2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from trawl catcher vessels and from catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using pot gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear, Amendment 80 vessels, and catcher/processors using hook- and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2024 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.

The Coast Guard will enforce safety zone regulations for the City of Richland Lighted Boat Parade Fireworks Display on December 6 and 7, 2024, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during this display. Our regulation for safety zones within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone identifies the regulated area for this event in Richland, WA. During the enforcement period, no person may enter or remain in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Columbia River or a designated representative.

The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") proposes to amend the test procedures for residential and commercial clothes washers and consumer clothes dryers to update the test cloth specifications. DOE also proposes to reorganize the test procedures for improved readability. DOE is conducting this rulemaking to address specific issues and to make minor corrections to the current test procedures. However, this rulemaking does not satisfy the statutory requirement that, at least once every 7 years, DOE review the test procedures for clothes washers and consumer clothes dryers. DOE is seeking comment from interested parties on the proposal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to determine that a portion of an October 23, 2023, final disapproval action of a State implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the State of Delaware was in error and to make a correction pursuant to section 110(k)(6) of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer assessment that determined additional actions are necessary to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with certain planet gear bearings installed. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the MGB bevel wheel for the presence of particles, repetitively inspecting the MGB magnetic plug for particles, and prohibit installing an affected MGB unless certain requirements are met. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of mefenoxam in or on Palm, oil. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

The Coast Guard is temporarily modifying the operating schedule that governs the draw of the California Department of Transportation Rio Vista (State Route 12) highway bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8, at Rio Vista, CA. This action is necessary to allow the bridge owner to complete rehabilitation of the bridge.

The Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) governs the assessments, evaluation, and oversight of public housing agencies (PHAs) administering public housing. This proposed rule would revise the weight of PHAS performance indicators to emphasize the importance of occupancy, financial condition, and physical assessments. To the greatest extent possible, scoring indicators would be based on measurable program outcomes and data that is already available to HUD. Additionally, the proposed revisions would allow HUD to respond more quickly and effectively to performance deficiencies when they are first identified, to intervene based on trending performance data, and to delay scoring or assessments when appropriate.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving three state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Delaware through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) on March 13, 2023. The revisions amend Delaware's emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) program statewide, for the purpose of updating the SIP to include several state rule revisions as amendments to the prior approved SIP. The purpose of these updates is to incorporate regulatory changes that are the result of state law changes, as well as to improve the I/M program and to harmonize the programs operated throughout the state. EPA finds that these revisions to the SIP comply with applicable requirements of the CAA and EPA regulations and that these revisions to the SIP will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of any national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). EPA is approving these revisions to the Delaware SIP in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

A final rule was published in the Federal Register on August 19, 2024, revoking Class E surface airspace for Manchester Boston Regional Airport, Manchester, NH, as the overlying Class C airspace deemed the Class E surface airspace unnecessary. The FAA has determined that withdrawal of the final rule is warranted since this action was inconsistent with the associated notice of proposed rulemaking that referenced Class E surface airspace.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or the Agency) is proposing to revise regulations addressing boards of directors and overall corporate governance of the Federal Home Loan Banks (Banks) and the Bank System's Office of Finance (OF) to update and clarify regulatory requirements on a variety of topics including: FHFA's annual designation of Bank directorships; Bank director eligibility and professional qualifications; nomination, election, and removal of Bank directors; the conduct of System board and committee meetings; conflicts of interest; and the respective responsibilities of System boards of directors and executive management.

The FHWA amends its regulations that govern traffic safety and mobility in highway and street work zones. The FHWA recognizes that increasing road construction activity on our highways can lead to travel disruptions which could potentially result in congestion and crashes, as well as loss in productivity and public frustration with work zones. The changes will facilitate consideration of the broader safety and mobility impacts of work zones in a more coordinated and comprehensive manner across project development stages.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATRGIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42- 500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of the possible use of improper material during the manufacturing of vertical stabilizer to horizontal stabilizer junction fittings. This proposed AD would require inspections of affected parts, applicable repairs, and eventual replacement of certain affected parts, 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.

