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The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have jointly proposed a new rule seeking public input on extending the Secretary of Labor's review system to specific temporary labor certification cases. This rule will allow the Secretary of Labor to review decisions related to H-2B temporary labor certifications made by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals and the Department of Labor's Administrative Review Board. The proposal includes updates to existing regulations and aims to maintain efficient handling of cases without notable disruption. The departments are encouraging public comments on this proposed rule to ensure informed decision-making.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have issued a rule to expand the discretionary review authority of the Secretary of Labor to include certain H-2B temporary labor certification cases. This rule allows the Secretary to review cases that are pending before or have been decided by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA). The rule is part of a broader effort to ensure that internal processes are properly supervised by the Secretary and is expected to be used mainly for cases of notable importance. Public comments are encouraged, but significant adverse comments could halt the rule's implementation.

President Joe Biden issued Proclamation 10140 declaring January 20, 2021, as a National Day of Unity. This proclamation emphasizes the importance of unity to address significant challenges facing the nation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, and the climate crisis. President Biden urges Americans to come together and work towards rebuilding democracy with decency, dignity, love, and healing. This proclamation marks the beginning of his presidency, highlighting his commitment to being a leader for all Americans.

Dominion Energy South Carolina applied for a new license for the Stevens Creek Hydroelectric Project. Some groups, like Augusta-Richmond County, wanted more studies on the project, but the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff said no further studies were needed. Augusta-Richmond County requested a rehearing on this decision, but the request was dismissed because the staff's response was not a final decision. Once a final order is made about the license, they can ask for a rehearing if needed.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a final rule to update its regulations by incorporating the latest standards (Version 004) for business practices and communication protocols for public utilities. These standards, developed by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB), aim to enhance consistency in utility operations and bolster cybersecurity. FERC requires utilities to make compliance filings by June 27, 2025, and to implement cybersecurity standards by February 27, 2026, with the remaining standards by August 27, 2026. The rule ensures public utilities adhere to updated practices that support reliable and secure energy systems.

In 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the operations of fourteen dams in the Columbia River System. Now, due to new circumstances, these agencies plan to update and supplement this EIS. This includes examining the environmental effects of proposed changes and new information affecting the dams' operations. The aim is to ensure the dams are managed in a way that considers regional energy, tribal needs, and environmental impacts, with public input being sought through virtual meetings and comments.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a direct final rule to update its regulations on spent fuel storage. This update includes changes, known as Amendment No. 15, to the compliance certificates for the NAC International, Inc., MAGNASTOR® Storage System. Key updates involve enhancing the storage system's capacity, designing new cask types, and revising technical specifications. The changes aim to maintain safety while allowing for more efficient storage of spent nuclear fuel, with the rule set to take effect on June 3, 2025, unless significant objections are raised.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating the regulations for storing used nuclear fuel by revising a listing for the Holtec International HI-STORM 100 Cask System. This amendment, known as Renewed Amendment No. 19, changes the rules to better handle accidents where the cask tips over by introducing new stress-based criteria and evaluation methods. It will become effective on May 27, 2025, unless significant negative comments are received by April 14, 2025. The NRC believes this update does not significantly change the design and ensures public safety and environmental protection remain at acceptable levels.

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has approved a recommendation to increase the assessment rate for watermelons under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan. The new rate boosts the assessment from six to nine cents per hundredweight. Domestic producers with 10 acres or more and domestic handlers will each pay four and a half cents per hundredweight, while importers of 150,000 pounds or more will pay nine cents per hundredweight. This increase aims to address inflation's impact on the plan’s buying power and continues to support marketing and research efforts, benefiting the watermelon industry overall. The rule also includes administrative corrections without changing the assessment rate.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is considering waiving its Buy America requirements for the purchase of used locomotives that would be converted to run on cleaner energy like electricity or renewable diesel. These efforts aim to replace older, more polluting locomotives with efficient alternatives, reducing emissions and creating domestic jobs. The waiver would apply to Tier 0, Tier 1, and non-tiered locomotives manufactured before 2004 that have stayed in service in the U.S. This waiver would be applicable for five years and allow the replacement of diesel engines with cleaner technologies, but all other construction materials must still meet Buy America standards. The FRA invites public comments on this proposal and suggestions regarding waivers for other products related to manufacturing locomotive batteries or charging stations.