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| Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules Newsletter for 2025-05-22 ( 63 items ) |
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Alaska Calls for Tailored National Resilience Strategy, Citing Unique Challenges (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Alaska Municipal League (AML) is urging the federal government to adopt a more nuanced approach to disaster preparedness and resilience, cautioning that a recent executive order emphasizing state and local responsibility could inadvertently leave Alaska's remote and vulnerable communities exposed. While acknowledging the potential benefits of shifting federal roles, AML asserts that Alaska's vast size, sparse population, extreme environment, and unique hazard landscape more ST
American Airlines Seeks Clarity on Boeing 787 Lavatory Inspections (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- American Airlines, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has submitted comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting a clearer definition of which Boeing 787 aircraft are subject to a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) concerning corrosion in lavatory components. The AD, identified as Docket No. FAA-2025-0347, addresses issues with Jamco family 95/96 lavatories on Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models.
While the FAA's proposed rule and a related Boeing bulletin more ST
Augusta Urges Army Corps to Uphold Savannah River Pool Levels, Citing Critical Economic and Recreational Impacts (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The City of Augusta, Georgia, is calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to prioritize the maintenance of current water levels in the Savannah River, emphasizing the vital role the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (NSBL&D) plays in the region's economic, cultural, and social well-being. In comments submitted to the USACE regarding the implementation guidance for the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, Augusta officials underscored the more ST
Background Screening Group Warns CFPB Rule Threatens Small Businesses, Competition (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A proposed rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is facing strong opposition from the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), an international trade group representing over 700 member companies. The association argues the "midnight regulation," proposed in the final days of the Biden Administration, will stifle competition, harm small businesses, and ultimately disadvantage consumers in the background screening sector.
In a letter sent to more ST
Bay Area Legal Aid Warns SSA's New Security PIN Could Cripple Access for Vulnerable Clients (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal), based in Oakland, California, the largest provider of free civil legal services in the San Francisco Bay Area, has raised significant concerns about the Social Security Administration's (SSA) proposed "Security Authentication Pin" (SAP) program. In a detailed comment submitted to the SSA, BayLegal argues that the new system, intended to enhance security for certain phone communications, will impose an "unreasonable burden" on the agency's most more ST
Beachfront Property Owners Demand Urgent Sand Placement (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A letter sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers underscores an urgent appeal for immediate sand placement on critically eroding beachfront properties. On behalf of Danielle and Vahan H. Gureghian, attorney Deborah K. Madden of Gunster submitted comments urging the Corps to implement Section 1145 of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2024 without delay, specifically requesting sand placement begin this year for listed projects.
The Gureghians' pro more ST
Boeing Seeks Clarity on FAA's 757 Pilot Seat Directive (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Boeing Co., based in Seattle, Washington, has submitted comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) addressing potential pilot seat horizontal actuator failures on its 757 aircraft. The directive, identified as Docket No. FAA-2025-0473, aims to ensure the safety and proper function of pilot seats.
Boeing is requesting specific revisions to the proposed AD to enhance clarity and accuracy. Primarily, the company more ST
Boeing Seeks Revisions to FAA's 787 Lavatory Corrosion Directive (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Boeing Co., based in Seattle, Washington, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding a proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive (AD) aimed at addressing corrosion on lower fitting assemblies and adjacent lavatory components in its 787 aircraft. The directive, identified as Docket No. FAA-2025-0347, specifically targets Jamco family 95/96 lavatories.
Boeing is requesting several key modifications to the propos more ST
Boise Airport Criticizes EPA Stormwater Permit, Citing Burdens & Irrelevant Requirements (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Boise Airport in Idaho has submitted strong comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its proposed 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges, warning that new mandates could impose "unnecessary burdens" with little environmental benefit. The airport expressed significant concerns over proposed requirements for PFAS monitoring, dry weather deicing, and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs).
The airport argues that t more ST
Bonneville Power Administration Demands Deeper Dive Into Willamette Hydropower Alternatives (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a more thorough, dam-by-dam analysis of non-hydropower alternatives for the Willamette Valley System. In a letter to the federal agency, BPA expressed significant concerns about the Corps' abbreviated timeline for the upcoming Willamette Valley System Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (WVS Supplemental EIS).
