Search Results for type:"Rule"

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

The Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule superseding the interim rule to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule outlines regulations for State and Tribal plans and a Federal plan for hemp production where State or Tribal plans are not USDA-approved. The program details requirements for record-keeping, THC level testing, disposal of non-compliant plants, producer licensing, and overall compliance. The rule also specifies procedures for land use data collection and cooperation with law enforcement and other agricultural agencies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating certain regulations for a facility in Baytown, Texas originally owned by Bayer Material Science LLC, which is now owned by Covestro LLC. This update reflects changes in the facility's ownership and name while maintaining the existing waste exclusion rules. The change will be officially effective on March 3, 2025, without a need for a public comment period because the facility will continue to comply with previous requirements. The amendments involve updating certain tables in the hazardous waste regulations to reflect the new ownership.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a delay in the effective date of a rule aimed at improving child restraint and anchorage systems in vehicles. Originally scheduled to take effect on January 7, 2025, the rule will now be effective on March 20, 2025. This delay is in response to a memorandum from the President ordering a review of new regulations. The delay allows further evaluation before the rule is implemented and will help ensure it aligns with public interest and governmental guidelines.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to create Class E airspace above Pine Bluffs Municipal Airport in Wyoming. This change supports the airport's transition from visual to instrument flight operations by increasing the safety and efficiency of airplane arrivals and departures. The new airspace extends upward from 700 feet above the ground and is defined using specific geographic coordinates. This rule is considered a routine update and is not expected to have significant economic or environmental impacts.

DoD, GSA, and NASA have issued a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in order to implement an Executive Order that promotes the use of American-made goods in government procurement. This rule increases domestic content requirements for products, especially focusing on iron and steel, and raises the price preference for domestic goods from 6% to 20% for large businesses and from 12% to 30% for small businesses. Additionally, certain aspects of the Buy American statute are retained, such as waivers for Commercially Available Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items, although exceptions apply for products predominantly made of iron or steel. The rule is intended to boost economic growth, job creation, and national security by encouraging the use of U.S.-manufactured products.

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.

In response to a Presidential Memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is delaying the effective dates of two regulatory program amendments in Wyoming and Montana. These amendments were initially published in January 2025 and were set to take effect soon. The Wyoming amendment addresses the disposal of wind turbine blades and towers in surface coal mining sites, while the Montana amendment deals with definitions and permit requirements related to environmental regulations. The delay is meant to provide time for further review and consideration without public input, as seeking such input would be impractical given the time constraints.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated an existing airworthiness directive for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional airplanes. This update involves adding more restrictive maintenance or inspection requirements to ensure these airplanes remain safe to fly. The decision to supersede the previous rule came after determining that these additional precautions were needed due to potential risks such as fatigue cracking. The FAA aims to tackle these potential safety issues to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in their civil enforcement actions. This rule ensures that individuals and companies receive clear notices about which laws and regulations apply to them and must be given a chance to respond before the agency takes any action with legal consequences. It also specifies that HHS cannot use guidance documents to impose binding requirements unless explicitly allowed by law and must rely on statutes and regulations when taking enforcement actions. The rule highlights the importance of fairness, especially avoiding "unfair surprise," and outlines how the Department should handle these processes to promote efficiency and clarity.