Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved revisions to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District's (MDAQMD) portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions involve updating rules for managing air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The changes aim to ensure that the SIP reflects current rules that align with those enforced by the MDAQMD. The final rules will become effective on January 3, 2025, and include the incorporation of certain administrative and prohibitory standards into the SIP.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a final rule to update how the federal government assesses the suitability and fitness of individuals for civil service positions. This rule establishes new standards and procedures for evaluating federal employees, contractors, and non-appropriated fund positions, including a shift to continuous vetting to ensure ongoing eligibility. It aims to streamline and standardize vetting processes across various federal roles, ensuring that workforce integrity and efficiency are maintained. The rule also clarifies criteria for determining unsuitable or unfit behavior, but with caution to respect individual rights under existing laws.

The National Park Service has issued a final rule to regulate motor vehicle use in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The rule requires permits for operating vehicles off designated roads in certain areas and allows the superintendent to create closures and restrictions. It designates specific routes and areas for off-road vehicles and sets noise and speed limits. The rule aims to protect natural resources while providing recreational opportunities, and it becomes effective on February 16, 2021, with some provisions starting on April 15, 2021.

The document outlines an interim final rule by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Homeland Security and Treasury Departments, to implement regulations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This rule amends existing regulations to provide guidance on preferential tariff treatment and related customs measures for various goods, including textiles and automotive products. It establishes certification requirements for importers and manufacturers, recordkeeping responsibilities, and procedures for protests and verifications. The rule aims to ensure compliance with the new trade agreement and streamline the process for benefiting from the preferential treatment under the USMCA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to change the name of a waypoint (a reference point in navigation) in its Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-117 and Q-135. The waypoint originally named “CUDLE” in North Carolina will now be called “RREGG” because there was a risk of confusion due to its similar sound to the “KALDA” waypoint in Virginia. This change is intended to reduce errors in radio communications but does not affect the overall airspace or operating procedures. The amendment is effective from February 20, 2025, and is considered an administrative change with minimal impact.

The Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a correction to a final rule regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program. This correction modifies specific sections of the rule to help meet the program's goal of helping participants acquire the skills necessary for employment. It addresses errors in the previously published document and clarifies requirements for E&T participants who have completed high school or an equivalent before joining the program. The amended rule will take effect on January 17, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed the withdrawal of separate “short-cycle” product classes for dishwashers, residential clothes washers, and consumer clothes dryers. The DOE concluded that such features do not justify different energy conservation standards because they can comply with existing standards using current technologies. This decision follows a Fifth Circuit Court's remand, requiring the DOE to explore other alternatives rather than simply revoking these product classes. The DOE's analysis found that current standards do not prevent manufacturers from designing appliances with short-cycle features that meet energy conservation requirements, ensuring consumers retain desired utility.

The final rule from the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services allows Veterans Affairs (VA) practitioners to prescribe controlled substances to VA patients via telemedicine without needing an in-person medical evaluation by the prescribing practitioner. This is permissible if another VA practitioner has conducted an in-person evaluation. This change provides greater access to care for veterans, especially those in rural or underserved areas, while still implementing safeguards against the misuse of controlled substances. The rule includes requirements for reviewing the patient's electronic health record and state prescription drug monitoring program data before prescribing.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA is reopening the comment period for an interim rule regarding the payment of indemnity for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Originally, comments were to be submitted by March 3, 2025, but the new deadline is April 14, 2025. This extension allows more time for the public to review and provide feedback. People can submit comments online or via mail and can also view the supporting documents at Regulations.gov or in person at the USDA reading room in Washington, DC.

The final regulations from the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) implement changes to sections 263A, 448, 460, and 471 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These changes simplify tax accounting rules for certain small businesses with average annual gross receipts not exceeding $25 million. The regulations allow eligible taxpayers to use different accounting methods that reduce complexity and lower compliance burdens. For instance, they can avoid detailed inventory accounting and use simpler procedures, reflecting tax law adjustments aimed at supporting small enterprises.