🦦New Regulations for Sea Otter Protection in Marine Construction
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from the U.S. Coast Guard, propose to issue regulations for the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take by harassment of small numbers of Southcentral Alaska, Southeast Alaska, and Southwest Alaska stocks of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) during pile driving and marine construction activities in Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska. Incidental take of northern sea otters may result from in-water noise generated during pile driving and marine construction activities occurring for a period up to 5 years. This proposed rule would authorize take by harassment only, and no lethal take would be authorized. If this rule is finalized, we will issue letters of authorization for the incidental take of northern sea otters, upon request, for specific activities in accordance with the final rule for a period up to 5 years. We request comments on these proposed regulations.
Learn More🚁Airworthiness Directive for Bell Textron Helicopters - FAA Compliance
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) Model 407 and 427 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that certain expandable blade bolts installed on the main rotor blade may not have received the correct heat treatment, which could result in stress corrosion cracking of the expandable blade bolts. This AD requires removing the expandable blade bolts from service and replacing them with a part eligible for installation. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected expandable blade bolt on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Learn More🛢️BLM Notice
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California State Director intends to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) and a potential resource management plan (RMP) amendment for the Central Coast Field Office (CCFO). The supplemental EIS will analyze the impacts of oil and gas leasing and development on BLM-managed public land and mineral estate in the CCFO. Lands withdrawn from mineral entry by law, including national monuments and designated wilderness areas, would remain unavailable for leasing and development. This notice initiates the process to solicit public comments to identify issues and announces a potential RMP amendment.
Learn More🏦FDIC Board Meeting
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will conduct a public Board meeting to discuss regulatory capital modifications for bank holding companies. Key items on the agenda include changes to the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio and the Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity for global banks, ensuring public observation and accessibility for interested parties.
Learn More📈SEC Notice on OCC's Revised Recovery and Wind-Down Plan
The SEC has announced the extension of the review period for proposed modifications to the Options Clearing Corporation's Recovery and Orderly Wind-Down Plan. This notice allows additional time for the SEC to assess the implications of the proposed rule changes, which aim to align with recent SEC regulations.
Learn More🏥Joint Commission Approved for Hospital Accreditation by CMS
This final notice announces our decision to approve The Joint Commission for continued CMS-recognition as a national accrediting organization for hospitals that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs.
Learn More📈SEC Proposes Rule Change for FLEX Options on Bitcoin Trust ETF
The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a notice regarding a proposed rule change by Nasdaq ISE, LLC, allowing the trading of FLEX equity options on iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF shares. This notice outlines the process, timeline, and importance of regulating cryptocurrency trading options within the financial market.
Learn More🚂Regulatory Changes on LNG Transportation - Business Implications
PHMSA, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations in response to the recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Sierra Club, et al. v. DOT, et al., No. 20-1317 (Jan. 17, 2025).
Learn More⚛️NRC Authorizes Operations at Urenco USA Facility with Implications
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff has conducted inspections of the Louisiana Energy Services, LLC, Urenco USA (UUSA) Facility in Eunice, New Mexico, and has authorized the introduction of uranium hexafluoride (UF<INF>6</INF>) into Cascades 2, 4.4, 5.8 through 5.12, and 6.1 through 6.5; authorized the commencement of UF<INF>6</INF> re-feed operations in Cascades 5.8 through 5.12 and 6.1 through 6.5; authorized Autoclaves 3, 4, and 5; authorized use of the Cylinder Receipt and Dispatch Building--Multifunction Decontamination Train; and authorized operation of the Solid Waste Collection Facility and Ventilated Room at the UUSA Facility.
Learn More📈SEC Proposes Rule Change for Franklin XRP ETF Listing
The SEC is reviewing a proposed rule change by Cboe BZX Exchange to list and trade shares of the Franklin XRP ETF, which aims to reflect the performance of XRP. The review process will assess the proposal’s compliance with legal standards and solicits public comments on potential investor protection concerns.
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