Search Results for agency_names:"Commerce Department"

The Department of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), has issued a notice requesting public comment on a revised information collection concerning the Tech Hubs initiative. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. economic and national security by promoting regional innovation and competitiveness. The revised information collection will help ensure that investments in designated Tech Hubs are data-driven and accountable. Public comments are sought to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and burden of this data collection to improve its effectiveness.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to regulations for West Coast salmon fisheries. They plan to remove rebuilding plans for the Queets River and Strait of Juan de Fuca coho salmon from the rules because these fish stocks have been successfully rebuilt. This action aims to prevent confusion by eliminating outdated plans that are no longer necessary under the Pacific Fishery Management Council's guidelines. Additionally, this proposed rule is considered a deregulatory action, meaning it simplifies existing regulations without significant economic impacts on small fishing businesses.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection related to the Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This initiative allows industrial fasteners to bear identifiable insignias, mandating manufacturers to register these with the USPTO to safeguard against counterfeit sales. Comments should be submitted by March 16, 2021, to help the agency assess the necessity and effectiveness of this information collection process.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), part of the Department of Commerce, has issued a notice regarding the mandatory Quarterly Survey of Transactions in Selected Services and Intellectual Property with Foreign Persons (BE-125). This survey collects data to measure the U.S.'s trade in services and its impact on the economy. U.S. individuals or organizations meeting certain sales or purchase thresholds with foreign persons are required to report. The survey must be submitted within 30 days after each fiscal quarter ends, except for the final quarter, which has a 45-day deadline. The survey process is approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0608-0067.

Irma Lizette Trevizo was convicted of conspiring to smuggle firearms and ammunition from the U.S. to Mexico, resulting in a prison sentence and additional penalties. As a result of her conviction, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has decided to deny her the privilege to export goods from the U.S. for ten years, until April 30, 2029. This order also revokes any BIS-issued licenses she held at the time of her conviction. Trevizo has the option to appeal this decision within 45 days of the order being issued.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a new rule under the Tuna Conventions Act that would set annual and trip limits on the U.S. commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna for 2025-2026. These measures aim to conserve the tuna population and meet the U.S.'s international commitments with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The proposed rule outlines specific trip limits that decrease as the cumulative catch approaches annual limits, and details a system for announcing and managing in-season actions to adjust these limits. Public comments on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment are invited until January 29, 2025, and can be submitted through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new regulations for managing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule is part of NOAA's Restoration Blueprint initiative and aims to extend the sanctuary's boundaries, update general and specific marine zones, and redefine what activities are permitted there. NOAA's regulations include measures to protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats, prevent environmental threats, and address concerns such as grounded and derelict vessels. The changes also emphasize updated procedures for permits and collaboration with military and state bodies to ensure compliance and effective management of sanctuary resources.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as requested by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has issued regulations to allow the oil and gas industry to unintentionally take marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five years. This means that companies can get special permissions to conduct surveys that might disturb marine mammals, as long as they follow guidelines to minimize the impact on these animals and their habitats. This includes using monitoring and reporting methods to ensure compliance with the rules, and taking measures like stopping activities to avoid harming the animals. These regulations aim to balance industrial activities with the protection of marine life.

The Department of Commerce is proposing to continue its information collection via the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS). This survey helps gather detailed, frequent, and timely data on U.S. economic conditions and trends. With a target of 795,000 respondents, the survey will be conducted biweekly and seeks to include more multi-unit businesses for comprehensive economic representation. The department is also revising the survey to focus on core questions and plans to extend it for another three years, along with a possibility of including updated questions on artificial intelligence. Public comments are invited within 30 days on the proposed collection.

Fahad Saleem Kharbey was convicted in a U.S. District Court for unlawfully exporting firearms and magazines to Dubai without a license. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce has denied his export privileges for seven years, until May 31, 2026. This means he cannot participate in or benefit from any export activities and others are also prohibited from exporting to him. Kharbey can appeal this order within 45 days.