Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to regulate the chemical known as Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)). This rule prohibits the processing and distribution of PIP (3:1) and products containing it, with certain exceptions for specific industries like aviation and automotive, where no safer alternatives exist. The rule also bans the release of this chemical into water and mandates that commercial users follow best practices to prevent such releases. The regulation aims to reduce the manufacture, use, and disposal of PIP (3:1), thereby lowering the risk of exposure to humans and the environment.

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has updated the income levels for people eligible for legal assistance. The updates reflect changes in the Federal Poverty Guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These new income levels are set at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are effective from January 28, 2021. A chart showing income levels at 200% of the guidelines is also provided to help assess financial eligibility for those with slightly higher incomes.

NMFS, a branch of NOAA within the Commerce Department, announced a temporary closure of the Atlantic bluefin tuna trophy fishery in the southern region for 2025. This closure affects recreational fishing for bluefin tuna measuring over 73 inches in length, as the quota for this category has been reached and exceeded. Fishing in the designated area must stop from February 28, 2025, until the end of the year to prevent further overfishing. While fishing is closed, anglers can still catch and release bluefin tuna, ensuring the fish are handled properly to maximize their survival.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has amended regulations to add 13 new standards of fill for wine and 15 for distilled spirits, aiming to offer more flexibility in container sizes. The TTB considered eliminating standards of fill altogether but decided against it to prevent consumer confusion and market disruption. Instead, the additional sizes are expected to support domestic and international trade and provide more options for consumers. Moreover, the TTB has removed the distinction between canned and other containers for distilled spirits, allowing the same standards to apply across all types. These changes take effect on January 10, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP), which ensures that the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards will be maintained in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. This action follows Pennsylvania's submission of a second maintenance plan, which fulfills federal requirements for continued air quality management. The EPA received supportive comments on this plan and did not face any opposition. The revision does not impose new requirements but strengthens existing state measures to maintain air quality standards.

The final rule permanently adopts changes to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) made by the interim rule published in January 2020. It responds to public comments and adjusts several program aspects, including clarifying definitions, addressing eligibility requirements for agricultural and wetland easements, and enhancing conservation and land management practices. The changes, based on the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, are intended to improve the program's efficiency, allowing for more flexible non-Federal cost-sharing and incorporating additional conservation planning. The rule emphasizes voluntary participation by landowners and seeks to enhance the conservation value of public investments.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule regarding the airworthiness of certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. This rule addresses a safety issue where lightning diverter strips on nose radomes were painted during production, which can weaken lightning protection. The directive requires inspections for paint and mandates the replacement of these diverter strips if necessary to prevent potential lightning damage to aircraft equipment. The rule is effective April 9, 2025, and compliance is mandatory for operators of affected aircraft models in the U.S.

The Federal Reserve Board has established new rules to adjust the capital and stress testing requirements for large bank holding companies and intermediate holding companies. These rules are tailored to the risk levels of different companies, with specific standards set for firms falling under "Category IV" based on the Board's revised prudential framework. This update aligns with previous rule changes and includes modifications to capital planning, stress tests, and regulatory reporting requirements. The final rule also requires certain savings and loan holding companies to adhere to similar capital planning and stress testing standards.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a final rule to revise its regulations regarding brokered deposits and interest rate restrictions for less than well-capitalized banks. For brokered deposits, the rule creates a new framework to determine what qualifies as a "deposit broker," including an evaluation of what it means to "facilitate," and introduces several designated exceptions that qualify for this exception without requiring an application. For interest rate restrictions, the FDIC has updated how it calculates the national and local rate caps that less than well-capitalized banks can offer on deposits, aiming to ensure these caps more accurately reflect market conditions. The rule aims to provide clarity to banks while still promoting safety and soundness in their operations.

The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA have issued a final rule to make editorial updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation. These changes, which affect various sections within 48 CFR parts 13, 25, 36, 49, and 52, are mostly minor adjustments, such as updating references and terminology. The rule will take effect on January 3, 2025. For any inquiries, individuals can contact Ms. Lois Mandell at the GSA.