📜Discontinuation of Accelerated Examination Program for Utilities
In order to efficiently allocate examination-related resources to address pendency, and in view of the low number of requests for Accelerated Examination and the availability of a statutory program to expedite the prosecution of applications (Track One, prioritized examination), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is discontinuing the Accelerated Examination program for utility applications. The USPTO is also modifying the rules of practice to clarify the grounds for which a petition to make special may be granted and when a fee is required for such petition.
Learn More🌉Proposed Regulation for Dorset Avenue Bridge Operations in NJ
The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule that governs the Dorset Avenue Bridge across Inside Thorofare, mile 72.1 at Ventnor City, NJ. The proposed rule would allow the drawbridge to only open between the hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. if at least four hours' notice is given. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Learn More🏢Updates to HUBZone Program Regulations and Business Implications
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is correcting a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2024. The rule clarified and improved policies surrounding a comprehensive revision to the HUBZone Program regulations published in 2019, among other changes. This document is making several technical corrections to the final regulations.
Learn More💰Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties by SBA for 2025
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is amending its regulations to adjust for inflation the amount of certain civil monetary penalties that are within the jurisdiction of the agency. These adjustments comply with the requirement in the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, to make annual adjustments to the penalties.
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❌Withdrawal of Energy Standards for Commercial Refrigerators
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, this document withdraws a disapproved final rule that was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2025. The final rule would have established amended energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers.
Learn More❄️DOE Withdraws Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, this document withdraws a disapproved final rule that was published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2024. The final rule would have established amended energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers.
Learn More🚰Energy Conservation Standards for Gas-Fired Water Heaters Withdrawn
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, this document withdraws a disapproved final rule that was published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2024. The final rule would have established amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters.
Learn More🏭Summary of Federal Acquisition Regulation Changes - FAC 2025-04
This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules agreed to by OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA (collectively referred to as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council) in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-04. A companion document, the Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this FAC.
Learn More🔥Withdrawal of Coverage Determination for Miscellaneous Gas Products
DOE is withdrawing its prior determination that miscellaneous gas products ("MGPs"), which include decorative hearths and outdoor heaters, qualify as covered products under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended ("EPCA").
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