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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule exempting certain records in its newly established system, DOE-42 Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs Files, from specific provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. These exemptions are applied to protect investigatory materials used for law enforcement purposes, safeguarding against unauthorized access to sensitive data related to federal civil rights compliance investigations. The DOE addressed public comments on the rule and justified the need for exemptions to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement processes while ensuring fairness and due process. The rule becomes effective on January 16, 2025.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a public interest waiver allowing certain infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) and the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) to bypass the Buy America requirements. These requirements usually mandate that materials like iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in U.S. infrastructure projects be made domestically. The waiver, lasting five years from January 10, 2025, aims to reduce costs and avoid project delays caused by shipping and sourcing issues from the mainland U.S. DOT decided on this waiver after considering public comments and addressing concerns about regional supply chains and cost impacts.

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), part of the U.S. Department of Treasury, has announced the availability of up to $500 million in guarantees for fiscal year 2025 under the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program. This program is designed to help Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by offering bond guarantees that support lending for economic development projects. Interested parties need to submit their applications by specified deadlines in early 2025. The rules and detailed requirements for the application and qualification processes are explained in the notice, which also includes guidance on compliance with regulations and statutes.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued an interim final rule that allows current and former Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to appeal the recoupment of awards, bonuses, or relocation expenses. This regulation, which stems from the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, establishes procedures for these appeals to be made to the Director of OPM if the VA requires repayment, possibly due to misconduct or errors in payment authorization. OPM's review is limited to ensuring the VA followed its recoupment policies and relevant legal procedures, without evaluating the underlying disciplinary actions. The rule aims to provide clarity and fairness in the appeal process and is open for public comment until March 17, 2025.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule recommending changes to pricing in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These proposed amendments update existing formulas for milk composition, surveyed commodity products, and milk pricing categories, among others, to better reflect current market conditions. The changes are aimed at improving the fairness and accuracy of milk pricing across different regions and market classes. The AMS will seek approval from milk producers before implementing any new rules, with the possibility of terminating the order if it doesn't receive enough support.

The Surface Transportation Board reviewed a petition from the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to build an 85-mile railway in Utah to connect the Uinta Basin with the national rail network. The Coalition seeks an exemption from the usual prior approval requirements, arguing that the rail line will provide critical transportation benefits and support local industries. While there is significant support, including endorsements from state officials, there is also opposition citing financial viability concerns and potential environmental impacts. The Board has made a preliminary decision on the transportation merits but will only finalize its decision after completing an environmental review.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has amended its regulations to offer an alternative way for joint account holders to meet the signature card requirement for share insurance coverage. Instead of needing a physical signature card, the rule allows this requirement to be met through account records showing co-ownership, like the issuance of debit cards or account usage by each co-owner. This change aims to ensure smoother and faster insurance payouts without adding new burdens, particularly in cases where physical signature records are unavailable. The rule also maintains parity with similar changes made by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), is introducing a temporary rule to help U.S. businesses struggling from a lack of workers by increasing the number of H-2B visas available for Fiscal Year 2025 by up to 64,716. These visas will be distributed over the fiscal year in four allocations, with a portion reserved specifically for nationals of certain countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Haiti. The rule also allows greater job flexibility for H-2B workers already in the U.S. by letting them change employers more easily. Businesses must attest they are facing severe loss without these workers for their applications to be considered.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final rule amending regulations for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program to make it more efficient and effective. The updates clarify policies concerning HUBZone certifications, size determinations, and certifications for other small business programs, like the 8(a) Business Development (BD) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs. Notably, the rule requires HUBZone firms to be eligible at the time of offer for contracts and moves recertification requirements under a unified section. These steps aim to ensure consistent application of rules across various small business programs.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a final rule requiring public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of properties receiving project-based rental assistance to give tenants a 30-day written notice before beginning eviction procedures for nonpayment of rent. This rule is intended to provide tenants with more time to resolve rent issues and seek assistance, aiming to reduce unnecessary evictions. The rule adopts and expands upon a previous interim final rule, and it allows for certain flexibility in emergencies declared by the President. Compliance with the rule is required by January 13, 2025, with specific conditions for different types of housing programs.