Search Results for keywords:"Additive Manufacturing

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized a rule to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, specifically its section 22425. This rule amends the Freight Car Safety Standards to enforce restrictions on new freight cars introduced in the U.S. It prohibits using sensitive technology and components originating from countries of concern or state-owned enterprises, as well as materials that infringe on U.S. intellectual property rights. From January 21, 2025, freight car manufacturers must certify compliance with these standards to operate their vehicles in the United States.

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 Department of Justice has lodged a proposed consent decree with a South Carolina court as part of a lawsuit against LANXESS Corporation. The lawsuit, filed under the Clean Air Act, claims that LANXESS failed to properly manage and monitor equipment at its Charleston facility to prevent hazardous air pollutant leaks. The proposed decree includes a $650,000 civil penalty and requires LANXESS to perform substantial environmental projects, costing at least $3.545 million, to comply with the Clean Air Act. The public can submit comments on this proposed decree within 30 days, either by email or mail.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on unfair trade practices by other countries. This initiative follows directives set out in the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs. Comments should specifically address non-reciprocal trade arrangements and the harm they cause to the U.S. The deadline for submitting comments is March 11, 2025, and submissions should explain the impact of these practices on U.S. interests, supported by quantified harm like opportunity costs.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a new rule to set a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products. This measure aims to decrease the addictiveness of these products, making it easier for people who want to quit to do so, and to prevent youth from becoming addicted. The rule is expected to benefit public health by reducing the number of individuals who start smoking or continue smoking over time. The proposal could potentially improve health outcomes by reducing the overall harmful effects of tobacco addiction.

The document is a Presidential Memorandum addressing the inflation crisis experienced under the Biden Administration. It criticizes the administration's policies for causing high costs in energy, housing, and other essential goods due to regulatory burdens. The memorandum directs government agencies to take actions to reduce costs in housing, healthcare, and transportation, and to eliminate policies that increase food and fuel prices. Agencies must report on their progress in implementing these actions every 30 days.

On December 9, 2024, the Department of Justice proposed a Consent Decree to settle a lawsuit against Diesel Performance Parts, Inc. for violating the Clean Air Act by selling parts that disable vehicle emission controls. The settlement bans the company and its owner from engaging in activities related to these illegal parts and requires them to destroy remaining inventory, give up related intellectual property, and pay a $320,000 fine. The public can comment on this proposed agreement within 30 days of its announcement. If interested, the full decree is available for review on the Justice Department's website.

The Department of Justice has announced a proposed Consent Decree with BCP Ingredients, Inc. over violations of the Clean Air Act due to the release of ethylene oxide at their Missouri facility. Under this agreement, BCP will pay a $300,000 fine, install new equipment to reduce emissions, and conduct three community projects worth $350,000. These projects include donating vehicles and medical supplies, providing medical visits, and supplying emergency response equipment. The public can comment on this decree within 30 days of its announcement.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Department of Commerce is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) with new rules to enhance national security by regulating the export of advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs). The Interim Final Rule (IFR) introduces new due diligence measures to help foundries and semiconductor companies comply with U.S. export laws, especially concerning ICs sold to countries like China. It updates existing semiconductor export controls and sets reporting requirements, license exceptions, and a framework for realizing transparency between IC designers and manufacturers. Public comments on the rule are invited until March 14, 2025.