Search Results for keywords:"economic impact"

The Department of Commerce is seeking public feedback on a new plan to collect emergency economic information from businesses and organizations during unexpected events like pandemics or natural disasters. This initiative aims to quickly gather important data to understand the economic impact of such emergencies and to help decision-makers respond effectively. The Census Bureau will use a set of pre-approved questions and provide this information to relevant authorities, business leaders, and the public. Comments on this proposal are invited to ensure it meets its purpose efficiently and minimizes the burden on those responding.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule that changes how it selects H-1B visa petitions submitted by employers. This new rule prioritizes selecting petitions based on the highest wage level offered for the job, rather than through a random lottery system. By ranking potential H-1B workers based on their salary offers, DHS aims to ensure that visas are more likely to go to highly skilled workers filling important roles, thus supporting economic recovery and protecting U.S. workers' wages. This rule is set to take effect on March 9, 2021, and aims to better align the H-1B program with the intention of hiring more qualified and valued international employees.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on a proposed permit, the 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), which regulates stormwater discharges from certain industrial activities. The new permit, once finalized, will replace the existing permit set to expire on February 28, 2026, and will be valid for five years. The permit will cover specific types of industrial facilities in areas where the EPA has authority, with comments due by February 11, 2025. Notable changes in the new permit include updates to stormwater control measures, monitoring requirements, and the introduction of certain effluent limitations to address environmental concerns like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has proposed a new rule to simplify its regulations by removing outdated and unnecessary ones. This proposed rule focuses on eliminating certain definitions transferred from the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) that are no longer applicable because related regulations are being removed. The change would primarily affect a small number of state savings associations supervised by the FDIC and is not expected to have a significant impact on these institutions or the larger economy. The FDIC invites public comments on the proposed rule and its potential effects.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has revised the critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl, resulting in the exclusion of approximately 3.5 million acres across Washington, Oregon, and California. These exclusions reflect a reconsideration of various impacts, including economic and environmental factors, as well as new information since the 2012 designation. The decision is based on the determination that these exclusions will not lead to the extinction of the species, considering the threats posed by invasive barred owls and ongoing habitat conservation efforts. The revised designation continues to protect critical habitat areas for the owl's survival while balancing other land management priorities.

The Coast Guard is proposing a new rule to update the list of recurring safety zone regulations for events like fireworks displays and air shows in the Ohio Valley area. This update aims to reduce administrative efforts by eliminating the need for separate rule proposals for each event. The rule would enhance safety by restricting vessel movement in these zones and informing the community in advance, while allowing for public comments to ensure effective implementation. It also considers impacts on small businesses, regulatory costs, and environmental effects, but is expected to have minimal economic impact.

The Coast Guard is proposing updates to the special regulations for various marine events like parades and regattas in the Ohio Valley area. These changes will include adding new events, revising details of current events, and removing ones that no longer happen. The proposal aims to make the rules more efficient by minimizing administrative costs and keep the public informed. The Coast Guard is inviting the public to provide comments by March 25, 2021, to help shape this rulemaking process.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has implemented a final rule to remove outdated and duplicative regulations related to "Prompt Corrective Action" that were inherited from the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). The goal is to streamline regulations and ensure clarity by consolidating these rules into existing FDIC regulations. This change affects state savings associations, making it clear that all FDIC-supervised institutions will follow the same regulations. These adjustments are not expected to have substantial impacts on small entities, as the rules remain consistent with existing FDIC standards.