2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1,301 - 1,350 of 5,042
Air Plan Approval; KY; Existing Indirect Heat Exchangers for Jefferson County
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is approving changes to the Jefferson County portion of the Kentucky State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Energy and Environment Cabinet (Cabinet), through a letter dated March 15, 2018. The changes were submitted by the Cabinet on behalf of the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (District, also referred to herein as Jefferson County). The SIP revision includes changes to Jefferson County Regulations regarding existing indirect heat exchangers.
Payday Alternative Loans
The NCUA Board (Board) is issuing a final rule (referred to as the PALs II rule) to allow federal credit unions (FCUs) to offer additional payday alternative loans (PALs) to their members. The final rule does not replace the NCUA's current PALs rule (referred to as the PALs I rule). Rather, the PALs II rule grants FCUs additional flexibility to offer their members meaningful alternatives to traditional payday loans while maintaining many of the key structural safeguards of the PALs I rule.
Rules of Practice and Procedure Governing Formal Rulemaking Proceedings Instituted by the Secretary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department) is amending the regulations on the rules of practice and procedure governing formal rulemaking proceedings instituted by the Secretary. This final rule amends the definition of judge so that the term is consistently applied to all USDA formal rulemaking proceedings.
Limitations on the Issuance of Commercial Driver's Licenses With a Hazardous Materials Endorsement; Interim Final Rule Made Final
FMCSA adopts those requirements of the interim final rule (IFR) published on May 5, 2003 (2003 IFR), and the IFR published on April 29, 2005 (2005 IFR), which have not previously been finalized, as final without change. The 2003 IFR amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to prohibit States from issuing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement unless the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the Department of Homeland Security has first conducted a security threat assessment and determined that the applicant does not pose a security risk warranting denial of the hazardous materials endorsement, as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act). The 2005 IFR amended the FMCSRs to conform to the TSA's compliance date and reduce the amount of advance notice that States must provide to drivers that a security threat assessment will be performed when they renew a hazardous materials endorsement. In addition, this rule incorporates a provision of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 and two provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which together authorize a State to issue a license to operate a motor vehicle transporting hazardous material in commerce to an individual who holds a valid transportation security card. In particular, the Agency incorporates TSA's definition of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as equivalent to a Transportation Security Card (TSC).
U.S. Standards for Grades of Apples
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is amending the U.S. Standards for Grades of Apples by removing smooth net-like russeting as a grade-determining factor in the U.S. Extra Fancy, U.S. Fancy, and U.S. No. 1 grades for Fuji apples. In addition, AMS is removing obsolete references to the location where color standards may be examined and purchased. The changes modernize the standards and meet consumer demand by providing greater marketing flexibility.
Pipeline Safety: Safety of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
In response to congressional mandates, NTSB and GAO recommendations, lessons learned, and public input, PHMSA is amending the Pipeline Safety Regulations to improve the safety of pipelines transporting hazardous liquids. Specifically, PHMSA is extending reporting requirements to certain hazardous liquid gravity and rural gathering lines; requiring the inspection of pipelines in areas affected by extreme weather and natural disasters; requiring integrity assessments at least once every 10 years of onshore hazardous liquid pipeline segments located outside of high consequence areas and that are ``piggable'' (i.e., can accommodate in-line inspection devices); extending the required use of leak detection systems beyond high consequence areas to all regulated, non-gathering hazardous liquid pipelines; and requiring that all pipelines in or affecting high consequence areas be capable of accommodating in-line inspection tools within 20 years, unless the basic construction of a pipeline cannot be modified to permit that accommodation. Additionally, PHMSA is clarifying other regulations and is incorporating Sections 14 and 25 of the PIPES Act of 2016 to improve regulatory certainty and compliance.
Pipeline Safety: Enhanced Emergency Order Procedures
On October 14, 2016, PHMSA published an interim final rule (IFR) issuing temporary emergency order procedures and requesting public comment. This final rule adopts, with modifications, that IFR implementing the emergency order authority conferred on the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) by the ``Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016'' (PIPES Act). These regulations establish procedures for the issuance of emergency orders to address an unsafe condition or practice, or a combination of unsafe conditions or practices, that constitute or cause an imminent hazard to public health and safety or the environment. The regulations describe the duration and scope of such orders and provide a mechanism by which pipeline owners and operators subject to, and aggrieved by, emergency orders can seek administrative or judicial review.
Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments
PHMSA is revising the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to improve the safety of onshore gas transmission pipelines. This final rule addresses congressional mandates, National Transportation Safety Board recommendations, and responds to public input. The amendments in this final rule address integrity management requirements and other requirements, and they focus on the actions an operator must take to reconfirm the maximum allowable operating pressure of previously untested natural gas transmission pipelines and pipelines lacking certain material or operational records, the periodic assessment of pipelines in populated areas not designated as ``high consequence areas,'' the reporting of exceedances of maximum allowable operating pressure, the consideration of seismicity as a risk factor in integrity management, safety features on in-line inspection launchers and receivers, a 6-month grace period for 7-calendar-year integrity management reassessment intervals, and related recordkeeping provisions.
Initiation of Review of Management Plan for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Analysis and Management Plan
In accordance with Section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA), the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is initiating a review of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) management plan, to evaluate substantive progress toward implementing the goals of the sanctuary, and to make revisions to the management plan as necessary to fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. NOAA anticipates management plan changes will require preparation of an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA will conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and other comments from individuals, organizations, tribes and government agencies on the scope, types, and significance of issues related to the CINMS management plan and the proper scope of environmental analysis for the management plan review. The scoping meetings are scheduled as detailed below under DATES.
Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal meat inspection regulations to establish an optional new inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments that has been demonstrated to provide public health protection at least equivalent to the existing inspection system. Market hog slaughter establishments that do not choose to operate under the new swine inspection system may continue to operate under their existing inspection system. The Agency is also making several changes to the regulations that will affect all establishments that slaughter swine, regardless of the inspection system under which they operate or the age, size, or class of swine. These changes will allow all swine slaughter establishments to develop sampling plans that are more tailored to their specific operations, and thus more effective in monitoring their specific process control, unlike the current requirements in the regulations.
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Unfired Hot Water Storage Tanks
On August 9, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a request for information (RFI) pertaining to the energy conservation standards for unfired hot water storage tanks. The RFI provided an opportunity for submitting written comments, data, and information by September 23, 2019. Prior to the end of the comment period for the RFI, DOE received a request from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) on September 13, 2019 seeking additional time to analyze data, possibly conduct further testing, and prepare comments. In light of this request, DOE is reopening the comment period for an additional 30 days and announcing that decision in this document.
Temporary Rule To Increase the Commercial Trip Limit for Atlantic King Mackerel
NMFS issues this emergency action, a final temporary rule to revise the Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (Atlantic king mackerel) commercial trip limit within the Atlantic southern zone from October 1, 2019, through February 29, 2020, as requested by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). The purpose of this final temporary rule is to increase the commercial trip limit to allow for a significant economic opportunity that otherwise would be forgone and relieve an economic burden within the Atlantic king mackerel commercial sector without increasing the risk to the stock.
Benefit Payments and Allocation of Assets
This proposed rule would make changes to PBGC's regulations on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans and Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans. The changes would make clarifications and codify policies involving payment of lump sums, changes to benefit form, partial benefit distributions, and valuation of plan assets.
Lump Sum Payment Assumptions
This proposed rule would modify the assumptions the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) uses to determine de minimis lump sum benefits in PBGC-trusteed terminated single-employer defined benefit pension plans and would discontinue monthly publication of PBGC's lump sum interest rate assumption.
Safety Zone; Grand Haven Fireworks, Lake Michigan, Grand Haven, MI
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of Lake Michigan and the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan (COTP).
Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds in Construction and Shipyard Sectors
OSHA is finalizing the proposed rule on occupational exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds in construction and shipyards by delaying the compliance deadlines for nearly all provisions of the standards to September 30, 2020. The one exception to the September 30, 2020 compliance deadline is for the permissible exposure limit (PEL) and the short-term exposure limit (STEL), which OSHA has been enforcing since May 11, 2018. This rule confirms that the exposure limits remain in effect. OSHA is not adopting the portion of the proposed rule that would have revised OSHA's existing beryllium standards for construction and shipyards to revoke the ancillary provisions. OSHA finds that other OSHA standards do not duplicate the requirements of the ancillary provisions in the beryllium standards for construction and shipyards in their entirety. Thus revoking all of the ancillary provisions and leaving only the PEL and STEL would be inconsistent with OSHA's statutory mandate to protect workers from the demonstrated significant risks of material impairment of health resulting from exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds. OSHA will publish a new proposal for the construction and shipyards beryllium standards, to seek comment on different changes OSHA is considering.
