2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11-17 and AD 2021-11-22, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3 and EC635T2 helicopters. AD 2021-11-17 required a one-time visual inspection of certain part-numbered main rotor actuators (MRAs). AD 2021-11-22 required revising the life limits of certain parts and removing each part that had reached its life limit. Since the FAA issued those ADs, it was determined that repetitive inspections of the MRAs are necessary, new and more restrictive tasks and limitations have been issued, and that it is necessary to expand the applicability. This AD continues to require the actions required by AD 2021-11-17 and AD 2021-11-22, except this AD requires changing the one-time MRA inspection to a repetitive inspection and incorporating other new and more restrictive tasks and limitations by revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. This AD also expands the applicability by adding Model EC635T2+ helicopters. These actions are 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 proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-20-03, which applies to certain Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines. AD 2023-20-03 requires repetitive engine oil analysis for aluminum content outside the acceptable limits and, if necessary, replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase or, as an alternative, replacement of the engine core. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-20-03, the manufacturer identified errors in the lists of affected engines and provided updated information, which prompted this proposed AD. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2023-20-03, add compliance times for additional affected engine serial numbers, and remove certain engine serial numbers from the applicability of the existing AD. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposes a narrowly tailored amendment to certain remittance transfer disclosure requirements in the remittance rule in Regulation E (Remittance Rule or Rule), which implements the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, and certain accompanying model forms, to ensure that consumers sending a remittance transfer have information about the types of inquiries that may be most efficient to direct to the CFPB and the State agency that licenses or charters their remittance transfer provider.

The NCUA Board (Board) is amending its regulations governing share insurance coverage. The final rule simplifies the share insurance regulations by establishing a "trust accounts" category that will provide for coverage of funds of both revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts deposited at federally insured credit unions (FICUs), provides consistent share insurance treatment for all mortgage servicing account balances held to satisfy principal and interest obligations to a lender, and increases flexibility for the NCUA to consider various records in determining share insurance coverage in liquidations. The changes also increase consistency between the FDIC's Federal deposit insurance rules and the NCUA's share insurance rules.

The state of West Virginia has applied to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final authorization of revisions to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA has determined that these revisions satisfy all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization and is hereby authorizing West Virginia's revisions through this direct final rule.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by an engine compartment fire where the upper stiffener of the central firewall in the engine compartment was found damaged. This proposed AD would require replacing the aluminum central firewall stiffener with a titanium central firewall stiffener and prohibit installing an aluminum central firewall stiffener. 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.

The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") published a direct final rule to establish new energy conservation standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024. DOE has determined that the comments received in response to the direct final rule are not adverse and, thus, do not provide a reasonable basis for withdrawing the direct final rule. Therefore, DOE provides this document confirming the effective and compliance dates of those standards. This document also corrects an error in the amended regulatory text as it appeared in the direct final rule published on May 7, 2024.

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) in various sections to remove the hardcopy address correction notice option for all packages bearing an Intelligent Mail[supreg] package barcode (IMpb[supreg]).

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing Revision 1 to Regulatory Guide (RG) 3.7, "Monitoring of Combustible Gases and Vapors in Plutonium Processing and Fuel Fabrication Plants," in which there are minor corrections with no substantive changes in the NRC staff's regulatory positions. RG 3.7 provides guidance with regard to protecting against the possibility of the formation of flammable mixtures with combustible gases and vapors. This guidance is needed to protect against the possibility of the formation of flammable mixtures with these gases and vapors when combustible gases and solvents are used within the confinement barriers of a plutonium processing and fuel fabrication plant.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain DAHER AEROSPACE (DAHER) (type certificate previously held by SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of wear of the inner flap actuator drive nut. This proposed AD would require cleaning and lubricating the internal actuator rods, measuring the play between the drive nuts and the internal actuator rods, and if any play is found, replacing the drive nuts. This proposed AD would also allow replacing the drive nuts with certain other design drive nut as terminating action for the proposed requirements. 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 Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an updated stress analysis on the forward (FWD) cargo door and its attachment piano hinges that revealed a risk of cracking and crack propagation on piano hinges 2 and 3, originating from opening-closing fatigue cycles of the FWD cargo door. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the affected parts, and applicable corrective actions, 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.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock by vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2024 Chinook salmon prohibited species catch limit established for vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

This emergency action extends the 2024 emergency action specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery through the remainder of the 2024 fishing year and implements an accountability measure consistent with the regulations implementing the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan. This action is necessary to maintain allowable harvest levels for the spiny dogfish fishery to prevent overfishing while minimizing adverse economic impacts on fishing communities, using the best scientific information available.

This document withdraws FinCEN's finding that ABLV Bank AS (ABLV) is a financial institution of primary money laundering concern and the related notice of proposed rulemaking seeking to impose the fifth special measure regarding ABLV, pursuant to section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act (section 311). Because of material subsequent developments that have mitigated the money laundering risks associated with ABLV, FinCEN has determined ABLV is no longer a financial institution of primary money laundering concern that warrants the implementation of a special measure under section 311.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the removal of pipeline from the floor of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel near gated pair lights 31 and 32. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi, or a designated representative.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve, under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the limited maintenance plan (LMP) for the 2006 PM2.5 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for New Haven and Fairfield Counties, which comprise the Connecticut portion of the New York-N. New Jersey-Long Island (NY- NJ-CT) 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS maintenance area. This LMP was submitted on May 9, 2023, and supplemented on February 21, 2024, by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP). The plan addresses the second 10-year maintenance period for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5. EPA is proposing approval of Connecticut's LMP submission because it provides for the maintenance of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS through the end of the second 10-year portion of the maintenance period. In addition, EPA is initiating the process to find the Connecticut PM2.5 LMP adequate for transportation conformity purposes.

