Search Results for keywords:"Pacific Gas

The United States Department of Justice filed a complaint against XCL Resources Holdings, Verdun Oil Company II, and EP Energy, alleging that they violated the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act by assuming control over EP Energy before completing the required regulatory waiting period. They were accused of illegal coordination, including halting drilling activities and sharing sensitive information, which caused supply shortages and market disruptions. To resolve these allegations, the companies agreed to pay a civil penalty totaling over $5.6 million and implement compliance measures to prevent future violations. The court will oversee the agreement to ensure it aligns with public interest standards.

The Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. has submitted a proposed rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list and trade shares of the VanEck Solana Trust under BZX Rule 14.11(e)(4). This rule pertains to Commodity-Based Trust Shares. The Exchange suggests that Solana (SOL) is resistant to price manipulation and highlights the regulation's aim to create a safer and more transparent investment option for U.S. investors, addressing manipulation concerns and ensuring compliance with the Act. The SEC invites public comments on this proposal before making a decision to approve or disapprove it.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a circular addressing whether credit card issuers or their partners can violate the law by lowering the value of rewards or making it hard for consumers to redeem them. According to the CFPB, such actions might be unfair, deceptive, or abusive, especially if rewards are reduced, canceled, or denied due to unclear conditions. The circular also warns that technical issues affecting the redemption of rewards could be considered unlawful. This guidance aims to ensure that financial practices are fair and transparent for consumers.

The Department of State has announced notifications for proposed commercial export licenses for defense articles, technical data, and defense services, which were submitted to Congress on various dates. Some key transactions involve exports to countries like Germany, UAE, and the UK for items like radar systems and firearms. The notifications are required by the Arms Export Control Act and were published to inform the public, emphasizing that the U.S. government considers factors such as politics and human rights before licensing these exports. The licenses include sales over $50,000,000, with detailed business information withheld to protect U.S. firms from competitive harm.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new regulations for managing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule is part of NOAA's Restoration Blueprint initiative and aims to extend the sanctuary's boundaries, update general and specific marine zones, and redefine what activities are permitted there. NOAA's regulations include measures to protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats, prevent environmental threats, and address concerns such as grounded and derelict vessels. The changes also emphasize updated procedures for permits and collaboration with military and state bodies to ensure compliance and effective management of sanctuary resources.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made changes to rules about aerosol sprays to reduce pollution that contributes to smog. These new amendments focus on using less reactive compounds in aerosol products, and they update testing methods, reporting requirements, and compliance dates for the industry. Companies that make or sell these aerosol products, especially those not operating in California, need to comply by mid-2025, but they can start using the new standards earlier if they choose. The EPA believes these changes won't harm the environment and will help align national and state regulations.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration granted an exemption allowing the Associated General Contractors of America, San Diego Chapter, Inc. to lease its training facility to its Apprenticeship and Training Fund under specific conditions. The agreement ensures the Plan pays fair market rent, verified by an independent fiduciary, and that the lease benefits participants by providing effective training facilities. The fiduciary also monitors compliance with the lease terms and any rent increases must adhere to changes in the Consumer Price Index. This exemption is designed to avoid conflicts with ERISA's prohibited transaction rules.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to update and harmonize approval requirements for lifejackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), by adopting new standards that improve compatibility with Canadian regulations. This change allows for the production of more innovative and comfortable lifejackets and includes revisions to labeling requirements. The rule also permits the use of new lifejacket designs approved under these standards and eliminates certain outdated approval requirements, which can reduce costs and inspection burdens for manufacturers. The rule aims to enhance safety and streamline the process for lifejacket approval while supporting better compliance and improved usage among recreational and commercial vessel operators in both the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed new rules to improve the Small Business Subcontracting Program. These changes aim to ensure small business subcontractors get paid faster and make it easier to report subcontracting activities. Prime contractors would need to inform contracting officers if they fail to pay subcontractors on time and work with them to fix such issues. The new rules also involve simplifying subcontracting reporting, clarifying how to assign size classifications to subcontractors, and expanding the authority of who can sign Subcontracting Summary Reports (SSRs).