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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is seeking public comments on potential changes to how financial assurance measures are required for hydroelectric project licenses. This inquiry aims to determine if additional financial safeguards are needed to ensure that hydroelectric projects can maintain safety and environmental standards throughout their operation. Different options being considered include requiring bonds, creating trust or remediation funds, or mandating insurance policies for potential hazards. Comments on these proposals, including any alternative suggestions, are due by March 29, 2021.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced new maximum amounts for civil monetary penalties, which will start on January 15, 2025. These adjustments are based on the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, and follow a cost-of-living increase set by recent guidance. The penalty for standard violations under the Antarctic Conservation Act has been adjusted to $21,568, while knowing violations will be penalized with up to $36,498. For violations under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, the maximum penalty is now $14,308.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is announcing its plan to revise and extend an information collection related to feral swine, as mandated by the 2014 Farm Bill. This survey aims to assess the damage caused by feral swine in several states to both crops and livestock, with past surveys indicating significant economic impact. NASS plans to gather data from farm and ranch operators via mail and phone, with a total estimated response burden of 9,700 hours annually. The survey supports a $20 million program to help states manage the rapidly growing population of feral swine. Public comments on this notice are invited until April 9, 2021.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is requesting public comments on an information collection known as FERC-725F, which involves the coordination of nuclear plant interface requirements. This request is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act, and comments are due by April 19, 2021. The collection ensures safe operation and shutdown of nuclear power plants by maintaining agreements between nuclear operators and transmission entities. FERC is seeking feedback on several aspects, including the necessity of the information, accuracy of burden estimates, and potential improvements to the data collection process.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a new arms sales notification to Congress, detailing enhancements to defense technology being sold to Japan. The upgrades include advanced radar, electronic warfare, and communications systems, with a total estimated value increase from the previous notification. These systems will help Japan strengthen its self-defense capabilities and support U.S. foreign policy goals in the Asia-Pacific region. The notification underscores the strategic importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

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.

The memorandum dated January 24, 2025, involves a decision by the President to revoke an earlier memorandum from January 28, 2021, concerning international health policies, and to reinstate a policy from January 23, 2017, known as The Mexico City Policy. This policy requires that U.S. government funds for global health assistance will not support organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. The Secretary of State, along with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, is instructed to ensure that these guidelines are enforced when providing global health funds.

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have proposed a new rule affecting retirement plans for people aged 50 and over who want to make additional contributions, known as "catch-up contributions." The changes come from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, and these new rules require some of those contributions to be made as "Roth" contributions if the participant earns a certain amount. The proposal includes details on what plans must follow, deadlines, and information about a public hearing where people can discuss these changes. Comments from the public are encouraged and can be submitted until March 14, 2025.

The Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the public availability of its Fiscal Year 2018 Service Contract Inventory data. This inventory lists service contract actions over $150,000 and shows how these resources are distributed in the agency. The information is organized by function and follows guidance from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. This data, as well as details from Fiscal Year 2017 and a plan for the analysis of the 2018 data, can be accessed online.

The Department of Justice has announced that it lodged a proposed Consent Decree with the District Court of the Southern District of New York, involving a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corporation and others. The case is about violations of emission-defect reporting regulations under the Clean Air Act. Under the proposed agreement, Toyota will pay $180 million and agree to injunctive relief. The public can comment on this agreement within 30 days of the notice publication by contacting the Assistant Attorney General and referring to the case details provided.