Search Results for type:"Proposed Rule"

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes changes to its life insurance regulations to make it easier for terminally ill service members and their families to access benefits. Typically, a terminally ill person must apply for their Accelerated Benefit, which allows them to receive part of their insurance payout early. However, the rule change would allow an alternate applicant, like someone with power of attorney, to apply if the insured person cannot do so themselves because of medical reasons. This update would also make it clear who qualifies as a dependent for insurance coverage and aligns VA's practices with industry standards.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has proposed a new rule to modify a system of records called the "Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database," which is intended to collect data related to sexual assault cases involving members of the Armed Forces. The rule seeks to exempt certain records within this database from parts of the Privacy Act to allow for better handling of legal actions or investigations without interference. The rule also invites the public to submit comments before it becomes final, and it explains that it won't significantly affect small businesses or impose compliance costs on state, local, or Tribal governments. The proposal is primarily focused on maintaining the privacy and integrity of ongoing investigations and ensuring a streamlined process for handling reports of sexual assault.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines, Model ARRIUS 2B2. This proposal is in response to data indicating that a key engine component, the preference injector, may clog due to fuel coking, which could lead to engine failure and loss of helicopter control. The AD would require testing, possible replacement of the injector, and a software upgrade. The FAA invites public comments on this proposed rule by April 11, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to New York's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from certain combustion turbines during the ozone season. The revision includes stricter emission limits aimed at improving air quality and meeting federal ozone standards. New York's approach involves phasing in the new limits and offers flexibility to turbine operators through two compliance options. This proposal is part of ongoing efforts to clear harmful pollutants and protect public health by ensuring states adhere to the Clean Air Act.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a change to air navigation routes in Alaska. They plan to remove Jet Route J-606, which is becoming unusable because they're decommissioning the Chinook, AK, Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB). To replace it, the FAA will establish a new Area Navigation Route, Q-182, that follows the same path. This change is part of a larger effort to modernize air navigation by replacing older navigation aids with more advanced systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to set federal water quality standards for Indian reservation waters. This decision allows the EPA to instead focus on helping Tribes develop their own water quality standards in line with the Clean Water Act, under a provision that allows eligible Tribes to be treated like states. While 52 of the 84 eligible Tribes have already established these standards, the EPA intends to continue assisting Tribes in building their capability to manage their own water quality programs. The withdrawal follows feedback from 3,314 public comments on the proposed rule.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to revise regulations related to the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937. This proposed rule, initially published in January 2024, sought to enhance the quality and equity of registered apprenticeship programs. The withdrawal follows extensive feedback from over 2,000 stakeholders who highlighted the need for further discussion and refinement of proposed changes. The Department plans to continue engaging with interested parties to consider potential future enhancements before introducing a new proposal.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is proposing new rules to allow contributors to request that the Commission modify or redact their personal information, such as their mailing address, occupation, or employer name, from public records. This change is aimed at protecting contributors from possible threats, harassment, or reprisal arising from their contributions to political campaigns. The FEC invites public comments on this proposal, emphasizing that these procedures are intended to create a formal method for these requests while maintaining necessary transparency and legal adherence. Additionally, the modifications are designed to lessen the burden on entities filing reports and further uphold contributors' privacy rights.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that it will not move forward with a proposed rule titled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" that was published on February 9, 2023. This rule was intended to reestablish a planning process and enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with fair housing requirements. Instead, HUD has decided to withdraw this rule, meaning it will not become law, and it will be removed from the agency's Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. If HUD chooses to address this issue in the future, it will propose new rules following the standard regulatory procedures.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to change the fees it charges to licensees for the fiscal year 2021 in order to comply with the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA). These changes will include amending various fees such as licensing, inspection, and annual fees to help the NRC recover nearly 100% of its annual budget. Additionally, the NRC plans to introduce improvements to the invoicing process and establish a new procedure for disputing errors in service fee invoices. The public is invited to comment on the proposal by March 24, 2021.