Search Results for type:"Rule"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Commerce Department, has issued an interim final rule aiming to conserve tropical tuna species in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2021. This rule implements measures from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, continuing regulations similar to those from 2018-2020. Key provisions include limited catch for bigeye tuna by longline vessels, a 72-day fishing restriction period for large purse seine vessels, and restrictions on fishing locations from October 9 to November 8. The rule is effective immediately to comply with international obligations and ensure the conservation of tuna stocks.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule establishing tolerances for the herbicide metamitron residues in apples and pears at 0.01 parts per million. This rule was requested by ADAMA AGAN and is based on the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The EPA conducted an extensive risk assessment and determined that this tolerance is safe for human consumption, including for infants and children, with no significant risks identified. The rule is effective March 11, 2025, and interested parties can file objections or request hearings by May 12, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set up rules to protect US communications networks from equipment considered a national security threat. Specifically, they are mandating that carriers using federal funds remove and replace risky equipment, which includes creating a reimbursement program to help small service providers cover the costs. This program prioritizes funding based on the size of the provider and the type of network equipment being replaced. A carefully monitored process ensures transparency and accountability, including regular updates and compliance checks, to prevent misuse of the funds.

The Department of State has issued a final rule that updates the criteria for issuing "diplomatic type" or "official type" visas, aiming to better align with U.S. laws and international travel practices. This rule expands the previous definition of passports by including non-national travel documents, such as those from organizations like the United Nations, as potential equivalents to diplomatic passports. It also clarifies the categories of individuals who can receive these visas, making distinctions to avoid confusion between visa types and classifications. These changes ensure that the visa issuance process for diplomatic, official, and regular types is consistent and transparent.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP), which ensures that the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards will be maintained in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. This action follows Pennsylvania's submission of a second maintenance plan, which fulfills federal requirements for continued air quality management. The EPA received supportive comments on this plan and did not face any opposition. The revision does not impose new requirements but strengthens existing state measures to maintain air quality standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to establish a new United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-553 and modify several existing RNAV routes (T-356, T-358, and T-479) in the eastern United States. This move is part of the FAA's NextGen initiative to modernize air navigation and improve the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. The changes involve extending, adding, or realigning sections of these routes to enhance connectivity between areas like Greensboro, NC, and Elkins, WV. The amendments are designed to ensure better air traffic flow without significant economic or environmental impacts.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a final rule aimed at protecting consumers in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, a program that lets property owners fund energy-efficient home improvements through tax assessments. This rule ensures that consumers' ability to repay is considered before PACE loans are approved and includes new disclosure requirements to help consumers better understand their financial obligations. The rule includes adjustments specific to PACE loans to address their unique nature and excludes PACE loans from qualifying as "qualified mortgages," which typically have regulatory protections. The changes are meant to standardize practices across states, improve consumer understanding, and ultimately prevent unaffordable loans that could lead to financial difficulties.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule establishing Class E airspace at Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, Texas. This new airspace will extend upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6-mile radius of the medical center to support new public instrument procedures, aiding in safe and efficient airspace usage. The effective date for this change is April 17, 2025, and the rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact. The FAA has also determined that the action does not significantly affect the environment.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) of the USDA has announced a new pilot program under the Section 504 Direct Single Family Housing Loans and Grants. This program aims to simplify the process for very low-income homeowners in rural areas who need to repair or renovate their homes. A key feature of the pilot is allowing funds to be used for construction materials payment before delivery, addressing common payment issues faced by contractors and applicants. The program is set to run from December 2, 2024, to December 2, 2026, with the possibility of extension, and it includes 25 states and U.S. territories.

The Federal Communications Commission has approved a rule change for the TV station KARE in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will switch their broadcast from channel 11 to channel 31 to address reception issues on the current channel. This decision follows a request from Multimedia Holdings Corporation, the station's licensee, and is expected to improve the viewing experience for local residents. The change has an effective date of January 14, 2021.