Search Results for keywords:"Jefferson Island Storage

The United States Department of Agriculture announced the launch of the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, which provides financial support to specialty crop producers to help them expand or develop markets. Applications for this assistance will be accepted from December 10, 2024, to January 8, 2025. To qualify, producers must be actively engaged in farming specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and floriculture, among others. The program aims to boost domestic market growth and address the challenges specialty crop producers face due to high costs and lower cash receipts.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain aircraft models from Piper and related corporations. This directive was prompted by reports of rudders breaking due to fatigue and corrosion, which could lead to reduced control during flight. The rule requires replacing rudders made with 1025 carbon steel posts with those made from a more durable 4130N low-alloy steel to ensure the safety of these planes. The directive also has an allowance for alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) if approved by the FAA, giving some flexibility to aircraft operators.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions submitted by the State of Alaska aimed at meeting Clean Air Act requirements. These revisions address air quality standards for the Fairbanks North Star Borough, targeting fine particulate matter pollution. The plan includes inventories of emissions, control measures for pollutants, and an attainment timeline set for the year 2027. Public comments on the proposal are being accepted until February 7, 2025.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule to address national security risks related to connected vehicles, particularly those involving technology designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities in China or Russia. The rule aims to regulate certain software and hardware that enable vehicle connectivity and automated driving systems. It requires vehicle manufacturers and importers to verify their supply chains and submit Declarations of Conformity to confirm compliance, with some options for specific or general authorizations to continue certain transactions otherwise prohibited. The rule is designed to protect U.S. infrastructure from potential threats associated with these technologies.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is revising the process for granting rights-of-way across National Wildlife Refuge System lands and other lands they manage. The changes are aimed at making the permitting process quicker and more efficient by aligning it with other Department of the Interior procedures. Key updates include requiring a preapplication meeting, allowing electronic submission of applications, and ensuring flexibility in determining the value of rights-of-way. The rule also introduces new terms and conditions for permits to ensure use is compatible with the conservation goals of the Refuge System, effective January 10, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced the final rules for the 2025 and 2026 groundfish fishing seasons in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. These rules set the limits for how much fish can be caught, based on scientific assessments to ensure sustainable fishing practices. They aim to balance the fishing industry needs with conservation efforts, taking into account environmental factors and fish stock health. Public comments were considered during the process, and these rules follow the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act's requirements.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed changes to rules for managing spectrum bands with the aim of promoting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This proposed rule covers three main areas: opening the 450 MHz band for broader aeronautical operations and spectrum flexibility, allowing enhanced UAS detection in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band, and updating power rules for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz bands. The FCC seeks public comments by April 16, 2025, to further refine these proposals aimed at improving wireless communications and supporting emerging aviation technologies.

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 U.S. Department of Labor has announced an exemption allowing the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Pension Fund to sell a 19.25-acre property in Las Vegas to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for cash. This decision was based on the finding that the sale to UBC would result in significantly higher net proceeds for the Pension Fund compared to selling the property to a third party. Following public input, the Department removed a proposed revenue-sharing condition but kept a "Clawback Condition" ensuring that if UBC resells the property within ten years for a profit, any excess proceeds must be given to the Pension Fund. The exemption ensures that the sale benefits the Pension Fund and its participants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the 2021 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges from industrial activities. This permit replaces the expired 2015 MSGP and covers eligible operators in areas where the EPA is the permitting authority, including states, Indian country lands, and U.S. territories. The new permit introduces changes such as streamlined language, public signs for permit coverage, and new monitoring requirements. It will be effective from March 1, 2021, and lasts for five years, aiming to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act.