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The United States Sentencing Commission is seeking public comments on potential changes to sentencing guidelines for offenses involving fentanyl and similar opioids. They are considering adding more severe penalties under certain conditions, such as distributing these drugs to people under 21, using the dark web for drug trafficking, or mixing drugs with substances like xylazine. The Commission aims to gather feedback to better address these issues and improve safety.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the blue tree monitor, a rare lizard native to Indonesia, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This proposed rule is due to the lizard's shrinking population, caused by habitat loss from deforestation, climate change, and overcollection for the international pet trade. The service has identified that the blue tree monitor faces an immediate risk of extinction throughout its entire range. Public comments are invited until February 24, 2025, and a temporary 240-day emergency listing is also concurrently in effect.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to rules about hunting migratory birds in Alaska, focusing on subsistence harvest regulations. This includes introducing permits for hunters from excluded areas, closing the harvesting of emperor goose eggs statewide due to population concerns, and providing clarity on certain boundaries and regulations to ensure compliance and proper management. The proposals aim to involve Native representatives in managing these rules and ensure the sustainability of bird populations while balancing subsistence needs.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection shared its observations on how various financial services adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted in this special edition of Supervisory Highlights. The report documents the Bureau's assessments in areas like mortgage, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, and more, noting challenges faced by these sectors and their responses to rapidly changing consumer needs. Many financial institutions struggled with increased consumer requests for assistance, inaccurate information dissemination, and operational adjustments, highlighting risks that could potentially harm consumers. The Bureau aimed to help these institutions recognize and address these risks to better protect consumers.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule that modifies the duration limits on permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Previously, these permits and LOCs were limited to five years, but now NMFS can issue them for longer periods if deemed appropriate. This change aims to make the permitting process more efficient and less burdensome for researchers and other permit holders. Public comments regarding the proposed change have been considered, and any new permits will continue to be subject to a public comment period before issuance.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that updates the process for requesting special flight authorizations for supersonic aircraft in the U.S. This rule simplifies the application procedure for testing these aircrafts at speeds over Mach 1, mainly for purposes like checking airworthiness and reducing sonic boom impacts. While the rule streamlines administrative requirements, it does not change the long-standing general ban on routine overland supersonic flight. The FAA still heavily focuses on ensuring these tests consider potential environmental impacts, following regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing a new rule to update its regulations by incorporating revisions to three regulatory guides related to Code Cases published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These changes would provide new and updated engineering standards for nuclear power plant components, allowing licensees and applicants to use these standards as voluntary alternatives. The NRC is seeking public comments on this proposal, and if implemented, it is expected to reduce costs for both the NRC and the nuclear industry by simplifying compliance requirements. The aim is to ensure safety while aligning with contemporary engineering practices and international standards.

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.