BPA emphasizes the critical need for a robust evaluation befo more ST
Broward County Seeks Urgent Beach Project Guidance From Army Corps (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Broward County is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for immediate guidance on a new federal law, aiming to accelerate critical beach nourishment projects ahead of hurricane season. The county's Resilient Environment Department sent a letter on April 30, 2025, requesting clarification on easement policies outlined in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 24).
With over 90% of Broward County's beaches designated as "critically eroded," the county more ST
Buttonwood Park Zoo Opposes Proposed ESA "Harm" Definition Change (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Buttonwood Park Zoo, located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a leading wildlife conservation institution, has expressed strong opposition to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposal to rescind the long-standing definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The zoo argues that the proposed change would severely weaken critical protections for endangered and threatened wildlife and their habitats.
In comments submitted to the USFWS, the Buttonwood more ST
Coastal Group Urges Efficient Water Resources Act Implementation (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A leading coastal advocacy organization has submitted comprehensive recommendations to federal agencies regarding the implementation of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) provided written comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, emphasizing provisions crucial for the nation's shorelines.
Among its key recommendations, ASBPA more ST
Community Group Demands EPA Close "Dangerous Loophole" Allowing Toxic Waste Burning (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A local advocacy group, Bristol Residents for Clean Air, is urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to immediately close a "dangerous loophole" in current regulations that they say allows municipal waste combustors (MWCs) to burn hazardous and medical waste, exposing communities to elevated levels of toxic air pollution. The group submitted detailed comments to the EPA on May 9, 2025, in response to a proposed rule for large municipal waste combustors, asserti more ST
Conservation Group Fights to Protect Endangered Species Act's Definition of "Harm" (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has voiced strong opposition to a proposed federal action that would rescind the definition of "harm" from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. In a letter submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the CFM argued that maintaining the current definition, which includes habitat destruction, is crucial for the survival of imperiled species and their ecosystems.
The CFM, an organization with a diverse membership tot more ST
Conservation Group Urges FEMA to Bolster Core Functions Amid Rising Disaster Costs (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), representing over seven million members and supporters, has submitted an urgent plea to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen its core functions in disaster response, recovery, and mitigation. The call comes as the United States faces an unprecedented increase in the frequency and cost of weather and climate-related disasters.
In a letter addressed to Patrick Powers, Designated Federal Officer for the FEMA Revi more ST
Copyright Claims Board Praised for Accessibility by Visual Artists' Advocate (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- ImageRights International Inc., a leading advocate for visual artists' rights, has commended the U.S. Copyright Office for its establishment and ongoing development of the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). The CCB, created under the CASE Act of 2020, aims to provide a more accessible and cost-effective avenue for creators to address copyright infringement.
In comments submitted to the Copyright Office's study on the CCB, ImageRights, founded in 2009, highlighted its role in as more ST
Cotton Growers Oppose Monarch Butterfly Listing (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Rolling Plains Cotton Growers, representing one million acres across West Texas, has formally opposed the proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The organization submitted a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, arguing that existing regulations and voluntary conservation efforts are sufficient to protect the iconic insect.
While acknowledging the monarch's ecological and cultural significance, Lauren more ST
Dam Safety Advocates Call for Urgent FEMA Reforms & Funding (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) has issued a compelling plea to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), urging the agency to maintain and strengthen its commitment to national dam safety programs. In a letter addressed to Patrick Powers, Designated Federal Officer of the FEMA Review Council, ASDSO emphasized the critical need for sustained funding, streamlined administration, and consistent leadership to prevent future catastrophic dam failures more ST
Engineering Firm Warns EPA Stormwater Permit Risks 'Overwhelming Burden' on Businesses (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Blymyer Engineers Inc., located in Alameda, California, a firm specializing in nationwide stormwater management services, has voiced "significant concern" over the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (NPDES MSGP). The engineering firm argues that the draft regulations impose a "costly, burdensome, and unreasonable increase" in monitoring, sampling, and reporting obligation more ST
Environmental Group Blasts Proposed Endangered Species Act Rule Change as 'Counterproductive' (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Alliance for the Wild Rockies is strongly opposing a proposed rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to redefine "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to exclude habitat modification. Mike Garrity, Executive Director of the Alliance, warned that the proposed change would be "counterproductive" and lead to significant delays and legal challenges.
