Search Results for keywords:"final rule"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA and the Commerce Department, has finalized the catch limits for the 2025 Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery. This decision sets the annual catch limit and total allowable landings to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainable harvesting of these crabs. The rules, effective from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, are aligned with the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery Management Plan, ensuring that the plan's goals are met without negatively impacting small businesses or requiring new data collection efforts.

In a final rule published on November 18, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made corrections to its regulations by addressing two specific errors. The first correction involves handling a wrongly stayed section, with the agency providing new instructions to revise and stay that section until January 16, 2026. The second correction fixes a typographical error involving an incorrect reference in a section definition. These changes aim to improve clarity and consistency within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA have issued a final rule to make editorial updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation. These changes, which affect various sections within 48 CFR parts 13, 25, 36, 49, and 52, are mostly minor adjustments, such as updating references and terminology. The rule will take effect on January 3, 2025. For any inquiries, individuals can contact Ms. Lois Mandell at the GSA.

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new final rule to clarify the differences between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is intended to make these distinctions clearer by providing guidance based on economic realities, which consider factors like a worker’s control over their work and the potential for profit or loss. Two main factors, related to control and profit potential, are seen as more significant in determining a worker's status. The rule aims to increase predictability for both workers and businesses across all industries.

The Department of Justice has updated its regulations to better describe the current functions of the Office of Legal Policy (OLP). This rule simplifies certain sections by removing outdated references to a non-existing entity and details the responsibilities of the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the OLP. It is considered an internal matter, so it does not require public comment or a delayed start and will not significantly impact state governments or federal-state relations. The changes take effect on January 17, 2025.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued a rule to modify regulations on Special Servicing Options and the Mortgage Recovery Advance process. This final rule, initially set to take effect on February 11, 2025, has been postponed to April 14, 2025. A correction regarding this effective date was published in the Federal Register to reflect these changes. Christine Mechtly, the Acting Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, announced the update.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to regulate hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), a chemical deemed persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. This rule prohibits almost all manufacturing, processing, and distribution of HCBD and products containing it, except when HCBD is unintentionally produced as a byproduct in the creation of chlorinated solvents and when distributed for incineration as waste fuel. The rule aims to significantly reduce exposure to HCBD to protect human health and the environment, and it becomes effective on March 8, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final rule concerning drug and alcohol testing for certificated repair station employees located outside the United States. However, the initial rule incorrectly described the memberships of two commenters. This correction clarifies that the 17 supporting commenters include various transportation labor groups, a pilots' union, a trade association, a directory service, a software provider, and several individuals. The corrections are effective on January 17, 2025.

The Federal Maritime Commission has set a new rule requiring ocean common carriers to submit a documented export policy every year. Approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) means that relevant parts of this rule are effective as of February 3, 2025. The first documented export policy is due by March 1, 2025, and must be submitted annually by that date. The rule also includes a correction to the regulatory text and details on how submissions should be made, including that they must be in English and any non-applicable topics should be clearly noted.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule that updates certain Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and related guidelines at various airports. These updates are necessary due to new safety criteria, changes in the National Airspace System, and the introduction of new equipment or obstacles. The changes are intended to improve safety and efficiency for flights operating under instrument flight rules. The rule is effective from January 8, 2025, with specific compliance dates mentioned within the rule's provisions.