WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Seven environmental and conservation organizations have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing strong opposition to the proposed approval of Indiana's 2021 State Implementation Plan (SIP) for managing regional haze. The conservation groups assert that Indiana's plan is fundamentally flawed and fails to meet the requisite standards set forth in both the Clean Air Act and the EPA's Regional Haze Rule (RHR). The letter  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Allentown, Pennsylvania, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in support of a proposed rulemaking to modernize pipeline safety regulations. The company offered several recommendations to improve government efficiency while maintaining safety. According to the company, the agency should establish regulatory distinctions for different types of hydrog more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Airports Council International-North America has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, urging lawmakers to take vital steps in reauthorizing the nation's surface transportation programs. In light of significant infrastructure needs and the critical economic role airports play, ACI-NA emphasizes the importance of enhancing funding strategies and protecting local governance. According to recent reports from ACI-NA, the economic impa more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Ameren Missouri, American Electric Power Inc., and Nebraska Public Power District submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the approval of Indiana's regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP). The letter supports the EPA's proposed policy aimed at enhancing visibility in federal Class I areas and emphasizes the need for the agency to consistently apply this policy in all states seeking approval for their regional haze more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- America's Credit Unions has addressed the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in a public comment letter regarding proposed revisions to the NCUA Call Report, also known as Form 5300. The organization emphasized the need for clarity and accuracy in reporting practices, which are crucial for the over 143 million credit union members nationwide. In their correspondence, America's Credit Unions expressed support for the agency's modernization initiatives, specifical more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The American Concrete Pipe Association, Irving, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for key changes in the upcoming reauthorization of the nation's surface transportation programs. With a history dating back to 1907, ACPA represents nearly 50 producers of concrete pipe and box culverts and aims to voice the interests of the precast concrete pipe industry. ACPA outlined three primary priorities to enhance highway con more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The American Concrete Pumping Association, Lewis Center, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) outlining key priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. The letter emphasizes the importance of concrete pumping in developing and maintaining America's infrastructure and highlights the need for policies that support long-term investments in transportation. Founded in 1974, ACPA represents over  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The American Herbal Products Association, Silver Spring, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concerns regarding its "Tool for the Prioritization of Food Chemicals for Post-Market Assessment." This proposed method aims to categorize food substances currently in the food supply to determine the order in which these chemicals will undergo prioritized post-market assessment. The AHPA, which represents member more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The American Soybean Association, St. Louis, Missouri, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed tool for the prioritization of food chemicals for post-market assessment. The ASA, representing nearly 500,000 soybean farmers across the United States, asserts that the tool may undermine public confidence in food products that contain soybean oil, which has been classified as genera more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Associated General Contractors of America, Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voicing urgent concerns about the implications of federal regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their impact on the construction industry. The letter, addressed to leadership on Capitol Hill, comes in response to the agency's April 2024 designation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfo more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) expressing strong support for the proposal to list the Barrens darter as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The organization, which focuses on wildlife conservation, praised the agency's efforts in addressing the challenges faced by this vulnerable species that is predominantly found in Tennessee's Coll more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Axos Bank has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) expressing its concerns about the proposed rescission of the 2023 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Final Rule. The bank, which operates as the nation's first online-only federally-chartered institution, is advocating for careful consideration as the OCC contemplates reverting to the 1995 CRA regulations. In the letter, Axos Bank outlined its position against the proposed more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, Maine, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the surface transportation reauthorization. The organization is advocating for the continuation of funding for the Buses and Bus Facilities Program (Section 5339) at its current authorized level of $2.208 billion in the upcoming reauthorization bill. According to BSOOB Transit, robust competitive grant programs under Sections 5339(b) an more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The BlueRibbon Coalition, Pocatello, Idaho, has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) advocating for the proposed removal of the Gila chub (Gila intermedia) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The nonprofit organization, which promotes responsible recreation and conservation, argues that the Gila chub does not qualify as a distinct species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The coalition emphasizes that lead more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Independence, Ohio, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration strongly opposing a petition for a waiver of compliance filed by the CPKC railroad. The union argues that the railroad's proposal to replace manual brake inspections with technology would jeopardize the safety of train crews and the public. According to the union, the railroad's proposal would  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Independence, Ohio, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration raising concerns about a proposed rulemaking. The union fears the agency's goal of "unleashing American energy" and "improving government efficiency" will lead to deregulation that jeopardizes rail safety. According to the union, its primary area of concern is the placeme more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration urging the agency to withdraw a proposed rulemaking that would remove the requirement for commercial motor vehicles to stop at certain railroad crossings. The organization states that the proposal is unsafe and misguided. According to the union, highway-grade crossings are the most likely place for road more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- California Resources Corp., Long Beach, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration offering recommendations for a rulemaking on pipeline repair criteria. The company stated that its feedback reflects its operational experience and commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and regulatory transparency. The company's comments support safety-driven, risk-informed regulation and urge t more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The CEO Commission for Disability Employment has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing apprehension regarding