Search Results for keywords:"final rule"

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule revising the fee structure for Section 8e import inspections of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Inspections will now be charged on a per-pound basis instead of a per-carlot basis, with a significant reduction in additional sublot fees by 50%. This change aims to better reflect the actual inspection costs and reduce financial impact on smaller shipments. The rule is expected to result in equal or lower fees for about 77% of the inspections conducted over recent years and is designed to avoid disproportionately burdening small businesses.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced a public board meeting to be held on January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the meeting will be webcast live online for public viewing. The board will cover various topics, including the final rule on the role of supervisory guidance, and proposed rule changes regarding securities offerings. Further information can be obtained from the Deputy Executive Secretary, Ms. Debra A. Decker.

The Coast Guard has decided to remove a regulated navigation area in Sparkman Channel, Tampa, Florida. Initially, the area restricted vessel drafts to protect navigation due to an underwater pipeline, but advancements in technology have rendered these restrictions unnecessary. The change, effective March 4, 2021, aims to eliminate these outdated limitations, and the Coast Guard sees no significant impact on small businesses or the environment. This action is being taken under the authority granted by U.S. law, and no new rules or navigational hurdles are being introduced by this change.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule delaying the effective date of its "Rulemaking Procedures Update" to March 21, 2021. This decision follows a memorandum from January 20, 2021, by the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, to give time for the President's appointees or designees to review the rule. The delay aims to ensure thorough consideration of any questions concerning facts, law, or policy before the rule becomes effective. Normally, agencies have to provide notice and allow comments before implementing rules, but this requirement is waived if deemed impracticable or against public interest.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has issued a final rule to change its Privacy Act regulations by exempting a specific system of records from disclosure obligations. This system, called PBGC-19, is used for managing legal case records that support investigations into possible violations of laws. The rule allows PBGC to withhold certain investigatory records to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of their investigations. Effective January 6, 2025, these changes are designed to prevent interference with PBGC's legal processes and protect individuals' privacy.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has made a final rule to update the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) with an editorial change. This amendment involves replacing a reference to the DoD Industrial Security Regulation with a new reference to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). The update is effective as of February 24, 2021, and it clarifies security and acquisition guidelines for government procurement.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to delay the effective date of a final rule that updates how energy efficiency is measured for small electric motors and electric motors. The original rule, which was published on January 4, 2021, will be postponed for 60 days starting from January 20, 2021, to allow for further review. This action is in response to a memorandum from the Chief of Staff, and the DOE does not plan to seek public comments on this immediate delay. However, the DOE is open to receiving comments on any potential further delays and the legal or policy issues related to the rule.

The Coast Guard is removing the safety and security zone for the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, since the facility has stopped power operations permanently. This change, effective January 16, 2025, is due to the rules no longer being needed because the plant is no longer operational. The removal will affect navigation charts and publications, and related navigation markers will also be taken down. This decision was supported by all commenters and will not significantly impact small enterprises or require new information collections.

The Federal Maritime Commission issued a final rule to adjust for inflation the civil monetary penalties they assess, following the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. This rule requires agencies to announce these adjustments by January 15 every year and is based on changes in the consumer price index. The adjustment process is not required to follow certain procedural steps like public notice or comment, and the rule will not have significant economic impacts. Additionally, the rule doesn’t involve any new collection of information from the public.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a final rule concerning the review of transactions involving information and communications technology and services (ICTS) linked to foreign adversaries. This rule establishes procedures to evaluate such transactions for risks to national security, potentially prohibiting them or requiring mitigation measures if they pose undue threats. The rule includes new definitions and procedural updates to clarify transaction reviews, address public comments, and streamline processes. The measures aim to safeguard the ICTS supply chain from foreign threats, enhance transparency, and provide guidelines for penalties if regulations are violated.