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The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters models SA341G and SA342J. This is in response to reports of corrosion on components related to the tail rotor drive shaft, which could lead to loss of control. The proposed rule would require regular inspections and possible replacements of these parts. Comments on this proposal are due by March 3, 2025.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is inviting applications for vessels to join the Cable Security Fleet (CSF). This program aims to keep a ready fleet of U.S.-owned cable vessels for national security and global positioning in the submarine cable market. To apply, potential participants must meet specific citizenship and technical requirements and submit applications by February 4, 2021. Once selected, participants will form agreements with MARAD to operate these vessels in the commercial cable industry and make them available to the U.S. Government during emergencies.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proposes new rules to enhance the accuracy and transparency of transmission line ratings to better reflect real-time conditions. The proposal includes requiring transmission providers to use ambient-adjusted ratings (AAR) that consider current air temperatures and dynamic line ratings (DLR) for more accurate transfer capabilities. It also suggests that Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) need systems to frequently update these ratings electronically. The goal is to ensure fairer and more efficient energy pricing while maintaining the safety and reliability of the electrical grid.

MIAX PEARL, LLC, a self-regulatory organization, has proposed a rule change to expand the number of Limited Service MEO Ports available to its members, doubling the potential from eight to ten for each "Matching Engine." This expansion plan is in response to increased customer demand and the need for more network capacity, which is partly driven by rising market volatility. The fees for these additional ports will remain the same, with the ninth and tenth ports costing $400 per month each, which is the current charge for the seventh and eighth ports. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing the proposal and invites public comments on it by January 26, 2021.

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has issued a final rule regarding the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) and the authorization of coal mine operators as self-insurers. This rule updates the process for operators to apply for self-insurance, sets new standards for the amount of security required to self-insure, and clarifies the appeals process. The rule aims to better secure the Trust Fund that pays benefits when operators default, by requiring all self-insured operators to provide security equal to 100% of their projected black lung liabilities. These changes are intended to protect the Trust Fund from financial strain caused by bankruptcies and reduce administrative burdens.

The Coast Guard has established 55 temporary safety zones around the construction of wind energy facilities for the Empire Wind 1 project, located offshore from Long Island, New York. These zones, each extending 500 meters from the facility's center point, aim to protect life, property, and the environment during construction, which may begin as early as March 2025 and continue through February 2028. During enforcement, only authorized vessels are allowed within these safety zones, and mariners will be notified of enforcement periods through various communication channels. This action was implemented following regulatory processes and public comments, focusing solely on safety rather than the wind energy projects themselves.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proposing to remove five regulatory provisions that prevent certain faith-based organizations from accessing SBA business loan and disaster assistance programs due to their religious status. These provisions conflict with the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, as interpreted by recent Supreme Court decisions, which protect religious organizations from discriminatory exclusions. The SBA plans to amend these regulations to ensure faith-based organizations receive equal treatment under its programs, aligning with constitutional requirements and promoting religious liberty. Public comments on this proposal are open until February 18, 2021.

MIAX Sapphire, LLC, a self-regulatory organization, has proposed changes to its fee schedule for three specific market data feeds: MIAX Sapphire Top of Market, MIAX Sapphire Complex Top of Market, and MIAX Sapphire Liquidity Feed. These fees will initially be waived for six months to encourage market participation. The proposed fees are structured to cover the costs associated with providing these data feeds and are intended to be competitive with fees charged by other exchanges for similar services. The proposal maintains that the fees are fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory, applying consistently to all subscribers based on their use and distribution of the data.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule regarding a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo AW189 helicopters. This directive is a response to reports of failures in the main rotor (MR) damper, which, if not fixed, could result in severe helicopter control issues. The rule mandates regular inspections and replacements of the MR dampers, along with other checks to prevent unsafe conditions. The new rule takes effect on April 1, 2021, and aims to ensure these helicopters remain safe to operate.

The FAA released a new airworthiness directive (AD) targeting specific models of Bombardier airplanes, namely the BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11. This rule demands updates to the current maintenance and inspection programs to introduce stricter limits for brake accumulators, as these components may exceed their lifespan and fail, potentially causing loss of brake function. Affected airplanes must comply with these new standards by early 2025, and operators have 90 days from the directive's effective date to update their procedures accordingly. The rule is necessary to prevent unsafe conditions that might lead to accidents or runway excursions.