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The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has issued a final rule suspending the reporting and assessment requirements for the marketing order regulating Irish potatoes grown in Washington. This suspension is in place as the USDA processes the State of Washington Potato Committee's request to terminate the marketing order. The Committee found that the suspension of these requirements has not negatively impacted the industry and determined that continuing the order is unnecessary. This action is expected to reduce the regulatory burden on handlers and producers of Washington potatoes.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule making clarifying changes to the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order. These changes update definitions and processes such as nominations, voting methods for Board meetings, financial reporting, and when exemptions can be requested, to better align with current industry practices. The updates also address how partnerships are recognized and clarify the obligations for paying assessments. Despite some mixed feedback during the public comment period, the rule aims to reduce confusion and improve fairness in the paper and paper-based packaging industry.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for Area 2A, which includes waters off Washington, Oregon, and California. These changes aim to manage recreational fisheries better and include adjustments to fishing seasons, allocations, and management measures. The proposed rule is intended to conserve the Pacific halibut while allowing for more angler opportunities. The public is invited to submit comments on this proposal by March 15, 2021.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new hunting regulations for migratory game birds for the 2025-26 season. These regulations are part of an annual process where they set general guidelines, called frameworks, within which individual states can decide specifics like hunting season dates. The proposal includes various regulatory alternatives, particularly for duck hunting, and potential changes to the system of zones and split seasons. The Service is also exploring a new administrative process to streamline regulation, aiming to increase efficiency and save costs while maintaining conservation goals. Public comments are encouraged on all aspects of the proposal.

The U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is starting to create its Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 and is seeking early input from the public. There will be a virtual public meeting on April 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern time. The OGE is asking for ideas on how it can build public trust, raise awareness about its role, and prioritize its work despite having only about 75 employees and limited resources. People can register for the meeting online and submit written comments by April 3, 2025.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records, named Federal Advisory Committee/Subgroup Member, Subscriber/Registrant, and Guest Speaker Records. This update includes adding records about guest speakers at advisory committee meetings and changing the system's name. New routine uses for the records have been established, such as sharing limited information about guest speakers’ qualifications and financial interests. The update aims to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with federal advisory committee regulations. Comments on the new and revised policies are invited until January 27, 2025.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, plans to host seven regional meetings between February and May 2025. These meetings are designed to help grantees of various broadband grant programs, including those aimed at increasing digital equity and broadband access in underserved communities. Each event will end with a regional roundtable where the public can discuss the impact of these programs and strategies for long-term sustainability. The sessions will feature experts from government, academia, and industry and invite both public and private stakeholders to collaborate on making technology accessible to all residents.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, will hold a virtual meeting of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) on February 10-11, 2021. This meeting will discuss systematic reviews and topics such as Nutrition, Physical Activity, Obesity, and Health Equity/Social Determinants of Health. The public can attend the meeting by registering in advance, and there will be an opportunity for public comments during specific segments. The CPSTF, an independent panel, focuses on identifying programs that enhance public health by evaluating evidence and issuing recommendations, which are informative rather than mandatory.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) approved a program comment aimed at facilitating the ongoing use and preservation of historic properties from the Mission 66 era (1945-1972). This initiative, which supports the National Park Service (NPS), serves as an alternative procedure for meeting obligations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The program comment offers a streamlined review process, allowing superintendents to consider these properties as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, potentially reducing the need for extensive reviews. The ACHP collaborated on this initiative with various stakeholders, including State Historic Preservation Officers and Tribal representatives, to address concerns and incorporate feedback.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the modernization of the Owyhee Irrigation District (OID) in Eastern Oregon. The project aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of water delivery to local farms by updating the outdated irrigation infrastructure, which has been in use for about 90 years. This modernization will involve activities like canal lining and installation of new control systems. Public input is being sought, with comments accepted until February 18, 2025, and further public meetings scheduled for early 2025.