Search Results for keywords:"CSA Group Testing

On September 11, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) received a petition from Dyson Inc. requesting the revocation of certain testing procedures for air cleaners. Dyson argues that the current methods for measuring room size coverage and energy efficiency are inaccurate and misleading to consumers, leading to energy wastage and stifled innovation. Dyson's petition suggests these rules should either be revoked or enforcement paused to allow for a review and possible amendments. The DOE is currently seeking public comments on whether to proceed with rulemaking based on Dyson's proposal.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is setting up a new program called the Dietary Supplement Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (DSQAP) Consortium. This program aims to improve the accuracy and safety of dietary supplements by developing better testing and measurement methods. NIST is inviting organizations to join the Consortium by sharing their expertise, like analytical testing skills or unique industry knowledge, on a voluntary basis. Participants will sign a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), though non-CRADA options exist for those unable to enter such agreements due to legal or governmental constraints.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has proposed new regulations that explain how to determine if a foreign corporation qualifies as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC), focusing on insurance companies and banks. These regulations clarify the rules for when income from banking and insurance activities can be considered non-passive, making the company potentially exempt from certain U.S. taxes. They address details like how to value assets and manage accounting standards, aiming to provide clearer guidelines and reduce inconsistencies. This proposal is part of broader efforts to ensure foreign investment income is taxed fairly while maintaining clarity for U.S. investors.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized rules regarding salamanders to protect U.S. ecosystems from the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). These rules affirm the 2016 interim rule that listed 20 genera of salamanders as injurious and add 16 more genera to the list. The regulation prohibits the import and transport of these genera among certain U.S. jurisdictions, with exceptions for purposes like scientific research. This action aims to prevent the introduction and spread of Bsal, which can have devastating effects on native salamander populations.

The Coast Guard has extended temporary safety zones around the waters of Port Arthur Canal by the Golden Pass Liquefied Natural Gas Facility in Sabine Pass, Texas. These safety zones are active during high-pressure tests of pipelines to prevent risks to people and vessels from potential explosions and debris. The rule is in effect from January 20, 2023, until June 30, 2025, and entry into the zones is restricted unless specifically permitted by the Captain of the Port, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur. This action is intended to ensure safety during the tests without significantly impacting small businesses or causing major environmental effects.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule change to allow individuals with vision impairments in one eye to operate commercial motor vehicles without needing an exemption. Currently, these individuals need an exemption to drive interstate. The new rule suggests using a standard that includes a road test instead of requiring three years of intrastate driving experience. This change aims to simplify the qualification process and improve employment opportunities for drivers while maintaining safety standards.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. These changes aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, are technologically feasible, and economically justified. Starting March 24, 2025, the new standards will be in effect, requiring compliance by January 22, 2029. The department predicts considerable energy savings and reduced emissions resulting from these updated standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a notice inviting public comments on proposed revisions to the information collection process associated with the "Automated Driving Systems 2.0: A Vision for Safety." This proposal seeks to extend and revise the currently approved collection, which helps entities demonstrate their safety practices concerning automated driving systems (ADS) through Voluntary Safety Self-Assessments (VSSA). NHTSA plans to keep the current framework, which allows entities flexibility in how they communicate safety information, without requiring changes to the existing information collection structure. They estimate approximately 2,400 total annual burden hours for four responses from entities developing and deploying ADS technology.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending its test of using facial recognition technology to help airlines and ships meet passenger information regulations for two more years, now ending on February 16, 2027. This voluntary test allows participating carriers to use CBP's Traveler Verification Service (TVS) to compare travelers' facial images with images already on file, potentially speeding up passenger processing. Travelers can opt out if they do not want their photos taken, requiring the carriers to verify their identities manually. The test aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in verifying traveler identities while maintaining privacy and data protection standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the regulations for emissions standards from Refractory Products Manufacturing under the Clean Air Act. The proposed revisions include adding new emission standards for certain hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and updating standards to address the startup, shutdown, and malfunction of equipment. The proposal also suggests amending electronic reporting requirements to improve the tracking of emissions data. These amendments aim to enhance environmental protection by ensuring that emissions standards are met at all times and by enabling better monitoring and compliance.