2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On February 28, 2022, the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources, submitted a request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate the Atlanta, Georgia 2015 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (hereinafter referred to as the ``Atlanta Area'' or ``Area'') to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS or standards) and to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision containing a maintenance plan for the Area. EPA is approving the State's plan for maintaining attainment of the 2015 8-hour ozone standard in the Area, including the motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs) for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the years of 2018 and 2033 for the Area, incorporating the maintenance plan into the SIP, and redesignating the Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA is also notifying the public of the status of EPA's adequacy determination for the MVEBs for the Area.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain waters of the St. Johns River in connection with the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Air Show. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters near Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, during the air show. Entry of vessels or persons into this safety zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Jacksonville or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain waters of the Potomac River. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment on these navigable waters near Washington, DC, on October 22, 2022, (no rain date) from potential hazards during a fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Maryland-National Capital Region or a designated representative.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Guaranty Service (LGY) is requesting public comment on expanding VA's incentivized loss- mitigation options available to servicers that assist veterans whose VA-guaranteed loans are in default. Although VA identifies, below, specific topics and questions for discussion, it encourages commenters to discuss any other topic that will help VA as it explores whether to expand the incentivized loss-mitigation options outlined in VA regulation.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing this proposed rule to remove a provision from one section of the existing Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) regulations, regarding the resolution of conflicting Federal agency regulations by the Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

The Coast Guard is activating two safety zones for the SpaceX Commercial Crew-4 mission, reentry vehicle splashdown, and recovery operations. These operations will occur in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Our regulation for safety zones in reentry sites within the Seventh Coast Guard District identifies the regulated areas for this event. No U.S. flagged vessel may enter the safety zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port St. Petersburg or a designated representative. Foreign-flagged vessels are encouraged to remain outside the safety zones.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to repeal regulatory amendments promulgated through a final rule adopted in 2008 under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that addressed the consideration of ``fugitive'' emissions of air pollutants from stationary sources when determining the applicability of certain permitting requirements under the Act. Those amendments have been stayed as a result of the reconsideration process. To bring closure to the reconsideration proceeding, the EPA is proposing to fully repeal the 2008 rule by removing the stayed provisions of the regulatory amendments adopted in 2008. The EPA is also proposing to remove a related exemption for modifications that would be considered major solely due to the inclusion of fugitive emissions. As a result of the proposed changes, all existing major stationary sources would be required to include fugitive emissions in determining whether a physical or operational change constitutes a ``major modification,'' requiring a permit under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) or Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) programs.

GSA informs Federal agencies that certain provisions of the FTR governing official relocation travel are temporarily waived for Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico locations impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona and that GSA Bulletin FTR 23-03, containing additional details of that waiver, is available.

In a Solicitation of Pilot Program Participants in the Federal Register on January 31, 2014, the Census Bureau announced the implementation of the Advanced Export Information (AEI) pilot program to evaluate a new filing option in the Automated Export System and solicited AEI pilot program participants. The AEI pilot program filing option allowed participating exporters to submit a limited set of Electronic Export Information (EEI) in accordance with existing filing deadlines, followed by the full set of data elements submitted within five calendar days of the date of export. This notification announces that the Census Bureau, in cooperation with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has decided to cancel the AEI pilot program. This decision to eliminate the AEI pilot program as an AES filing option was made because the Census Bureau was unable to conduct sufficient analysis and evaluation of the pilot program due to a lack of adequate participation.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis (Big Pine partridge pea), Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. serpyllum (wedge spurge), Linum arenicola (sand flax), and Argythamnia blodgettii (Blodgett's silverbush) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). In total, approximately 1,462 acres (592 hectares) for Big Pine partridge pea and approximately 1,379 acres (558 hectares) for wedge spurge, in Monroe County, Florida, and approximately 5,090 acres (2,060 hectares) for sand flax and 16,635 acres (6,732 hectares) for Blodgett's silverbush in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Florida, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designations. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to the species' critical habitat. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for these four plant species.

This proposed rule would establish the 2023-24 harvest specifications for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. This proposed rule would also revise management measures intended to keep the total annual catch of each groundfish stock or stock complex within the annual catch limits. These proposed measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure management measures are based on the best scientific information available. This proposed rule would also make minor corrections to the regulations. Additionally, this proposed rule announces the receipt of exempted fishing permit applications. NMFS has made a preliminary determination that these applications warrant further consideration. NMFS requests public comment on these applications. This action also would implement portions of Amendment 30 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, which would specify a shortbelly rockfish catch threshold to initiate Council review; extend the length of the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary season; change the use of Rockfish Conservation Area boundaries; expand the use of Block Area Closures to control catch of groundfish; and correct the definition of Block Area Closures. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, NMFS also announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment that analyzes the potential effects of the associated proposed rule.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded escape slide release during flight due to a blockage of one of the system venting features. This AD requires modification of affected reservoirs, and limits the installation of affected reservoirs, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of the Verdigris River, Mile Marker (MM) 431 through MM 432, Catoosa, OK. This rule is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during a bridge demolition. All vessels and persons are prohibited from entering the demolition area unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lower Mississippi River or a designated representative.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing one general license (GL) issued pursuant to the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations: GL 13B, which was previously issued on OFAC's website.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing one sectoral determination issued pursuant to an April 15, 2021 Executive order, as well as a category of services determination issued pursuant to an April 6, 2022 Executive order. Each determination was previously issued on OFAC's website.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPS) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure procedures (ODPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

