Search Results for keywords:"final rule"

The Department of Defense has issued a final rule to modernize how food benefits are provided under the WIC Overseas Program, a program for military personnel and their families stationed overseas. Previously, benefits were issued as paper vouchers, known as "drafts," which had to be used all at once. The new rule allows these drafts to also be in electronic forms, like benefit cards, which offer more flexibility and convenience for participants. The change is considered a minor update and was made without public notice or a comment period, due to its technical nature.

The Coast Guard has decided to remove a regulated navigation area in Sparkman Channel, Tampa, Florida. Initially, the area restricted vessel drafts to protect navigation due to an underwater pipeline, but advancements in technology have rendered these restrictions unnecessary. The change, effective March 4, 2021, aims to eliminate these outdated limitations, and the Coast Guard sees no significant impact on small businesses or the environment. This action is being taken under the authority granted by U.S. law, and no new rules or navigational hurdles are being introduced by this change.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has made a final rule to update the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) with an editorial change. This amendment involves replacing a reference to the DoD Industrial Security Regulation with a new reference to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). The update is effective as of February 24, 2021, and it clarifies security and acquisition guidelines for government procurement.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized a rule that updates the State Energy Program regulations. This rule incorporates changes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, mandating states to include transmission and distribution planning support in their energy conservation plans. These changes were initially made in an interim rule released in April 2024, and as no comments were received, the interim rule is now adopted without any modifications. The final rule becomes effective on December 12, 2024.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection issued a final rule to adjust civil penalties for inflation, as mandated by several federal acts. These adjustments are meant to maintain the effectiveness of penalties in promoting compliance with the law. The changes are technical and non-discretionary, following a statutory method, and they apply to penalties assessed from January 15, 2021, for violations occurring on or after November 2, 2015. The rule does not require a public comment process due to its technical nature.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to set the 2025 harvest limits for the Northeast skate fishery. These regulations ensure the fishery is managed sustainably by preventing overfishing and maintaining optimal yields, aligning with previous projections from Framework 12. The 2025 specifications are unchanged from 2024, thus the decision was exempt from public comment. The rule becomes effective on May 1, 2025, at the start of the fishing season, avoiding any potential confusion by maintaining consistency with the current year's regulations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to amend Class E airspace in Kenansville, North Carolina. This amendment involves adding controlled airspace around ECU Health Duplin Heliport, necessary for the safety and efficient management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. Effective from April 17, 2025, the action ensures that the designated airspace accommodates aircraft procedures by extending from 700 feet above ground within a specified radius of the heliport. The rule change is considered routine and does not have a significant economic impact or environmental effects.

The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation. This adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. The new penalty amounts are calculated using a formula based on changes in the consumer price index. This rule takes effect on January 15, 2025, and does not require a public comment period due to exemptions from certain rulemaking procedures.

The Federal Maritime Commission has set a new rule requiring ocean common carriers to submit a documented export policy every year. Approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) means that relevant parts of this rule are effective as of February 3, 2025. The first documented export policy is due by March 1, 2025, and must be submitted annually by that date. The rule also includes a correction to the regulatory text and details on how submissions should be made, including that they must be in English and any non-applicable topics should be clearly noted.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final rule concerning drug and alcohol testing for certificated repair station employees located outside the United States. However, the initial rule incorrectly described the memberships of two commenters. This correction clarifies that the 17 supporting commenters include various transportation labor groups, a pilots' union, a trade association, a directory service, a software provider, and several individuals. The corrections are effective on January 17, 2025.