Search Results for keywords:"Pacific Gas

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated a large area in the Pacific Ocean, called the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, to protect its unique marine environment around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The sanctuary spans about 582,570 square miles and is intended to preserve its invaluable biological, cultural, and historical resources. The rules for this sanctuary involve regulating activities like fishing and anchoring, following existing management frameworks and international guidelines to ensure protection while allowing for some scientific and cultural activities. This designation is in collaboration with various partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawaii, to enhance the protection and management of this significant marine area.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the list of chemicals required for toxic chemical release reporting under two acts: the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This update adds nine specific chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), based on a Congressional mandate from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. These PFAS must be reported in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) starting with the 2025 reporting year. The rule is effective from February 5, 2025, and aims to improve public and governmental understanding of PFAS releases for better environmental management.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced new energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. These revised standards aim to save energy, are feasible with current technology, and are economically justified. The updated rules will take effect on February 21, 2025, with compliance dates for specific components set for 2027 and 2028. The DOE's decision was based on a careful evaluation of the benefits and costs to consumers and the impact on manufacturers.

The Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule superseding the interim rule to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule outlines regulations for State and Tribal plans and a Federal plan for hemp production where State or Tribal plans are not USDA-approved. The program details requirements for record-keeping, THC level testing, disposal of non-compliant plants, producer licensing, and overall compliance. The rule also specifies procedures for land use data collection and cooperation with law enforcement and other agricultural agencies.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking written comments on possible trade actions in response to China's efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The USTR plans to hold a public hearing and is proposing fees on services provided by Chinese maritime operators entering U.S. ports, as well as restrictions to encourage the transport of U.S. goods on U.S. vessels. Additionally, there may be actions to reduce reliance on Chinese logistics platforms. Comments must be submitted by March 24, 2025, for consideration.

Nasdaq BX, Inc. has filed a notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission to increase fees for its Specialized Quote Feed (SQF) Ports and SQF Purge Ports by 10% and 9%, respectively. The proposed changes are intended to help Nasdaq BX cover costs incurred from technology upgrades and to better align with inflation rates in the industry over recent years. These fees, which were last raised in 2016 and 2018, impact Market Makers who use these ports for trading on the exchange. The proposal claims these increases are fair and ensure continued investment in technology, benefiting participants by providing enhanced trading services.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions submitted by the State of Alaska aimed at meeting Clean Air Act requirements. These revisions address air quality standards for the Fairbanks North Star Borough, targeting fine particulate matter pollution. The plan includes inventories of emissions, control measures for pollutants, and an attainment timeline set for the year 2027. Public comments on the proposal are being accepted until February 7, 2025.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Department of Commerce is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) with new rules to enhance national security by regulating the export of advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs). The Interim Final Rule (IFR) introduces new due diligence measures to help foundries and semiconductor companies comply with U.S. export laws, especially concerning ICs sold to countries like China. It updates existing semiconductor export controls and sets reporting requirements, license exceptions, and a framework for realizing transparency between IC designers and manufacturers. Public comments on the rule are invited until March 14, 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC has filed a proposed rule change to increase the fees for their Specialized Quote Feed (SQF) Ports and SQF Purge Ports by 10%. These ports are used by Market Makers to send quotes to the exchange, and the increase aims to adjust for inflation and maintain the quality and security of the exchange's technology. Nasdaq cites investments in technology upgrades as a reason for the fee increase, which intends to better align pricing with improvements in service quality. The new fees will be effective from January 1, 2025, and the SEC is seeking public comments on this proposed rule change.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to sell 11 parcels of public land, totaling 89.35 acres, in the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada, through a modified competitive sale process. Each parcel will be sold for at least its fair market value, and interested parties must register and participate in an online auction via the EnergyNet website starting March 18, 2025. The sale is governed by multiple federal laws and regulations, and buyers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and securing necessary approvals for land use. The sale integrates environmental considerations to ensure compliance with relevant environmental laws.