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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a final rule to repeal a previous requirement for State departments of transportation (State DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets and report their progress. This decision was made because the rule was seen as unnecessary and potentially burdensome, with no clear legal backing and minimal benefits. Notably, the courts had already blocked the rule, citing legal and regulatory issues. Repealing this requirement provides clarity and aligns with recent legal decisions, but it doesn't stop State DOTs and MPOs from voluntarily tracking their own CO2 emissions.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule revising the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). This rule mandates that state Title IV-E agencies collect and report more detailed data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for children in foster care. The aim is to better understand the experiences and outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and to improve culturally responsive care. States are given a three-year timeframe to implement these changes, which will take effect on October 1, 2028.

The Surface Transportation Board reviewed a petition from the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to build an 85-mile railway in Utah to connect the Uinta Basin with the national rail network. The Coalition seeks an exemption from the usual prior approval requirements, arguing that the rail line will provide critical transportation benefits and support local industries. While there is significant support, including endorsements from state officials, there is also opposition citing financial viability concerns and potential environmental impacts. The Board has made a preliminary decision on the transportation merits but will only finalize its decision after completing an environmental review.

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service, part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is implementing new regulations under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. These regulations require the Treasury to provide states with information about unredeemed U.S. savings bonds to help locate their owners. However, the information can only be used for locating bond owners, not for claiming ownership through state escheatment laws, which attempt to take control of unclaimed property. The regulations also include privacy protections and prevent states from publicly sharing the information without Treasury's consent to avoid fraud and misuse.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a final rule that amends its existing Buy America requirements. This rule terminates the general waiver for manufactured products and applies new requirements to products used in Federal-aid highway projects, aligning with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA). These requirements mandate that manufactured products must be assembled in the U.S., and beginning October 2026, at least 55% of their components by cost must also be of U.S. origin. The rule aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and create a more resilient supply chain.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new regulations for managing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule is part of NOAA's Restoration Blueprint initiative and aims to extend the sanctuary's boundaries, update general and specific marine zones, and redefine what activities are permitted there. NOAA's regulations include measures to protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats, prevent environmental threats, and address concerns such as grounded and derelict vessels. The changes also emphasize updated procedures for permits and collaboration with military and state bodies to ensure compliance and effective management of sanctuary resources.

The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on an information collection request regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) web-based hotline. This hotline collects confidential information on labor issues from interested parties, including Mexican workers. The public can submit comments until January 13, 2025, about the necessity and effects of this information collection. The Department aims to ensure that the data collection is effective, minimizes burdens, and uses appropriate technology, with the collection having no cost to respondents and requiring 550 annual burden hours.

The Coast Guard is creating a temporary, moving security zone within a 500-yard radius around the vessel M/V ARC INDEPENDENCE in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. This zone aims to protect the vessel, its cargo, and the waterway from potential threats like terrorism or accidents. The security measures will be enforced from December 20 to 27, 2024, and nobody is allowed to enter the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port or their designated representative. This rule is enacted swiftly for safety reasons and has minimal impact on other vessels as they can request permission to enter the zone if needed.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made comprehensive updates to the regulations overseeing Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 programs, which involve the management of dredged and fill material by Tribes and States. These updates aim to clarify requirements for how Tribes and States can assume these programs, enhance procedures for public and inter-agency coordination, and strengthen oversight and enforcement aspects. They also allow for greater Tribal involvement in commenting on permits that might impact Tribal resources. The EPA has also streamlined the process for withdrawing State programs if they are not compliant with the CWA requirements, ensuring effective and efficient program operations.