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The Coast Guard has extended temporary safety zones around the waters of Port Arthur Canal by the Golden Pass Liquefied Natural Gas Facility in Sabine Pass, Texas. These safety zones are active during high-pressure tests of pipelines to prevent risks to people and vessels from potential explosions and debris. The rule is in effect from January 20, 2023, until June 30, 2025, and entry into the zones is restricted unless specifically permitted by the Captain of the Port, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur. This action is intended to ensure safety during the tests without significantly impacting small businesses or causing major environmental effects.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that partially approves and partially disapproves Arizona's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for addressing regional haze, a form of air pollution. Arizona's plan aimed to tackle haze by revising strategies to improve visibility in protected natural areas. The EPA found that while some parts of the plan meet federal requirements, others do not because they lack adequate analysis or justification. The EPA's decision starts a process that could lead to federal intervention unless Arizona submits an improved plan that meets all necessary criteria.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. These changes aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, are technologically feasible, and economically justified. Starting March 24, 2025, the new standards will be in effect, requiring compliance by January 22, 2029. The department predicts considerable energy savings and reduced emissions resulting from these updated standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule regarding emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants. This proposal aims to address standards for mercury and chlorine emissions to ensure they do not pose an unacceptable risk to public health or the environment. The EPA suggests that current practices at the one remaining operating facility sufficiently minimize emissions through monitoring and work procedures, but is also soliciting comments on technological advances and more stringent measures, like prohibiting mercury use altogether. Additionally, changes are proposed for record-keeping, electronic reporting, and ensuring emissions controls are effective during startup and shutdown periods. Public input is requested to ensure standards are protective and realistic.

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a proposed sale of military equipment to the Government of Greece, including up to 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and various supporting items, with an estimated total cost of $8.6 billion. This sale is intended to support U.S. foreign policy by strengthening the military capabilities of Greece, a NATO ally, and improving its ability to maintain regional security. The equipment will help Greece modernize its air force and enhance its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. The DoD assures that this sale will not negatively affect U.S. defense readiness and has been authorized for export to Greece.

Gulf South Pipeline Company, LLC has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Parks Line Upgrade and Sorrento Station Project (PLUSS Project) in Louisiana. This project involves replacing segments of an existing pipeline and constructing a new compressor station to enhance capacity and reliability. The public can participate in the review process by submitting comments, protests, or motions to intervene, with a deadline for intervention set for March 4, 2025. The project also requires a water quality certification from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and Gulf South is responsible for providing updates on this certification to the Commission.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule extending the effective removal date of the 1-psi gasoline volatility waiver for Ohio and nine counties in South Dakota by one year, from April 28, 2025, to April 28, 2026. This decision comes in response to petitions from the governors of Ohio and South Dakota citing concerns over insufficient gasoline supply without the extension. Factors influencing this decision include infrastructure challenges in Ohio and a recent explosion at a key refinery in Wyoming affecting supply to South Dakota. The EPA's action ensures that gasoline remains available during the summer of 2025 while necessary adjustments are made.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has updated the Energy Labeling Rule to include new labeling requirements for portable air conditioners, reflecting changes made by the Department of Energy (DOE). The FTC aims to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions by providing clear energy cost comparisons through these labels. The changes also include updated efficiency descriptors for central air conditioners to align with DOE's new standards. Although the FTC considered wider changes, they decided to explore potential shifts like electronic labeling in future proceedings.

The document from the Treasury Department and the IRS details final regulations regarding the Section 199A deduction for specified agricultural or horticultural cooperatives and their patrons. It provides guidance on how cooperatives and their patrons should calculate the Section 199A(a) and (g) deductions, ensures clear definitions like "patronage and nonpatronage," and establishes reporting requirements. The regulations aim to clarify the application of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's provisions, simplify tax processes for cooperatives, and ensure that tax benefits are consistent with legislative intent.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is requesting public comments on an information collection initiative related to the safety standards for underground retorts used in oil shale mining. This request is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act and focuses on ensuring safety measures in mines that might release methane gas. Public opinions are welcomed on the necessity, usefulness, and efficiency of the proposed information collection. Comments are due by January 17, 2025, and more details can be found on the specified government website.