Search Results for type:"Rule"

The U.S. Coast Guard announced new pilotage rates for 2025 under the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960. The updated rates, which take into account factors like inflation, district operating costs, and an increase in the number of pilots, will result in a 7% rise in pilotage costs compared to the previous year. These changes are made to ensure safe and reliable pilotage services in the Great Lakes, catering to foreign merchant vessels and any U.S. vessel engaged in foreign trade. The Coast Guard reviewed public comments on these changes but made no alterations to the proposed rates.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule stating that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electric utility generating units (EGUs) significantly contribute to air pollution that endangers public health and welfare. This determination is based on a framework where EGUs, due to their large emissions, surpass the established 3-percent threshold of total U.S. GHG emissions. While other factors could also influence this decision, the major emissions from EGUs alone justify regulation. The rule does not expect to impact energy supply, costs, or emissions notably.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to regulate the chemical 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-TTBP) due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature. This rule prohibits the sale and distribution of products containing more than 0.3% of 2,4,6-TTBP in containers smaller than 35 gallons, effective January 6, 2026. The rule aims to reduce exposure to this chemical, particularly for consumers and small businesses using fuel and oil products. It requires that records of compliance be maintained for three years after the rule takes effect.

The Coast Guard has implemented a new rule imposing a 48-hour time limit for vessels anchoring in Anchorage Area (B) at Bolivar Roads near Galveston, Texas, effective March 3, 2021. This rule aligns Anchorage Area (B) with the same time restrictions already applied to Areas (A) and (C). The change comes in response to extended anchoring times causing congestion and safety concerns, impacting commerce. Vessels can request longer anchoring permission from the Captain of the Port Houston-Galveston through the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service if needed due to bad weather or other circumstances.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for specific models of Robinson Helicopter Company R44 and R44 II helicopters due to reports of failed clutch actuators and rivets. These failures may cause the brackets to detach from the fan scroll housing, potentially leading to serious safety issues, including loss of control of the helicopter. The directive requires inspections and corrective actions, such as repairing or replacing components to ensure the helicopters are safe to operate. This rule goes into effect on January 7, 2025, affecting over 1,600 helicopters in the U.S. registry.

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Atchafalaya River near Cypress Passage for a planned demolition of overhead powerlines scheduled on January 9, 2025. This area will be off-limits to vessels and people within a 500-yard radius, except with permission, to protect against the hazards posed by powerlines on the water's surface during the 12-hour operation. This rule is intended to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the vicinity of the demolition. The regulation will be enforced through communication on VHF radio channels, and it is not expected to have significant economic impacts on small businesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule exempting certain pesticide residues in food from needing a tolerance level when used according to label guidelines. Specifically, residues of Pseudomonas oryzihabitans strain SYM23945 in all food commodities are exempt as they are deemed non-toxic and safe based on data evaluation. This ruling ensures there is no significant risk to human health, including infants and children. The decision, effective March 27, 2025, reiterates that no maximum permissible residue level is required for this strain when used properly.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has implemented a final rule to remove outdated and duplicative regulations related to "Prompt Corrective Action" that were inherited from the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). The goal is to streamline regulations and ensure clarity by consolidating these rules into existing FDIC regulations. This change affects state savings associations, making it clear that all FDIC-supervised institutions will follow the same regulations. These adjustments are not expected to have substantial impacts on small entities, as the rules remain consistent with existing FDIC standards.

The Department of Labor has amended Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE) 2002-51, linked to the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction (VFC) Program, which aims to help correct breaches in fiduciary duties without facing penalties. These changes include a new self-correction feature allowing certain plan contributions to be fixed without filing a full application, and updates to improve notice procedures to interested parties while providing an appendix with a model notice. The amendment aims to make it easier and less expensive for employers to correct errors and comply with regulations under the VFC Program.

The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) has released a document addressing comments about reducing regulatory burdens on Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions, such as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. It explains the FCA's response to feedback received about rules considered unnecessary or burdensome. Key points discussed include changes needed for accounting practices and reporting requirements, and some suggestions that align with ongoing regulatory projects. The FCA also mentions willingness to evaluate certain comments further and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining necessary regulations to ensure safety and soundness while reducing unnecessary burdens.