Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The Coast Guard is implementing a permanent safety zone in the waters around Bahia de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico. This safety zone is designed to protect lives during ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied gas, preventing any unauthorized persons or vessels from entering the zone while these operations are active. The safety zone extends 100 yards from the transfer location, and access is only permitted with permission from the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated Coast Guard official. This new rule becomes effective on March 5, 2021, and aims to ensure navigational safety in this busy maritime area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a rule extending the prohibition on certain flights in specific areas of the Sanaa Flight Information Region (FIR) in Yemen. This prohibition, which applies to U.S. air carriers and operators, is extended until January 7, 2028, due to significant safety risks stemming from regional conflicts and the presence of advanced weapons systems. The rule aims to protect U.S. civil aviation from the dangers posed by ongoing military tensions, particularly those involving Houthi forces. The FAA has determined that swift action is needed, therefore the usual public comment process has been bypassed for this rule.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing updates to the rules governing operational contract support (OCS) outside the United States. These changes aim to broaden the scenarios where contracted support can be used, improve accountability and reporting of contractor personnel, and clarify the responsibilities of those involved. The updated rule seeks to enhance integration and oversight of contracted support as a vital defense capability, addressing areas identified as high-risk by the Government Accountability Office. Overall, these efforts intend to minimize wastage and improve the effectiveness of military operations supported by contractors.

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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a final rule that allows Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators to use a specific spectrum band (5030-5091 MHz) for communication. This rule introduces Part 88, which includes service guidelines for obtaining temporary frequency assignments in this band, managed by dynamic frequency management systems (DFMSs) to ensure safe and efficient use. The rule aims to enhance the integration of UAS operations into controlled airspace by providing reliable communication channels necessary for safe operation. The effectiveness of the rule begins February 7, 2025, although some parts will be delayed pending further notice.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized a rule changing the 5.9 GHz band to support cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology, which is intended to improve transportation safety and efficiency. By 2027, existing systems using older technology known as Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) must transition to C-V2X, as the DSRC licenses will no longer be issued. The rule outlines technical guidelines for both roadside and vehicle units, emphasizes message priority for safety communications, and does not require compensation for entities transitioning to the new technology. The FCC expects these changes to enhance traffic safety while supporting the development of new transportation technologies.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is updating its rules to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by a 2015 federal law. This adjustment aims to keep penalties effective and ensure they still act as a deterrent. The new penalty amount of $65,655 will apply starting January 15, 2025. The adjustments are routine, and the rule change won't significantly impact small businesses or other major aspects of the economy or government operations.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to amend the USDA organic regulations with new standards for organic mushroom production and pet food handling. This rule clarifies standards such as the composition and sourcing of materials used in organic mushroom production and the use of synthetic nutrients like taurine in organic pet food. These amendments aim to resolve inconsistencies in existing regulations to promote fair competition and market growth for both organic mushrooms and pet food. The rule is effective February 21, 2025, with compliance required by February 22, 2027.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes a voluntary program called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS). The program aims to review and oversee these vehicles, focusing on safety and public transparency. Participants can apply to perform specific operations or seek exemptions from certain safety standards. The program is designed to help NHTSA monitor the safe development of ADS while collecting data that could inform future safety standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that enables it to accept air operator certificates from Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) for foreign air carriers, as long as the State of the Operator is a member of that organization. This change eases the process for foreign airlines to gain operational specifications for flying to and from the United States. While some industry groups expressed concerns about safety and legal issues, the FAA assures that it will review and validate these certificates to ensure they meet international safety standards. The rule will become effective on January 16, 2025.