Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address health risks associated with the chemical C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29). This rule focuses on minimizing inhalation risks by requiring the use of protective gear and regular cleaning in workplaces that handle PV29 in its dry powder form. The EPA has also proposed to implement recordkeeping and labeling requirements to ensure compliance and communication throughout the supply chain. Public comments are being requested to help refine the proposal and ensure its effectiveness in protecting workers' health.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a rule to list several Caribbean skink species as endangered or threatened. The Puerto Rican skink, Lesser Virgin Islands skink, and Virgin Islands bronze skink are proposed as endangered, while the Culebra skink is proposed as threatened. The proposal also includes designating critical habitats for these species to aid in their conservation. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until February 18, 2025.

The Coast Guard has proposed creating a temporary safety zone on parts of the Garrison Channel, Seddon Channel Turning Basin, and Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida, during the Super Bowl LV celebrations from January 29 to February 7, 2021. This safety zone aims to protect the public and event staff from hazards related to vessel traffic. All boats must move at a steady speed without stopping or anchoring, unless there's an emergency. The Coast Guard is inviting public comments on the proposed rule.

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has finalized a rule updating regulations for attorney-client visits at BOP institutions. The rule, effective December 17, 2024, clarifies that attorneys can visit clients without appointments at certain facilities that host pretrial detainees, but appointments remain necessary at other institutions. After considering public comments, BOP concluded that no changes were needed to the initial interim rule. The rule ensures that legal visits can happen under both scheduled and unscheduled conditions, depending on the facility's mission, while maintaining the confidentiality required for attorney-client interactions.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced a waiver of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act's requirements for certain natural gas products like gas service risers, meters, and regulators because these are not available in large enough quantities domestically. This waiver, which applies to projects funded by the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program, aims to ensure timely project completion while maintaining safety. It is based on public feedback indicating supply issues and will last for three years starting January 22, 2025. PHMSA has emphasized the importance of having enough compliant products to avoid delaying critical safety construction projects.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a revised rule regarding the designation of critical habitat for the Arctic subspecies of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida hispida) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule specifies areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas as critical habitat and identifies essential features such as snow-covered sea ice suitable for birth lairs, sea ice for basking and molting, and primary prey resources like Arctic cod and shrimps. The proposal also considers national security impacts and suggests the exclusion of an area used by the U.S. Navy for training and testing activities. The NMFS seeks public comments on various aspects of this proposed designation to ensure that it is based on the best available scientific data.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking public comments on reform measures for money market funds to improve their resilience and prevent future economic stress. The reforms, discussed in a report by the President's Working Group on Financial Markets, aim to address issues observed during the COVID-19 pandemic when money market funds experienced significant stress and required government intervention. Measures under consideration include changes to fund liquidity management, new redemption rules, and potential requirements for fund sponsors to provide support. Public input will inform these reforms to enhance the stability of money market funds and related financial markets.

The Department of Education is announcing the availability of new grant funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) under the COVID-19 relief act, CRRSAA, signed into law on December 27, 2020. Proprietary institutions of higher education can apply for these grants to provide financial aid to students facing economic challenges due to the pandemic. Around $680 million is available, and the funds must be used to assist students with exceptional needs, covering expenses like tuition, housing, or child care. Applications, which must be submitted via Grants.gov, are being accepted on a rolling basis until April 15, 2021.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized changes to the regulation known as Regulation Z, which enforces the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). These updates adjust the dollar amounts tied to several loan thresholds, including those for high-cost mortgages, qualified mortgages, and credit card interest disclosures. The adjustments are based on the 3.4% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from April 2023 to April 2024 and will take effect on January 1, 2025. The changes ensure that the thresholds reflect current economic conditions, making it easier for consumers to understand loan costs and requirements.

The Coast Guard has established a new anchorage ground near Rice Island on the Lower Columbia River to enhance navigation safety by creating more space for commercial vessels to anchor. This rule, set to be effective from January 15, 2025, comes in response to increased commercial traffic in the area. During the review process, 42 comments were received, addressing concerns like the depth of the anchorage ground and potential environmental impacts on species such as the Green Sturgeon. The Coast Guard assessed regulatory requirements and determined that this new anchorage ground would not have significant economic or environmental impacts.