the proposed modifications to the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The commission, which was founded by prominent organizations like Voya Financial, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the National Down Syndrome Society, emphasizes the importance of public engagement in shaping po more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The City of Manchester Department of Public Works, New Hampshire, on behalf of the City of Manchester has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing pressing issues related to the next surface transportation bill. In their letter, officials express gratitude for the opportunity to provide input, emphasizing their commitment to leveraging federal programs for infrastructure projects amidst significant challenges. Key among the con more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, highlighting serious concerns regarding proposed increases in truck size and weight as part of the upcoming Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act reauthorization. The nonprofit organization, representing over 3,500 supporters across the country, asserts that longer and heavier trucks pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the livelihood more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Newington, Connecticut, recently submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the need for prioritized investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as part of the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization process. The board, which represents residents across Connecticut, advocates for the creation of safe, accessible streets suitable for all users including motori more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Consumer Brands Association, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration regarding its proposed Post-Market Assessment Prioritization Tool for food chemicals, emphasizing the need for a transparent and evidence-based approach. The organization, which represents the consumer-packaged goods industry, expresses concerns over how the FDA plans to prioritize substances, urging the agency to clearly define processes and time more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Consumer Reports, Yonkers, New York, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its proposed tool aimed at prioritizing food chemicals for post-market assessment. The organization, known for advocating consumer safety and health, supports the FDA's initiative, but emphasizes that the tool could be improved to better protect public health. The letter highlights that the FDA's draft Post-market Assessment Prioritization Tool employ more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Council for Responsible Nutrition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing the need for refinements to the agency's draft Post-market Assessment Prioritization Tool for food chemicals. The initiative aims to prioritize the review of chemicals that may pose significant public health risks. CRN's letter emphasizes that the tool employs Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to score various food chemicals based on more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Concerned Women for America, a public policy organization advocating for women, has called on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to reinstate the lawful exclusion of abortion services and counseling from its medical benefits packages. CWA's position follows President Biden's controversial Interim Final Rule mandating that the VA include abortion services in its Civilian Health and Medical Program, sparking heated debate over the implications for taxpayers and veterans more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Damarco Solutions LLC CEO Kelly Taylor submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addressing OSHA's proposed rule to remove medical evaluation requirements for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), advocating that FFR medical evaluations be retained. The commenter notes that OSHA's mission is to assure safe working conditions, implying the agency has concl more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advocating for the listing of seven species of pangolins as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The organization commended the agency for its efforts in developing this important proposal, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced conservation strategies for these species, which face severe threats from poaching and illegal traffi more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Houston, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in response to a proposed rulemaking on pipeline safety. The company offered comments on four key areas for reform, including allowing separate procedures for idled pipes and enhancing damage prevention programs. The company recommends that the administration allow operators to create separate  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Environment America Research and Policy Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The organization delivered over 14,000 signatures urging the agency to reconsider its proposal for commercial leasing for outer continental shelf minerals in the waters off American Samoa. The letter highlights concerns regarding the fragile ecosystems present on the sea floor, emphasizing that scientific research on these environments is still in more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Environmental Defense Fund has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration emphasizing the need for greater transparency and scientific rigor in the agency's new Tool for the Prioritization of Food Chemicals for Post-Market Assessment. The EDF has articulated significant concerns about the proposed prioritization tool, which aims to assess food chemicals based on their health risks. The EDF praises the FDA for taking steps to quantify the pri more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Food Industry Association, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing their concerns regarding the agency's recently proposed Tool for the Prioritization of Food Chemicals for Risk Assessment. In their correspondence, FMI underscores the need for a thoughtful and transparent methodology in evaluating food chemicals to ensure consumer safety. FMI's letter praises the FDA for its efforts to enhance the more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Keller and Heckman LLP on behalf of Food Packaging Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed new method for ranking chemicals in food for post-market assessments. The coalition, which consists of trade associations and companies across the food packaging supply chain in the United States, emphasizes the importance of a science-based approach to ensure public health safe more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Iowa City Transit has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, urging the federal agency to maintain funding for the Buses and Bus Facilities Program at its current authorized level of $2.208 billion in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. The organization emphasizes that robust competitive grant programs are vital for replacing aging buses, modernizing facilities, and addressing growing service demands. The letter high more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Genesis, Oakland, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation urging stronger federal support for public transit systems. The organization emphasized the vital importance of public transit for economic success in California and across the nation. In its correspondence, Genesis highlighted that public transit plays a crucial role in connecting tens of millions of Americans to their workplaces, schools, and essential services. It p more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Bozeman, Montana, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) advocating for the inclusion of wildlife crossings as a critical component of surface transportation infrastructure. The organization emphasizes the need for increased funding and programmatic support to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, which pose ongoing threats to both public safety and wildlife habitats. In their correspondence, more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Heartbeat International