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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the list of chemicals required for toxic chemical release reporting under two acts: the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This update adds nine specific chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), based on a Congressional mandate from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. These PFAS must be reported in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) starting with the 2025 reporting year. The rule is effective from February 5, 2025, and aims to improve public and governmental understanding of PFAS releases for better environmental management.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule that amends the pricing provisions in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These changes include updating milk composition factors and surveyed commodity products, revising Class III and IV formula factors, and modifying the Class I skim milk price calculation. Most amendments will take effect on June 1, 2025, while certain adjustments related to skim milk composition will be effective December 1, 2025. This rule aims to more accurately reflect current market conditions and ensure orderly milk marketing.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice inviting public comments on a proposed information collection to reduce paperwork burdens. The FCC aims to specifically gather input on how to alleviate this burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The notice outlines various sections of regulations and the obligations imposed on entities concerning station identification, pay-per-call services, competitive networks, and technical support. The FCC seeks feedback on whether these requirements are necessary and suggestions to improve them, ensuring transparency and compliance with existing laws.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies as part of its effort to minimize paperwork burdens, a requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are invited on the necessity and utility of the FCC's information collection, the accuracy of the burden estimates, and suggestions for improving the clarity and reducing the burden on respondents, particularly small businesses. The FCC's current information collection, known as FCC Form 602, involves gathering data regarding ownership interests in wireless telecommunications services, with an annual burden of 5,217 hours and an annual cost of $762,300. Comments are due by July 7, 2025.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to amend safety standards for child restraint systems in vehicles. The goal is to improve the ease of use and effectiveness of lower and tether anchorages in cars, fulfilling the MAP-21 mandate. The new regulations include clearer labeling, standardized anchorage configurations, and improved testing tools to ensure child safety systems are more user-friendly. The rule includes a phased implementation starting in September 2028 to allow manufacturers time to incorporate these changes into vehicle designs.

The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized new rules amending the test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps, incorporating updated industry standards. The changes include adding new cooling and heating efficiency measures, SCORE and SHORE, which factor in energy use during off modes. The rule updates various testing standards and clarifies the requirements for systems like dual-fuel heat pumps and those using newer refrigerants. These rules aim to provide more accurate efficiency ratings without increasing testing costs for manufacturers.

The IRS and Treasury Department have finalized regulations that extend the time individuals have to roll over qualified plan loan offset amounts from 60 days to their tax filing due date (including extensions) for the year the offset occurs. This extension was established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to help participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans who have an outstanding loan balance when they either leave their job or when their employer plan terminates. These regulations are effective from January 1, 2021, but individuals can choose to apply them to offsets deemed distributed on or after August 20, 2020. The regulations aim to simplify the process for taxpayers and provide clearer guidelines for plan administrators.

The Federal Maritime Commission is investigating issues with shipping routes at important international maritime chokepoints, such as the English Channel and the Suez Canal. The investigation aims to understand how foreign laws, vessel practices, and other factors create shipping delays and complications. They have invited public comments to gather insights and possible solutions to these shipping constraints by May 13, 2025. The inquiry is looking into the financial, environmental, and geopolitical impacts of these maritime issues.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of information collection rules related to public safety communications in the 4.9 GHz band. These rules aim to gather detailed technical data from public safety agencies, which must be submitted to the FCC's Universal Licensing System starting December 9, 2024. The data collection involves new licensing requests and updates for existing operations, with a deadline for incumbent licensees set for June 9, 2025. The efforts are part of an initiative to enhance public safety communication measures in this frequency band.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has introduced new rules for evaluating water resources projects, offering specific procedures to implement principles from federal guidelines established for such investments. This rule aims to maximize public benefits by balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations while prioritizing collaboration and public engagement, including with Tribal Nations. The rule will apply to new and significant projects and does not impose new mandates on small entities or Tribal governments. It emphasizes transparency, public participation, and the consideration of climate change and environmental justice in decision-making processes.