In a letter to Acting Assistant Director Gina Shultz of t more ST
Environmental Group Calls for Strengthened FEMA, Citing Delays & Unique River Community Needs (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- American Rivers, a national conservation organization representing approximately 300,000 supporters, is advocating for significant reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), emphasizing that the agency should be improved and strengthened, not diminished. In comments submitted to the FEMA Review Council, the group highlighted FEMA's critical role in safeguarding communities and the rivers essential for their survival, while also pointing out areas for crucial more ST
Environmental Group Fights to Protect Endangered Species Habitat (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Umpqua Watersheds, a local nonprofit dedicated to ecosystem protection, has voiced strong opposition to a proposed federal rule that would alter the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The organization argues that rescinding the current regulatory definition, which includes significant habitat modification, would severely undermine critical conservation efforts.
The existing definition, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995, has been vital in pr more ST
Expert Urges FEMA Reforms to Better Support Disaster Survivors (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- An emergency management expert with two decades of experience is calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to implement crucial reforms to its disaster response, emphasizing the need for increased and more flexible assistance for survivors and a reduction in reliance on reimbursement models for local jurisdictions. Alessandra Jerolleman, director of research at the Center on Environment, Land and Law at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, submitted more ST
Family Physicians Urge FDA to Cap Nicotine in All Tobacco Products (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), representing over 128,300 family physicians and medical students, has strongly endorsed the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed rule to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, the AAFP urged the agency to finalize the proposed standard, capping nicotine at 0.7 milligrams per gram of total tobacco, and crucially, to extend this ca more ST
Federal Agency Accused of Colluding With Big Tech to Suppress Dissent (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- America's Future Inc., a venerable policy-oriented nonprofit organization founded in 1946, has submitted scathing comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), alleging an "unholy alliance" between the federal government and major technology companies to suppress dissenting voices and manipulate public discourse. The organization claims this collusion has led to a "distortion of the marketplace of ideas, resulting in loss of liberties, and even injury and death to America more ST
Florida Group Urges Immediate Action on Beach Protection (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A leading Florida coastal advocacy group is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the swift implementation of new federal legislation, citing stalled beach erosion control projects critical to the state's economy and environmental health. The Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association (FSBPA) recently submitted written comments to the USACE regarding the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for acti more ST
Former Captiva Resident Urges Swift Federal Action on Coastal Protection (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Evan Cutler, a former Captiva resident with deep family ties to the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD), has submitted a compelling public comment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). His letter advocates for the immediate and full implementation of Section 1145 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2024, specifically concerning crucial beach renourishment projects for Captiva, Florida.
Cutler, whose father chaired the CEPD during federally supported more ST
Grand Ronde Tribes Demand Action on Endangered Salmon (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon are urgently calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the survival of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Willamette River Basin. In a letter dated April 23, 2025, to Ms. Amy Frantz regarding the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024), the Tribes expressed grave concerns over delayed reports and the continued operation of uneconomical hydropower dams.
The Tribes highlighted the more ST
Higher Education Group Urges Department of Education to Revamp Regulations (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), a prominent advocate for the for-profit higher education sector in Arlington, Virginia, has submitted extensive comments to the U.S. Department of Education, urging a comprehensive overhaul of federal regulations impacting student financial assistance programs. The letter, dated May 8, 2025, addresses Secretary Linda McMahon and responds to the Department's call for public feedback ahead of new proposed regulations and nego more ST
Hispanic Federation Urges Strengthening of FEMA's Disaster Response Capacity Amid Federal Review (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Hispanic Federation (HF) has submitted its comments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council to bolster, rather than diminish, the agency's critical role in national disaster response. The submission comes in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by DHS on March 26, 2025, seeking public input on experiences with FEMA's disaster relief efforts.
