Search Results for agency_names:"Investment Company Act Release No. 35487

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to improve the review process for new chemicals. These changes match the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act updates from 2016, aiming to make the process more efficient and clear. Significant adjustments include requiring more detailed information from those submitting new chemical notices, extending requirements for exceptions known as "low volume" and "low release and exposure" to certain chemicals, and ensuring all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) go through a full review. The modifications seek to enhance EPA's ability to assess and manage chemical risks to health and the environment.

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has proposed a change to its rules for listing companies from outside North America. This proposal would allow companies listing for the first time, that are not already on another stock exchange, to have their worldwide shareholders count towards the NYSE's stockholder requirements. The intention is to make it easier for international companies to list on the NYSE and to enhance competition with Nasdaq. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing this proposal to ensure it protects investors and maintains market integrity. They are inviting public comments to help decide on approval.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a rule change proposed by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. This change allows special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) to be excluded from the requirement that at least 50% of a company's round lot holders must each hold unrestricted securities valued at a minimum of $2,500 at the time of the company's initial listing. Nasdaq believes that this rule is not necessary for SPACs, as their structure and investor base differ significantly from typical operating companies. The approval aims to align Nasdaq's standards more closely with those of other exchanges while ensuring investor protection and market liquidity.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a proposed rule change allowing the NYSE Arca to list and trade shares of the Bitwise Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF under a specific rule for Commodity-Based Trust Shares. This ETF will hold both bitcoin and ether based on their market capitalizations, aiming to provide exposure to these cryptocurrencies while covering operational expenses. The SEC's approval was granted on an accelerated basis after the exchange modified its proposal to ensure transparency and fair trading practices, aligning it with other similar exchange-traded products. The public is invited to submit comments on the proposal until February 26, 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a notice to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments apply to penalties under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, and part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The new amounts were calculated using a percentage change between the Consumer Price Index for October 2023 and October 2024 and will be effective from January 15, 2025. This update ensures penalties keep pace with inflation and remain effective deterrents.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is inviting the public to comment on the ongoing information collection requirements associated with FERC Forms No. 60, 61, and 555A. These forms are necessary for monitoring centralized service companies and ensuring they adhere to the standards set by the Energy Policy Act and the Public Utility Holding Company Act. The comment period is open until April 8, 2025, and submission guidelines are detailed on the FERC website. The request seeks input on the usefulness of these information collections, the accuracy of FERC's burden estimates, and suggestions for improving data quality and minimizing reporting burdens.

The Department of Justice has announced a proposed Consent Decree with BCP Ingredients, Inc. over violations of the Clean Air Act due to the release of ethylene oxide at their Missouri facility. Under this agreement, BCP will pay a $300,000 fine, install new equipment to reduce emissions, and conduct three community projects worth $350,000. These projects include donating vehicles and medical supplies, providing medical visits, and supplying emergency response equipment. The public can comment on this decree within 30 days of its announcement.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a notice to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. This annual adjustment considers inflation changes measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and applies to penalties under several acts, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These new penalty amounts are effective from January 15, 2021, for violations occurring after November 2, 2015. The updated amounts are published in the Federal Register and on the SEC's website.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced changes to the way it manages records about unaccompanied children in federal custody due to their immigration status. The updated system, now called the ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau (UCB) Administrative Program Records, aims to enhance privacy protections and clarify routine uses of data, especially concerning law enforcement and child welfare investigations. The revisions prohibit using children's information for immigration enforcement purposes without consent and specify situations where information can be shared, like health care coordination or missing children investigations. These changes are part of HHS's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is considering applications from several investment companies seeking to deregister under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as they have stopped operations. These companies have either distributed their assets or transferred them to other funds, with some incurring liquidation or reorganization expenses, often covered by investment advisers or related parties. Various applications were filed or amended in 2020 and 2021, with the companies seeking orders to cease being recognized as investment companies. Some entities, like American Independence Funds Trust and Boston Income Portfolio, have requested official deregistration following the liquidation of their assets.