On October 7, 2022, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) placed on public display an interim final rule: ``Implementation of Additional Export Controls: Certain Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items; Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use; Entity List Modification.'' On October 13, 2022, Under Secretary for Industry and Security Alan F. Estevez and Assistant Secretary for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler will conduct a public briefing on the rule and associated actions. This announcement provides details on the procedures for attending the public briefing.

This rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to better facilitate the U.S. Government's ability to achieve greater reciprocity between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) relative to the treatment of representatives of foreign information media of the respective countries seeking entry into the other country. For entry into the United States, such foreign nationals would seek to be admitted in I nonimmigrant status as bona fide representatives of foreign information media. Currently, foreign nationals who present a passport issued by the PRC, with the exception of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or Macau SAR passport holders, may be admitted in or otherwise granted I nonimmigrant status until the activities or assignments consistent with the I classification are completed, not to exceed 90 days. This rule amends the DHS regulations to remove the set period of stay of up to 90 days and to allow the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to determine the maximum period of stay, no longer than one year, for PRC I visa holders, taking into account certain factors. This rule also announces the Secretary has determined the maximum period of stay for which a noncitizen who presents a passport issued by the PRC (other than a Hong Kong SAR passport or a Macau SAR passport) may be admitted in or otherwise granted I nonimmigrant status is one year.

In this rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement necessary controls on advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs), computer commodities that contain such ICs, and certain semiconductor manufacturing items. In addition, BIS is expanding controls on transactions involving items for supercomputer and semiconductor manufacturing end uses, for example, this rule expands the scope of foreign-produced items subject to license requirements for twenty-eight existing entities on the Entity List that are located in China. BIS is also informing the public that specific activities of ``U.S. persons'' that `support' the ``development'' or ``production'' of certain ICs in the PRC require a license. Lastly, to minimize short term impact on the semiconductor supply chain from this rule, BIS is establishing a Temporary General License to permit specific, limited manufacturing activities in China related to items destined for use outside China and is identifying a model certificate that may be used in compliance programs to assist, along with other measures, in conducting due diligence. `

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing nine general licenses (GLs) issued in the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations program: GLs 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G, each of which was previously issued on OFAC's website and is now expired, as well as GL 3H, which was also previously issued on OFAC's website.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') is adopting amendments to Volume II of the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (``EDGAR'') Filer Manual (``Filer Manual'') and related rules and forms. The EDGAR system was upgraded on September 19, 2022.

In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual fishing quota (IFQ), Federal dealer reporting, and Federal charter vessel and headboat (for-hire vessel) reporting programs specific to the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and the coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) fisheries in the Gulf and Atlantic, the snapper-grouper fishery in the South Atlantic, and the dolphin and wahoo fishery in the Atlantic, the Regional Administrator (RA), Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined that Hurricane Ian has caused catastrophic conditions in certain Florida and South Carolina counties. This temporary rule authorizes any dealer in the affected area described in this temporary rule who does not have access to electronic reporting to delay reporting of trip tickets to NMFS and authorizes IFQ participants within the affected area to use paper-based forms, if necessary, for basic required administrative functions, e.g., landing transactions. This rule also authorizes any Federal for-hire owner or operator in the affected area described in this temporary rule who does not have access to electronic reporting to delay reporting of logbook and South Atlantic ``Did Not Fish'' records to NMFS. This temporary rule is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ, dealer, and Federal for-hire reporting operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.

This temporary final rule would implement a special activities provision of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The Coast Guard is establishing three temporary safety zones for the safe splashdown and recovery of reentry vehicles launched by Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from October 12, 2022 until November 10, 2022. These three temporary safety zones are located within the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile area of responsibility offshore of Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee, Florida. This rule would prohibit U.S. flagged vessels from entering any of the temporary safety zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Mobile or a designated representative. Foreign-flagged vessels would be encouraged to remain outside the safety zones. This action is necessary to protect vessels and waterway users from the potential hazards created by reentry vehicle splashdowns and recovery operations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It is also necessary to provide for the safe recovery of reentry vehicles, and any personnel involved in reentry services, after the splashdown.

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me hydrogen, reaction products with vinyl group-terminated di-Me siloxanes (CAS Reg. No. 156065-02-0), when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. The Dow Chemical Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me hydrogen, reaction products with vinyl group-terminated di-Me siloxanes on food or feed commodities.

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of dimethyl sulfoxide (CAS Reg. No. 67-68- 5) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent, co-solvent), in pesticide formulations for pre-harvest applications, including post-emergence use. Exponent, Inc., on behalf of Gaylord Chemical Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an amendment to an existing tolerance exemption. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of dimethyl sulfoxide for pre-harvest applications.