Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to limit the use of pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP), a chemical identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. The rule prohibits manufacturing, processing, and distributing PCTP and PCTP-containing products if the concentration exceeds 1% by weight. This restriction aims to lower the availability and exposure of PCTP, thereby reducing the potential risks to human health and the environment. By enforcing these limits, the EPA encourages the use of safer alternatives and reduces environmental and human exposure to PCTP.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a notice about amendments to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Liquor Ordinance. These changes, effective from March 21, 2025, update the rules for selling alcohol within the community, covering both on-sale and off-sale transactions. The amendments provide regulations on licensing, operation, and management of liquor sales on Tribally-owned property, including compliance with state and federal laws. The Community's Business Council plays a key role in overseeing on-sale and off-sale liquor operations and reporting to the General Council.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, plans to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Odessa Subarea Special Study Project in Washington State. This project aims to evaluate changes to a proposed irrigation system, which will involve installing a buried pipeline not previously considered and requiring blasting. The goal is to replace declining groundwater used for irrigation with surface water from the Columbia Basin Project to maintain the economic viability of local agriculture. NRCS seeks public comments on the proposed actions and potential alternatives by February 21, 2025.

The Bureau of Prisons of the Justice Department has finalized minor changes to the regulations concerning the Federal Tort Claims Act. These changes clarify how to present claims and correct outdated references to Bureau offices. A single public comment was received, but it did not result in any changes to the rule. The final rule specifies that if a claimant does not receive a denial letter within six months, they can consider their claim denied and may proceed to file a lawsuit in federal court.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has implemented the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards based on guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This final rule aims to integrate these standards into USAGM's regulations, aligning with OMB policy updates and enhancing transparency and efficiency in managing federal financial assistance. The rule is compliant with various legislative and executive requirements, including the Paperwork Reduction Act and Executive Orders on regulation review, and is effective as of December 11, 2024.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on unfair trade practices by other countries. This initiative follows directives set out in the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs. Comments should specifically address non-reciprocal trade arrangements and the harm they cause to the U.S. The deadline for submitting comments is March 11, 2025, and submissions should explain the impact of these practices on U.S. interests, supported by quantified harm like opportunity costs.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as mandated by several acts including the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This rule mandates annual inflation adjustments to the penalties, starting from January 2026. Penalties for false claims against the government are increased to a maximum of $13,700 per violation. The adjustments are exempt from public notice and comment because they follow specific federal legislative requirements.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has proposed a rule to designate critical habitat for the Beringia distinct population segment of the bearded seal under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed critical habitat includes marine areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, and focuses on sea ice habitat essential for the species' survival, such as areas for whelping, nursing, molting, and breeding communication. Public comments on this proposal are being requested, and considerations include potential impacts on existing activities and economic factors. The ultimate goal is to protect the areas critical for the conservation of these seals.

The Department of the Treasury is inviting public comments on its plan to collect information related to the CARES Act Loan and Payroll Support Programs for air carriers and other eligible businesses. This request is part of an effort to reduce paperwork and ensure compliance with existing financial assistance agreements under the CARES Act and subsequent laws. The Treasury Department needs to gather feedback on several aspects, including the necessity and practicality of the information collection and ways to reduce the burden on respondents. Comments about this process are accepted until March 31, 2025.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has proposed a rule change aimed at accelerating arbitration proceedings for those who qualify due to age or health conditions. Under the proposal, individuals aged 70 or older or those with a serious health condition can request quicker processing of their cases to ensure they can participate meaningfully in the arbitration. FINRA aims to shorten the arbitration timeline to approximately ten months, compared to the standard process which can take much longer. The change is intended to ensure fairer outcomes for individuals who may otherwise face difficulties participating due to health or age-related issues.