🌱USDA Withdraws Natural Grass Sod Promotion Program Proposal
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2024, that proposed a new grass sod research and promotion program under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The proposed Order was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), a group of natural grass sod producers. AMS conducted a referendum among eligible producers to determine whether they favor establishing a national promotion, research, and information program (Program). After reviewing the results of the producer referendum, a simple majority of industry producers who voted in the referendum are not in favor of establishing a Program, and therefore, the proposed rule is being withdrawn.
Learn More🌵Removal of Colorado Hookless Cactus from Endangered Species List
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing Colorado hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Recent taxonomic studies have indicated that the currently listed entity is actually two species: Sclerocactus glaucus and Sclerocactus dawsoniae (previously identified as S. dawsonii in the proposed rule). When we use the common name "Colorado hookless cactus" or refer to "the species" in this final rule, we are referring to information or conclusions regarding both species (S. glaucus and S. dawsoniae) as the currently listed entity. When we are referring to information or analysis pertaining to one species, we will use the new scientific names of S. glaucus or S. dawsoniae. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that delisting Colorado hookless cactus is warranted. Our review indicates that the threats to the Colorado hookless cactus have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Colorado hookless cactus.
Learn More🚢Temporary Safety Zone Established in Corpus Christi Bay for 2025 Training
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters off the port side of the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi Bay, while the United States Army conducts jump training. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by this exercise. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi.
Learn More💰USDA Updates Civil Monetary Penalties for 2025
This final rule amends the U.S. Department of Agriculture's civil monetary penalty regulations by making inflation adjustments as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015.
Learn More⚓Temporary Safety Zone Regulation for Edgewater Beach, Cleveland
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of Lake Erie offshore Edgewater Beach in Cleveland, Ohio. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters during the US Rowing Beach Sprints Mini Camp. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Eastern Great Lakes, or a designated representative.
Learn More🌾Rescission of Tobacco Quota Provisions by USDA
This direct final rule amends regulations that govern the inspection of tobacco under the national marketing quota system established under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938. The Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 eliminated the price support and quota system for tobacco produced in the United States. In alignment with E.O. 14192, AMS is removing and, where appropriate, amending regulations that have expired authorizing statutes and govern non- operational programs.
Learn More❄️Proposed Rule Delays Enforcement for Central AC and Heat Pumps
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to delay the applicability of certain product-specific enforcement provisions related to the controls verification procedure established in a recently published final rule amending the test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps. DOE is seeking comment from interested parties on the proposal.
Learn More🥛Impact of Dairy Donation Program Rescission on Dairy Businesses
This action removes from AMS' regulations the implementing regulations for the Dairy Donation Program and makes conforming amendments to the implementing regulations for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program. The Dairy Donation Program is no longer funded by Congress; therefore, AMS has no authority to take further action under the Dairy Donation Program and its implementing regulations are obsolete. Removing the regulations will provide transparency and may reduce confusion for dairy processors and other stakeholders.
Learn More🚬Regulatory Changes in Tobacco Import Inspections and Testing
This direct final rule amends regulations that govern the mandatory inspection and pesticide testing for imported tobacco established under The Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983. The Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 eliminated mandatory inspection and pesticide testing for imported tobacco. In alignment with Executive Order 14192, AMS is amending and, where appropriate, removing regulations that have expired authorizing statutes or govern non- operational programs.
Learn More🎆Temporary Safety Zone for Fireworks on Delaware River
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for waters of Delaware River, near Pleasant Hill Park, in Philadelphia, PA for a barge-based fireworks display on July 4, 2025. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay (COTP).
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