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The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has introduced proposed rules requiring certain registered public accounting firms to report firm- and engagement-level metrics on their audit practices. These metrics will provide stakeholders like investors and audit committees with valuable insights into audit processes, helping them make informed decisions. The metrics cover areas such as partner and manager involvement, workload, training, and retention of audit personnel. The PCAOB believes this initiative will enhance investor protection and foster transparency by offering more consistent and comparable information about audits and auditors.

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 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule to permanently extend the automatic extension period for work permits (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for certain renewal applicants. This rule hopes to prevent disruptions in employment authorization, which can occur due to lengthy application processing times by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The change will help affected workers maintain their jobs while their renewal applications are being processed, set to take effect on January 13, 2025. This rule aims to provide long-term stability for employers and employees, reducing the risk of job loss and easing economic pressures.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a rule to amend Regulation V, which implements the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This proposal aims to better regulate data brokers by clearly defining when they are considered consumer reporting agencies under the law, especially concerning sensitive personal information that could affect credit eligibility. Key aspects include ensuring consumer reports are only used for permissible purposes and preventing misuse of aggregated or de-identified data. The rule also seeks public input on these changes to enhance privacy protections and address evolving market dynamics.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes a voluntary program called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS). The program aims to review and oversee these vehicles, focusing on safety and public transparency. Participants can apply to perform specific operations or seek exemptions from certain safety standards. The program is designed to help NHTSA monitor the safe development of ADS while collecting data that could inform future safety standards.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule recommending changes to pricing in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These proposed amendments update existing formulas for milk composition, surveyed commodity products, and milk pricing categories, among others, to better reflect current market conditions. The changes are aimed at improving the fairness and accuracy of milk pricing across different regions and market classes. The AMS will seek approval from milk producers before implementing any new rules, with the possibility of terminating the order if it doesn't receive enough support.

The U.S. Department of Energy has decided to update energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. These changes aim to make the heaters more energy-efficient, leading to significant energy savings while being both technologically feasible and economically justified. Starting December 26, 2029, manufacturers will need to comply with these new standards, which are calculated to save energy and money over the lifetime of the heaters and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite potential minor increases in electricity use. The overall benefits include costs savings for consumers and emissions reductions, though there will be conversion costs for manufacturers to meet these standards.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a final rule to identify larger participants in the market for digital consumer payment apps, like digital wallets and payment apps used for personal payments. A nonbank must manage at least 50 million transactions annually and not be a small business to qualify as a larger participant and fall under CFPB supervision. This new rule, effective January 9, 2025, will not add new consumer protection obligations but will help the CFPB monitor compliance with federal consumer financial laws and assess risks to consumers. The rule follows a public comment phase and consultation with other federal agencies.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) of the Department of the Interior is making changes to its regulations to improve the hearings and appeals process. These updates aim to make procedures more efficient, reflect changes in the law, and incorporate modern technology like electronic filing and case management systems. They are meant to help both the people involved in these cases and the department work more effectively, ensuring that decisions are reviewed quickly and fairly. The new regulations will be effective from February 10, 2025, and public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 11, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced updates to the rules for managing lead and copper in drinking water to better protect public health. These changes include improved methods to detect high levels of lead, enhance sampling reliability, and increase public awareness on the risks of lead exposure. For the first time, community water systems are required to test lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. The rule also aims to speed up the replacement of lead service lines and close existing regulatory gaps to ensure safer drinking water.