New Single-Sheet Format for U.S. Official Order Form for Schedule I and II Controlled Substances (DEA Form 222)
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is amending its regulations to implement a new single-sheet format for DEA Form 222, used by DEA registrants to order schedules I and II controlled substances. The rule provides for a two-year transition period, during which the existing triplicate version of the forms may continue to be used. The rule also includes a number of minor procedural changes.
State of Vermont: Discontinuance of Certain Commission Regulatory Authority Within the State; Notice of Agreement Between the NRC and the State of Vermont
This notice is announcing that on September 9, 2019, Kristine L. Svinicki, Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission), and on September 13, 2019, Governor Philip B. Scott of the State of Vermont, signed an Agreement as authorized by Section 274b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act). Under the Agreement, the Commission discontinues its regulatory authority, and the State of Vermont assumes regulatory authority over 11e.(1), 11e.(3), and 11e.(4) byproduct materials, source materials, and special nuclear materials in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass. As of the effective date of the Agreement, a person in Vermont possessing these materials is exempt from certain Commission regulations. The exemptions have been previously published in the Federal Register (FR) and are codified in the Commission's regulations. The Agreement is published here as required by Section 274e. of the Act.
Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reinstating the regulatory provisions for examinations of working places in metal and nonmetal mines published on January 23, 2017. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an order on June 11, 2019, and a mandate on August 23, 2019, requiring this action.
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, -200 STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of structural cracks in the wing lower skin stringers on both half wings. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the lower skin stringers on both half wings for cracking or fuel leakage, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) Brazilian AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Ceiling Fans
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to amend its test procedures for ceiling fans established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. On July 25, 2016, DOE published a final rule amending the test procedure for ceiling fans to support the ceiling fans energy conservation standards rulemaking. In this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), DOE proposes to: Interpret the term ``suspended from a ceiling'' in the EPCA definition of ceiling fan to mean offered for mounting only on a ceiling; specify that very small-diameter (VSD) ceiling fans that do not also meet the definition of low-speed small- diameter (LSSD) ceiling fan are not required to be tested pursuant to the DOE test method; for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans, increase the tolerance for the stability criteria for the average air velocity measurements in low speed to reduce test burden; specify that large- diameter ceiling with blade spans greater than 24 feet do not need to be tested pursuant to the DOE test method; codify current guidance on calculating several values reported on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) EnergyGuide label for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans using results from the ceiling fan test procedures; and amend certification requirements and product-specific enforcement provisions to reflect the current test procedures and recently amended energy conservation standards for ceiling fans.
Safety Zone, Saint Simons Sound, GA
On September 08, 2019, the Captain of the Port (COTP) Savannah issued an Emergency Safety Zone in response to the grounding/capsizing of the M/V GOLDEN RAY (31[deg]07'39.66 North, 081[deg]24'10.58 West, between Saint Simons Lighthouse and the north end of Jekyll Island, in the vicinity of green buoy #19). This Emergency Safety Zone prohibited all vessels from approaching within 0.5 nautical miles of M/V GOLDEN RAY, unless authorized by the COTP. As of September 13, 2019, this Emergency Safety Zone remained in effect for all vessels of 500 GT and above. No vessels 500 GT and above were able to transit within 0.5 nautical miles of the M/V GOLDEN RAY unless specifically authorized by the COTP. For all other vessels, the Emergency Safety Zone was enforced for 150 yards surrounding the site. No vessel could transit within 150 yards of the M/V GOLDEN RAY unless specifically authorized by the COTP. As of September 19, 2019, USCG Captain of the Port Savannah has adjusted the safety zone surrounding the M/V GOLDEN RAY, so that no vessel is authorized access within 150 yards of the M/V GOLDEN RAY, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port. The previous safety zone established on September 12, 2019 is terminated.
Special Local Regulation; Kailua Bay, Ironman World Championship, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
The Coast Guard will enforce a special local regulation for the Ironman Ho'ala practice swim and Ironman World Championship Triathlon on October 6 and October 12, 2019, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during this event. Our regulation for marine events within the Fourteenth Coast Guard District identifies the regulated area for this event on certain waters of Kailua Bay, Kailua- Kona, Hawaii. During the enforcement periods, the operator of any vessel in the regulated area must comply with directions from the Patrol Commander or any Official Patrol displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regulatory Provisions To Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Burden Reduction; Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Dialysis Facilities; Hospital and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Changes To Promote Innovation, Flexibility, and Improvement in Patient Care
This final rule reforms Medicare regulations that are identified as unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome on health care providers and suppliers. This final rule also increases the ability of health care professionals to devote resources to improving patient care by eliminating or reducing requirements that impede quality patient care or that divert resources away from furnishing high quality patient care. Additionally, this rule updates fire safety standards for Medicare and Medicaid participating End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facilities by adopting the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code and the 2012 edition of the Health Care Facilities Code. Finally, this final rule updates the requirements that hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These requirements are intended to conform to current standards of practice and support improvements in quality of care, reduce barriers to care, and reduce some issues that may exacerbate workforce shortage concerns.
