Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have issued a rule to expand the discretionary review authority of the Secretary of Labor to include certain H-2B temporary labor certification cases. This rule allows the Secretary to review cases that are pending before or have been decided by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA). The rule is part of a broader effort to ensure that internal processes are properly supervised by the Secretary and is expected to be used mainly for cases of notable importance. Public comments are encouraged, but significant adverse comments could halt the rule's implementation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized revisions to streamline fuel quality regulations. These updates clarify testing and sampling standards while preserving existing fuel quality levels. The changes, effective July 1, 2025, aim to enhance clarity and compliance for stakeholders involved with fuels, fuel additives, and blendstocks, like producers and distributors. These modifications do not alter the current fuel quality standards but provide technical amendments and clarifications to help stakeholders comply with the EPA’s requirements.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a final rule called the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees. This rule aims to prevent businesses from misleading consumers about the prices of live-event tickets and short-term lodging. It requires businesses to clearly disclose the total price that includes all mandatory fees, to avoid bait-and-switch tactics that hide the real cost. The rule also prohibits businesses from lying about the nature, purpose, amount, or refundability of these fees, ensuring that consumers have a true understanding of the cost before making a purchase.

The Coast Guard is implementing a permanent safety zone in the waters around Bahia de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico. This safety zone is designed to protect lives during ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied gas, preventing any unauthorized persons or vessels from entering the zone while these operations are active. The safety zone extends 100 yards from the transfer location, and access is only permitted with permission from the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated Coast Guard official. This new rule becomes effective on March 5, 2021, and aims to ensure navigational safety in this busy maritime area.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a final rule concerning the review of transactions involving information and communications technology and services (ICTS) linked to foreign adversaries. This rule establishes procedures to evaluate such transactions for risks to national security, potentially prohibiting them or requiring mitigation measures if they pose undue threats. The rule includes new definitions and procedural updates to clarify transaction reviews, address public comments, and streamline processes. The measures aim to safeguard the ICTS supply chain from foreign threats, enhance transparency, and provide guidelines for penalties if regulations are violated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced updates to the rules for managing lead and copper in drinking water to better protect public health. These changes include improved methods to detect high levels of lead, enhance sampling reliability, and increase public awareness on the risks of lead exposure. For the first time, community water systems are required to test lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. The rule also aims to speed up the replacement of lead service lines and close existing regulatory gaps to ensure safer drinking water.

The document outlines an interim final rule by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Homeland Security and Treasury Departments, to implement regulations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This rule amends existing regulations to provide guidance on preferential tariff treatment and related customs measures for various goods, including textiles and automotive products. It establishes certification requirements for importers and manufacturers, recordkeeping responsibilities, and procedures for protests and verifications. The rule aims to ensure compliance with the new trade agreement and streamline the process for benefiting from the preferential treatment under the USMCA.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued new rules to address robocalls under the TRACED Act, amending exemptions in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The rules limit the number of non-commercial, commercial, nonprofit, and HIPAA-related calls to residential lines to a maximum number within a specified period and require an opt-out mechanism for consumers. These regulations aim to reduce unwanted robocalls, balancing consumer protection with the need for legitimate communications. The implementation period is set to allow entities time to comply with the new requirements.

In January 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services published new rules about expanding telemedicine practices. These rules were supposed to take effect on February 18, 2025, but have been delayed to March 21, 2025. This delay aligns with a Presidential order for a "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review," allowing more time for feedback on the rules. The rules allow certain medical professionals to prescribe medications via telemedicine, even without an initial in-person visit, under specific conditions. Public comments about this delay are encouraged, focusing on potential policy, legal, and factual issues.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced the final rules for the 2025 and 2026 groundfish fishing seasons in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. These rules set the limits for how much fish can be caught, based on scientific assessments to ensure sustainable fishing practices. They aim to balance the fishing industry needs with conservation efforts, taking into account environmental factors and fish stock health. Public comments were considered during the process, and these rules follow the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act's requirements.