Search Results for keywords:"Washoe Tribe of Nevada

The National Park Service (NPS) has revised the rules for right-of-way (ROW) permits, which allow the use of lands and waters they manage for infrastructure like power lines and cell towers. These updates make the NPS's process more similar to other Department of the Interior bureaus, introduce pre-application meetings, and require standardized application forms. The new rules also broaden the ways to determine fair market value and highlight the need for construction permitting, address advances in technology, and align with recent laws. These changes aim to protect park resources while making the process clearer for applicants.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service under the USDA has issued a notice inviting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for the fiscal year 2021. These grants aim to promote economic development and job creation in rural areas by funding business opportunity and enterprise projects. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2021, to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office. Eligibility is limited to public bodies, government entities, Indian Tribes, or nonprofit entities primarily serving rural areas, with strict requirements and a competitive selection process based on specific criteria.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has introduced new rules for evaluating water resources projects, offering specific procedures to implement principles from federal guidelines established for such investments. This rule aims to maximize public benefits by balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations while prioritizing collaboration and public engagement, including with Tribal Nations. The rule will apply to new and significant projects and does not impose new mandates on small entities or Tribal governments. It emphasizes transparency, public participation, and the consideration of climate change and environmental justice in decision-making processes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule to reduce the dust-lead clearance levels in order to lower childhood lead exposure. These levels indicate the acceptable amount of lead residue following lead abatement activities. The new standards lower the clearance levels from 40 micrograms per square foot to 10 micrograms for floors, and from 250 to 100 micrograms for window sills. This change is made to align with updated science and aims to improve children's health by minimizing lead exposure. This rule is effective from March 8, 2021.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

The Rural Housing Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has introduced a final rule updating how credit reports are obtained for the eligibility and feasibility assessments in the Multifamily Housing Programs. Starting January 30, 2025, applicants will need to provide their own credit reports instead of paying a fee for the agency to do it, simplifying the process and aligning with industry practices. This update also includes adding definitions and specific requirements for credit reports, aiming to streamline and modernize the applications for housing loans and grants in rural areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the rules regulating air pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Sector. These changes focus on improving standards related to temporary flaring and the monitoring of heating value for certain emissions. The proposed amendments are a response to industry feedback, aiming to extend the allowable duration for flaring in certain situations from 24 to 48 hours and adjust monitoring requirements for emissions based on updated data provided by industry stakeholders. The EPA will accept public comments on these proposed changes until March 3, 2025.

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 Rural Housing Service (RHS), a part of the United States Department of Agriculture, is inviting applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing loans and Section 516 Off-Farm Labor Housing grants. These funds are aimed at building new housing for domestic farm laborers, including retired or disabled ones, to boost affordable housing availability. The process involves a pre-application and final application phase, and RHS encourages applications that offer benefits to rural communities, especially those in Opportunity Zones or persistent poverty areas. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and the deadline for submissions is outlined in the notice.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions submitted by California concerning its State Implementation Plan (SIP), which includes regulations for reducing emissions from new vehicles and engines. The updates encompass several rules on vehicle emissions, such as transitioning to more zero-emission trucks and shuttles, extending warranties for heavy-duty diesel engines, and setting up testing standards for zero-emission powertrains. These regulations are designed to help California meet federal air quality standards and reduce air pollution from vehicles. Comments on this proposal are open until January 21, 2025.