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The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a final rule to remove regulations related to the Federal Executive Boards (FEBs), as directed by an Executive Order from 2025 aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy. The FEBs, originally established by President Kennedy to improve government efficiency outside Washington, DC, have officially ceased operations. Property and personnel linked to the FEBs have been reallocated or notified of new procedures. The rule is effective immediately and complies with various legal requirements, although no public input was needed due to the direct presidential directive.

The Department of Labor is proposing a new rule that would require attorneys and lay representatives to file documents electronically in cases before the Benefits Review Board. This rule aims to make the filing process more efficient and reduce traditional mailing costs by using an electronic case management system. Self-represented individuals can still choose to file documents either electronically or by traditional methods. The Department is inviting public comments on this proposed rule until February 10, 2021.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced that it is adopting several categorical exclusions (CEs) from the Department of Energy under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These exclusions allow for certain proposed actions by EXIM that do not significantly impact the human environment, thereby speeding up project approvals and conserving resources by eliminating the need for detailed environmental assessments. This decision supports EXIM's Make More in America initiative by enabling quicker processing of transactions that promote U.S. business exports. EXIM consulted with the Department of Energy to ensure the appropriateness of these CEs for their proposed actions.

The final regulations clarify the application of excise taxes on payments made for air transportation services. Specifically, they address the exemption for payments made for certain aircraft management services, including maintenance and support of an aircraft owner's plane, ensuring that the tax does not apply to amounts paid for these services. The regulations also discuss rules related to aircraft charters and the responsibilities of various parties in collecting the air transportation taxes. These changes aim to incorporate statutory updates and simplify compliance for taxpayers and IRS examiners.

MIAX Emerald, LLC has submitted a proposal to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a Minor Rule Violation Plan (MRVP). This plan would allow certain minor rule violations to be punished with fines up to $2,500 and would not require immediate reporting to the SEC, as long as summary reports are sent quarterly. This proposal excludes some conduct policies and aims to make handling minor infractions more efficient. The public is invited to comment on the proposal, and the SEC will decide on its approval by December 24, 2024.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is awarding around $20 million to the World Health Organization (WHO), with the total expected funding to reach approximately $100 million over five years. This funding will help CDC and WHO work together to improve the world's ability to detect, respond to, and prevent infectious diseases. The focus is on building infrastructure and preparing for disease outbreaks, using WHO's global network to support these efforts. The award period is from September 2025 to September 2030.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Federal Clean Water Act to amend the California Toxics Rule by establishing a revised selenium water quality criterion for certain freshwater bodies in California. This new criterion aims to protect aquatic life and wildlife that depend on these aquatic ecosystems from high selenium levels, which can be toxic. The EPA incorporated public feedback and scientific evidence into the rule, and it includes measures to account for site-specific conditions. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, unless California develops its own compliant standards.

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.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Third Amendment to a Consent Decree with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, in response to a lawsuit over violations of the Clean Water Act. The amendment outlines steps for the city to reduce sewage overflows, aiming for an 85% reduction by 2040 with interim goals set for the years 2024, 2030, and 2035. Public comments on the proposed amendment are invited within 30 days of this notice, and the Consent Decree is available online or by mail upon request.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a rule that requires repair stations outside the United States, which maintain certain U.S. commercial aircraft, to conduct drug and alcohol testing for their employees who perform safety-sensitive tasks. This rule aims to align with local laws where these stations operate and provides several pathways for compliance, such as seeking waivers if local laws conflict with FAA regulations. The rule will take effect in January 2025, with full compliance required by December 2027. This regulation is part of an ongoing effort to ensure aviation safety by ensuring that repair station employees meet similar standards to those in the United States.