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OSHA has finalized a revision to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry, specifically requiring that all PPE must fit properly to ensure the safety and protection of workers. This new rule is set to take effect on January 13, 2025, and aligns the construction standards with current requirements for general industry and shipyards. The revision aims to address concerns that standard-sized PPE may not fit everyone, particularly women and workers with smaller or larger body sizes, thereby enhancing safety and reducing risks of injuries from improperly fitting equipment. Although it may result in some costs for employers who need to update their PPE supplies, the rule is expected to improve workplace safety and is not anticipated to create significant economic burdens for the industry.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set January 1, 2024, as the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations that were published between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. This means any new food labeling rules released during this timeframe must be followed by the start of 2024 to reduce the economic impact of labeling changes on the food industry. The FDA states that while these regulations don't immediately introduce new costs, they allow businesses time to adjust their labeling practices. The rule also specifies that special circumstances may justify a different compliance date, which will be detailed as needed.

The Department of Labor is proposing changes to improve the rules for administrative hearings before its Office of Administrative Law Judges. The main update is to require electronic filing and service of documents, making it easier and more efficient for lawyers and their clients. These rules also allow self-represented individuals to choose between electronic and traditional methods for filing papers. The Department has considered potential impacts and ensured that changes comply with relevant laws and regulations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule that modifies the Class E airspace at Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The changes involve expanding the airspace that starts 700 feet above the ground while removing the section that begins at 1,200 feet, to enhance safety and support for flights using instrument flight rules. This action is aimed at improving air traffic procedures without causing significant environmental or economic impacts. The modification will take effect on August 7, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on a proposed permit, the 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), which regulates stormwater discharges from certain industrial activities. The new permit, once finalized, will replace the existing permit set to expire on February 28, 2026, and will be valid for five years. The permit will cover specific types of industrial facilities in areas where the EPA has authority, with comments due by February 11, 2025. Notable changes in the new permit include updates to stormwater control measures, monitoring requirements, and the introduction of certain effluent limitations to address environmental concerns like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Dane County, Wisconsin, has submitted an application to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board, requesting that Coating Place, Inc.'s facility in Verona, Wisconsin be given subzone status under FTZ 266. The application, formally docketed on January 6, 2021, is being reviewed by FTZ Staff members Elizabeth Whiteman and Juanita Chen. Interested parties can submit comments by February 22, 2021, with an additional rebuttal period ending on March 8, 2021. More details, including the application, can be accessed on the FTZ Board's website.

The final rule from the United States Department of the Interior updates how the Federal government acknowledges Indian Tribes by allowing previously denied petitioners a chance to re-petition. This change responds to court decisions that found the prior re-petition ban to be arbitrary. Under the new rule, petitioners have five years to show new evidence or changes in regulations that could alter previous denial outcomes, though re-petitioning is still limited by certain conditions to balance fairness and finality interests. The rule aims to enhance fairness in recognizing Tribes while maintaining efficient administrative processes.

The FAA has proposed a rule regarding airworthiness directives for certain ATR42-500 airplanes. This new rule seeks to update and replace existing directives due to identified safety concerns, imposing stricter airworthiness limitations to ensure these airplanes' structural integrity. The proposed changes require revisions to maintenance and inspection programs and open a comment period for the public until April 12, 2021. The rule also outlines anticipated costs for the operators and provides exceptions to some requirements from related European regulations.

The Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board has approved the application from Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., to establish a subzone for Canoo Inc. in Pryor, Oklahoma. This approval, which was made on December 2, 2024, is subject to the existing activation limit of 2,000 acres for FTZ 227. The application process included public notice and was reviewed by the FTZ staff examiner, confirming it met the necessary requirements. The decision was made by Elizabeth Whiteman, the FTZ Board Executive Secretary.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), part of the Department of Commerce, issued a notice about the mandatory BE-605 survey. This survey gathers data on foreign direct investment in the U.S., focusing on transactions between U.S. affiliates and foreign parent companies. Companies with at least 10% foreign ownership must complete this survey quarterly, except for the final report of the financial year, which is due within 45 days. The survey is authorized by the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act, and more information can be found on the BEA's website.