⚡Updates to RUS Electric Borrowers' Accounting Requirements
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), an agency of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a final rule with comment to update the accounting requirements for RUS Electric Program borrowers. These changes include adding new accounts to the Uniform System of Accounts (USoA), deleting obsolete accounts and clarifying instructions and definitions for the new and some existing accounts. In addition, new accounts and general instructions are being added for partially extinguished or forgiven debt.
Learn More⚡FERC Final Rule
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is issuing this final rule to revise its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act and its Rules of Practice and Procedure to remove reference to the Council on Environmental Quality's rescinded regulations.
Learn More⚒️Proposed Rule to Rescind Outdated Coal Mine Safety Regulations
MSHA proposes to rescind requirements for the final mining of pillars. This practice is outdated and no longer used due to safety concerns.
Learn More⛏️MSHA Proposes Revision of Diesel Particulate Matter Regulations
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 57 by removing outdated requirements for miners' exposures to diesel particulate matter (DPM) in underground metal and nonmetal mines (MNM). These revisions would streamline the requirements for DPM for underground MNM mine operators while maintaining the same level of protection for miners.
Learn More🛠️New Rule Facilitates Non-Permissible PAPR Usage in Mining
MSHA is proposing to allow the use of non-permissible Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specified underground areas of mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burden because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible PAPRs.
Learn More⛏️New Rule Allows Electronic Surveying Equipment in Coal Mines
MSHA is proposing to allow the use of electronic surveying equipment in high-hazard areas of underground coal mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions in MSHA standards to allow the use of electronic surveying equipment in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burdens on underground coal mine operators because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible electronic surveying equipment.
Learn More⚒️Proposed Deregulation for Blacksmith Shops in Mining Operations
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 57 to remove outdated requirements regarding blacksmith shops located at surface metal and nonmetal mines. Removal of this standard would not result in a reduction of safety protection for miners at surface metal and nonmetal mines.
Learn More⛏️Proposed Rule to Rescind Drilling Safety Requirements by MSHA
MSHA is proposing to rescind requirements for the maintenance of drill equipment and inspection of drilling areas before starting drilling operations at surface metal and nonmetal mines. Removing these provisions would not reduce protections afforded to miners because the requirements are duplicative and covered elsewhere in 30 CFR part 56.
Learn More⚒️MSHA Proposes Removal of Outdated Trolley Safety Regulations
MSHA is proposing to remove and revise provisions for metal and nonmental (MNM) mines and coal mines regarding the use of trolleys for transportation of mined ore, coal, material, and personnel. Trolleys are an outdated technology that have been replaced by more efficient belt conveyor haulage systems for transporting mined ore and coal. Diesel and battery-operated mobile equipment are now used to transport personnel and equipment. Trolleys are no longer used in MNM or coal mines and there is no anticipated future use of this legacy equipment in MNM and coal mines.
Learn More💡Proposed Rule to Remove Photometer Requirement in Mining Safety Regulations
MSHA proposes to revise title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) part 75 by removing requirements for methods in measuring luminous intensity with a photometer. Removing this provision would provide greater flexibility in measurement procedures while maintaining protection for miners.
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