In this rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding 40 entities under 42 entries and four addresses under four entries to the Entity List. These entries are listed on the Entity List under the destinations of China, People's Republic of (China) (11), India (5), Malaysia (2), Russia (13), Singapore (1), and Turkey (14). Two entities are added to the Entity List under two destinations, which accounts for the difference in the totals. This final rule also modifies 52 existing entries on the Entity List under the destinations of China, Estonia, Finland, India, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom. These entities have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. This final rule is being published concurrently with a BIS final rule, "Implementation of Additional Export Controls Against Russia and Belarus Under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR); and Clarifications" (RIN 0694-AJ93), which includes additional changes related to export controls related to Russia and Belarus.

The Commission is acknowledging a recent Postal Service filing requesting the Commission initiate a rulemaking proceeding to consider changes to analytical principles relating to periodic reports. This document informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps.

This document announces the Agency's receipt of an initial filing of a pesticide petition requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the proposed rule "Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Partial Approval, Partial Disapproval and Promulgation; Texas; Regional Haze" that was published on October 15, 2024. The proposal provided for a public comment period ending November 14, 2024. In response to requests for additional time to develop and submit comments on the proposed rulemaking, the EPA is extending the comment period to December 3, 2024.

Petition for Reconsideration (Petition) has been filed in the Commission's proceeding by Gerard Lavery Lederer on behalf of Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues.

NMFS announces that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2025 will remain status quo. NMFS also suspends the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the 2025 fishing year. Regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public of the allowable harvest levels for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone even if the previous year's quota specifications remain unchanged. The 2025 quotas were previously announced as projected values. This action confirms the final quotas are unchanged from those projections. This action would not result in harm to these fisheries.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various helicopters modified by certain supplemental type certificates (STCs) that approve the installation of an emergency float kit or an emergency float with a liferaft kit. This AD was prompted by the results of an accident investigation and subsequent reports of difficulty pulling the emergency float kit activation handle installed on the pilot cyclic. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the pull force on the float activation handle and for certain model helicopters, this AD also requires and replacing certain part-numbered float inflation reservoirs (reservoirs) and pull cable assemblies (cables) with other part-numbered reservoirs and cables. Finally, this AD prohibits installing certain part-numbered reservoirs and cables on specific helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) model engines that have a certain connecting rod assemblies installed. This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is correcting an error found in the Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance final rule. The final rule appeared in the Federal Register on October 9, 2024. This correction removes a footnote superscript number "1" that was included in error, as there is no accompanying footnote text.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is publishing a final rule for minimum safety standards for rail transit roadway worker protection (RWP) to ensure the safe operation of public transportation systems and to prevent safety events, fatalities, and injuries to transit workers who may access the roadway in the performance of work. This final rule applies to rail transit agencies (RTAs) covered by the State Safety Oversight (SSO) program, SSO agencies (SSOAs), and rail transit workers who access the roadway to perform work. This final rule sets minimum standards for RWP program elements, including an RWP manual and track access guide; requirements for on-track safety and supervision, job safety briefings, good faith safety challenges, and reporting unsafe acts and conditions and near-misses; development and implementation of risk-based redundant protections for workers; and establishment of RWP training and qualification and RWP compliance monitoring activities. RTAs are expected to comply with these Federal standards as a baseline and use their existing Safety Management System (SMS) processes to determine any additional mitigations appropriate to address the level of RWP risk identified. This final rule requires SSOAs to oversee and enforce implementation of the RWP program requirements.

This final rule considers public comments submitted in response to the proposed rule revising the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and USDA Foods disaster response regulations. This final rule makes access and parity improvements in USDA's food distribution programs to support access for eligible populations and streamline requirements for program operators.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) proposes to amend its regulations to clarify the requirements governing in-transit shipments from foreign countries through the United States that are subsequently exported to a foreign destination. This rulemaking proposes to clarify who is the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) and revise the entry number description when goods are entered into the United States for consumption or warehousing, and then stored in a warehouse or storage facility or admitted into a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) before being exported. This rule also proposes to clarify that when a customs broker is the USPPI and they are requested to provide information from the customs entry for the filing of the Electronic Export Information (EEI), that they obtain consent from their client, as required in the customs regulations. Additionally, this proposed rule revises several sections, including definitions, mandatory filing requirements, responsibilities of parties to the export transaction, confidentiality, penalties, and voluntary self-disclosures to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency throughout the FTR.