Safety Zone; Mackinaw City Fall Colors Fireworks, Mackinaw City, MI
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the Straits of Mackinac near Mackinac City, MI. The temporary safety zone is needed to protect vessels and spectators from the hazards associated with a fireworks show during the Mackinaw City Fall Colors Fireworks. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Sault Sainte Marie or a designated representative.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Revisions to Requirements for Discharge Planning for Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, and Home Health Agencies, and Hospital and Critical Access Hospital Changes to Promote Innovation, Flexibility, and Improvement in Patient Care
This final rule empowers patients to be active participants in the discharge planning process and complements efforts around interoperability that focus on the seamless exchange of patient information between health care settings by revising the discharge planning requirements that Hospitals (including Short-Term Acute-Care Hospitals, Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs), Rehabilitation Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Children's Hospitals, and Cancer Hospitals), Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and Home Health Agencies (HHAs) must meet in order to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This final rule also implements discharge planning requirements which will give patients and their families access to information that will help them to make informed decisions about their post-acute care, while addressing their goals of care and treatment preferences, which may ultimately reduce their chances of being re-hospitalized. It also updates one provision regarding patient rights in hospitals, intended to promote innovation and flexibility and to improve patient care.
Safety Zone; Leif Erickson Day Row and Run, Charlevoix, MI
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix, MI. This temporary safety zone is needed to protect 40 participating paddlers in the Leif Erickson Day Row and Run. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Sault Sainte Marie or a designated representative.
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina: Amendments of Air Quality Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality (DAQ), through a letter dated March 21, 2018, readopting and amending air quality rules related to transportation conformity requirements in the state of North Carolina. EPA has determined that North Carolina's March 21, 2018, SIP revision is consistent with the federal transportation conformity requirements and the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Redesignation Requests and Maintenance Plans for Delaware County and Lebanon County 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Areas
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving requests for redesignation to attainment status as well as state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On January 23, 2019 and February 11, 2019, respectively, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) submitted requests for EPA to redesignate the Delaware County and Lebanon County nonattainment areas (the Delaware and Lebanon Areas or the Areas) to attainment of the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). EPA is granting PADEP's requests and determining that the Delaware and Lebanon Areas meet the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, based on the most recent three years of certified air quality data. The effect of this action is to change the designation status of the Delaware and Lebanon Areas from nonattainment to attainment for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, thereby removing the requirement for a nonattainment new source review (NNSR) permitting program and stopping the sanctions clock associated with a finding of failure to submit NNSR updates for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA is also approving PADEP's plans to ensure that the Delaware and Lebanon Areas continue to meet the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS through 2030 (maintenance plans) as revisions to the Pennsylvania SIP. The maintenance plans for the Delaware and Lebanon Areas include 2014, 2022, and 2030 motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for mobile sources of PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOX). Finally, EPA is finding these 2014, 2022, and 2030 MVEBs for PM2.5 and NOX adequate and is approving these MVEBs into the Pennsylvania SIP for transportation conformity purposes. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Scup Fishery; Adjustment to the 2019 Winter II Quota
NMFS adjusts the 2019 Winter II commercial scup quota and per- trip Federal landing limit. This action is intended to comply with Framework Adjustment 3 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan that established the rollover of unused commercial scup quota from the Winter I to Winter II period. This document is intended to inform the public of this quota and trip limit change.
Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Infrastructure State Implementation Plan Requirements for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving elements of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submission from the State of Missouri addressing the applicable requirements of section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2015 Ozone (O3) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Section 110 requires that each state adopt and submit a SIP revision to support the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each new or revised NAAQS promulgated by the EPA. These SIPs are commonly referred to as ``infrastructure'' SIPs. The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA. The EPA is also approving a request from the State to exempt all counties in the Metropolitan Kansas City Interstate Air Quality Control Region (Kansas City AQCR) and all of Jefferson and most of Franklin (except Boles Township) counties in the Metropolitan St. Louis Interstate (St. Louis AQCR) from needing an ozone contingency plan meeting the EPA's requirements.
Approval of Air Quality Improvement Plan, Operating Permits Program, and 112(l) Plan; Missouri; Operating Permits
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to approve revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP), the Operating Permit Program (OPP), and the 112(l) plan submitted on March 7, 2019, by the State of Missouri. The submission revises Missouri's regulations relating to the requirement for sources of air contaminants to obtain operating permits and to establish procedures for sources of air contaminants to obtain and comply with operating permits. These revisions are primarily administrative in nature and do not impact the stringency of the SIP, the OPP, or the 112(l) plan. Specifically, the revisions correct references, change the term ``regulated pollutant'' to ``regulated air pollutant'', removes unnecessary words, and add definitions. Approval of these revisions will not impact air quality and ensures Federal enforceability of the State's rules.
Special Local Regulation; Kailua Bay, Ironman World Championship, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
The Coast Guard is establishing a recurring special local regulation for certain waters of Kailua Bay, Hawaii. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters located at Kailua-Kona, HI, during the swim portion of the Ironman World Championship Triathlon and practice swim held on consecutive weekends annually in October. On both days, the swim events are held from 3:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. This rulemaking prohibits persons and vessels from being in the regulated area each day of the event unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Honolulu.
Determination of Active Military Service and Discharge for Civilian or Contractual Groups
This final rule removes the Department of the Air Force's regulation containing procedures for processing discharge applications of civilians or contractors claiming prior active military service with the Air Force or a predecessor organization. The content of this part is addressed in a DoD-level regulation, and it is unnecessary.
General Technical, Organizational, Conforming, and Correcting Amendments to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
FMCSA amends its regulations by making technical corrections throughout the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The Agency makes minor changes to correct inadvertent errors and omissions, remove or update obsolete references, and improve the clarity and consistency of certain regulatory provisions. The Agency also makes nondiscretionary, ministerial changes that are statutorily mandated.
Proposed Rescission of Policy Statements
In an ongoing effort to streamline issuances by the FDIC to the public and to ensure that such issuances are timely, relevant, and effective, the FDIC initiated a comprehensive review of its Statements of Policy to identify those that could be rescinded. Additionally, the FDIC, in the 2017 report required by the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act, committed to reviewing published guidance to identify any guidance that should be revised or rescinded because it is out-of-date or otherwise no longer relevant.
Completing the Transition to Electronic Filing, Licenses and Authorizations, and Correspondence in the Wireless Radio Services
This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) builds upon the Commission's recent efforts to modernize its legacy filing, communications, and information retention systems by improving electronic access to data and digitizing Commission communications in a wide variety of services. Specifically, this NPRM proposes to make all filings to the Universal Licensing System (ULS) completely electronic; expand electronic filing and correspondence elements for related systems; and require applicants to provide an email address on the FCC Forms related to these systems. This NPRM also seeks comment on additional rule changes that would further expand the use of electronic filing and electronic service. Together, these proposals will facilitate the remaining steps to transition these systems from paper to electronic, reducing regulatory burdens and environmental waste, and making interaction with these systems more accessible and efficient for those who rely on them.
Rules of Conduct and Standards of Responsibility for Appointed Representatives; Correction
On July 2, 2018, we published final rules in the Federal Register revising our rules of conduct and standards of responsibility for representatives. Those final rules reduced the amount of time to request Appeals Council review of a hearing officer's decision from 30 days to 14 business days, but we inadvertently failed to make the same change in the parallel sections of the CFR, which details when the Appeals Council will dismiss a request for review. This document corrects the omitted sections and makes our regulations consistent.
Application of the Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions and Certain Nondiscrimination Rules to Health Reimbursement Arrangements and Other Account-Based Group Health Plans Integrated With Individual Health Insurance Coverage or Medicare
This document sets forth proposed regulations to clarify the application of the employer shared responsibility provisions and certain nondiscrimination rules under the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and other account-based group health plans integrated with individual health insurance coverage or Medicare (individual coverage HRAs), and to provide certain safe harbors with respect to the application of those provisions to individual coverage HRAs. The proposed regulations are intended to facilitate the adoption of individual coverage HRAs by employers, and taxpayers generally are permitted to rely on the proposed regulations. The proposed regulations would affect employers, employees and their family members, and plan sponsors.
