Search Results for keywords:"Economic Impact"

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a final rule to update the civil penalties for certain violations based on the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. As of January 16, 2025, the maximum penalty has been increased from $2,058 to $2,111, reflecting adjustments for inflation. The adjustment is calculated using the Consumer Price Index and is applied automatically each year. This rule is not anticipated to have a significant economic impact and follows federal guidelines to ensure compliance and reduce burdens.

The Forest Service, part of the USDA, is seeking public comments on the reapproval or reinstatement of an information collection request related to the "Qualified Products List for Wildland Fire Chemicals." This process ensures that the Forest Service has access to safe and effective firefighting chemicals necessary for wildland fire management. Manufacturers or suppliers need to provide detailed information about their products, including ingredients and safety data, and undergo evaluations to meet specific safety and performance standards. Comments are invited on the necessity and efficiency of this information collection, and they must be submitted by February 18, 2025.

The NCUA Board has finalized a rule to adjust the maximum amounts of civil monetary penalties (CMPs) it can impose, based on inflation, as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. These adjustments, which must be made annually, are calculated by comparing the consumer price index for previous years. The new rule takes effect immediately upon publication and applies to penalties assessed for violations from November 2, 2015, onward. The adjustments are largely technical and do not require public notice or comment.

An application was submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board by the Oxnard Harbor District to create a subzone for Rincon Power, LLC's facility in Carpinteria, California. This subzone, measuring 0.18 acres, is part of FTZ 205, and a proposed production activity has been announced for public comment. People can send their comments by April 7, 2025, and responses to these comments by April 22, 2025, via email at ftz@trade.gov. Additional information about the application can be accessed on the FTZ Board's website.

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) announced a supplemental schedule for ongoing investigations into imports of melamine from India. This schedule follows the Department of Commerce's final affirmative determinations that melamine from India is subject to countervailing and antidumping duties. Interested parties must submit comments on these determinations by February 24, 2025, but cannot include new factual information, and submissions are limited to five pages. All documents related to these investigations must be filed electronically via the USITC's Electronic Document Information System, as no paper filings will be accepted.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking input from the public about the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge. The office is interested in opinions on whether the U.S. should sign and implement the Treaty, its consistency with U.S. patent law, and its potential impact on innovation, businesses, and the economy. Written comments are due by March 18, 2025, and a hearing will be held on April 29, 2025, which can be attended in person or online.

Merck, Sharp & Dohme LLC submitted a proposal to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to conduct production activities at its facility in Rahway, New Jersey. The request was reviewed according to the Board's regulations, and the public was invited to comment. On January 16, 2024, the Board decided no further review was needed, and the production activity was authorized under existing regulations. The notification was officially documented on January 16, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive for certain Boeing Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This directive was created after an incident where a Boeing MD-11F experienced an unexpected thrust reverser deployment during flight. As a result, the directive mandates detailed inspections and wire integrity tests for various airplane components including wire harnesses and junction boxes. The directive requires reporting the inspection results to ensure safety and prevent future occurrences, effective January 13, 2025. Feedback from stakeholders, such as Boeing and FedEx, was considered in shaping the final rule.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is proposing to remove certain services from its Procurement List. These services were offered by nonprofit agencies that employ individuals who are blind or have severe disabilities. The list includes services like call center operations and janitorial work. This proposal is open for public comments until March 9, 2025.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that a petition has been filed to add potassium carbonate to the list of taxable substances. This substance, used in cattle feed, glass manufacturing, and as a food additive, is being proposed for taxation based on its production method and components. The petition, submitted by Occidental Chemical Corporation, suggests a tax rate of $0.36 per ton. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by March 24, 2025.