Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule to improve air quality standards for facilities that work with flexible polyurethane foam, as required by the Clean Air Act. This proposal focuses on reducing emissions of hazardous air pollutants by setting new standards for certain operations, like flame laminators and loop slitters, and updating reporting requirements to be fully electronic. These changes aim to provide better monitoring and compliance without significantly changing the current emission levels, ensuring both environmental protection and the continuation of existing industry practices. The proposal also eliminates exemptions during events such as startup and shutdown, meaning that emission standards will apply at all times.

The Coast Guard has made available a policy letter titled "Guidelines for Obtaining STCW Endorsements for Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations." This policy offers guidance on how mariners can voluntarily obtain endorsements for operating vessels that use gases or low flashpoint fuels in line with international safety and training standards. The endorsements are not mandatory, but the Coast Guard will issue them to mariners who meet the training requirements. This policy is intended to help mariners and vessel operators ensure compliance with international standards, especially when operating in foreign ports.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting comments on an information collection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This rule would permit the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens engaged in certain activities. The goal is to evaluate whether the information collection is necessary and to minimize the public's reporting burden. The public can submit comments until May 30, 2025, to help improve the quality and clarity of the information collected.

The Coast Guard is proposing a temporary safety zone around a cable laying barge off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia, due to navigational hazards from nearshore operations. This zone extends 1000 yards around the barge and seaward up to 12 nautical miles. The rule aims to ensure the safety of people and vessels near these operations. Unauthorized entry into the zone is prohibited, and the Coast Guard is inviting public comments on this proposal until January 29, 2025.

The Coast Guard is making changes to a temporary safety zone in West Passage, Narragansett Bay, Jamestown, RI. These changes include extending the safety zone's effective period to January 31, 2025, and updating the name of the cable laying vessel involved in operations. This safety zone ensures the safety of personnel and vessels from hazards associated with cable laying. Unauthorized entry into the safety zone is prohibited during active cable operations unless specifically allowed by the Captain of the Port, Sector Southeastern New England.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a final rule requiring remote identification for unmanned aircraft, including drones, in U.S. airspace. This rule addresses safety and security concerns by ensuring that unmanned aircraft provide identification and location information, making it easier to track and manage their operations. The rule outlines three ways for compliance: using a standard remote identification system, utilizing a broadcast module, or operating in specific areas recognized by the FAA. Compliance with this rule becomes mandatory by September 16, 2023, for all unmanned aircraft operations.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the USDA plans to revise and extend the Annual Organic Survey, as noted in a recent announcement. This effort seeks to align data collection with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, focusing on organic agricultural practices and production. The survey will target certified organic operations, those exempt from certification, and those transitioning to organic certification across all states, with an estimated 27,000 operations contacted. Comments on the proposed information collection are being solicited to evaluate its necessity, accuracy, and potential burden on respondents.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule, effective March 16, 2021, for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones, over people and at night under certain conditions. The rule introduces four categories of operations based on the risk of injury to people, allowing drones to fly over people without a waiver if they meet specific safety standards. It also requires drones flying at night to have anti-collision lights and operators to undergo training that covers night operations. Additionally, the rule allows drones to fly over moving vehicles, provided specific conditions are met to ensure safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended the rule that prohibits certain U.S. flights over Libya due to ongoing safety risks. This final rule will remain effective until March 20, 2028, as the FAA cites ongoing political and security instability. The prohibition covers U.S. air carriers, commercial operators, and others, except under specific circumstances involving foreign carriers. The FAA finds the extension necessary to protect U.S. civil aviation due to challenges like airspace deconfliction and the presence of advanced weaponry controlled by various factions within Libya.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting public comments on updates to its Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG). These revisions aim to improve guidelines for planning and managing infrastructure projects, focusing on aspects like construction, operations, and cyberinfrastructure. The NSF requests feedback on specific sections of the guide and outlines the estimated workload for complying with reporting requirements. Comments are needed by March 10, 2025, to be assured of consideration.