities.

OSHA has finalized a revision to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry, specifically requiring that all PPE must fit properly to ensure the safety and protection of workers. This new rule is set to take effect on January 13, 2025, and aligns the construction standards with current requirements for general industry and shipyards. The revision aims to address concerns that standard-sized PPE may not fit everyone, particularly women and workers with smaller or larger body sizes, thereby enhancing safety and reducing risks of injuries from improperly fitting equipment. Although it may result in some costs for employers who need to update their PPE supplies, the rule is expected to improve workplace safety and is not anticipated to create significant economic burdens for the industry.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set January 1, 2024, as the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations that were published between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. This means any new food labeling rules released during this timeframe must be followed by the start of 2024 to reduce the economic impact of labeling changes on the food industry. The FDA states that while these regulations don't immediately introduce new costs, they allow businesses time to adjust their labeling practices. The rule also specifies that special circumstances may justify a different compliance date, which will be detailed as needed.

The executive order titled "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government" is issued by the President of the United States. It outlines the government's commitment to promoting equality and eliminating systemic barriers that hinder underserved communities from accessing federal benefits and opportunities. The order establishes guidelines to ensure equitable treatment across all federal agencies, urging them to assess their policies and identify any discriminatory practices. Additionally, it mandates the creation of a Data Working Group to improve data collection and support equitable decision-making, while revoking previous orders that promoted race and sex stereotyping.

In January 2021, the President sent a special message to Congress, proposing the rescission of $27.4 billion in budget authority from various federal programs. The message highlights efforts to cut unnecessary or wasteful spending, particularly in areas like foreign aid, energy, and educational exchanges. The proposed cuts would impact numerous departments and agencies, including Agriculture, Energy, and State, as well as international aid programs. If enacted, these rescissions would aim to reduce the federal budget deficit and encourage alternative funding sources for affected programs.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking written comments on possible trade actions in response to China's efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The USTR plans to hold a public hearing and is proposing fees on services provided by Chinese maritime operators entering U.S. ports, as well as restrictions to encourage the transport of U.S. goods on U.S. vessels. Additionally, there may be actions to reduce reliance on Chinese logistics platforms. Comments must be submitted by March 24, 2025, for consideration.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing a proposal by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) to modify the calculation of the VaR (Value at Risk) Floor for its Mortgage-Backed Securities Division. The change aims to incorporate a "Minimum Margin Amount" to better account for market volatility and ensure adequate risk management. This proposal was developed after the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that the existing calculations did not sufficiently cover risks, particularly during periods of extreme market changes, and the SEC is inviting public comments on this advance notice. The proposed enhancements are designed to limit FICC's exposure by ensuring that its systems account for recent and more volatile market conditions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the Department of Labor, is seeking public comments on proposed changes to the Consumer Expenditure Surveys, as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed changes include updating interview questions and testing a new self-administered online diary. This online diary, accessible on the internet, will help gather data on consumer spending habits while minimizing the burden on respondents. Comments from the public will help assess the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of this data collection, contributing to the ongoing improvement of the Consumer Expenditure Surveys.