In a letter addressed to Patrick Powers, more ST
Holden Beach Urges Prioritized Sand Placement for Erosion Control (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina, is advocating for a more strategic approach to coastal restoration, urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to prioritize the placement of dredged beach-quality sand in areas most severely affected by erosion. The town submitted comments on April 29, 2025, regarding the implementation of Section 1130 ("Maximization of beneficial use") of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024.
In a letter addres more ST
Hospitals Urge FEMA to Expedite Billions in Disaster Reimbursements (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The American Hospital Association (AHA), representing nearly 5,000 member hospitals and health systems, has submitted extensive comments to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding critical shortcomings in its Public Assistance (PA) program, particularly concerning COVID-19 related reimbursements. The AHA acknowledges the vital role of the PA program in supporting healthcare providers during emergencies, citing its effectiveness in helping hospitals maintain more ST
Idaho Farm Bureau Advocates for Redefining 'Harm' in Endangered Species Act (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, Boise, Idaho, representing over 90,000 members, has expressed support for rescinding the current regulatory definition of 'harm' within the Endangered Species Act. The organization argues that the broad interpretation of the term stifles voluntary conservation efforts and creates significant challenges for the state's agricultural community.
The Federation highlights that current regulations can interpret routine farming activities, such a more ST
Immigration Lawyers Urge Withdrawal of New Alien Registration Form, Citing Constitutional & Procedural Flaws (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of a new Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R) and the underlying interim final rule, arguing that both violate constitutional rights and key administrative laws. In a strongly worded letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), AILA detailed numerous concerns, from overly burdensome information requests to potential self-incrimination issues.
AILA, representing over more ST
Insurance Agents Call for Sweeping FEMA Reforms Following Disaster Reviews (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is urging the newly formed FEMA Review Council to implement significant reforms, citing a range of challenges faced by independent agents and disaster survivors in the aftermath of major events like Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. In a detailed letter to the Council, the PIA highlighted issues from delayed assistance and bureaucratic hurdles to insufficient flood insurance coverage and the need for bett more ST
Louisiana Urges Federal Flexibility for Crucial Coastal Projects (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has submitted comprehensive comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), advocating for flexible and efficient implementation of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024). The state agency emphasizes that the successful execution of this federal legislation is vital for advancing hurricane risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and coastal resilience across Louisiana.
In a letter addre more ST
MedPharm Challenges Regulations Stifling Iowa Medical Cannabis Access and Affordability (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- MedPharm, a family-owned multi-state cannabis operator based in Des Moines, Iowa, has formally submitted a comprehensive comment to the Department of Justice's Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force. The company, operating as Bud & Mary's and employing over 150 professionals across four states, highlighted significant federal and state regulatory barriers that they argue are severely impeding Iowa's medical cannabis industry and restricting affordable patient access.
In it more ST
Missouri Farm Bureau Urges Against Monarch Butterfly Endangered Species Listing, Cites Agricultural Impact (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Missouri Farm Bureau Federation (MOFB), Jefferson City, Missouri, has submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), strongly urging against the proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The organization, representing over 157,000 member families across Missouri's diverse agricultural landscape, argues that such a designation could significantly hinder the state's vital farming industry a more ST
Missouri River Coalition Urges Caution on Habitat Projects (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Coalition to Protect the Missouri River (CPMR), a diverse organization representing various stakeholders along the river, has submitted comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the implementation of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. The coalition emphasized the need for thorough analysis and stakeholder engagement before proceeding with habitat projects, particularly those related to Endangered Species Act (ESA) complianc more ST
Mohawk River Faces Invasive Water Chestnut Threat, Cornell Expert Urges Federal Action (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A Cornell University expert is calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allocate federal funds to combat a severe infestation of invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) in the Mohawk River watershed. Anna Haws, Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Outreach Coordinator with the New York State Water Resources Institute, penned a letter advocating for a portion of the appropriation outlined in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024.
Haws highlights more ST
Montana Farmers Seek Greater Flexibility in Grizzly Bear Management (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), Bozeman, Montana, is urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to adopt more flexible management strategies for grizzly bears, emphasizing the critical role of landowners in species recovery and the growing burden faced by agricultural communities. In a letter dated May 15, 2025, to the FWS, the state's largest general agriculture organization expressed "strong disappointment" over recent decisions to keep grizzly bears in th more ST
National Parks Group Urges Army Corps to Prioritize Park Health (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue crucial guidance for implementing the Thomas R. Carper Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. In a letter dated April 30, 2025, the NPCA, representing 1.6 million members and supporters, emphasized the need for specific directives to safeguard and enhance America's national parks.
