Search Results for type:"Rule"

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new regulations for managing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule is part of NOAA's Restoration Blueprint initiative and aims to extend the sanctuary's boundaries, update general and specific marine zones, and redefine what activities are permitted there. NOAA's regulations include measures to protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats, prevent environmental threats, and address concerns such as grounded and derelict vessels. The changes also emphasize updated procedures for permits and collaboration with military and state bodies to ensure compliance and effective management of sanctuary resources.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added one site to the General Superfund section of the National Priorities List (NPL) according to a new final rule. This addition pertains to the Upper Columbia River site in Washington, which scored 28.50 or above on the Hazard Ranking System (HRS), indicating priority for further investigation. The NPL is used by the EPA to identify sites needing investigation for public health and environmental risks due to hazardous substances. The rule will take effect on January 15, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a temporary rule to stop directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This action, effective from March 10 to June 10, 2025, is necessary to ensure the Pacific cod catch does not exceed the allowed limit for the 2025 season. The imposed closure responds to recent data indicating that the catch quota is nearing its limit. The rule was implemented without prior public notice or delay to quickly address the situation as per the guidelines of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a final rule to remove obsolete regulations related to subordinate organizations of State savings associations, which were originally transferred from the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) following the Dodd-Frank Act. These regulations, found in 12 CFR part 390, subpart O, were deemed unnecessary because their requirements are largely duplicated by other existing Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act) provisions. By removing these regulations, the FDIC aims to simplify its rules, making them easier for the public and State savings associations to understand and follow. The changes are set to take effect on March 5, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that Connecticut has used up its 2024 commercial quota for summer flounder, so boats with federal permits can't land these fish in the state for the rest of the year, unless more quota is transferred from another state. This rule, effective December 10, 2024, ensures that fishing stays within limits to help manage and conserve fish populations. Regulations require that when a state's quota is harvested, a notice must be published to inform those in the fishing industry about the closure and prevent any further landings or sales in that state.

The Department of Labor has confirmed and ratified a rule that was originally published on October 16, 2015, concerning the temporary employment of H-2A foreign workers in the herding and production of livestock on U.S. ranges. This ratification is being issued to eliminate any uncertainty about the rule's legality and ensure it complies with the Secretary of Labor's responsibility to protect U.S. workers' job opportunities and wages. The rule sets standards for hiring foreign labor for agricultural tasks in remote areas where workers must be available for long periods. Despite this confirmation, the validity of the rule can still be legally challenged.

On November 27, 2024, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) updated their Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations and Common Crop Insurance Policy. They later found some mistakes in these changes, such as missing provisions and included ones that shouldn’t have been there. This document corrects those errors, especially in the Small Grains and Green Pea Crop Insurance Provisions. The corrections are effective as of December 27, 2024.

The Department of Defense is updating the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) through a technical amendment. This action consists of editorial changes, specifically updating a reference in section 225.802-71 by replacing “DoD Directive 2040.3” with “DoD Instruction 2040.03.” The amendment aims to ensure that the regulation references are accurate and up-to-date, with the changes taking effect on December 18, 2024.

In this final rule, the Department of Labor revises the way it calculates prevailing wage levels for alien workers in the U.S. to ensure wages align more accurately with those of U.S. workers with similar skills. This change applies to H1-B, H1-B1, and E-3 visa programs as well as certain immigrant visa categories. The rule lowers the previous wage level estimates, transitioning over a phased implementation period, to better protect U.S. worker job opportunities by eliminating financial incentives for using lower-paid foreign labor over similarly capable American workers. The rule also provides steps to ensure a smooth transition to these new wage levels.

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.