Business news

Unleashing American Energy and Economic Prosperity; Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), an agency of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing a final rule with comment period. Implementation of this action will simplify and streamline requirements and processes in the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Under the new REAP structure, projects must already be fully built and operational before the applicant ever applies. Applicants then apply, submitting actual energy production or savings data for the prior 12 months, alongside 12 months of pre-installation data. The Agency evaluates applications for completeness, eligibility, risk, and merit and will award grants subject to the availability of funds and criteria provided in an annual notice. This new approach changes the program to a post completion, performance validated model. All RES and EEI awards will now be based on actual documented output, energy savings, costs, and system performance. Bottlenecks leading to application processing backlogs such as the technical merit review clearance process have been removed from the Agency's purview. Multilocation projects and specific application of certain technologies are now ineligible, and the program proposes to eliminate state level competitions in favor of a single national scoring and selection process. The result is a streamlined but significantly different process intended to reduce risk to the program, simplify administration, and prioritize projects delivering verifiable results. The result of these changes, combined with the release of a planned online application portal, will significantly decrease burden for applicants by shortening application length and review times across the program.

Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read

Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 219, Small Business Programs

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of DoD's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection for use under Control Number 0704-0386 through January 31, 2027. DoD proposes that OMB approve an extension of the information collection requirement, to expire three years after the approval date.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Petition for Rulemaking; Notification of Petition for Rulemaking; Invalid Specimen Determinations

This document announces receipt of a petition for rulemaking received by DOT on February 27, 2026, to initiate a rulemaking to amend 49 CFR part 40. The petitioner's proposed amendments seek to incorporate structured medical verification standards when an employee asserts a plausible medical explanation for abnormal specimen validity findings, including abnormal pH values. Specifically, the petitioner proposes: a defined and finite documentation submission window; required written Medical Review Officer determinations addressing submitted documentation; defined evaluation standards for abnormal urinary chemistry findings; consideration of specialist consultation when diagnosed voiding disorders are asserted; and (5) documented review of medically supported functional voiding disorders prior to verifying refusal determinations based on inability to provide a specimen under direct observation. Through this notification, DOT seeks comment on the petition, as well as any information that could be used in DOT's determination whether to grant the petition.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Building Permits Survey Program

The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment on the proposed extension of the surveys known as the Report of Building or Zoning Permits Issued for New Privately-Owned Housing Units (C-404) and the Survey of Residential Building or Zoning Permit Systems (C-411), prior to the submission of the information collection request (ICR) to OMB for approval.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses

The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC" or "Commission") proposes to commence a rulemaking proceeding to prevent certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices by search engine, social media, and other digital marketplace platforms that further government and business impersonation scams to defraud consumers. The Commission is soliciting written comment, data, and arguments concerning the need for such rulemaking.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Pacific Island Fisheries; Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measures for Mariana Bottomfish Management Unit Species in the Guam Management Subarea

NMFS is modifying the annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for Mariana bottomfish management unit species (MUS) in the Guam Management Subarea (the fishery). The rule increases the ACL from 31,000 pounds (lb) (14,061 kilograms (kg)) to 34,500 lb (15,649 kg), replaces the in-season AM with a post-season overage adjustment if the average catch from the most recent 3 years exceeds the ACL, and removes the higher performance standard that closes the fishery in Federal waters for any overage. The rule is based on the best available scientific, commercial, and other information about the fishery, and supports rebuilding of the fishery.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Safety Zone; Sector Mobile Captain of the Port Zone, Mobile, AL

The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary moving safety zone and two temporary fixed safety zones to support the arrival and dismantling of the EX ENTERPRISE, formerly the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN- 65), in the Sector Mobile Captain of the Port Zone. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from entering these zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Mobile. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

General Provisions; Revised List of Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise the List of Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by both adding and removing species and changing names to conform to accepted use by the scientific community. Reasons for the proposed changes to the list include adding species based on new taxonomy and new evidence of natural occurrence in the United States or U.S. territories, removing species no longer known to occur within the United States or U.S. territories, and changing names to reflect currently accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. The net increase of 25 species (32 added and 7 removed) would bring the total number of species protected by the MBTA to 1,131. We also propose to revise the names of species subject to specific migratory bird permit regulations to reflect currently accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. We are taking this proposed action because an accurate and up-to-date list of species protected by the MBTA is essential for public notification, regulatory, and law-enforcement purposes, and to ensure consistency in the use of common and scientific names across Service regulations.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Safety Zone; St. Lawrence River, Massena, NY

The Coast Guard is establishing two temporary safety zones for U.S. navigable waters on the St. Lawrence River in the vicinity of Massena, New York. The safety zones are needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the replacement of overhead electrical transmission wires crossing the St. Lawrence River. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Eastern Great Lakes, or their designated representative.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Approval of Implementation Plans for Air Quality Planning Purposes; State of Nevada; Truckee Meadows Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the 1987 PM-10 Standard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the "Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the Truckee Meadows 24-Hour PM<INF>10</INF> Attainment Area" ("Truckee Meadows Second PM<INF>10</INF> Maintenance Plan" or "Plan") as a revision to the Washoe County portion of the State implementation plan (SIP) for the State of Nevada. The Truckee Meadows Second PM<INF>10</INF> Maintenance Plan includes, among other elements, a base year emissions inventory, a maintenance demonstration, contingency provisions, and motor vehicle emissions budgets for use in transportation conformity determinations. With this proposed rulemaking, the EPA is initiating the adequacy process for the 2025, 2030, and 2040 motor vehicle emissions budgets. The EPA is proposing these actions because the SIP revision meets the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for such plans and motor vehicle emissions budgets. We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Air Plan Approval; OR; Lane County Title 36 Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve into the Oregon State Implementation Plan revisions to the rules applicable in Lane County Oregon. The revisions establish procedures related to excess emissions, clarify terminology and enforceability, and update Local regulations to more closely align with State rules. The EPA is proposing to approve these revisions as meeting the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Attainment Date Extension for the South Coast, California 2012 Annual PM2.5 Fine Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or "Agency") is granting an extension of the "Serious" area attainment date for the Los Angeles-South Coast Air Basin ("South Coast Air Basin" or "South Coast") nonattainment area for the 2012 annual fine particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 [micro]m in diameter (PM<INF>2.5</INF>) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2030, based on a determination that the State has satisfied the statutory criteria for this extension.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of NOX Emissions From Large Stationary Internal Combustion Engines

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Missouri State Implementation Plan (SIP) related to Control of Nitrogen Oxide (NO<INF>X</INF>) Emissions From Large Stationary Internal Combustion Engines. The revisions reformat and revise reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance requirements; incorporate other State rules by reference; add definitions specific to the rule; revise unnecessarily restrictive or duplicative language; and make administrative wording changes. The revisions also add an exemption for certain spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The EPA's final approval of this rule revision is being done in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements

The Coast Guard proposes removing six requirements related to endorsements for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, and the Seafarer's Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Code. Changes would affect Masters and Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch of less than 500 GT in near-coastal waters; Officers in Charge of an Engineering Watch, Designated Duty Engineers, and Electro-technical Ratings of 750 kW/1,000 HP or more. This proposed action includes technical revisions to remove duplicative or outdated language from the regulatory text, reduces regulatory burdens, and promotes equivalent compliance standards with international requirements.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Extension of Reexportation Period.

This proposed rule would amend the regulations of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to extend the time allowed for reexports of controlled substances outside of the European Economic Area from 180 days from the date of original release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to 365 days from that original release date.

Oct 1, 2026 · 1 min read