Search Results for keywords:"Aether Infrastructure

Rural Development, part of the USDA, is adopting seven Categorical Exclusions (CEs) from the Department of Energy to use in their programs, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These CEs will help streamline environmental reviews for projects improving infrastructure like electric power, water systems, and renewable energy in rural areas. The agency has consulted with the DOE to ensure appropriateness and plans to apply these CEs while considering environmental impact safeguards. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency of RD projects while maintaining environmental compliance.

TIP Minnesota Coaches Acquisition LLC, TIP MN Investments LP, and Tiger Infrastructure Partners Fund IV AIV LP are seeking the Surface Transportation Board's approval to gain control of multiple passenger motor carriers, including Marschall Line and Minnesota Coaches. These companies specialize in school and motorcoach transportation services, with operations primarily in Minnesota and extending to neighboring states. The proposed acquisition intends to maintain current services and workforce while potentially expanding the fleet. If no opposition is filed, the transaction will be finalized by February 25, 2025.

The Executive Order 14156 declares a national energy emergency, recognizing that the U.S. energy supply and infrastructure are inadequate to meet the country's needs. The order aims to improve domestic energy production and supply by leveraging emergency authorities, expediting infrastructure projects, and utilizing emergency permitting provisions. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between agencies to ensure energy security and addresses potential challenges arising from endangered species regulations. The order calls for coordinated efforts and assessments to protect national security and economic stability.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is seeking public feedback on a new information collection request related to cybersecurity incident reporting. They plan to update their current incident reporting form to gather more useful data for preventing and responding to cyber threats. CISA has decided to revise some questions based on previous feedback to reduce the burden on those completing the forms, and they are focusing on improvements related to preparedness for handling incidents and the sharing of specific data. The updated process aims to help CISA enhance its analysis and response to cybersecurity threats. Comments from the public are welcomed until February 18, 2025.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a request for information (RFI) to improve the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors for commercial information technology products. They are seeking feedback from the public on how to strengthen America's semiconductor supply chain by relying on domestic sources and reducing dependency on foreign production. The agency aims to gather insights on various strategies, including dual sourcing and industrial mobilization, to enhance national and economic security. Responses to the RFI will inform potential government actions to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and are due by March 17, 2025.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking public comments on a request for the Office of Management and Budget's approval of a new information collection. This is part of the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program, which was established to increase the resilience of surface transportation against natural hazards like climate change and extreme weather. The program involves collecting information during various phases, such as grant application, implementation, and evaluation, to assess the effectiveness of funded projects. The FHWA is encouraging feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of this information collection process, aiming to enhance the program's quality and minimize burdens.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced an extension for public comments on a draft update of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP). Initially published on December 16, 2024, this draft seeks feedback to improve its guidelines to handle significant cyber incidents, drawing from lessons learned and stakeholder input. The original comment deadline of January 15, 2025, has been extended to February 14, 2025, to accommodate requests for more time due to the holiday season. The public is encouraged to submit comments via the Federal Regulations website.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget for approval of information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is conducting an annual survey to gather data about farmer cooperatives, which includes statistics on business volume, net income, and financial status. Additionally, they have a voluntary labeling program for biobased products aimed at promoting renewable fuels. The information collected will help determine eligibility for grants and improve service and analysis. Comments on these information collections are invited until February 5, 2025.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to its Major Facilities Guide (MFG). These revisions aim to enhance project planning, management, and oversight for major facilities by providing guidance on construction schedules, project personnel competencies, and funding plans. The NSF supports various large-scale research facilities, and these updates are designed to improve efficiency and accountability. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and practicality of the information collection, and the deadline for submitting comments is April 5, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office intends to issue an amendment for grant applications to improve power grid resilience under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This amendment, expected in February 2025, will allow current and new applicants to seek formula grant allocations for fiscal year 2025. To apply, new applicants must complete several pre-application tasks, including registration with relevant systems, before submission. It emphasizes modernizing grid infrastructure and supporting clean energy goals.