🌱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who voted in the referendum are not in favor of establishing a Program, and therefore, the proposed rule is being withdrawn.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🐄Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) for 2023 and 2024
The Secretary of Agriculture is issuing this rule to implement the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2023 and 2024, which provides payments to eligible livestock producers for losses due to qualifying drought and qualifying wildfire occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. This rule specifies the administrative provisions, eligibility requirements, and payment calculation for ELRP 2023 and 2024. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will calculate payments using data already submitted to FSA by Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) participants; therefore, producers are not required to file an additional application to receive ELRP 2023 and 2024 payments.
Learn More🚤Proposed Safety Zone Impacting Businesses on Ohio and Licking Rivers
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary safety zone from Mile Marker 469.5-Mile Marker 470.5 of the Ohio River and from Mile Marker 0.0-Mile Marker 0.3 of the Licking River. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters near Cincinnati, OH, during the Red Bull Flugtag sporting event occurring on August 9, 2025. This safety zone prohibits persons and vessels from transiting through the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley or a designated representative.
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🚤Special Regulation for Offshore Boat Race in Atlantic City, NJ
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation for the navigable waters of the Atlantic Ocean, near Atlantic City, NJ. This action is needed to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters during an offshore boat race on June 8, 2025. This rule prohibits persons and vessels from being in the regulated area during the enforcement periods unless authorized entry by the Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay, or a designated representative.
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).
Learn More🎆Temporary Safety Zone Established for Fireworks in Detroit River
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters in the Detroit River in Detroit, MI. The safety zone is necessary and intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the fireworks displays. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit, or his designated representative.
Learn More🧪Compliance Date Extensions for Methylene Chloride Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to extend the compliance date applicable to certain entities subject to the regulation of methylene chloride recently promulgated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Specifically, EPA is proposing to extend by 18 months the Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) and the associated recordkeeping compliance dates for laboratories that are not owned or operated by agencies or Federal contractors acting on behalf of the Federal government. Under this proposal, all laboratories, whether federal or not, would have the same compliance dates, which would be aligned with current compliance dates for Federal agencies and Federal contractors. EPA is proposing to extend the compliance dates for associated laboratory activities detailed in this proposal to avoid disruption of important functions such as the use of environmental monitoring methods needed for cleanup sites and wastewater treatment, as well as activities associated with university laboratories. The use of environmental monitoring methods, a common function of non-federal laboratories, is important to EPA's mission to ensure that the air is safe to breathe, water is safe for drinking or recreating, and disposal activities protect the environment.
Learn More♻️Alabama's Hazardous Waste Program Authorization and Business Impact
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action on the authorization of changes to Alabama's hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended. These changes were outlined in a July 11, 2024, application to the EPA. We have determined that these changes satisfy all requirements needed for final authorization.
Learn More♻️Mississippi's Final Authorization of Hazardous Waste Management Program
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action on the authorization of changes to Mississippi's hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended. These changes were outlined in an April 2, 2024 application to the EPA. We have determined that these changes satisfy all requirements needed for final authorization.
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