Search Results for keywords:"St. Lawrence

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a revised rule regarding the designation of critical habitat for the Arctic subspecies of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida hispida) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule specifies areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas as critical habitat and identifies essential features such as snow-covered sea ice suitable for birth lairs, sea ice for basking and molting, and primary prey resources like Arctic cod and shrimps. The proposal also considers national security impacts and suggests the exclusion of an area used by the U.S. Navy for training and testing activities. The NMFS seeks public comments on various aspects of this proposed designation to ensure that it is based on the best available scientific data.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a rule change by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to create a New Issue Reference Data Service for corporate bonds. This service will require underwriters to report specific data on new corporate bond issues to FINRA, which will then make this information publicly available. The goal is to reduce information asymmetry and improve market efficiency by ensuring all market participants have timely access to essential bond reference data. The SEC found that this change is consistent with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will enhance transparency and competition in the corporate bond market without imposing unnecessary burdens on competition.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing a new rule to prevent the use of unfair terms in contracts for consumer financial products, such as credit cards and loans. This proposal aims to stop businesses from including terms that waive consumers' legal rights, allow companies to unilaterally change contracts, or prevent consumers from expressing their opinions about the services. Additionally, the rule will officially codify prohibitions from an existing Federal Trade Commission rule that limits certain unfair credit practices. The CFPB is inviting public comments on these proposed changes until April 1, 2025.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule recommending changes to pricing in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These proposed amendments update existing formulas for milk composition, surveyed commodity products, and milk pricing categories, among others, to better reflect current market conditions. The changes are aimed at improving the fairness and accuracy of milk pricing across different regions and market classes. The AMS will seek approval from milk producers before implementing any new rules, with the possibility of terminating the order if it doesn't receive enough support.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to address health risks from carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule will establish workplace safety requirements and prohibit certain manufacturing and commercial uses of CTC where evidence shows these uses have ceased. It also introduces recordkeeping and notification responsibilities. The rule supports broader environmental goals, like those in the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act and the Kigali Amendment, aimed at reducing substances harmful to the ozone layer.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has introduced proposed rules requiring certain registered public accounting firms to report firm- and engagement-level metrics on their audit practices. These metrics will provide stakeholders like investors and audit committees with valuable insights into audit processes, helping them make informed decisions. The metrics cover areas such as partner and manager involvement, workload, training, and retention of audit personnel. The PCAOB believes this initiative will enhance investor protection and foster transparency by offering more consistent and comparable information about audits and auditors.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced new energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. These revised standards aim to save energy, are feasible with current technology, and are economically justified. The updated rules will take effect on February 21, 2025, with compliance dates for specific components set for 2027 and 2028. The DOE's decision was based on a careful evaluation of the benefits and costs to consumers and the impact on manufacturers.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. These changes aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, are technologically feasible, and economically justified. Starting March 24, 2025, the new standards will be in effect, requiring compliance by January 22, 2029. The department predicts considerable energy savings and reduced emissions resulting from these updated standards.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued regulations to allow the U.S. Navy to take marine mammals in the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Study Area. This modification permits additional takes of large whales due to vessel strikes. These regulations, effective from January 2025 to December 2025, mandate specific mitigation measures, like whale sighting notifications and limits on sonar use, to minimize impacts on marine mammals. The regulations were made after a thorough analysis and discussions with the Navy regarding potential impacts on marine mammal species, ensuring the activities have the least practicable adverse impact on these animals.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires its regulations to be reviewed periodically, with most regulations set to expire automatically every ten years unless reviewed. This is intended to ensure that regulations stay up-to-date and relevant. The final rule also includes processes for public comments and specifies the criteria for reviews, which include assessing whether the regulations significantly impact small entities, and if they are still necessary or need amendments. Certain regulations, such as those mandated by federal law and the annual Medicare payment update rules, are exempt from these reviews.