Search Results for keywords:"Economic Impact"

The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a notice seeking public and government agency comments on potential public interest concerns regarding certain passive optical network equipment. This comes after an administrative law judge's determination that a violation of Section 337 may have occurred, involving patents on this equipment. The Commission wants feedback on how any remedial orders, if violations are confirmed, could impact public health, the economy, and consumers in the United States. Comments are due by February 11, 2025, and must address specific issues such as the usage of the articles and possible replacements among others.

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration has postponed the preliminary determination in a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of paper file folders from Cambodia. This delay is due to a request from the petitioner, the Coalition of Domestic Folder Manufacturers, who asked for more time to analyze responses and issue further questionnaires. Originally, the determination was due by January 16, 2025, but it has now been extended to no later than March 24, 2025. This extension allows Commerce to ensure a thorough investigation process.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final rule to include Saratoga County, New York, in the Jefferson, NY, nonappropriated fund (NAF) Federal Wage System (FWS) wage area. This change is due to one employee working in Saratoga County and aims to address the employee's pay-setting considerations. The rule is set to take effect on January 13, 2025, and OPM anticipates minimal economic impact given the small number of employees affected. The regulation was subject to review and found to have no significant economic or federalism impact and does not impose additional record-keeping requirements.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has released a notice providing data and analysis regarding proposed energy conservation standards for portable electric spas, a type of hot tub. Public comments on this proposal are welcome until February 18, 2025, and can be submitted through various methods including an online portal, email, and mail. This notice builds on previous evaluations and incorporates comments from earlier related publications. The agency is examining the potential impact of such standards on both consumers and spa manufacturers.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that a petition has been filed to add potassium carbonate to the list of taxable substances. This substance, used in cattle feed, glass manufacturing, and as a food additive, is being proposed for taxation based on its production method and components. The petition, submitted by Occidental Chemical Corporation, suggests a tax rate of $0.36 per ton. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by March 24, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Federal Clean Water Act to amend the California Toxics Rule by establishing a revised selenium water quality criterion for certain freshwater bodies in California. This new criterion aims to protect aquatic life and wildlife that depend on these aquatic ecosystems from high selenium levels, which can be toxic. The EPA incorporated public feedback and scientific evidence into the rule, and it includes measures to account for site-specific conditions. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, unless California develops its own compliant standards.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a final rule to update the civil penalties for certain violations based on the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. As of January 16, 2025, the maximum penalty has been increased from $2,058 to $2,111, reflecting adjustments for inflation. The adjustment is calculated using the Consumer Price Index and is applied automatically each year. This rule is not anticipated to have a significant economic impact and follows federal guidelines to ensure compliance and reduce burdens.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as mandated by several acts including the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This rule mandates annual inflation adjustments to the penalties, starting from January 2026. Penalties for false claims against the government are increased to a maximum of $13,700 per violation. The adjustments are exempt from public notice and comment because they follow specific federal legislative requirements.

The NCUA Board has finalized a rule to adjust the maximum amounts of civil monetary penalties (CMPs) it can impose, based on inflation, as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. These adjustments, which must be made annually, are calculated by comparing the consumer price index for previous years. The new rule takes effect immediately upon publication and applies to penalties assessed for violations from November 2, 2015, onward. The adjustments are largely technical and do not require public notice or comment.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is proposing to remove certain services from its Procurement List. These services were offered by nonprofit agencies that employ individuals who are blind or have severe disabilities. The list includes services like call center operations and janitorial work. This proposal is open for public comments until March 9, 2025.