Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the collection of information under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for boat manufacturing. This proposed extension, which is currently approved until February 28, 2025, applies to facilities that manufacture boats and release hazardous air pollutants. These facilities must send notifications, conduct tests, and report regularly to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Public comments on this request are being accepted until March 31, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new information collection request to support its Construction Material Opportunities to Reduce Emissions (C-MORE) Program, which focuses on low embodied carbon construction materials. This initiative involves gathering data from state and local agencies, architectural firms, and other entities about the types and amounts of materials like concrete and steel they use, to help set thresholds for labeling products that have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Public comments on the collection process can be submitted until February 18, 2025. The program aims to understand and potentially lower the emissions associated with construction materials through enhanced data analysis and reporting.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary rule to maintain a modified schedule for operating the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge over the Okeechobee Waterway in Stuart, Florida. This rule, effective until May 31, 2025, aims to keep train traffic moving efficiently while ensuring predictable and reliable drawbridge openings for boats. The Coast Guard is extending the temporary rule without a prior notice due to insufficient time to evaluate necessary data before the previous rule expired. Public comments regarding this temporary rule are welcome until March 10, 2025, and any necessary changes will be considered for a final decision.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has partly approved and partly denied amendments to Montana's regulatory program regarding surface mining, which sought to alter the definition of "material damage" and change permit requirements for hydrologic information. These amendments were proposed following legislation passed by the Montana Legislature. OSMRE disapproved the changes related to how material damage is defined concerning hydrologic balance and subsidence but approved the definition regarding alluvial valley floors and the restructuring of a prior definition. The action reflects careful consideration to ensure state regulations align with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act and federal regulations.

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the M/V CAPE RACE and its towing vessels while it moves from the Charleston Harbor Entrance Channel to the Detyens Shipyard in North Charleston, SC. This safety zone covers a 100-yard radius and is intended to protect people, vessels, and the environment from potential hazards during the operation. Vessels and people are prohibited from entering this zone unless they have permission from the Captain of the Port Charleston. The rule is in effect from November 28, 2024, and will be enforced until the M/V CAPE RACE reaches its destination.

The Department of Commerce is collecting public comments on the Annual Business Survey (ABS), which gathers data to better understand business dynamics in the U.S. The survey, conducted by the Census Bureau, includes information on business owners' demographics, and research and development activities, particularly aiming to improve minority and disadvantaged groups' access to resources. For 2021, the survey will expand to cover more nonprofit organizations, adding to its 308,000 respondents. The collected data will support government programs and agencies, enhance business support services, and contribute to national economic analyses.

Knoxville & Holston River Railroad Co., Inc. (KXHR), a subsidiary of Gulf & Ohio Railways, is seeking to abandon a 3.8-mile rail line in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. KXHR states that the sole shipper, Ergon Terminaling, Inc., has reduced its use of the line, resulting in revenues insufficient to cover operating costs, which exceed revenue by over 90%. The company has been operating at a loss since 2019 and does not expect traffic to increase. They have notified Ergon of their plans and indicated that the line may be converted for public use, such as a trail. The Surface Transportation Board will prepare an environmental assessment and issue a decision by March 31, 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a new rule proposal from MIAX Sapphire, LLC regarding fees for connectivity and port services. MIAX Sapphire plans to implement fees for network connections and ports, including a waiver period to incentivize participation, after which full fees will apply. The proposed fees aim to cover the costs of providing these services, with some services offered at a loss to attract market participants. The SEC is inviting public comments on these proposed changes.

The Department of Defense has issued a notification of a proposed arms sale to Kazakhstan, which includes various military equipment such as Raytheon AST TITAN Communication Intelligence Sensor Suites, King Air B300ER Scorpion aircraft, and other related systems. The total estimated value of this sale is $128.1 million and aims to enhance Kazakhstan's defense capabilities, helping it to address regional threats and ensure border security. This deal supports U.S. foreign policy goals and has been found not to affect the military balance in the region or U.S. defense readiness. The primary contractor for this sale will be Sierra Nevada Corporation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an interim final rule to grant presumptive service connection for certain cancers, including acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myelofibrosis, for veterans exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in specific locations during their service. This rule applies to veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, Somalia, or certain countries affected by the Gulf War after specified dates. This decision is based on scientific evidence suggesting a connection between PM2.5 exposure and these diseases, which often have severe outcomes. The rule aims to allow veterans to receive related benefits more quickly, given the typically high morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions.