Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final rule updating regulations for the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. This rule introduces new definitions, aligns regulations with current laws, and standardizes language across SBA's contracting programs to clarify control and employment requirements. Additionally, it modifies how SBA reviews certification applications and encourages consistency in regulation across various government contracting programs. These updates aim to reduce confusion and streamline processes without significantly impacting small businesses economically.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) submitted a proposed rule change to update the Private Placement Filer Form, which members use for private placement filings under FINRA Rules 5122 and 5123. The proposed changes aim to enhance the quality and clarity of information collected, helping FINRA better understand risks in private placements, like contingency offerings and disciplinary histories. The changes include the addition of new questions and updates to existing ones, with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing follow-up inquiries. These changes are filed for immediate effectiveness, with an anticipated implementation date of May 22, 2021.

The Department of Education has proposed new priorities and requirements for the Innovative Rehabilitation Training program. This initiative focuses on modernizing vocational rehabilitation (VR) training for counselors to better serve people with disabilities, ensuring they achieve quality employment outcomes. The proposal outlines six significant areas, such as engaging VR participants, aligning career assessments with current job trends, and preparing individuals for STEM careers. The public is encouraged to provide feedback by January 17, 2025, as part of the ongoing process to refine these proposals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requiring manufacturers to submit unpublished health and safety studies on 16 specific chemicals. This rule, effective January 13, 2025, aims to collect important data to help the EPA understand potential risks associated with these chemicals and manage them appropriately under TSCA guidelines, especially for prioritization and risk evaluation purposes. The rule includes details on which studies need to be reported, exemptions, and how to submit the information; it is intended to address market failures by ensuring the EPA can make informed decisions based on actual data rather than assumptions.

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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that extends the deadline for compliance reporting under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for the 2024 compliance year. This extension gives fuel producers, distributors, and suppliers more time to demonstrate compliance with their renewable volume obligations. The rule includes other minor updates, such as amendments to the biodiesel quality standards and consolidation of deadlines for certain compliance reports. This change is meant to alleviate the regulatory burden on affected parties and provides clear, updated guidelines for compliance.

The Department of Education has issued final regulations for the Professional Development program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The rules aim to support the retention of effective educators in schools serving Indian students by establishing priorities and requirements for program participants. These changes include incentives for retaining educators and addressing payback obligations for students receiving training. The regulations, effective February 18, 2025, emphasize benefits over minimal costs and include measures to support educator retention and better meet the program's educational goals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to implement measures for minimizing salmon bycatch in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. These measures aim to reduce the incidental catch of Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook and coho salmon. The rule introduces new management tools, including specific area closures and gear requirements, and establishes conditions under which fishery participants can access a Chinook salmon bycatch reserve. The rule also allows for the creation of Salmon Mitigation Plans (SMPs) by groups of fishing vessels to help manage bycatch while providing certain flexibilities to the industry.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has proposed a new rule to simplify its regulations by removing outdated and unnecessary ones. This proposed rule focuses on eliminating certain definitions transferred from the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) that are no longer applicable because related regulations are being removed. The change would primarily affect a small number of state savings associations supervised by the FDIC and is not expected to have a significant impact on these institutions or the larger economy. The FDIC invites public comments on the proposed rule and its potential effects.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Interior Department announced amendments to the Pueblo of Santa Clara Liquor Code, which were adopted by the Tribal Council on December 13, 2024. These amendments aim to regulate the introduction, sale, and consumption of alcohol within Santa Clara Indian Lands to promote economic and social goals while protecting public health, safety, and welfare. The updated Liquor Code outlines various regulations, such as types of licenses, selling hours, and prohibitions against selling alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age. Additionally, a percentage of alcohol sales revenue will fund programs for alcoholism prevention and treatment. The changes will officially take effect on April 17, 2025.