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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 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 Foreign-Trade Zones Board has authorized production activities for Robert Bosch Semiconductor LLC in Foreign-Trade Zone 143, located in Roseville, California. The Sacramento-Yolo Port District had submitted a notification to the Board about this proposed activity on September 30, 2024. After processing the notification and inviting public comments, the Board decided on January 28, 2025, that no further review was necessary and gave their approval, subject to existing regulations. This decision allows Bosch to produce silicon carbide wafers within the zone.

The President of the United States has issued Proclamation 10895 to impose new duties on imported aluminum products starting March 12, 2025. This proclamation requires updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to reflect these changes, which have been officially published by the Department of Commerce. The new rates apply to various types of aluminum goods, including those that originate in Russia. Importers need to report specific details about the aluminum products to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and should stay informed about filing requirements.

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. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final rule updating regulations for the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. This rule introduces new definitions, aligns regulations with current laws, and standardizes language across SBA's contracting programs to clarify control and employment requirements. Additionally, it modifies how SBA reviews certification applications and encourages consistency in regulation across various government contracting programs. These updates aim to reduce confusion and streamline processes without significantly impacting small businesses economically.

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 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 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. These changes aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, are technologically feasible, and economically justified. Starting March 24, 2025, the new standards will be in effect, requiring compliance by January 22, 2029. The department predicts considerable energy savings and reduced emissions resulting from these updated 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.