Search Results for keywords:"Merck Sharp

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudanese nationals for 18 months, from April 20, 2025, to October 19, 2026. This extension allows current TPS beneficiaries to continue living and working in the U.S. by re-registering during the specified period. The decision is based on the ongoing armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, making it unsafe for people to return. Sudanese TPS beneficiaries must timely re-register to maintain their status and may also renew their employment authorization documents.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a rule that requires repair stations outside the United States, which maintain certain U.S. commercial aircraft, to conduct drug and alcohol testing for their employees who perform safety-sensitive tasks. This rule aims to align with local laws where these stations operate and provides several pathways for compliance, such as seeking waivers if local laws conflict with FAA regulations. The rule will take effect in January 2025, with full compliance required by December 2027. This regulation is part of an ongoing effort to ensure aviation safety by ensuring that repair station employees meet similar standards to those in the United States.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking public comments on reform measures for money market funds to improve their resilience and prevent future economic stress. The reforms, discussed in a report by the President's Working Group on Financial Markets, aim to address issues observed during the COVID-19 pandemic when money market funds experienced significant stress and required government intervention. Measures under consideration include changes to fund liquidity management, new redemption rules, and potential requirements for fund sponsors to provide support. Public input will inform these reforms to enhance the stability of money market funds and related financial markets.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to South Fork Wind, LLC, which would allow the company to take certain marine mammals incidentally during the construction of the South Fork Offshore Wind Project. This project involves pile driving and high-resolution geophysical surveys off the coast of Rhode Island, which may affect marine mammals. NMFS evaluated potential impacts to marine mammals, including endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale, and proposed stringent mitigation measures, such as seasonal restrictions and monitoring, to minimize potential harm. Public comments are requested on this proposal, with the possibility of a one-year renewal under certain conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised the air quality standards for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to better protect the environment. The previous standard had a three-hour measurement period, but now it is an annual average over three years, limited to 10 parts per billion (ppb). The EPA decided to keep the existing standards for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter the same. This update comes after reviewing scientific evidence and public feedback to ensure the standards protect public wellness without being too strict.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule aiming to make payments to poultry growers fairer. This rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits certain unfair practices used by live poultry dealers, especially in the competitive systems that determine how much growers are paid. It also requires dealers to provide more information to growers before asking them to invest in expensive farm updates, helping to reduce confusion and unfair advantage. Overall, the rule strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in the industry.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to allow the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conduct construction activities in Womens Bay, Kodiak, Alaska, which might incidentally harm marine mammals. Over two years, NMFS plans to issue authorizations for the incidental disturbance (Level B harassment) and minor physical impact (Level A harassment) on marine mammals due to noise from pile driving. The proposed activities are designed to avoid significant harm or death to marine life, and special measures will be in place to minimize any impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. Public comments on these proposals are being requested before final decisions are made.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule, effective March 16, 2021, for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones, over people and at night under certain conditions. The rule introduces four categories of operations based on the risk of injury to people, allowing drones to fly over people without a waiver if they meet specific safety standards. It also requires drones flying at night to have anti-collision lights and operators to undergo training that covers night operations. Additionally, the rule allows drones to fly over moving vehicles, provided specific conditions are met to ensure safety.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a final rule aimed at protecting consumers in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, a program that lets property owners fund energy-efficient home improvements through tax assessments. This rule ensures that consumers' ability to repay is considered before PACE loans are approved and includes new disclosure requirements to help consumers better understand their financial obligations. The rule includes adjustments specific to PACE loans to address their unique nature and excludes PACE loans from qualifying as "qualified mortgages," which typically have regulatory protections. The changes are meant to standardize practices across states, improve consumer understanding, and ultimately prevent unaffordable loans that could lead to financial difficulties.

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.