🌱Proposed Rule for Endangered Status of Big Red Sage نبات
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the big red sage (Salvia pentstemonoides), a plant species from central Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the big red sage. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to the species. We have determined that designating critical habitat for the big red sage is not prudent.
Learn More🦆Proposed Hunting Regulations and Economic Impact for 2025-26
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) proposes to establish hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2025-26 hunting season. Through an annual rulemaking process, we prescribe outside limits (which we refer to as frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2025-26 general duck seasons, and provides preliminary proposals that vary from the 2024-25 hunting season regulations. Migratory bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and permit harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.
Learn More🚍Grant of Temporary Exemption for Motorcoach Seat Belt Requirements
In accordance with our regulations, NHTSA is granting a petition from Legacy Limousines and Luxury Coaches for a temporary exemption from the requirement to install Type 2 seat belts (i.e., shoulder belts) at side-facing locations in the company's motorcoaches. The petitioner is a final-stage manufacturer of entertainer-type motorcoaches, seeking temporary exemption from the shoulder belt requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant crash protection," for side-facing seats on motorcoaches. The granted exemption permits the petitioner to install Type 1 seat belts (lap belt only) at side-facing seating positions, instead of the Type 2 seat belts (lap and shoulder belts) required by FMVSS No. 208. After reviewing the petition and the comments received, the agency has determined that the requested exemption is warranted to enable the petitioner to sell a vehicle whose overall level of safety or impact protection is at least equal to that of a nonexempted vehicle.
Learn More🛤️Extension of Comment Period for Asset Management Plans Regulation
The FHWA is extending the comment period for a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and request for comments, which was published on November 13, 2024. The original comment period is set to close on January 13, 2025. The extension is based on concerns expressed by stakeholders that the January 13, 2025, closing date does not provide sufficient time to review and provide comprehensive comments. The FHWA recognizes that others interested in commenting may have similar concerns and agrees that the comment period should be extended. Therefore, the closing date for comments is changed to February 12, 2025, which will provide stakeholders and others interested in commenting additional time to discuss, evaluate, and submit responses to the docket.
Learn More📡FCC Regulation Update on 5.9 GHz Band Compliance for Businesses
The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on December 13, 2024. The document addressed the transition of 5.9 GHz Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) operations from Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC)-based technology to cellular-vehicle-to- everything (C-V2X)-based technology.
Learn More🌉Changes to Umpqua River Bridge Regulations and Business Impact
The Coast Guard is changing the name and operating schedule that governs the Central Oregon and Pacific railroad bridge across the Umpqua River, mile 11.5, at Reedsport, OR. This rule changes the name of the Central Oregon and Pacific railroad bridge; allows that bridge to be maintained in the closed to navigation position, removes the requirement for fog signals for that bridge and changes the name of the US 101 Bridge that crosses the side channel of the Umpqua River.
Learn More🚛FMCSA Requests Comments on Grote Industries' Safety Exemption Renewal
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests public comment on the application from Grote Industries, LLC (Grote) for a renewal of its exemption allowing motor carriers to install amber brake-activated pulsating warning lamps on the rear of trailers and van body trucks in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Grote currently holds an exemption for the period December 7, 2020, through December 2, 2025, and requests a five-year renewal of the exemption. FMCSA requests public comment on Grote's request to renew the exemption.
Learn More✈️DOT Notice on Financial Reporting for Small Aircraft Operators
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public, industry and other governmental parties to comment on the continuing need for and usefulness of BTS collecting financial, traffic and operating statistics from small certificated and commuter air carriers. Small, certificated air carriers (operate aircraft with 60 seats or less or with 18,000 pounds of payload capacity or less) currently must file the two quarterly schedules: F-1 "Report of Financial Data"; F-2 "Report of Aircraft Operating Expenses and Related Statistics"; and Commuter air carriers must file the Schedule F-1 "Report of Financial Data". Commenters should address whether BTS accurately estimated the reporting burden and if there are other ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected.
Learn More🚛Navistar's Provisional CDL Exemption Renewal Notice and Implications
FMCSA announces its decision to provisionally renew the exemption currently held by Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) from the commercial driver's license (CDL) regulations for one of its commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The provisional exemption renewal allows Mr. Thomas Nickels, Senior Vice President of the Cabin and Chassis R&D Group for Navistar's parent company, TRANTON SE, to test drive various Navistar test fleet vehicles on U.S. roads. The provisional exemption renewal is limited to six months. After a review of the public comments to this notice, FMCSA will issue a decision whether the exemption should be renewed through November 2029.
Learn More✈️New Class E Airspace Regulations Established in Victoria, TX
This action establishes Class E airspace at Victoria, TX to support new public instrument procedures.
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