Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its rules for the Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) to align with new federal award regulations and to improve the grant administration process. These updates include changes to terms and timelines for reporting by grant recipients, without significantly impacting small entities receiving grants. The rule ensures that there are no new information collections required beyond those already approved and incorporates executive orders to maximize regulatory benefits. It will be effective from January 30, 2025, and does not impose significant economic impacts or unfunded mandates.

The Coast Guard is proposing a temporary special local regulation for the 2021 Gasparilla Marine Parade in Hillsborough Bay, Tampa, Florida, to ensure safety due to a large number of vessels expected. The rule would be in effect on April 17, 2021, and would regulate vessel traffic in the area, allowing for specific exceptions under certain conditions. Comments from the public are welcome until March 8, 2021. This regulation focuses on maintaining safety standards and does not have a significant economic impact on small businesses or require new information collection.

The Securities and Exchange Commission published a notice about the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) deciding not to adjust the maximum cash advance amount for customer claims. The SIPC Board of Directors determined that starting January 1, 2022, the maximum amount would remain at $250,000 per customer and not be increased to account for inflation. This decision was based on an analysis of economic conditions and historical data, suggesting that raising the limit would not significantly benefit customers. The public is invited to comment on this determination until February 17, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice denying a petition to overturn a Consent Agreement and Proposed Final Order involving the Frederick-Winchester Service Authority and Frederick County Sanitation Authority. This decision was made after reviewing a petition that claimed false statements were made regarding economic benefits and pollution control practices by the respondents. The EPA determined that these statements were not materially false and did not warrant setting aside the order or holding a hearing. The case details, including the order, are accessible online for public review.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), part of the USDA, has announced a funding opportunity under the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program for 2024. This program will help lenders provide loans to entities looking to build or improve sawmills and wood processing facilities near priority U.S. Forest Service lands. Over $200 million will be available starting in 2025, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal is to support ecological restoration efforts by using byproducts from these projects and to advance rural economic opportunities, while prioritizing climate change mitigation and racial equity.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a new rule under the Tuna Conventions Act that would set annual and trip limits on the U.S. commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna for 2025-2026. These measures aim to conserve the tuna population and meet the U.S.'s international commitments with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The proposed rule outlines specific trip limits that decrease as the cumulative catch approaches annual limits, and details a system for announcing and managing in-season actions to adjust these limits. Public comments on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment are invited until January 29, 2025, and can be submitted through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has proposed changes to its arbitration process to enhance the fairness and efficiency of selecting arbitrators. The new rules would give non-chair-qualified public arbitrators more opportunities to be selected and improve the list selection process's transparency. The proposal also introduces clear timelines for removing arbitrators and aligns rules with existing practices, ensuring better protection of investors and public interest by making the arbitration process more predictable and equitable. The Securities and Exchange Commission is inviting the public to comment on these proposed changes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to regulate the chemical 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-TTBP) due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature. This rule prohibits the sale and distribution of products containing more than 0.3% of 2,4,6-TTBP in containers smaller than 35 gallons, effective January 6, 2026. The rule aims to reduce exposure to this chemical, particularly for consumers and small businesses using fuel and oil products. It requires that records of compliance be maintained for three years after the rule takes effect.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to address health and environmental risks posed by decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical. The rule prohibits the manufacture, processing, and distribution of decaBDE and products containing decaBDE, with some exceptions, aiming to significantly reduce exposure to the chemical. To comply, recordkeeping is required for those involved with decaBDE, except in cases involving recycling, where no new decaBDE is added. The restrictions will help to protect human health and the environment by decreasing the presence and exposure risks associated with decaBDE.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is seeking public comments on a proposed three-year extension of a form related to the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. This form, known as Form NWPA-830G Appendix G, is used to ensure that generators and owners of nuclear waste pay the required fees into the nuclear waste fund based on their electricity production. Comments on this information collection are due by April 23, 2021. The form helps the Department of Energy gather necessary data for assessing the nation's energy resources and ensuring compliance with federal laws.