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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking an extension for an information collection request related to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for marine tank vessel loading operations. These standards apply to facilities loading vessels with petroleum or gasoline that exceed specific hazardous air pollutant emissions thresholds. The public has an additional 30 days to comment on this proposed extension, which requires affected entities to respond initially, semiannually, and annually. There are no changes to the estimated burdens or costs as compared to previous assessments since regulations and industry growth have remained stable.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, part of the Interior Department, has announced a proposal to renew an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection concerns the bond and insurance requirements for companies involved in surface coal mining and reclamation operations. They are seeking public comments on aspects such as the necessity, timeliness, and accuracy of this collection process. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback by February 4, 2025.

The Department of the Interior is reopening the comment period for a proposed rule about oil and gas operations in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf. This rule was initially published on December 9, 2020, and its comment period was set to close on February 8, 2021. Due to requests for more time, the comment period is now extended by 60 days, giving the public until April 9, 2021, to share their thoughts on the proposed changes. This proposal and its commentary are managed by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The Department of the Navy announced a 45-day public comment period on a Draft Amended Analysis for their environmental impact study regarding the EA-18G Growler operations at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex. This follows a court ruling that identified specific areas requiring further analysis, such as greenhouse gas emissions, classroom impact, bird species effects, and alternative locations. The Navy plans to hold both in-person and virtual public meetings to discuss the analysis and gather feedback. People can review the document at local libraries, submit comments online or by mail, and participate in scheduled meetings.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule to improve air quality standards for facilities that work with flexible polyurethane foam, as required by the Clean Air Act. This proposal focuses on reducing emissions of hazardous air pollutants by setting new standards for certain operations, like flame laminators and loop slitters, and updating reporting requirements to be fully electronic. These changes aim to provide better monitoring and compliance without significantly changing the current emission levels, ensuring both environmental protection and the continuation of existing industry practices. The proposal also eliminates exemptions during events such as startup and shutdown, meaning that emission standards will apply at all times.

The Coast Guard has made available a policy letter titled "Guidelines for Obtaining STCW Endorsements for Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations." This policy offers guidance on how mariners can voluntarily obtain endorsements for operating vessels that use gases or low flashpoint fuels in line with international safety and training standards. The endorsements are not mandatory, but the Coast Guard will issue them to mariners who meet the training requirements. This policy is intended to help mariners and vessel operators ensure compliance with international standards, especially when operating in foreign ports.

The Department of Commerce will submit a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of revised forms related to occupational health, safety, and readiness in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This request is part of a regular review process aimed at reducing the public's reporting burden, per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Public comments are invited on the proposed revisions, especially regarding the changes to the Health Services Questionnaire used by NOAA to ensure comprehensive medical histories for personnel on NOAA vessels. These forms help NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations ensure that personnel are medically ready for deployment and can prevent and manage health issues in difficult operating conditions.

Boralex Hydro Operations, Inc. has submitted an application for a new major license to operate the Warrensburg Hydroelectric Project on the Schroon River in Warren County, New York. The project includes a dam, a powerhouse with a turbine-generating unit, and a transmission line. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is inviting public inspection of the application and requests for additional studies or agency cooperation. Interested parties must file these requests by March 1, 2025, and final amendments to the application are due 30 days after the notice of readiness for environmental analysis is issued.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has renewed an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) allowing the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) to disturb marine mammals during construction at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. This renewal, effective for one year, covers unfinished activities related to relocating NOAA research vessels, such as pier and dock work. The renewal follows protocols to minimize impact on marine mammals, ensuring activities have a negligible effect on their populations and habitats. Despite updates in acoustic guidance and minor changes in marine mammal populations, the authorized impact remains minimal.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has received a request from the U.S. Navy to renew an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). This renewal allows for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the construction needed for relocating NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. The activities are nearly identical to those already analyzed in an existing authorization and the renewal will allow continuation for up to another year. NMFS has preliminarily determined that the proposed actions will not have a significant impact on marine mammals and seeks additional public comments before making a final decision.