This document informs the public that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is withdrawing the proposed rule titled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D- SNAP) that published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2016. This rule would have amended the SNAP regulations to establish procedures for planning, requesting and operating D-SNAP. The Department is withdrawing this proposed rule to maintain the flexibility to adapt D- SNAP to unique disaster situations. The importance of this flexibility became apparent as the Department adjusted traditional D-SNAP operations to accommodate the changing circumstances during the public health emergency. The proposed rule would have prevented the Department from enacting many of the successful responses utilized during the public health emergency to best serve households and State agencies in the aftermath of a disaster. After enacting these critical adaptations to D-SNAP design during the public health emergency, receiving feedback from D-SNAP listening sessions, and reviewing the comments received on the proposed rule, the Department is withdrawing the proposed rule to reduce the burden on State agencies and households responding to disasters.

This final rule addresses policies for assessing performance year (PY) 2023 financial performance of Medicare Shared Savings Program (Shared Savings Program) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs); establishing benchmarks for ACOs starting agreement periods in 2024, 2025, and 2026; and calculating factors used in the application cycle for ACOs applying to enter a new agreement period beginning on January 1, 2025, and the change request cycle for ACOs continuing their participation in the program for PY 2025, as a result of significant, anomalous, and highly suspect billing activity for selected intermittent urinary catheters on Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics & Supplies (DMEPOS) claims. Under the Shared Savings Program, providers of services and suppliers that participate in ACOs continue to receive traditional Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) payments under Medicare Parts A and B, but the ACO may be eligible to receive a shared savings payment if it meets specified quality and savings requirements. ACOs participating in two-sided models may also share in losses. In this final rule, we respond to public comments we received on the proposal to mitigate the impact of significant, anomalous, and highly suspect billing activity on Medicare Shared Savings Program financial calculations in calendar year (CY) 2023.

NMFS announces that the State of New Jersey is transferring a portion of their 2024 commercial bluefish quota to the State of North Carolina. This quota adjustment is necessary to comply with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised 2024 commercial bluefish quotas for New Jersey and North Carolina.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on October 12, 2022. EPA is approving changes allowing the option for aerospace parts and products coating operations in Florida to comply with Federal National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements in lieu of the volatile organic compound (VOC) standards in Florida's Surface Coating of Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products (MMPP) rule (hereinafter referred to as FL MMPP Rule) in the Florida SIP. EPA has determined that the changes included in Florida's October 12, 2022, submission are consistent with the applicable provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and its implementing regulations.

EPA is proposing significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs). The chemical substances received "not likely to present an unreasonable risk" determinations pursuant to TSCA. The SNURs require persons who intend to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or process any of these chemical substances for an activity that is proposed as a significant new use by this rulemaking to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the conditions of use for that chemical substance. In addition, the manufacture or processing for the significant new use may not commence until EPA has conducted a review of the required notification, made an appropriate determination regarding that notification, and taken such actions as required by that determination.

NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the commercial harvest of snowy grouper in South Atlantic Federal waters. NMFS projects commercial landings of snowy grouper will reach the commercial quota for the July through December season. Therefore, NMFS closes Federal waters in the South Atlantic for the commercial harvest of snowy grouper to protect the resource.

On July 25, 2024, the State of Washington (WA) submitted a request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate to attainment a portion of Whatcom County immediately surrounding the now permanently closed aluminum smelter, Intalco Aluminum LLC, which the EPA designated nonattainment for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Washington also submitted a request for the EPA to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision containing a maintenance plan for the area. In response to this submittal, the EPA is proposing to take the following actions: determine that the Whatcom County (partial) SO2 nonattainment area (NAA) is attaining the 2010 SO2 primary NAAQS; approve Washington's plan for maintaining attainment of the 2010 SO2 primary NAAQS in the area; and redesignate the Whatcom County (partial) SO2 NAA to attainment for the 2010 1-hour primary SO2 NAAQS.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to determine that the St. Clair, MI sulfur dioxide (SO2) nonattainment area attained the 2010 1-hour primary SO2 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) by the date of September 12, 2021. This determination is based on annual SO2 emissions data, modeled data, and certified ambient air quality data from EPA's December 7, 2021, Clean Data Determination for St. Clair, as well as publicly available additional supporting 2020 data. This action, if finalized, will address EPA's obligation under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to determine whether the St. Clair SO2 nonattainment area (referred to hereafter as the St. Clair area, or simply the area) attained the 2010 SO2 NAAQS by the September 12, 2021, attainment date.

The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, - 213, -231, -232, and -271N airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by a determination that a damage-tolerance and fatigue reassessment of nose landing gear (NLG) repairs is necessary for certain parts fitted on airplanes approved for operation in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The NPRM would have required repair and replacement of all affected parts, and would have limited installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that the applicability as specified in the NPRM was incorrect; the FAA is issuing new rulemaking that corrects the applicability. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.