2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Wyoming on December 30, 2022, and supplemented on August 31, 2023, and November 16, 2023, addressing regional haze (Wyoming 2022 SIP revision). The Wyoming 2022 SIP revision replaces Wyoming's previously approved source-specific nitrogen oxide (NOX) determination for PacifiCorp's Jim Bridger power plant (Jim Bridger) Units 1 and 2 of 0.07 lb/MMBtu for each unit associated with the installation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) controls to address the long-term strategy. Specifically, the Wyoming 2022 SIP revision finds that conversion from coal-firing to natural gas-firing, together with NOX emission and heat input limits of 0.12 lb/MMBtu (30-day rolling average), 1,314 tons/year, and 21,900,000 MMBtu/year, respectively, allows for identical reasonable progress during the first planning period as the installation SCR controls. Separately, we are also proposing to approve Wyoming's monthly and annual NOX and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions limits for Jim Bridger Units 1-4. The EPA is proposing this action pursuant to sections 110 and 169A of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is renaming and clarifying certain loss-mitigation terms used in VA's regulations. VA is making these changes to align the names and definitions with their general use in the housing finance industry. VA believes that these revisions will help avoid confusion and enable servicers and veterans to address loan defaults more quickly and effectively.

PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards by adopting various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. PHMSA is also withdrawing the unpublished November 28, 2022, Notice of Enforcement Policy Regarding International Standards on the use of select updated international standards in complying with the HMR during the pendency of this rulemaking.

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopts a Report and Order (Order) amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Commission's Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. The modifications adopted in the Order streamline processes, align timelines, and refine certain rules to more precisely address specific situations experienced by carriers.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that certain engine bleed air system (EBAS) T- Ducts may not conform to the type design due to a quality escape not detected during the manufacturing process on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 engines. This proposed AD would require replacement of affected EBAS T-Ducts and limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain left-hand (LH) and right- hand (RH) pylon bleed air leak detectors (BALDs) might be defective, due to incorrect manufacturing processes and incomplete acceptance test procedures. This proposed AD would require a one-time operational check of affected parts and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action, and would limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Coast Guard is reopening the comment period for the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled "Establish Anchorage Ground; Crims Island Anchorage, Columbia River, Oregon and Washington," published on December 28, 2023. Reopening the comment period will allow additional time for the public to review and submit comments on the proposed rule.

NMFS, in response to the request of the U.S. Space Force (USSF), hereby issues regulations and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to launches and supporting activities at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in Vandenberg, California, from April 2024 to April 2029. Missile launches conducted at VSFB, which comprise a portion of the activities, are considered military readiness activities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (2004 NDAA). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of LOAs for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described activities and specified timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.

The Coast Guard will enforce the Blue Water Resort and Casino Spring Classic special local regulations on the waters of Parker, AZ from April 13, 2024, to April 14, 2024. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, sponsor vessels, and general users of the waterway. During the enforcement period, persons and vessels are prohibited from anchoring, blocking, loitering, or impeding within this regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, or his designated representative.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA is soliciting information about potential amendments to the electronic or digital link disclosure option as it pertains to the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (Standard).

On February 22, 2024, the Coast Guard published a proposed rule in the Federal Register proposing to update maritime security regulations by adding regulations specifically focused on establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels, facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, and U.S. facilities subject to regulations under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The Coast Guard is extending the comment period for the proposed rulemaking for an additional 30 days through May 22, 2024, in response to requests for additional time. We invite comments on our proposed rulemaking.

The National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB" or "Agency"), as part of publishing a notice of a modified Privacy Act system of records for the NxGen system and the rescindment of legacy systems of records, is removing exemptions for eight of those legacy systems of records from certain provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. This rule is being published as a direct final rule as the Agency does not expect to receive any significant adverse comments. If such comments are received, this direct final rule will be withdrawn and a proposed rule for comments will be published.

