Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proposing to remove five regulatory provisions that prevent certain faith-based organizations from accessing SBA business loan and disaster assistance programs due to their religious status. These provisions conflict with the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, as interpreted by recent Supreme Court decisions, which protect religious organizations from discriminatory exclusions. The SBA plans to amend these regulations to ensure faith-based organizations receive equal treatment under its programs, aligning with constitutional requirements and promoting religious liberty. Public comments on this proposal are open until February 18, 2021.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an interim final rule in response to a petition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. This rule addresses when to increase the civil penalty rate for automobile manufacturers that do not meet corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. The updated penalty rate will be enforced starting with the 2022 model year, unless a court decision is overturned. NHTSA has decided this rule to ensure fairness and avoid retroactive penalties, especially as manufacturers have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to implement Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan for the 2025 and 2026 fishing years. This plan includes setting scallop catch limits, allocating fishing efforts, and modifying access area management to protect juvenile scallops. The adjustment also involves seasonal closures, area openings, and a research set-aside for scallop studies. The proposed rule aims to prevent overfishing, increase yield, and optimize the sustainability of scallop fisheries.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting comments from the public on its plan to extend an information collection about small-scale fishermen in the U.S. Caribbean, which includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The study aims to gather data on demographics, fishing practices, and economic conditions to help improve fishery management and comply with legal standards. Participation is voluntary, and the surveys will be conducted in person. They anticipate a total of 1,500 respondents, with each survey taking about 30 minutes, leading to an estimated 750 total hours of public engagement annually. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until April 26, 2021.

The document is a notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding a proposed amendment to the National Market System Plan governing the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). This amendment aims to introduce limitation of liability provisions, which would limit any claims against the CAT LLC to the lesser of $500 or the total fees paid by CAT reporters in the case of a data breach. This move is intended to align with industry standards and prevent potentially high costs and litigation that do not contribute to improved data security. The document invites public comments on whether this proposed amendment is in line with the Exchange Act and appropriately manages the cyber risks involved in maintaining a large, sensitive database like the CAT.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

The Census Bureau within the Department of Commerce is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to its information collection about state and local government tax revenues. The Census Bureau plans to update surveys related to property, state, and non-property taxes by adding new categories such as cannabis and sports betting sales taxes, while removing others like license taxes from quarterly collections. This notice invites feedback on the revisions and aims to ensure that data collection methods are efficient and maintain relevancy. The deadline for submitting comments is March 16, 2021.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection has issued an Advisory Opinion to clarify rules under Regulation B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act regarding special purpose credit programs. This opinion provides guidance to for-profit organizations on how to develop credit programs that serve specific social needs and explains what information must be included in programs' written plans. It aims to address regulatory uncertainties and encourage financial institutions to create programs that improve credit access for disadvantaged groups. The Advisory Opinion became effective on January 15, 2021.

The Department of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, is seeking public comments on their proposal for updating information collection from businesses applying for foreign-trade zone (FTZ) status. These applications allow businesses to request new or modified zone statuses and assess the economic impact of these zones. The information collected helps evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of these zones, as well as the burden on the public. People have until May 30, 2025, to send their comments, which will become part of the public record.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to establish critical habitat for the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population of the longfin smelt, a fish found in California's San Francisco Bay estuary. This includes approximately 91,630 acres of land to help conserve the species under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal outlines specific water conditions and habitat requirements needed for the smelt's survival. Public comments and economic analysis on the proposal are sought before finalizing the critical habitat designation.