🌍Impact of NEPA Procedures Rescission on Business and Compliance
This interim final rule rescinds DON's regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), because the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) NEPA regulations, which they were meant to supplement, have been rescinded, and because the DoD is promulgating Department-wide NEPA procedures that will guide the Navy's NEPA process. In addition, this interim final rule requests comments on this action.
Learn More🚢Regulatory Update on Agency Agreements and Appointments by MARAD
MARAD is revising its regulations pertaining to the award and administration of agency agreements in the form of service agreements and ship manager contracts. The rule is intended to correct numerous citations in accordance with the codification of Title 46 of the United States Code; improve accessibility by modernizing text and updating agency contact information; and remove obsolete references.
Learn More⚓Rescinding Maritime Regulations
MARAD is deleting 46 CFR parts 317, 324, 325, 326, 328, 329, 330, 332, 335, 336, 337, 338, and 339, which pertain to terms under agreements with agents. While MARAD is retaining its 46 CFR part 315 regulation addressing agency agreements and the appointment of agents, other regulations that simply provide static procedures to serve as terms of agreement are obsolete and are being rescinded because they are covered by clauses contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). In the more than 30 years since MARAD last updated its regulations, the development of its service agreements has benefited from the uniformity and transparency provided by FAR clauses, and MARAD has increased reliance on them.
Learn More🚢MARAD Rescinds Outdated Shipping Priority Regulations
MARAD is rescinding four obsolete parts in its regulations pertaining to procedures for assigning priority use of commercial shipping services and port facilities, vessel allocation services, and port utilization under Title I of the Defense Production Act (DFA) of 1950. On October 1, 2012, the Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary (OST) established the Department's Transportation Priorities and Allocation System (TPAS) in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 33, which replaces the subject regulations in 46 CFR parts 340 and 345-347 regarding priority use and allocation of shipping services, restrictions on port utilization transfer or changes, the standard form of service agreements for ports, and the standard form of marine terminal contracts. Rescinding these regulations will improve clarity with respect to the implementation and administration of TPAS and recognize the centralization of TPAS within DOT its administration by OST.
Learn More⚓MARAD Proposes Regulatory Revisions on Seamen's Claims Process
MARAD is proposing to revise its regulations pertaining to the filing of claims and the administrative allowance or disallowance of claims filed by officers or members of crew employed on vessels owned, operated, or chartered by MARAD. The rule is intended (1) to correct numerous citations in accordance with the codification of Title 46 of the United States Code; (2) to improve accessibility by modernizing text and updating agency contact information; and (3) to remove obsolete references.
Learn More🌾USDA Special Priorities Assistance
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center (FPAC-BC) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on an extension of a currently approved information collection request associated with the Request for Special Priorities Assistance. The information collection established by the Agriculture Priorities and Allocations System (APAS) regulation is necessary for the program applicant (person) to request prioritizing of a contract above all other contracts. The purpose of the priority rating is to obtain item(s) in support of national defense programs that they are not able to obtain in time through normal market channels.
Learn More🛢️Presidential Determination on Reducing Petroleum Imports from Iran
The document outlines a presidential determination allowing for reduced petroleum purchases from Iran, based on sufficient supply levels from other countries. It emphasizes close monitoring of global economic conditions, strategic reserves, and compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act provisions. This decision may affect market dynamics and trade agreements related to petroleum products.
Learn More🚢Proclamation on National Maritime Day and Economic Implications
The proclamation celebrates National Maritime Day, recognizing the contributions of American merchant mariners to national defense and economic strength. It calls for renewed focus on maritime dominance through legislation and initiatives to advance shipbuilding, mariner training, and secure trade routes, reflecting a commitment to America's maritime heritage and future.
Learn More🏞️Extension of Public Land Order No. 7960 for U.S. Air Force
This Public Land Order (PLO) extends the duration of the withdrawal created by PLO No. 7634 of 1,979 acres, which would otherwise expire on May 5, 2025, for an additional 20-year period. This extension is necessary to continue the protection of support facilities for the safe and secure operation of national defense activities on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).
Learn More🏞️Extension of Public Land Order for U.S. Air Force Communication Site
This Public Land Order (PLO) extends the duration of the withdrawal created by PLO No. 6591, Parcel "B," as extended by PLO No. 7630, for an additional 20-year period. These public lands were withdrawn from settlement, sale, location, or entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, but not from leasing under the mineral leasing laws, and reserved for use by the United States Air Force to protect a communication site and support facilities used for the safe and secure operation of national defense activities. This extension is necessary to continue the protection of a communications site and support facilities used for the safe and secure operation of national defense activities on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).
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