The NPCA highlighted the Army Corps' vital role in protecting and restoring wate more ST
National Water Group Urges FEMA Reforms for Disaster Response (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), representing major publicly owned drinking water utilities across the United States, has submitted comprehensive comments to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), urging improvements to disaster response efforts. The organization, whose members collectively serve over 160 million people, emphasized the critical role of federal assistance in helping water systems recover from natural disasters while also highli more ST
Natural Infrastructure Advocates Urge Army Corps on Water Act Implementation (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A coalition of nonpartisan environmental and conservation organizations has submitted comprehensive recommendations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, urging specific guidance for the implementation of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. The recommendations, submitted on April 30, 2025, aim to ensure the new legislation effectively integrates natural systems into water resource management and infrastructure development, while also improvin more ST
Nonprofit Alliance Opposes Restricting Loan Forgiveness for Charities (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA) has strongly opposed any efforts to restrict or revoke eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for charitable organizations. In comments submitted to the Department of Education, TNPA, which represents over 200 nonprofit organizations, emphasized that PSLF is a "critical investment in our nation's public service workforce."
Shannon McCracken, CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance, warned against allowing administrative reinterpretations more ST
Palm Beach Property Owners Fight for Private Beach Rights Amid Federal Project (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Palm Beach beachfront property owners are pushing back against a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policy they say threatens their private land in the ongoing Mid-Town Project. A letter dated April 30, 2025, from attorney S. William Moore to the Army Corps, highlights concerns from at least 121 residents regarding demands for perpetual public easements over their beachfront lots.
The Mid-Town Project, a federalized sand placement initiative, has historically utilized temporary more ST
Panama Canal Authority Defends Operations Amid U.S. Inquiry Into Maritime Chokepoints (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has responded to a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) investigation into transit constraints at global maritime chokepoints, asserting that the Panama Canal operates efficiently, neutrally, and without discrimination, fostering favorable conditions for international trade, particularly for the United States. In a detailed letter submitted on May 13, 2025, to FMC Secretary David Eng, the ACP outlined its operational achievements and addressed more ST
Port Authority Seeks Clarity on Federal Share for Matagorda Ship Channel Project (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Calhoun Port Authority, Point Comfort, Texas, has voiced concerns to a federal agency regarding the effective date of critical funding for the Matagorda Ship Channel Jetty Deficiency Project. At the heart of the issue is Section 1328 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2024, which establishes a 90 percent federal share for the project's costs, a significant increase from the previous 75 percent.
The CPA contends that the new 90/10 cost-sharing ratio should ap more ST
Ports Urge Federal Agency to Clarify Infrastructure Funding (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, operating jointly as the Northwest Seaport Alliance, are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to fully implement a key provision of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022). The ports argue that the USACE's current interpretation of Section 8135 of WRDA 2022 hinders their ability to fund critical environmental remediation efforts.
The dispute centers on Section 214 authority, which allows non-federal entities to pr more ST
Realtors Call for Major FEMA Reforms, Citing Gaps in Long-Term Disaster Recovery (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The National Association of Realtors (NAR), representing 1.4 million members across the real estate industry, has urged the newly established Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council to implement significant changes to its disaster recovery programs. While commending FEMA's initial emergency response capabilities, NAR highlighted critical shortcomings in the longer-term recovery phase, leading to widespread frustration among disaster survivors.
In a letter more ST
Reflow Medical Withdraws Stent Application for Medicare Coverage (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Reflow Medical Inc., San Clemente, California, a company specializing in innovative technologies for cardiovascular disease, has withdrawn its application for a New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) for its Spur Peripheral Retrievable Stent System for fiscal year 2026. The decision stems from the company not receiving FDA approval for the device by the May 1, 2025 deadline.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Don Thompson, Director of the Division of Acute Care at the Centers for more ST
River Advocates Urge Expedited Funding for Critical Lock and Dam Study (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Friends of the Mississippi River are pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to adequately fund and expedite a crucial disposition study for the Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. In recent comments on the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, the organization highlighted the significant delays in a study mandated for swift completion.
