Search Results for agency_names:"Agency Information Collection Activities

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a final rule to establish harvest specifications and management measures for the 2025-26 Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. This rule sets limits on how much groundfish can be caught each year and revises management measures to prevent overfishing and help rebuild stock. Key changes include implementing a rebuilding plan for California quillback rockfish and updating allocation frameworks and fishing regulations. The rule also introduces a new permit system for the directed open access fishery and includes technical corrections and modifications to existing regulations.

The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA issued a final rule altering the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, requiring individual sureties to pledge specific U.S. Government-backed assets as security for bonds, enhancing the protection against default. Public comments showed strong support for the rule, citing its benefits in fraud prevention and protection of subcontractors and suppliers in federal construction projects. The rule also aims to streamline the procurement process without significantly impacting small businesses' access to bonding.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule allowing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send immigration bond-related notices electronically, provided obligors agree to this method of communication. Although no significant changes were made from an earlier interim rule, this final rule clarifies text, updates terminology, and fixes typographical errors. Commenters raised concerns about technical issues, accessibility, and fairness, particularly regarding the new Cash Electronic Bonds Online System (CeBONDS), but the rule aims to make processes more efficient and reduce mail costs. This transition to electronic service is optional, and obligors can still opt for traditional mail service.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to establish a new fee program for using a rental cabin called Tarpons Roost, located on the Continental Divide near Lemhi Pass in Idaho. Starting July 17, 2025, there will be a $75 per night fee to cover maintenance and operational costs, as approved by the BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council. The plans comply with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and have been detailed in a business plan available at the BLM offices. The purpose is to ensure the cabin remains well-maintained and provides quality experiences for visitors.

The Executive Order titled "Emergency Measures To Provide Water Resources in California and Improve Disaster Response in Certain Areas" was issued by the President to address the devastating wildfires in Southern California. It mandates federal agencies to take all necessary actions to ensure adequate water resources are available, even overriding state or local laws if needed. The order calls for reviewing and potentially revising regulations to prevent delays in water supply projects and emphasizes improving disaster response for both California and North Carolina. It also highlights a need to evaluate California's land and water management practices and recommends better use of federal funds to address disaster preparedness and response in these affected areas.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing changes to the rules governing certain Boeing 767 models. This proposal aims to add more airplanes to the list that require updates to their maintenance or inspection programs with new or stricter airworthiness limitations. These changes aim to address safety issues due to parts that might wear out or fail over time. Because these new rules will impose more requirements compared to earlier proposals, the FAA is reopening the comment period to gather public feedback until April 12, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive for certain Airbus Helicopters models due to reports of significant wear in specific parts of the helicopter. This proposal requires measuring wear in these parts and taking corrective actions based on the results. The proposal also includes a prohibition on installing certain parts unless specific conditions are met. The directive aims to address safety concerns and ensure the continued safe operation of these helicopters.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim rule to remove its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action follows an executive order that rescinded the previous directive requiring these regulations and raised questions about CEQ's authority to impose binding rules. CEQ invites public comments on this rule by March 27, 2025, and will consider these before finalizing the rule. The interim rule’s removal of regulations is aimed at addressing legal uncertainties and simplifying agency compliance with NEPA.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is evaluating changes proposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to the arbitration process they use to settle disputes. FINRA wants to modify the rules to improve how arbitrators are selected and address issues like list selection, requests for more information, and removal of arbitrators. This includes giving non-chair-qualified public arbitrators a better chance to be selected, setting clear deadlines for requests related to arbitrators, and updating outdated references in their rules. The SEC is seeking public comments to decide whether to approve or disapprove these changes by April 2025.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering $180 million in competitive grants for the fiscal year 2021 under the Low or No Emission Grant Program. These grants are aimed at supporting the purchase or lease of low or no-emission vehicles with advanced technology for transit operations. Eligible applicants like states, local government authorities, and tribes can apply electronically through GRANTS.GOV until April 12, 2021. The program aligns with federal goals to enhance sustainable public transportation and address climate change challenges.