Search Results for keywords:"Jefferson Island Storage

The Coast Guard has introduced a final rule to enhance cybersecurity standards for U.S.-flagged vessels and facilities. This rule mandates the creation of cybersecurity and incident response plans, appointing a cybersecurity officer, and implementing security measures like multifactor authentication and encryption. These steps aim to safeguard the maritime transportation system against increasing cyber threats. The Coast Guard is also inviting public comments on possible delays for these implementations.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has finalized a rule requiring electronic filing (eFiling) of certificates for imported consumer goods that need to comply with safety regulations. This rule aims to improve the efficiency of inspections and reduce port delays by using certificate data to better identify potentially harmful products. Companies will need to upload product details using the CPSC's Product Registry or similar systems, and they will have an 18- to 24-month window to implement these changes, depending on the type of import. The rule will impact both domestic and import businesses, but the CPSC estimates limited financial burden on small firms due to the structured roll-out period and digital solutions available.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that partially approves and partially disapproves Arizona's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for addressing regional haze, a form of air pollution. Arizona's plan aimed to tackle haze by revising strategies to improve visibility in protected natural areas. The EPA found that while some parts of the plan meet federal requirements, others do not because they lack adequate analysis or justification. The EPA's decision starts a process that could lead to federal intervention unless Arizona submits an improved plan that meets all necessary criteria.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is proposing to approve new reliability standards related to frequency and voltage settings, known as PRC-024-4 and PRC-029-1. These standards, submitted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), aim to ensure that electric generators and other inverter-based resources (IBRs) can handle changes in electrical disturbances without shutting down unexpectedly. FERC is seeking public comments on the proposal and plans to direct NERC to provide detailed information on any granted exemptions, especially for older equipment that can't easily meet the new requirements. Comments on this proposal are due by March 24, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing updates to regulations governing Federal financial assistance programs under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. The changes aim to align regulations with recent legislation, ensure consistency across the nation, and respond to prior feedback on rulemaking. The proposal includes clarifications on eligible activities, agency responsibilities, and administrative processes to improve program clarity and efficiency. Public comments will be accepted until early 2025, and the updates are meant to enhance management of wildlife and sport fish restoration and related activities.

The document from the Treasury Department and the IRS details final regulations regarding the Section 199A deduction for specified agricultural or horticultural cooperatives and their patrons. It provides guidance on how cooperatives and their patrons should calculate the Section 199A(a) and (g) deductions, ensures clear definitions like "patronage and nonpatronage," and establishes reporting requirements. The regulations aim to clarify the application of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's provisions, simplify tax processes for cooperatives, and ensure that tax benefits are consistent with legislative intent.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing new procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These procedures establish categorical exclusions (CEs), which are categories of actions deemed to typically have minimal environmental impacts. PHMSA invites public comments on these proposed CEs and procedures, aiming to ensure their activities minimize environmental effects and involve public and governmental engagement. Comments must be submitted by January 9, 2025.

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 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).

The National Park Service is proposing changes to how the U.S. participates in the World Heritage Convention. These updates aim to align U.S. regulations with the latest guidelines from UNESCO regarding cultural and natural heritage sites. The proposal includes refining procedures for nominating U.S. sites to the World Heritage List, ensuring adequate legal protection for nominated sites, and encouraging public involvement in heritage preservation. The public is invited to comment on these proposed rules, with feedback due by February 3, 2025.