Colleen O'Connor Toberman, Land Use & Planning Director for Friends of the Mississippi River, pointed out t more ST
Safety Advocates Challenge Evenflo Petition on Child Restraint Noncompliance (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) has challenged a petition by Evenflo Co. Inc. seeking a determination of "inconsequential noncompliance" for approximately 67,416 of its All4One child restraint systems. The systems reportedly failed to maintain their recline position during dynamic testing with a dummy in a rear-facing configuration, a violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213.
Evenflo's petition to the National Highway Traffic Safety more ST
Savannah River Group Urges Swift Dam Repair (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A coalition of local governments and industries is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for prompt and comprehensive repairs to the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam (NSBL&D) in Augusta, Georgia. The Consortium for the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam submitted comments to the Corps, emphasizing the critical role the dam plays in providing water supply, recreational opportunities, and economic development for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
In their letter, the C more ST
SC Farm Bureau Fights Monarch Butterfly 'Threatened' Status (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation has voiced strong opposition to the proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the organization argued that such a designation would severely harm the state's agricultural industry and economic stability.
"This decision would carry a drastic negative impact to South Carolina's agricultural industry, and the econom more ST
Scientist Urges Federal Agency to Reassess Lethal Grizzly Bear Management in Montana (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A prominent environmental scientist has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to reconsider its approach to managing grizzly bear conflicts in Montana, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific evidence and the ecological benefits of predators. In a detailed public comment submitted on May 3, 2025, Adrian Treves, a professor of environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Carnivore Coexistence La more ST
Truck Trailer Manufacturers Push for DOT Regulatory Overhaul (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA) is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement significant reforms to existing regulations, citing unnecessary burdens and outdated requirements for trailer manufacturers. In a letter dated May 5, 2025, to Daniel Cohen of the DOT's Office of the General Counsel, the TTMA provided detailed recommendations aimed at reducing compliance costs while maintaining safety standards.
The association, representing more ST
Waste Industry Group Challenges EPA's Cost Estimates for Landfill Reporting (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) is pushing back against the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) assessment of the financial and time burdens associated with new reporting and operational requirements for municipal solid waste landfills. In comments submitted to the EPA regarding the renewed Information Collection Request (ICR) for New Source Performance Standards for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, the NWRA argues that the agency has significantly u more ST
Water Groups Advocate for Experienced Teams in Federal Project Pilot (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and The Water Collaborative Delivery Association (WCDA) have submitted joint comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the implementation of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. Their focus is on Section 1107, which establishes a pilot program for 25 water resources projects utilizing "alternative delivery methods," including progressive design-build and public-private partnerships.
The organizations strongl more ST
Water Policy Group Urges Swift Action on Federal Water Project Reforms (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP) is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to prioritize key reforms in the implementation of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. In a letter dated April 30, 2025, ICWP Executive Director Beth Callaway highlighted provisions aimed at alleviating "structural barriers" faced by non-Federal sponsors in water resource projects.
The letter emphasizes WRDA 2024's directive for the Government Accountability O more ST
Whooping Crane Advocates Oppose Endangered Species Act 'Harm' Redefinition (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Whooping Crane Conservation Association has voiced strong opposition to a proposed rule change by the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Commerce that seeks to redefine "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to mean direct mortality only, excluding habitat protections.
The Association argues that habitat destruction is a primary driver of extinctions, and the current robust definition of "harm," which includes "significant habitat modification or degradation," more ST
Yale Expert Urges Medicare Coverage for Frostbite Treatment (10)
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- A Yale School of Medicine clinical pharmacy specialist is advocating for federal recognition and reimbursement of AURLUMYN(R) (iloprost), a newly FDA-approved drug for severe frostbite. Dr. Ralph J. Riello III sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) Application Review Committee, expressing "enthusiastic endorsement" for the drug's NTAP designation.
Dr. Riello, who has a decade of experience in critical care m more ST
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