Search Results for keywords:"Final Rule"

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation issued a final rule to adjust the maximum civil penalties for certain violations, in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. This adjustment is required annually to account for inflation and affects penalties under specific sections of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). For 2025, the penalty amounts have increased to $2,739 under section 4071 and $365 under section 4302. These adjustments apply to penalties assessed after January 8, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, effective January 2, 2025. These adjustments are in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget. This rule increases penalty amounts for violations occurring after November 2, 2015, and applies to various DHS components like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coast Guard. The updated penalty amounts are designed to maintain their deterrent effect and comply with mandatory legislative requirements.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a rule to remove an outdated contract clause from the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The clause, 252.239-7006, known as "Tariff Information," required telecommunications contractors to submit certain information, which is no longer deemed necessary. This change is expected to save costs for both the DoD and contractors. The removal simplifies compliance for contractors, including small businesses, as it eliminates a reporting requirement that was previously mandated.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has adopted a final rule to clarify the role of supervisory guidance in regulating credit unions. This rule makes clear that supervisory guidance, unlike laws or regulations, doesn't have the force of law and does not create binding obligations. The NCUA won't take enforcement actions based on supervisory guidance but will use it to communicate expectations and provide examples of best practices. The rule is intended to ensure that guidance remains a helpful tool for both examiners and credit unions without creating legal obligations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a plan from Pennsylvania to maintain air quality standards for ozone in the Johnstown area. This plan is part of the state's efforts to meet the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard. The approval makes certain commitments federally enforceable as part of Pennsylvania's Implementation Plan. The plan focuses on ongoing air quality monitoring and measures to ensure that the area continues to meet required standards.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a final rule that dismisses two petitions for reconsideration filed by CTIA and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc. (APCO). These petitions were related to the FCC's previous decision on wireless E911 location accuracy improvements. The petitions were dismissed because they were considered repetitive, untimely, and lacking sufficient justification. The FCC's decision means that the requirements for enhanced location accuracy for emergency calls will remain as planned without additional changes.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is delaying the effective date of new energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. Originally, these standards were set to take effect on March 21, 2025, but now the date is pushed to May 20, 2025, to allow more time for reviewing legal, factual, and policy concerns. This change is in line with a government-wide directive for examining rules more closely, although the final compliance dates remain unchanged: December 23, 2027, for non-display doors, and December 31, 2028, for refrigeration systems. The delay is classified as procedural, so public notice or a hearing were not legally necessary for its implementation.

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) has issued a final rule to adjust its maximum civil monetary penalties for inflation experienced from October 2019 to October 2020. This adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and affects penalties related to violations under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act. The new rates are based on the Consumer Price Index and are effective immediately as of February 2, 2021. The rulemaking complies with various executive orders and acts, including the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the Treasury Department, issued a final rule to adjust certain civil monetary penalties based on inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990. These adjustments are calculated using a specific formula that considers changes in consumer prices, and the updated penalties will apply to violations occurring after the adjustments take effect. This rule does not require public notice or comments, as the changes are mandated by law and involve no new administrative procedures.

The U.S. Office of Government Ethics has issued a final rule to adjust the fines for violations of the Ethics in Government Act in 2025, as required by law to keep up with inflation. These changes, effective January 15, 2025, include increasing penalties for activities such as falsifying financial disclosure reports and misuse of public reports. The adjustments ensure that penalties remain a deterrent and are calculated based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. These updates only affect violations occurring after November 2, 2015, that are addressed after the new rule's effective date.