The Department of the Interior is amending its regulations related to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's (OSMRE's) notifications to a State regulatory authority of a possible violation of any requirement of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The final rule also amends the Federal regulations regarding corrective actions for State regulatory program issues. Together, the updates to these two areas of the Federal regulations amend the overall "ten-day notice" (TDN) process and OSMRE's oversight process.

This proposed rule would amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations that govern the monthly assistance allowance for eligible veterans in the United States (U.S.) Olympic or Paralympic Events. We are amending these regulations to conform with the governing statute and to codify current VA policy, which would make the process for applying for the monthly assistance allowance more transparent. We would also make edits to outdated terminology.

The Federal Election Commission proposes to amend its regulations regarding the use of campaign funds to pay for security measures for federal candidates and officeholders. The proposed rule would codify several Commission advisory opinions that authorized the use of campaign funds to pay for certain security measures and address additional issues raised in those advisory opinions. The Commission seeks comment on the proposed rule and has made no final decision on the issues presented in this rulemaking.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-07-13, which applies to certain Pacific Scientific Company rotary buckle assemblies (buckles). AD 2021-07-13 requires inspecting each buckle including its buckle handle vane, and depending on the results, removing the buckle from service and installing an airworthy buckle. AD 2021-07-13 also prohibits installing affected buckles. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-07-13, the manufacturer published an updated service bulletin, which revises the applicability based on date of manufacture of the affected buckles. This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2021-07-13. This proposed AD would also reduce the applicability to plastic buckles manufactured on or before May 31, 2007, or any buckle assembly whose date of manufacture cannot be determined. Additionally, this proposed AD would require performing corrective actions by complying with certain portions of the updated service bulletin. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that the overhead bin attachment could fail under certain conditions. This proposed AD would require replacing existing overhead bin hook assemblies and support tubes with a different type, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for your helicopter and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program for your helicopter, as applicable, 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 FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Model DA 62 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that certain revisions of the airplane maintenance manual (AMM) specified incorrect torque values for the horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts. This AD requires reviewing the airplane maintenance records to determine the torque values for the horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts and torquing the horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts to the correct torque value if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FRA is establishing minimum safety requirements for the size of train crews depending on the type of operation. This final rule requires railroad operations to have a minimum of two crewmembers except for certain identified one-person train crew operations that do not pose significant safety risks to railroad employees, the public, or the environment. This final rule includes requirements for railroads seeking to continue certain existing one-person train crew operations and a special approval process for railroads seeking to initiate certain new one-person train crew operations. This final rule also requires each railroad receiving special approval for a one-person train crew operation to submit to FRA an annual report summarizing the safety of the operation.

This is notification that the Drug Enforcement Administration will hold a hearing with respect to the proposed placement of two phenethylamine hallucinogens, as identified in the proposed rule, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Cape Fear River. This action is necessary for the safety of life on these navigable waters, in Wilmington, NC, during a fireworks display to be executed by Zambelli Fireworks. This rulemaking will prohibit persons and vessel from being in the safety zone (which is near downtown Wilmington, adjacent to the USS North Carolina) unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector North Carolina, or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is modifying the operating schedule that governs the CSX Railroad Bridge, mile 1.07, the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Bridge, mile 1.80, the Craig Memorial Bridge, mile 3.30, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge, mile 4.30, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, mile 5.76, all over the Maumee River at Toledo, Ohio. The original regulation was published in 1986 and was amended over the years. The new operating schedule simplifies and clarifies operations and will reduce confusion for recreational vessels and drawtenders.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within a 2000-yard radius of the center span of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in Baltimore, MD. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with salvage work on the bridge, which partially collapsed when it was hit by the M/V DALI, and on the M/V DALI itself. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the District of Columbia. This SIP revision removes requirements for gasoline vapor recovery systems (VRS) installed on gasoline dispensers, the purpose of which are to capture emissions from vehicle refueling operations, otherwise known as vacuum-assist Stage II vapor recovery. Specifically, this action would remove from the approved SIP the prior-approved Stage II requirements applicable to new and existing gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs). The District of Columbia SIP revision includes a demonstration that removal of Stage II requirements is consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and meets all relevant EPA guidance.