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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing a new system of records called the Community Care Provider Profile Management System (PPMS), as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This system will maintain records of non-VA health care providers participating in VA community care programs. The information stored in this system includes providers' personal and professional details, such as name, contact information, and identification numbers. The VA outlines several routine uses for this information, primarily involving disclosure to appropriate agencies for purposes like verifying provider credentials or responding to legal requests, all while ensuring compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a new rule that changes several unbundling and resale requirements for telecommunications services. The rule eliminates certain obligations that require incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to offer unbundled access to their network elements, such as loop and transport facilities, where there is sufficient evidence of competition. The rule also ends the Avoided-Cost Resale requirements, which previously allowed competitive carriers to resell services at discounted rates, except for 911/E911 databases and operations support systems used for remaining obligations. The decision aims to encourage the transition to next-generation networks and services by removing outdated regulations where competition now exists.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made comprehensive updates to the regulations overseeing Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 programs, which involve the management of dredged and fill material by Tribes and States. These updates aim to clarify requirements for how Tribes and States can assume these programs, enhance procedures for public and inter-agency coordination, and strengthen oversight and enforcement aspects. They also allow for greater Tribal involvement in commenting on permits that might impact Tribal resources. The EPA has also streamlined the process for withdrawing State programs if they are not compliant with the CWA requirements, ensuring effective and efficient program operations.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is asking for public comments on its approved information collections, including FERC-725G, which deals with reliability standards for the bulk-power system. These collections focus on maintaining and ensuring the reliability of the electrical grid, such as identifying and correcting system mis-operations, under voltage load shedding, and maintenance of protection systems. The agency aims to gather comments on aspects such as the necessity and utility of the information, how the collection could be improved, and ways to reduce the burden on respondents. Comments are due by April 16, 2025, and the procedures for submission are clearly laid out.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies on a proposed information collection, aiming to reduce paperwork burdens as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The FCC is specifically interested in feedback on minimizing the burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Two main topics are being addressed in this notice: telemetry, tracking, and command earth station operations, and participation in competitive bidding for universal service support. The commission's goal is to ensure fair competition and efficient use of resources to support next-generation services, such as 5G, and universal broadband access across the nation.

Louisiana Southern Railroad, L.L.C. (LAS), a small rail company, has filed a notice to continue leasing and operating about 165.8 miles of rail lines from the Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS). The lease agreements have been in place since 2005 and were recently amended to extend until November 2034. LAS must meet certain conditions, such as informing employees and unions about the transaction, because their annual revenues exceed $5 million. However, LAS has requested a waiver for the 60-day advance notice requirement, which will be decided separately. The document mentions the possibility of legal challenges but notes that LA's operations are exempt from environmental and historic preservation reporting.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to address health risks posed by trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The rule includes prohibitions on the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of TCE across various industrial and commercial applications, with certain phase-outs and exemptions focusing on critical uses such as in lead-acid battery separators and essential aerospace operations. All consumer uses of TCE are prohibited, and strict workplace controls are mandated for remaining uses until prohibition is fully implemented. These measures aim to eliminate the unreasonable health risks associated with TCE exposure, while providing time for affected industries to transition to safer alternatives.

FMCSA, part of the Department of Transportation, has extended the compliance deadline for certain parts of the "Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility" rule from January 16, 2025, to January 16, 2026. This extension gives brokers, freight forwarders, and others additional time to prepare for and use a new online registration system that isn't expected to be ready until 2025. Despite opposition from some groups who argue the delay is excessive, FMCSA claims the extension will aid in a smoother transition and provide time for training. The final rule aims to enhance the tracking of financial responsibilities and streamline administrative processes related to broker and freight forwarder operations.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a plan to provide up to $100 million in additional funding to the Mental Health Association of New York City, Inc., also known as Vibrant Emotional Health. This funding will support the operations of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a nationwide hotline offering support to people in crisis. The funding aims to maintain and enhance current services like phone, chat, and text assistance across the U.S. until September 2026. Vibrant Emotional Health has managed the Lifeline network since 2005, and this additional support will help them handle the expected increase in service demand following the implementation of the 988 Lifeline.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted Green Impact Exchange, LLC (GIX) approval to register as a national securities exchange. GIX will be responsible for its trading system's regulations and oversight, although some regulatory functions will be outsourced to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) through a regulatory services agreement. The exchange will operate as an electronic trading platform without a physical trading floor, and its corporate governance and ownership structures align with industry standards to maintain independence and meet SEC requirements. Additionally, GIX plans to utilize technology provided by MEMX Technologies to facilitate trading operations while ensuring compliance with federal securities laws.