Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Federal Clean Water Act to amend the California Toxics Rule by establishing a revised selenium water quality criterion for certain freshwater bodies in California. This new criterion aims to protect aquatic life and wildlife that depend on these aquatic ecosystems from high selenium levels, which can be toxic. The EPA incorporated public feedback and scientific evidence into the rule, and it includes measures to account for site-specific conditions. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, unless California develops its own compliant standards.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is updating the test procedures for compressors to correct errors and ensure calculations are accurate across different conditions, such as altitude. These changes include fixing formulas for efficiency calculations and updating the definition of "air compressor" to clarify that multiple compression elements are included. The updates align DOE procedures with industry standards and are designed to be more precise without adding extra testing burdens on manufacturers. The updated rules will be effective April 2, 2025, and mandatory for product testing by July 16, 2025.

The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) has issued a final rule addressing adjustments to civil money penalties (CMPs), in compliance with the 2015 amendments to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990. These adjustments ensure that penalties remain effective as a deterrent by accounting for inflation, with new amounts applying from January 15, 2025, for any conduct from November 2, 2015, onward. The updated penalty for violations under section 5.65(c) or (d) of the Farm Credit Act is $264 per day. This rule bypasses standard procedure for public comment due to statutory requirements.

The Copyright Royalty Judges have announced a new value adjustment for the royalty rates paid by webcasters for playing sound recordings. Effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, the rates account for changes in living costs. For commercial webcasters, the rate is set at $0.0032 per subscription performance and $0.0025 per nonsubscription performance. Noncommercial webcasters will pay $1,000 per channel annually, plus $0.0025 per performance for plays beyond a monthly limit of 159,140 listener hours.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has finalized changes to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations to align with the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. These updates aim to make procedures for accessing information more accessible and clearly outlined for public understanding. The new rule reorganizes SSA's FOIA guidelines, clarifies terms like "commercial interest," and provides extensive details on processing requests, fees, and exemptions. The SSA hopes these changes will improve transparency and efficiency for both the agency and the public.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a final rule to implement Executive Order 13891, which is focused on improving agency guidance documents. This rule outlines how USAID will create, review, and issue guidance documents, ensuring they are non-binding and written clearly. It also establishes procedures for public access and comments on draft guidance documents. The rule aims to enhance transparency and accountability, with no new reporting requirements or significant economic impact expected.

The Coast Guard is establishing a recurring safety zone in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, during the Escape from Managaha swim event. This zone is intended to protect participants and vessels from potential hazards caused by vessel traffic in the area. The safety zone will be enforced on a weekend morning between February and April, and only race participants, chase boats, and event organizers will be allowed inside. Vessels wanting to enter must get permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive for Boeing 737 models, prompted by incidents where engine components detached and caused aircraft damage. This rule requires replacing or inspecting specific parts, updating maintenance programs, and addressing potential engine nacelle maintenance errors by using redesigned components and high-visibility paints. The changes aim to prevent conditions that could lead to an aircraft losing control or excessive drag during flight. Compliance is required by April 8, 2025, with the costs estimated at $7,650 per operator for updating programs.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations to address uncertainties regarding the supervisory approval of penalties. These rules are meant to clarify when and how the IRS must obtain supervisor approval for penalty assessments, ensuring penalties are imposed correctly and consistently. Public comments were reviewed, but proposed changes to the timing and definitions related to these approvals were not adopted, as they conflicted with existing laws and policies. The rules will take effect on December 23, 2024, and are designed to prevent improper use of penalties while making the process more transparent for taxpayers.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has decided to permanently adopt the increased delegated authorities for Certified Development Companies (CDCs) under the ALP Express Pilot. These authorities, originally set under the Economic Aid Act, allow CDCs to manage 504 loans of $500,000 or less with greater autonomy. After a successful evaluation period, the SBA is proceeding with this change following positive public feedback. This decision aims to streamline the loan process, reduce processing times, and help small businesses access capital more efficiently.