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The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim rule to remove its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action follows an executive order that rescinded the previous directive requiring these regulations and raised questions about CEQ's authority to impose binding rules. CEQ invites public comments on this rule by March 27, 2025, and will consider these before finalizing the rule. The interim rule’s removal of regulations is aimed at addressing legal uncertainties and simplifying agency compliance with NEPA.

The Department of Defense has issued a notice about the potential sale of additional missile defense systems to the United Arab Emirates. This sale will include 12 THAAD launchers, support, and upgrade services valued at $1.163 billion, raising the total case value to $8.113 billion. The sale aims to enhance the UAE's defense capabilities and strengthen its partnership with the United States, contributing to regional security and stability. The highest security classification for this sale is SECRET.

The Department of State has issued a final rule that updates the criteria for issuing "diplomatic type" or "official type" visas, aiming to better align with U.S. laws and international travel practices. This rule expands the previous definition of passports by including non-national travel documents, such as those from organizations like the United Nations, as potential equivalents to diplomatic passports. It also clarifies the categories of individuals who can receive these visas, making distinctions to avoid confusion between visa types and classifications. These changes ensure that the visa issuance process for diplomatic, official, and regular types is consistent and transparent.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree to settle claims against Hino Motors and its U.S. subsidiaries for violating the Clean Air Act by exceeding pollution limits. The agreement, lodged in a Michigan federal court, involves a $525 million penalty, a vehicle recall program, and pollution mitigation efforts. Part of the settlement also resolves related claims by California, which requires additional mitigation efforts specific to the state. The public can comment on this proposed settlement for 30 days following the notice's publication.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has filed a lawsuit and proposed a Consent Decree to resolve environmental claims against several companies, including General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., related to hazardous substances at a site in Illinois. Under the proposed agreement, these companies will pay for past cleanup costs incurred by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and share future costs. Additionally, certain federal agencies will reimburse General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., for their share of these costs. The public is invited to comment on this proposed settlement for 30 days following the announcement.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), is making corrections to certain rules regarding gas transmission pipelines. These changes are necessary following a 2024 court decision that removed specific safety requirements from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) because they were not justifiable. The amendments remove rules about monitoring internal pipeline corrosion and immediate repair criteria for specific types of pipeline damage. These changes take effect immediately to ensure that the regulations reflect the current legal environment and accurately guide pipeline operators.

The executive order establishes the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission to tackle health issues in the United States, focusing particularly on chronic diseases. The Commission, led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will consist of various government officials who will study the childhood chronic disease crisis and recommend strategies. Within 100 and 180 days, the Commission will submit assessments and strategies to the President, identifying causes and solutions for health problems. These initiatives aim to significantly reduce chronic disease rates and promote healthier lifestyles among Americans, especially children.

OSHA has finalized a revision to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry, specifically requiring that all PPE must fit properly to ensure the safety and protection of workers. This new rule is set to take effect on January 13, 2025, and aligns the construction standards with current requirements for general industry and shipyards. The revision aims to address concerns that standard-sized PPE may not fit everyone, particularly women and workers with smaller or larger body sizes, thereby enhancing safety and reducing risks of injuries from improperly fitting equipment. Although it may result in some costs for employers who need to update their PPE supplies, the rule is expected to improve workplace safety and is not anticipated to create significant economic burdens for the industry.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has proposed new rules to manage an excise tax on the sale of certain designated drugs by manufacturers, producers, and importers. These regulations detail how the tax will be applied and calculated, particularly focusing on sales during specific periods defined by law. The proposed rules include definitions of terms like "manufacturer" and "sale," guidelines for identifying sales subject to the tax, and methods for calculating the tax amount. The rules aim to ensure that the tax is assessed fairly and are seeking public comments and possible requests for a hearing by March 3, 2025.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accepted a proposed consent agreement to address anticompetitive practices by Guardian Service Industries, Inc. The company was found to have used "No-Hire Agreements" that prevented other businesses from hiring its employees, which the FTC claims are unfair methods of competition under federal law. The proposed consent order will make these agreements void and includes measures to inform affected parties. Some FTC commissioners have expressed dissent, arguing that there was insufficient evidence of antitrust violations. The public can submit comments on this proposed agreement until January 6, 2025.