Search Results for keywords:"transparency"

The Cboe BYX Exchange, Inc. filed a proposed rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend its fee schedule, specifically regarding the use of Dedicated Cores. Dedicated Cores offer users full CPU processing power, which can improve trading performance, and are available on a voluntary basis. The Exchange plans to charge progressively higher fees based on the number of Dedicated Cores a user purchases beyond the initial two, which are free. The proposal also increases the overall cap on the number of Dedicated Cores a member can have to better meet demand while maintaining fairness in allocation due to physical space constraints.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule to improve transparency in its significant regulatory and scientific actions. The rule emphasizes the importance of making dose-response data publicly accessible for independent validation, which refers to reanalyzing data to confirm study results. While the rule encourages using studies with available data, it also allows for exceptions in specific cases, like when data privacy laws restrict sharing. This effort aims to enhance public trust in the EPA's decisions by promoting openness and scientific scrutiny.

Nasdaq PHLX LLC submitted a rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking to update and clarify the Phlx Rules related to options trading. The changes include updates to definitions, rules on market maker obligations, order types, and how certain orders like All-or-None Orders are processed. The purpose of these amendments is to ensure accuracy and clarity in the rules, improve transparency for market participants, and ensure the trading system operates in line with its current functionality. The proposed changes have been filed for immediate effectiveness, meaning they can be implemented without a 30-day waiting period, as they do not significantly affect investor protection or impose a burden on competition.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a final rule under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to improve transparency in the extraction industry. This rule requires companies involved in the extraction of oil, natural gas, or minerals to report payments made to foreign governments or the U.S. federal government for resource development. Companies must include details about the type and amount of payments, and this information must be presented publicly in a specific electronic format. The rule aims to deter corruption and promote accountability, although some exemptions and delayed reporting options are available to reduce the compliance burden on smaller companies.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has finalized changes to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations to align with the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. These updates aim to make procedures for accessing information more accessible and clearly outlined for public understanding. The new rule reorganizes SSA's FOIA guidelines, clarifies terms like "commercial interest," and provides extensive details on processing requests, fees, and exemptions. The SSA hopes these changes will improve transparency and efficiency for both the agency and the public.

The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) held its virtual Seventy-third Plenary Session, during which it adopted six recommendations and issued one official statement. The recommendations cover a range of topics including rules on rulemakings, protecting sensitive materials in public rulemaking dockets, improving government contract bid protest procedures, and making agency appellate systems more efficient. The official statement addresses the use of artificial intelligence by agencies, highlighting the importance of transparency and oversight. While these recommendations are not binding, they are intended to improve processes within federal agencies and will be shared with affected entities such as Congress and the Judicial Conference of the United States.

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) submitted a rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to update its documentation on how it calculates margin requirements for its members. This new document, called the STANS Methodology Description, aims to improve transparency about OCC's risk-based margin system by replacing a previous document while excluding certain outdated or redundant details. The SEC approved the proposal, believing it aligns with existing laws and regulations, and helps OCC manage risk in the event that a member defaults, thereby protecting the funds and securities in its care.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is renewing its request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue collecting information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves the NASA New Technology Reporting System, which requires contractors involved in research and development to report inventions, patents, data, and copyrights. The information is collected through an electronic system, and the burden on respondents is estimated in terms of hours and cost. NASA encourages public comments on the necessity, utility, and burden of this information collection.

The National Park Service is proposing changes to how the U.S. participates in the World Heritage Convention. These updates aim to align U.S. regulations with the latest guidelines from UNESCO regarding cultural and natural heritage sites. The proposal includes refining procedures for nominating U.S. sites to the World Heritage List, ensuring adequate legal protection for nominated sites, and encouraging public involvement in heritage preservation. The public is invited to comment on these proposed rules, with feedback due by February 3, 2025.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting public comments on its plan to collect information as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice discusses the requirements and expected burdens associated with the information collection for the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Conditions for Coverage and Supporting Regulations and the Expanding Access to Women's Health Grant. The public has until February 21, 2025, to submit their input, which can help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs.