2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In this final rule, the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') adopts a revised definition for ``showerhead'' and definitions for ``body spray'' and ``safety shower showerhead''. The revised regulatory definition for ``showerhead'' is consistent with the most recent standard developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (``ASME'') in 2018, such that each showerhead in a product containing multiple showerheads would be considered separately for purposes of determining standards compliance. DOE has determined that the definition is consistent with EPCA and, unlike the current definition, compliant with the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act and Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') Circular A-119. In addition, the definition is consistent with DOE's treatment of other products, such as body sprays. DOE is also defining the terms ``body spray'' and ``safety shower showerhead'' to clarify which products are not subject to the current energy conservation standard. With regard to the showerhead test procedure, DOE emphasizes in this final rule that the existing test procedure remains applicable for purposes of measuring the water use of a showerhead as defined in this final rule. DOE is not finalizing any test procedure amendments in this final rule.

This final rule amends the Department's regulations to set forth the principles of the Attorney General's Memorandum of June 5, 2017, prohibiting the inclusion of provisions in settlement agreements directing or providing for a payment or loan to a non-governmental person or entity that is not a party to the dispute, except in defined circumstances.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''), prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including fluorescent lamp ballasts (``FLBs''). EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') to periodically determine whether more-stringent standards would be technologically feasible and cost effective, and would result in significant energy savings. In this final determination, DOE has determined that energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts do not need to be amended.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''), prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including residential clothes washers and consumer clothes dryers. In this final rule, the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'' or ``the Department'') establishes separate product classes for top-loading consumer clothes washers and consumer clothes dryers that offer cycle times for a normal cycle of less than 30 minutes, and for front-loading residential clothes washers that offer cycle times for a normal cycle of less than 45 minutes. DOE's decision to establish these new product classes is based on the comments received in response to the proposed rule as well as testing and evaluation conducted by the Department. This rulemaking sets out the basis for the new product classes. DOE intends to determine the specific energy and water consumption limits for the new product classes in separate rulemakings in accordance with the requirements of the Department's Process Rule.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is establishing January 1, 2024, as the uniform compliance date for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations that will be issued between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. FSIS periodically announces uniform compliance dates for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations to minimize the economic impact of label changes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is denying applications to designate four in-process preparations containing trenbolone acetate as exempt anabolic steroid products under the Controlled Substances Act.

Defense Human Resources Activity publishes this Civilian Personnel Per Diem Bulletin Number 315. Bulletin Number 315 lists current per diem rates prescribed for reimbursement of subsistence expenses while on official Government travel to Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United States. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 lodging rate review did not result in lodging rate changes in any locations.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Employment and Training Administration (ETA)-sponsored information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited.

Concordia University has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for an amended incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The requested amended ITP, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the Jollyville Plateau salamander, in addition to the already existing ITP for golden-cheeked warbler. The proposed incidental take would result from activities associated with otherwise lawful activities, including construction, operation, and maintenance of Concordia University, that result in water quality and habitat degradation. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, we invite public comment on the draft environmental assessment on the proposed amended habitat conservation plan and application.

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a scientific research permit (Permit 18761-2R) to the University of California, Santa Cruz, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The research is intended to increase knowledge of black abalone listed under the ESA and to help guide management and conservation efforts.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ED is proposing a revision of a currently approved collection.

NMFS approves and implements changes to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Risk Policy. This action is intended to adjust the Council's risk policy by accepting a higher level of risk for stocks at or above biomass targets. These adjustments could lead to increases in catch limits for healthy fisheries managed by the Council.

This is an amendment of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for the State of COLORADO, dated 09/15/2020. Incident: Grizzly Creek Fire. Incident Period: 08/10/2020 through 12/ 08/2020.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a noncompetitive (direct) sale of the Federal reversionary interest of 2.50 acres of previously patented land in a Recreation and Public Purposes Act patent in Cochise, Arizona, at no less than the appraised fair market value, to the Fry Fire District, Arizona.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The IRS is soliciting comments concerning IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The IRS is soliciting comments concerning carryover of passive activity losses and credits and at-risk losses to bankruptcy estates of individuals.