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The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule revoking the Class D and Class E airspace in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) because the RMI is a sovereign nation, and the FAA does not have the authority to regulate its airspace as per Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although this airspace was originally established when the United States had authority over the area, it was never revoked following the 1986 Compact of Free Association that recognized RMI's sovereignty. This rule addresses that oversight, and the change is considered routine with minimal impact. The rule is effective on April 17, 2025.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has received a request regarding the use of a foreign-built vessel, M/V Island Love, in the U.S. coastwise trade, which involves carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. The administration is seeking public comments to assess whether this proposal could negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments must be submitted by May 27, 2025, and can be sent via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail to the Department of Transportation. Full details and instructions for submitting comments are available in the MARAD-2025-0059 docket on the regulations.gov website.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing new rules to protect natural resources and ensure public safety on lands managed by the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, and Kremmling Field Offices, as well as the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area in Colorado. These rules include regulations on camping, campfires, target shooting, and mechanized travel, with specific restrictions depending on the location to address concerns such as resource damage, wildlife disruption, and public safety. The rules will take effect on January 18, 2025, and exempt certain federal, state, or local officers acting within their official duties. Violating these rules could lead to fines and imprisonment.

Midwest Hydro, LLC is seeking to continue operating the Janesville Hydroelectric Project by applying for a license renewal. The project, which generates 0.50 megawatts of electricity, is located on the Rock River in Wisconsin. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to decide if the project will be relicensed. This assessment will be reviewed by interested parties and public input is encouraged. The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) is available to assist the public with inquiries related to this process.

Midwest Hydro, LLC submitted an application to renew its license to operate the Beloit Hydroelectric Project on the Rock River in Wisconsin. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of continuing the project. Public participation is encouraged, and FERC’s Office of Public Participation is available to assist with inquiries and comments. The document was signed by Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, and includes a tracking number for this environmental review.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of NOAA has announced that Rhode Island's 2024 commercial quota for summer flounder has been fully harvested. From December 5, 2024, federally permitted vessels are prohibited from landing summer flounder in Rhode Island unless additional quota is acquired from another state. This temporary closure aligns Rhode Island with federal conservation measures to prevent overfishing and maintain sustainable fishery practices. The closure is enacted immediately to ensure the state's commercial quota is not exceeded before the year ends.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to allow the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conduct construction activities in Womens Bay, Kodiak, Alaska, which might incidentally harm marine mammals. Over two years, NMFS plans to issue authorizations for the incidental disturbance (Level B harassment) and minor physical impact (Level A harassment) on marine mammals due to noise from pile driving. The proposed activities are designed to avoid significant harm or death to marine life, and special measures will be in place to minimize any impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. Public comments on these proposals are being requested before final decisions are made.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a final rule to amend RNAV Route Q-33 and Jet Route J-180 due to the planned removal of certain navigation aids. These changes will help maintain safe and efficient air travel by updating how aircraft navigate these routes. The amendments involve replacing certain points along Q-33 with new waypoints and adjusting J-180 to extend between Little Rock, AR, and Foristell, MO. The FAA states these updates do not significantly affect the environment or impose major economic impacts.

The University of California, Riverside plans to return cultural objects to Native American tribes, as stipulated under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These objects include unassociated funerary items and cultural patrimony objects linked to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Several archaeological investigations from 1965 to 2018 resulted in the recovery of these objects. Repatriation of these items can occur after February 18, 2025, once claims are validated and competing requests are resolved.