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The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that Connecticut has used up its 2024 commercial quota for summer flounder, so boats with federal permits can't land these fish in the state for the rest of the year, unless more quota is transferred from another state. This rule, effective December 10, 2024, ensures that fishing stays within limits to help manage and conserve fish populations. Regulations require that when a state's quota is harvested, a notice must be published to inform those in the fishing industry about the closure and prevent any further landings or sales in that state.

In this final rule, the Department of Labor revises the way it calculates prevailing wage levels for alien workers in the U.S. to ensure wages align more accurately with those of U.S. workers with similar skills. This change applies to H1-B, H1-B1, and E-3 visa programs as well as certain immigrant visa categories. The rule lowers the previous wage level estimates, transitioning over a phased implementation period, to better protect U.S. worker job opportunities by eliminating financial incentives for using lower-paid foreign labor over similarly capable American workers. The rule also provides steps to ensure a smooth transition to these new wage levels.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced an adjustment to the cap on average total assets to determine if a Federal Home Loan Bank member qualifies as a "community financial institution" (CFI). This cap has been set at $1.5 billion, reflecting a 2.7% increase based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) from November 2023 to November 2024. This adjustment, effective from January 1, 2025, allows CFI status to be determined using unadjusted CPI-U data, as it is less prone to revisions than adjusted data.

An application has been submitted by the City of El Paso to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board requesting subzone status for SNRA Commodities, Inc., located in Fabens, Texas. The proposed subzone, which covers 11 acres, was formally docketed on February 18, 2025, and is subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 68. Camille Evans from the FTZ Staff is in charge of reviewing the application and making recommendations. The public can comment on this application until April 2, 2025, and all comments should be sent to the FTZ Board's Executive Secretary via email.

The Coast Guard is proposing updates to the special regulations for various marine events like parades and regattas in the Ohio Valley area. These changes will include adding new events, revising details of current events, and removing ones that no longer happen. The proposal aims to make the rules more efficient by minimizing administrative costs and keep the public informed. The Coast Guard is inviting the public to provide comments by March 25, 2021, to help shape this rulemaking process.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a notice regarding a petition from Houff Corporation. The company is requesting relief from certain Federal Aviation Regulations so they can carry out commercial agricultural services without having to notify air missions. The public is invited to comment on this petition by February 4, 2025, through various methods, including online, mail, or fax. This notice aims to increase public involvement in the FAA's exemption process, although it does not impact the petition's legal status or final outcome.

The Coast Guard is proposing a temporary safety zone in Corpus Christi Bay and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel during an airshow from April 29 to May 2, 2021. This is to ensure the safety of people and vessels on the water, and no vessel or person will be allowed in the safety zone without permission. The zone will be in effect from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day of the event. The Coast Guard invites public comments on this proposal to help shape the outcome of the rulemaking.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is reviewing a decision by an administrative law judge related to certain patents for dermatological treatment devices. The judge found violations of Section 337 with some patents, but not all, and the ITC is asking for further written submissions on specific issues such as jurisdiction and the economic impact on domestic industries. The ITC is also considering what kind of restrictions or penalties to apply to the companies involved, and whether these penalties would affect public interest like health and consumer rights. Participants in this case must submit their opinions by specific upcoming dates.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is proposing to remove several products from the Procurement List. These products were provided by nonprofit agencies that employ individuals who are blind or have severe disabilities. The proposed deletions include various items such as pillowcases, a gear pack, and different types of floor pads. The purpose of the notice is to allow people to submit comments on these proposed deletions, with a deadline for comments set for February 7, 2021.

The Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board has approved the application from Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., to establish a subzone for Canoo Inc. in Pryor, Oklahoma. This approval, which was made on December 2, 2024, is subject to the existing activation limit of 2,000 acres for FTZ 227. The application process included public notice and was reviewed by the FTZ staff examiner, confirming it met the necessary requirements. The decision was made by Elizabeth Whiteman, the FTZ Board Executive Secretary.