Search Results for type:"Rule"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the final rule for the 2021 and 2022 harvest limits in the Gulf of Alaska's groundfish fishery. This rule sets the total allowable catch limits for various fish species to sustain fish populations and comply with management plans. The specifications are intended to balance environmental conservation with economic opportunities for fisheries and are in line with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These regulations take effect from February 19, 2021, ensuring the responsible management of fisheries resources in the region.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced a new rule to simplify licensing procedures for satellite services. This rule allows operators to obtain a unified license for both space and earth stations, which streamlines the authorization process by eliminating unnecessary reporting requirements and aligning the build-out timelines for these stations. The rule is designed to reduce regulatory burdens, enhance operational flexibility for satellite operators, and ensure that information provided is not redundant. The changes aim to foster better efficiency within the satellite services sector, ultimately benefiting both providers and users.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule to adjust the maximum and minimum civil monetary penalties to keep pace with inflation, as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 and its 2015 amendments. This move is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the deterrent impact of penalties and ensure compliance with laws. The adjustments, effective January 8, 2025, are made annually without requiring public feedback or notice and are based on a specific formula tied to the Consumer Price Index. The changes do not establish specific penalties for cases, as these are determined by the EPA considering the details of each case.

The Surface Transportation Board issued a final rule to update its civil monetary penalties by accounting for inflation, as required by federal law. This annual adjustment, effective January 14, 2025, follows a specific calculation method and does not allow for public comment because the Board is following a mandated federal formula. The rule applies only to violations occurring after the regulation's effective date. It also clarifies that the Board has no authority to adjust criminal penalties for inflation.

The Coast Guard is making changes to a temporary safety zone in West Passage, Narragansett Bay, Jamestown, RI. These changes include extending the safety zone's effective period to January 31, 2025, and updating the name of the cable laying vessel involved in operations. This safety zone ensures the safety of personnel and vessels from hazards associated with cable laying. Unauthorized entry into the safety zone is prohibited during active cable operations unless specifically allowed by the Captain of the Port, Sector Southeastern New England.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act to extend the deadline for installing new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning and heat pump systems that use specific hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These systems can be installed until January 1, 2027, if their components were made or imported before January 1, 2026. An additional extension to January 1, 2028, is allowed for projects with building permits issued before October 5, 2023, approving the use of these HFCs. The aim is to give more time for the installation and avoid wasting unsold VRF system inventories.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) under the Clean Air Act for the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District in California. This new rule includes stricter guidelines for New Source Review (NSR) in nonattainment areas where air quality standards are not met. The FIP aims to regulate the construction of new major sources and modifications of existing sources, addressing deficiencies in the existing Mojave Desert program. An important aspect of this rule is the EPA's disapproval of a Mojave Desert District rule regarding emissions offsets, following a court decision questioning the EPA's previous approval of that rule.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has changed the rules for letters of credit (LOCs) required for recipients of high-cost support under the Universal Service Fund programs. Previously, banks needed a specific safety rating to issue LOCs, but now they must be “well capitalized” according to federal bank standards. This change aims to make it easier for companies to secure LOCs, which are necessary to ensure rapid broadband deployment. Additionally, the FCC is allowing recipients to reduce the value of their LOCs faster if they meet certain deployment milestones, freeing up funds for more broadband expansion.

The Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone on the waters surrounding downtown Tampa, Florida, during the Super Bowl LV celebrations. This safety zone, effective from January 29 to February 7, 2021, is designed to protect the public and event staff from potential hazards caused by vessel traffic. Vessels must transit the area at a steady speed and cannot slow, stop, or anchor without special permission or in case of emergencies. The regulation aims to ensure safety without significantly impacting local vessel operations.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued a final rule to adjust the maximum amount of civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for inflation under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). This annual adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended, and ensures that penalties maintain their deterrent effect over time. The rule applies to penalties assessed after January 15, 2021, and is based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index. This adjustment process is exempt from the typical notice and comment procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act.