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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made changes to rules about aerosol sprays to reduce pollution that contributes to smog. These new amendments focus on using less reactive compounds in aerosol products, and they update testing methods, reporting requirements, and compliance dates for the industry. Companies that make or sell these aerosol products, especially those not operating in California, need to comply by mid-2025, but they can start using the new standards earlier if they choose. The EPA believes these changes won't harm the environment and will help align national and state regulations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that updates the process for requesting special flight authorizations for supersonic aircraft in the U.S. This rule simplifies the application procedure for testing these aircrafts at speeds over Mach 1, mainly for purposes like checking airworthiness and reducing sonic boom impacts. While the rule streamlines administrative requirements, it does not change the long-standing general ban on routine overland supersonic flight. The FAA still heavily focuses on ensuring these tests consider potential environmental impacts, following regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made comprehensive updates to the regulations overseeing Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 programs, which involve the management of dredged and fill material by Tribes and States. These updates aim to clarify requirements for how Tribes and States can assume these programs, enhance procedures for public and inter-agency coordination, and strengthen oversight and enforcement aspects. They also allow for greater Tribal involvement in commenting on permits that might impact Tribal resources. The EPA has also streamlined the process for withdrawing State programs if they are not compliant with the CWA requirements, ensuring effective and efficient program operations.

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 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.

In a final rule published on November 18, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made corrections to its regulations by addressing two specific errors. The first correction involves handling a wrongly stayed section, with the agency providing new instructions to revise and stay that section until January 16, 2026. The second correction fixes a typographical error involving an incorrect reference in a section definition. These changes aim to improve clarity and consistency within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has issued a final rule to change the operating schedule for the Woodward Island Bridge at Middle River near Discovery Bay, CA. The new schedule allows the bridge's removable span to open specifically for vessels involved in emergency levee repairs. The rule takes effect on February 10, 2021. The bridge was designed to accommodate both emergency and most recreational vessels, with an alternate route available for vessels that cannot pass under the bridge in its closed position.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is proposing a rule that would require alcohol beverage labels to disclose the presence of major food allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. This initiative aims to give consumers who are allergic to these foods essential information to make informed choices about alcohol consumption. The proposal is part of a broader push to standardize labeling with other food products, and TTB is considering an extended compliance period to reduce the impact on the industry, particularly small businesses. Comments on the proposal are being sought until April 17, 2025.

The Department of the Treasury is inviting public comments on its plan to collect information related to the CARES Act Loan and Payroll Support Programs for air carriers and other eligible businesses. This request is part of an effort to reduce paperwork and ensure compliance with existing financial assistance agreements under the CARES Act and subsequent laws. The Treasury Department needs to gather feedback on several aspects, including the necessity and practicality of the information collection and ways to reduce the burden on respondents. Comments about this process are accepted until March 31, 2025.

The Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and NASA have proposed changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to improve small business participation in multiple-award contracts. This proposal aims to expand the use of small business set-asides, promote more coordination with small business specialists during planning, and increase opportunities for small businesses to win government contracts. It introduces stricter documentation and coordination requirements for agencies, especially when opting not to set aside projects for small businesses, and discusses using tools like "on-ramps" to include more small businesses in long-term contracts. These changes are intended to boost competition and economic strength by involving more small businesses in government contracts.