Search Results for agency_names:"Justice Department"

The final rule from the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services allows Veterans Affairs (VA) practitioners to prescribe controlled substances to VA patients via telemedicine without needing an in-person medical evaluation by the prescribing practitioner. This is permissible if another VA practitioner has conducted an in-person evaluation. This change provides greater access to care for veterans, especially those in rural or underserved areas, while still implementing safeguards against the misuse of controlled substances. The rule includes requirements for reviewing the patient's electronic health record and state prescription drug monitoring program data before prescribing.

The Department of Justice proposes a new rule to implement the Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act of 2021. This rule aims to set up a system for reviewing and potentially reinvestigating unsolved murder cases, also known as "cold cases," that were initially investigated by federal law enforcement more than three years ago. Eligible family members of victims can apply to have a case reviewed, and if new evidence is found, a full reinvestigation may be conducted. The rule also calls for better coordination between federal agencies and requires annual reporting of actions taken under the Act.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed First Amendment to a Consent Decree with the District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania concerning a lawsuit against Lehigh Cement Company LLC and Lehigh White Cement Company, LLC. This amendment involves extending the deadlines for choosing between building new kilns or retrofitting existing ones at the Mitchell facility. It designates new kiln construction as the default if the decision is not made in time. Public comments on the amendment are open for 30 days, and the document can be accessed online or through a mail request.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas is considering a proposed Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement related to alleged Clean Air Act violations by Chesapeake Exploration LLC and Chesapeake Appalachia LLC. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims these companies violated air pollution standards at 159 natural gas facilities in Ohio. As part of the agreement, Chesapeake is expected to pay a $1.2 million penalty. Public comments on the settlement are accepted for thirty days and can be submitted via email or mail.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree to resolve a lawsuit against Meyer Distributing, Inc. for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act. Meyer is accused of selling over 600 types of devices that interfere with vehicle emission controls. As part of the settlement, Meyer is required to pay a $7.4 million penalty, comply with the Clean Air Act, and undertake actions to offset the emissions their devices contributed to. The public can comment on this proposal until 30 days after the notice's publication date.

On January 29, 2021, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Stericycle, Inc. for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act by exceeding nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission limits from its medical waste incinerator in North Salt Lake, Utah. To resolve the lawsuit, Stericycle has agreed to a proposed consent decree, which includes paying a $600,000 fine and funding a project to replace old diesel school buses with cleaner models at a cost of about $2 million. Public comments on this proposed settlement are being accepted for 30 days following the notice's publication, and the consent decree is available for review on the Justice Department's website.

The Department of Justice has proposed a consent decree related to a lawsuit against XTO Energy, Inc. for a 2018 gas well blowout in Ohio that released thousands of tons of methane. Under the proposed agreement, XTO would pay $8 million in penalties, conduct an audit of its operations, and undertake projects to reduce methane emissions. The public is invited to comment on this proposal within 30 days of its announcement. The decree can be reviewed online, and comments may be submitted by email or mail.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree with Fayat S.A.S. and its subsidiaries after filing a lawsuit alleging violations of the Clean Air Act. These companies are accused of importing and selling nonroad equipment with diesel engines that failed to meet emission standards, alongside other breaches related to labeling and reporting. The terms of the agreement require the defendants to pay a $11 million penalty and undertake measures to mitigate pollution caused by these engines. The public has 30 days from the notice's publication to submit comments on this proposed agreement.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Consent Decree with a court to settle a lawsuit involving the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and FMC Corporation over natural resource damages at a site in Front Royal, Virginia. FMC Corporation will pay over $1.6 million, with most going to the U.S. government's fund for environmental restoration projects, and part to Virginia for similar purposes. Four federal agencies are also involved in the settlement, contributing nearly $2.5 million for restoration projects. The agreement includes a period for public comment and protects the parties from further liability related to this issue as of the settlement date.

The Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking public comments on its information collection proposal related to electronic prescriptions for controlled substances. This collection is critical for verifying practitioners' identities and managing their access to prescription systems securely. Affected groups include businesses, non-profits, and government entities, required to respond mandatorily. The DEA estimates that the total annual time burden for respondents will be 107,733 hours, with no additional cost burdens. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until March 3, 2025.