Construction and Maintenance-Promoting Innovation in Use of Patented and Proprietary Products
The FHWA is revising its regulations to provide greater flexibility for States to use proprietary or patented materials in Federal-aid highway projects. This final rule rescinds the requirements limiting the use of Federal funds in paying for patented or proprietary materials, specifications, or processes specified in project plans and specifications, thus encouraging innovation in transportation technology and methods.
Black Lung Benefits Act: Quality Standards for Medical Testing
The Black Lung Benefits Act provides benefits to miners who are totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis arising out of coal mine employment and to certain miners' survivors. Determining benefits entitlement necessarily entails evaluating the miner's physical condition, particularly his or her respiratory system. These evaluations usually involve medical tests that assess the miner's respiratory capacity. To promote accuracy when tests are conducted in connection with a claim, the program regulations set out quality standards for administering and interpreting two commonly used tests: pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas studies. The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is considering updating the quality standards, which were last amended in 2000, to better reflect current medical technology and practice. This request for information seeks the public's input on current standards for administering pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas studies; criteria used to evaluate the results of these tests; whether OWCP should adopt quality standards for additional testing methods; and the economic impact of any changes to the quality standards.
Special Local Regulation; Battle of the Bridges, Intracoastal Waterway; Venice, FL
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation for certain waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters in Venice, FL, during the Battle of the Bridges event. This rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the race area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port St. Petersburg (COTP) or a designated representative.
Respirable Silica (Quartz)
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing the date and location of a public meeting on the Agency's Request for Information on Respirable Silica (Quartz). In addition, this document corrects a typographical error included in the Request for Information that published on August 29, 2019.
Radio Broadcasting Services; Caliente, Nevada
At the request of SSR Communications Inc., the Audio Division amends the FM Table of Allotments, by allotting Channel 264A at Caliente, Nevada, as the first local service. A staff engineering analysis indicates that Channel 264A can be allotted to Caliente consistent with the minimum distance separation requirements of the Commission's rules without a site restriction. The reference coordinates are 37-36-02 NL and 114-30-32 WL.
Proposed Amendment of Area Navigation Routes, Florida Metroplex Project; Southeastern United States
This action proposes to amend 12 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes) in support of the Florida Metroplex Project. The proposed amendments would provide more efficient, streamlined options for users, and improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).
The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program
On August 24, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) jointly published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking entitled, ``The Safer Affordable Fuel- Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.'' In the NPRM, the agencies proposed new and amended greenhouse gas (GHG) and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model year 2021 to 2026 light duty vehicles. EPA also proposed to withdraw the waiver it had previously provided to California for that State's GHG and ZEV programs under section 209 of the Clean Air Act. NHTSA also proposed regulatory text implementing its statutory authority to set nationally applicable fuel economy standards that made explicit that those State programs would also be preempted under NHTSA's authorities. In this action, the agencies finalize the two actions related to the waiver and preemption. Accordingly, in this document: EPA announces its decision to withdraw the waiver; and NHTSA finalizes regulatory text related to preemption. The agencies anticipate issuing a final rule on standards proposed in the NPRM in the near future.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Occupant Crash Protection
The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 directs NHTSA to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, ``Occupant crash protection,'' to require a seat belt use warning system for rear seats. NHTSA initiated a rulemaking proceeding in 2013, and as it continues with this proceeding NHTSA is seeking public comment on a variety of issues related to a requirement for a rear seat belt warning system. NHTSA seeks comment on, among other things, potential requirements for such systems, the vehicles to which they should apply, their effectiveness, the likely consumer acceptance, and the associated costs and benefits.
Safety Zone; Neches River, Beaumont, TX
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the navigable waters of the Neches River extending 500-feet on either side of the Kansas City Southern Railroad Bridge that crosses the Neches River in Beaumont, TX. The safety zone is necessary to protect the bridge as well as persons and property on or near the bridge from potential damage from passing vessels until missing and/or damaged fendering systems are repaired or replaced. Entry of certain vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur or a designated representative.
Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Continuance Referendum
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of Vidalia onions to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of Vidalia onions produced in Georgia.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod Management in the Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 120 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 108 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) (GOA FMP), collectively referred to as Amendments 120/108. If approved, Amendment 120 would limit the number of catcher/processors (C/Ps) eligible to operate as motherships receiving and processing Pacific cod from catcher vessels (CVs) directed fishing in the BSAI non-Community Development Quota Program (CDQ) Pacific cod trawl fishery. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act), Amendments 120/108, the BSAI and GOA FMPs, and other applicable laws.
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