Search Results for keywords:"Homeland Security Department"

The Coast Guard has established a new anchorage ground near Rice Island on the Lower Columbia River to enhance navigation safety by creating more space for commercial vessels to anchor. This rule, set to be effective from January 15, 2025, comes in response to increased commercial traffic in the area. During the review process, 42 comments were received, addressing concerns like the depth of the anchorage ground and potential environmental impacts on species such as the Green Sturgeon. The Coast Guard assessed regulatory requirements and determined that this new anchorage ground would not have significant economic or environmental impacts.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of an approved information collection related to the Registration for Classification as a Refugee. This notice aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to gather input on the need, accuracy, quality, and burden of the information collection process. The public can submit comments until March 4, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The estimated total burden time for this collection is about 183,223 hours annually, at an estimated cost burden of $12,000.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule allowing for electronic submission of mariner credential applications and the payment of fees through an online system, aiming to modernize and streamline the process. The rule eliminates the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath in person, updates certain procedures related to the issuance of credentials, and makes technical amendments like adopting gender-neutral language. The changes, effective January 19, 2025, are designed to improve efficiency and clarity, making it easier for mariners to manage their credentials.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is extending a temporary safety zone on the Taylor Bayou Turning Basin in Port Arthur, Texas. This measure is necessary to protect a levee protection wall that is yet to receive permanent repairs. The safety zone will be in effect until September 30, 2027, and restricts unauthorized access to ensure everyone's safety. Public comments on this interim rule are invited until February 28, 2025, and those wanting to enter the restricted area must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur or designated representatives.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing changes to its Privacy Act regulations, in line with the Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017. These changes would restrict the use of full Social Security numbers (SSNs) in documents sent by physical mail unless deemed necessary by the Secretary of Homeland Security. DHS aims to further define what "necessary" means and to ensure that SSNs are redacted whenever possible. The agency also plans safeguards to protect SSNs, ensuring they're never visible on the outside of mail packages.

The Coast Guard is removing the safety and security zone for the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, since the facility has stopped power operations permanently. This change, effective January 16, 2025, is due to the rules no longer being needed because the plant is no longer operational. The removal will affect navigation charts and publications, and related navigation markers will also be taken down. This decision was supported by all commenters and will not significantly impact small enterprises or require new information collections.

The Coast Guard is proposing a temporary safety zone in Corpus Christi Bay and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel during an airshow from April 29 to May 2, 2021. This is to ensure the safety of people and vessels on the water, and no vessel or person will be allowed in the safety zone without permission. The zone will be in effect from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day of the event. The Coast Guard invites public comments on this proposal to help shape the outcome of the rulemaking.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has proposed a change to the operating schedule for two bridges over the Savannah River: the Houlihan Bridge in Georgia and the Seaboard System Railroad Bridge near Hardeeville, South Carolina. This change would require a 24-hour advance notice for bridge openings, up from the current three hours, due to fewer opening requests and to allow maintenance crews to be on-site. The proposed rule aims to improve response times for maintenance while still accommodating vessels that do not require the bridges to open. Public comments on the proposal are invited until April 12, 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have issued a rule to expand the discretionary review authority of the Secretary of Labor to include certain H-2B temporary labor certification cases. This rule allows the Secretary to review cases that are pending before or have been decided by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA). The rule is part of a broader effort to ensure that internal processes are properly supervised by the Secretary and is expected to be used mainly for cases of notable importance. Public comments are encouraged, but significant adverse comments could halt the rule's implementation.

The Coast Guard is proposing a temporary safety zone around a cable laying barge off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia, due to navigational hazards from nearshore operations. This zone extends 1000 yards around the barge and seaward up to 12 nautical miles. The rule aims to ensure the safety of people and vessels near these operations. Unauthorized entry into the zone is prohibited, and the Coast Guard is inviting public comments on this proposal until January 29, 2025.