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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to improve the review process for new chemicals. These changes match the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act updates from 2016, aiming to make the process more efficient and clear. Significant adjustments include requiring more detailed information from those submitting new chemical notices, extending requirements for exceptions known as "low volume" and "low release and exposure" to certain chemicals, and ensuring all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) go through a full review. The modifications seek to enhance EPA's ability to assess and manage chemical risks to health and the environment.

On January 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had planned to implement updates to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program on February 5, 2025. However, following a presidential directive for regulatory review, HUD initially delayed this to April 20, 2025. HUD now announces further delays for certain parts of the program: one key provision is delayed until October 30, 2025, while another is withdrawn, with other sections remaining scheduled for the original April date. These changes are meant to allow more time for public input and to ensure compliance with existing laws.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on its efforts to reduce paperwork burdens, particularly focusing on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC is interested in feedback on the necessity and effectiveness of information collection and how it might lessen the burden on small businesses. Public comments must be submitted by February 10, 2021, through the specified website and also by email to Cathy Williams at the FCC. This effort is part of the Commission's compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has finalized a rule that implements the Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG), as part of its regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This formalizes standards ensuring that new and altered transit stops in public spaces are accessible to persons with disabilities. The rule becomes effective on January 17, 2025, and applies to relevant constructions or alterations started after that date. This regulatory update aims to harmonize public transportation facilities' accessibility with standards already set out by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Federal Clean Water Act to amend the California Toxics Rule by establishing a revised selenium water quality criterion for certain freshwater bodies in California. This new criterion aims to protect aquatic life and wildlife that depend on these aquatic ecosystems from high selenium levels, which can be toxic. The EPA incorporated public feedback and scientific evidence into the rule, and it includes measures to account for site-specific conditions. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, unless California develops its own compliant standards.

The Rural Housing Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has introduced a final rule updating how credit reports are obtained for the eligibility and feasibility assessments in the Multifamily Housing Programs. Starting January 30, 2025, applicants will need to provide their own credit reports instead of paying a fee for the agency to do it, simplifying the process and aligning with industry practices. This update also includes adding definitions and specific requirements for credit reports, aiming to streamline and modernize the applications for housing loans and grants in rural areas.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that updates and replaces a previous directive concerning the safety of certain airplane and helicopter seatbelt buckles. This change is in response to new information about manufacturing issues that could cause buckles to crack, potentially preventing passengers from unbuckling during an emergency. The rule requires inspections of these buckles, provides guidance for corrective actions, and includes exemption criteria such as buckles made of metal or marked with a blue logo. This action aims to ensure passenger safety by addressing weaknesses in the affected buckle systems.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for new awards for the fiscal year 2025 as part of its Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs. This initiative aims to provide training grants to increase the number of qualified Indian professionals, including teachers and administrators who serve Indian students. The program focuses on supporting pre-service training for teachers and administrators, with specific funding priorities and a competitive preference system for certain applicants, such as Tribal and consortium applications. The total estimated funding available for this competition is $13 million, with awards ranging from $400,000 to $500,000 each.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing changes to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to adjust acquisition-related dollar thresholds for inflation, using the Consumer Price Index. This adjustment is set to occur every five years, but excludes certain statutes like the Davis-Bacon Act and trade agreements thresholds. The proposed rule aims to maintain current regulations by reflecting economic changes, ensuring that thresholds keep pace with inflation, and is not expected to significantly affect the public or small businesses. Comments on these proposed changes are invited until March 18, 2025, and further details are available on the regulations.gov portal.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is conducting a new study to assess the strength capabilities of children, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They have submitted a request for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and invite public comments by February 18, 2021. The study, in partnership with the University of Michigan, will collect data from nearly 800 children aged 3 months to 5 years to update strength data that was last gathered over 40 years ago. This information will help improve child safety standards and designs for consumer products.