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The U.S. Department of Labor issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This rule, effective January 15, 2025, ensures that penalties keep up with inflation, applying a cost-of-living adjustment multiplier based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The adjustments apply to penalties assessed after the effective date, maintaining the penalties' deterrent effect. This regulation does not consider public comments due to the non-discretionary nature of the inflation adjustments mandated by the Act.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA has issued a final rule for the Rural eConnectivity Program, which aims to improve broadband access in rural areas through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations. The program outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding requirements. RUS is also seeking comments on aspects of this rule to refine future implementations. The program is designed to support rural infrastructure development and economic opportunities by providing reliable high-speed internet to underserved areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved changes to Indiana's Underground Storage Tank (UST) program, ensuring it aligns with federal requirements. These revisions, which satisfy federal standards, include both more stringent state measures and broader state coverage. Indiana's UST regulations are now enforceable at the federal level, though certain state-specific provisions are implemented independently. The action also clarifies that these changes do not affect areas recognized as Indian country.

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. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to classify the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They aim to designate critical habitat areas, particularly in California, to protect these butterflies. Additionally, they plan to allow certain activities, like habitat restoration and conservation efforts, even if they might unintentionally harm some butterflies. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until March 12, 2025, and informational meetings are scheduled to discuss the details further.

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 U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to stop issuing certificates that allow employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Section 14(c). This decision is based on the conclusion that such wages are no longer necessary due to improved employment opportunities and legal protections for individuals with disabilities. If enacted, the proposal would phase out new certificates immediately and existing ones over three years, ensuring that all affected workers transition to being paid at least the regular minimum wage. The Department believes that this change reflects broader societal shifts towards equality and inclusion for workers with disabilities.

The Department of Education has announced a notice inviting applications for fiscal year 2025 to establish a National Technical Assistance Center on Transition for Students and Youth with Disabilities. This center aims to help educational and vocational rehabilitation agencies support students with disabilities in successfully transitioning from high school to further education or employment. The goal is to improve graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and enhance postsecondary outcomes with increased collaboration and resources. Interested parties can apply for funding to help achieve these objectives by following the guidelines and deadlines outlined in the notice.

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 Rural Housing Service has issued a final rule to update regulations for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program and the SFH Guaranteed Loan Program. This change aims to provide borrowers with more purchase options and enhance the overall experience of these programs. Key updates include allowing the purchase of existing manufactured homes according to safety standards and extending land-lease terms for new energy-efficient homes. The rule also revises definitions and removes some administrative requirements, reflecting public feedback to improve access to affordable housing in rural areas.