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The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a final interpretive rule regarding energy conservation standards for products like residential furnaces and commercial water heaters. The rule states that non-condensing technology and its associated venting is considered a "feature" that must be preserved under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This decision comes after public comments and aims to prevent eliminating this technology through energy-saving regulations. This interpretation may limit potential energy savings but allows consumers more choices and prevents unnecessary building modifications. The DOE also withdrew previous proposals on energy conservation standards that were inconsistent with this interpretation.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Sonoma State University is planning to return cultural items to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. These items, referred to as unassociated funerary objects, were previously collected from various archaeological sites in Sonoma County, California. The university identified a cultural connection to the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria, California, and has initiated the process for repatriation. Competing claims must be resolved by Sonoma State University, which will send the relevant notice to interested parties.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. These changes aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, are technologically feasible, and economically justified. Starting March 24, 2025, the new standards will be in effect, requiring compliance by January 22, 2029. The department predicts considerable energy savings and reduced emissions resulting from these updated standards.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that certain paper plates from China are receiving unfair government subsidies, known as countervailable subsidies. The investigation covers the year 2023, and although changes were made to the subsidy rate calculations for two Chinese companies based on new findings, the unfair advantage remains. This investigation might lead to the imposition of further duties on these products if the U.S. International Trade Commission finds that they are harming U.S. manufacturers.

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) proposed a rule change to adjust their rules in alignment with recent updates to Part 39 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulations. These changes include amendments to OCC Rule 602, addressing customer-level margin requirements, and OCC Rule 1103, concerning the suspension of clearing members. The revisions aim to make margin requirements commensurate with the risk of each customer account and incorporate an exception for futures commission merchants that meet certain CFTC conditions. These rules were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective immediately to ensure compliance by the January 27, 2021 deadline.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule replacing a previous Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning specific models of Leonardo S.p.A. helicopters. This new AD requires ongoing inspections and maintenance of the tail rotor duplex bearing to ensure the safety and stability of the aircraft. The rule, effective April 1, 2021, anticipates monitoring for any unsafe conditions in these helicopters due to incorrect installations that could lead to loss of control. It sets forth clear procedures operators must follow to comply with these requirements, including removing specific parts if defects are found.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to remove the Interior least tern from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to its recovery. This decision comes after a detailed review showing that the species has increased in population and no longer faces significant threats that would qualify it as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Effective February 12, 2021, the Interior least tern is no longer protected under the Act, although it will still be covered by other regulations, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service will continue to monitor the species for at least five years to ensure it remains stable and prevent it from becoming endangered once more.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric engines used in airplanes. This action is due to concerns about a part called the combustion chamber assembly (CCA) which may fail sooner than expected. To prevent this, the FAA wants regular inspections and timely replacements of this component. They are seeking public comments on this proposal until February 10, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Clear Lake hitch, a type of fish found only in California's Clear Lake watershed, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision comes after reviewing scientific data showing threats such as habitat loss, predation, and climate change impacts. The proposal includes protective measures to help conserve the species, such as controlling illegal pesticide use and managing habitats. The agency is accepting public comments on this proposed rule until March 17, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the listing and management of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. They intend to redefine the grizzly bear's geographic boundaries as a distinct population segment (DPS) and retain its threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal aims to promote conservation by clarifying areas suitable for grizzly bears, including revisions to protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act. Public comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until March 17, 2025, along with multiple public informational meetings and hearings scheduled in early 2025.