2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) published a notice in the Federal Register of November 6, 2023, in which Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of certain paper shopping bags (paper bags) from the People's Republic of China (China). This notice incorrectly spelled two of the company names listed in the table in the ``Preliminary Determination'' section.

This document provides the public with notice that, on November 8, 2023, Metro-North Commuter Railroad (MNR) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP). As this RFA may involve a request for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to an FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on the railroad's RFA to its PTCSP.

The Committee is proposing to delete product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) in accordance with the regulations implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations, and VA's NEPA Implementing Regulations.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describe the nature of the information collection and their expected burdens.

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission (``Commission'') has determined to issue a limited exclusion order (``LEO'') directed to Foshan Dirani Design Furniture Co., Ltd. (``Dirani Design'') barring entry of certain pillows and seat cushions, components thereof, and packaging thereof that infringe certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,863,837 (``the '837 patent''); a general exclusion order (``GEO'') barring entry of certain pillows and seat cushions, components thereof, and packaging thereof that infringe certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,772,445 (``the '445 patent''); and cease and desist orders (``CDOs'') directed to respondents Dirani Design, Dongguan Jingrui Silicone Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Lydia Sports Goods Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Leadfar Industry Co., Ltd.

NMFS issues this final rule to revise the regulations implementing the import provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This final rule extends, by two years, the exemption period to end December 31, 2025.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) is preparing for the annual preseason management process for the 2024 ocean salmon fisheries. This document announces public meetings planned for Winter 2024 and the anticipated availability of Pacific Council documents in the Winter/Spring of 2024.

On October 19, 2023, Van Pool Transportation LLC (Van Pool or Applicant), a noncarrier, filed an application for Van Pool to acquire control of an interstate passenger motor carrier, PLSIII LLC (PLS), by acquiring all the outstanding equity interests in PLS from Founders Mobility LLC (Founders), the sole member of PLS. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction, and, if no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action.

According to the provisions of section 10 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that a virtual meeting of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023. There will be no in-person gathering for this meeting.

The Department of Energy hereby publishes a notice of open meeting of the Electric Vehicle Working Group (EVWG). The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that public notice of these meetings be announced in the Federal Register.

The Department of the Navy (DON) announces the appointment of members to the DON Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL), and Scientific and Professional (ST) Fiscal Year 2023 Performance Review Board (PRB). The purpose of the PRB is to provide fair and impartial review of the annual SES performance appraisal prepared by the senior executive's immediate and second level supervisor; to make recommendations to appointing officials regarding acceptance or modification of the performance rating; and to make recommendations for performance-based bonuses and performance-based pay increases.

Notice is hereby given that a complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on October 11, 2023, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson of Sweden. Supplements were filed on October 31, 2023 and November 9, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 based upon the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain mobile phones, components thereof, and products containing same by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,425,817 (``the '817 patent''); U.S. Patent No. 10,306,669 (``the '669 patent''); U.S. Patent No. 11,317,342 (``the '342 patent''); and U.S. Patent No. 11,515,893 (``the '893 patent''). The complaint further alleges that an industry in the United States exists or is in the process of being established as required by the applicable Federal Statute. The complainant requests that the Commission institute an investigation and, after the investigation, issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Department is proposing an extension without change of a currently approved information collection request (ICR).

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the navigable waters of the Shrewsbury River, within a 100-yard radius of the center point of the S-32 Bridge on County Route 520 (Rumson Road), in the boroughs of Rumson and Sea Bright, New Jersey. The safety zone will include the East and West navigational channels and will temporarily close down a portion of the Shrewsbury River under and adjacent to the S-32 Bridge. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the bridge construction. When enforced, entry of vessels or persons into this zone during the enforcement periods is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port New York or a designated representative.

The Internal Revenue Service, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning new Form 7210, Clean Hydrogen Production Credit.

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks comment on the next phase of high-cost fixed and mobile support in Alaska. The Commission initiates this rulemaking to seek comment on innovative solutions and unique accommodations necessary to continue supporting broadband service to Alaska.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of DoD's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection for use under Control Number 0704-0525 through March 31, 2024. DoD proposes that OMB approve an extension of the information collection requirement, to expire three years after the approval date.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is proposing a new OMB Circular, Strategic Management of Acquisition Data and Information. The purpose of this Circular is to improve agency access to reliable data and information. Using relevant acquisition data throughout the acquisition lifecycle facilitates successful contracting outcomes. This Circular establishes a centralized data management strategy to create robust knowledge and data banks, develop standard data sharing processes, and improve agency access to tools and resources for acquisition-related decision-making.

In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, HRSA announces plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, HRSA seeks comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any other aspect of the ICR.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting nominations for voting members to serve on the Device Good Manufacturing Practice Advisory Committee (DGMPAC) and the Medical Devices Advisory Committee (MDAC) device panels in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. This annual notice is also in accordance with the 21st Century Cures Act, which requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to provide an annual opportunity for patients, representatives of patients, and sponsors of medical devices that may be specifically the subject of a review by a classification panel to provide recommendations for individuals with appropriate expertise to fill voting member positions on classification panels. FDA seeks to include the views of women and men, members of all racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with and without disabilities on its advisory committees, and therefore, encourages nominations of appropriately qualified candidates from these groups.

This final rule adopts, with one minor change, a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2023. The final rule specifies that, if parties wish to file documents with the Federal Labor Relations Authority's (FLRA's) Office of Case Intake and Publication (CIP) in person, then they must schedule an appointment at least one business day in advance. The final rule also makes other minor technical and formatting changes. In addition, like the proposed rule, the final rule specifies that documents filed through the FLRA's electronic-filing (eFiling) system must be filed electronically by ``11:59 p.m.,'' rather than ``midnight,'' on the due date. However, unlike the proposed rule, the final rule specifies that the 11:59 p.m. filing deadline is ``Eastern Time.''

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing amendments to the regulations that govern the processes and timelines for state and Federal plans to implement emission guidelines under Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards for existing sources (the ``implementing regulations''). The amendments include revisions to the timing requirements for state and the EPA actions related to plans; the addition of mechanisms to improve flexibility and efficiency in plan processes; and new requirements for demonstration of timely meaningful engagement with pertinent stakeholdersincluding, but not limited to, industry, small businesses, and communities most affected by and vulnerable to the impacts of the plan. This action additionally provides a process for states' consideration of `remaining useful life and other factors' (RULOF) in applying a standard of performance; amends the definition of standard of performance in the implementing regulations; and clarifies compliance flexibilities that states may choose to incorporate into state plans, including trading or averaging. Finally, this action adds requirements for the electronic submission of state plans and provides several other clarifications and minor revisions to the implementing regulations.

DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement two sections of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, one section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, one section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, and one section of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. These statutes remove limitations and restrictions on certain components that are no longer required, add new limitations on other components, subject to exceptions.