Inc., Columbus, Ohio, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voicing opposition to a petition submitted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) regarding the regulation of mifepristone. The organization advocates for enhanced safeguards to ensure women's safety amid concerns that relaxed regulations have led to dangerous outcomes for patients. In the letter, Heartbeat Internationa more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Immigrant Legal Defense, Oakland, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services opposing proposed changes to a policy that provides deferred action and work authorization to youth with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The organization argues that the policy changes will directly and severely harm children and youth, violating the protective purpose of the SIJS statute and placing vulnerable  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Independent Petroleum Association of America submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration raising several issues with proposed pipeline safety regulations. The organization states that it wants to raise specific issues that create regulatory uncertainty and are inconsistent. According to the association, the agency should formally define the term "farm tap" in its regulations. The gro more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Infant Nutrition Science Coalition (INSC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizing the need for updated guidelines on infant formula nutrient requirements. The coalition-comprising experts from academic, governmental, and industry sectors-advocates for a research-driven approach to enhance the composition of infant formula based on the evolving scientific understanding of human milk. In the letter, the INSC highl more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Ingevity, a materials company, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, outlining crucial recommendations for the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. The letter focuses on three primary areas: the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), the Buy America, Build America Act and the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. Ingevity advocates for the expansion of eligibility criteria for the Carbon Redu more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, Illinois, has issued a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) praising efforts to implement a post-market review prioritization tool aimed at assessing food chemicals. The letter highlights the need for a science-based, systematic, and transparent approach to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the tool. IFT, representing a global community of over 11,000 members dedicated to the science of fo more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The International Bancshares Corp., a multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency opposing several national trust bank charter applications. The corporation expressed its support for the opposition voiced by several banking associations. According to IBC, the public portions of the applications do not allow for meaningful public scrut more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The International Chamber of Shipping, representing over 80% of the world's merchant fleet, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) addressing concerns over the agency's inquiry into the so-called "Flags of Convenience" (FOCs). The inquiry is said to evaluate the practices of flag State Administrations and their impact on U.S.-flagged vessels and maritime trade. In its detailed letter, the ICS emphasizes that international shipping o more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Law Firm for Truck Safety, Columbus, Ohio, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration opposing a proposed rule that would modify the definition of a "medical treatment" for accident reporting. The law firm states that the proposal is flawed both procedurally and substantively and should be withdrawn. The firm's comments state that the proposed rule unrealistically excludes from its definition  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Liberian Shipowners' Council submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission addressing the ongoing investigation into flags of convenience and the unfavorable conditions created by certain flagging practices. This letter comes in response to the FMC's inquiry about how vessel registration practices may impact shipping conditions in foreign trade, particularly concerning safety, labor standards, and environmental compliance. In its letter, the LSC more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Mainland Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Garden Grove, California, has sent a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) expressing strong opposition to deep-sea mining activities in the waters surrounding American Samoa and the greater Moana Nui, also known as the Pacific Ocean. The council, which is a coalition of 16 chartered civic clubs throughout the continental United States, emphasizes its position is aligned with t more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Malta International Shipowners Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission as part of its investigation into flags of convenience and unfavorable conditions related to certain flagging practices. The association emphasizes the importance of the Malta flag, which it argues is a symbol of quality and safety in international shipping. MISA, established in 2005, represents the interests of shipowners operating under the Malta flag, more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Marine Mammal Commission, Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) expressing concerns about the agency's approach to the authorization of Narwhal LLC's proposed incidental take of polar bears and walruses. This proposed taking is associated with shallow hazard surveys, exploratory drilling operations, and cleanup tasks in West Harrison Bay, Alaska. The Commission highlighted significant issues regarding the more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Marine Mammal Commission, Bethesda, Maryland, has issued a public comment letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) addressing potential impacts of the proposed Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities by 8 Star Alaska, LLC (8 Star AK). This project aims to take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment incidental to construction activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska, over a five-year period, from January 2026 to December 2030. The Commission's concer more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- A coalition of marine and environmental scientists, academics, and researchers has sent a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), urging against leasing areas of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of American Samoa for minerals mining. The group emphasized the need for comprehensive scientific evaluation of the potential ecological impacts of seabed mining in a region that is home to fragile marine ecosystems. The letter hi more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) addressing the critical need for increased federal investment in surface transportation. This letter responds to a recent call for feedback on the next transportation authorization law aimed at improving the state's complex and extensive transportation network. MassDOT oversees a diverse array of transportation systems, includi more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Meat Institute, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the agency's proposed rule on the prioritization of food chemicals for post-market assessment. The institute expressed its support for the FDA's science-based approach to evaluating food ingredients, as well as its commitment to promoting public health and consumer trust. In its letter, the Meat Institute highlighted the importance of coordina more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Mid-America Regional Council, Kansas City, Missouri, has issued a public comment letter to U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing the importance of local input in the reauthorization of the Federal Surface Transportation Program. MARC, as the metropolitan planning organization for the Kansas City region, plays a crucial role in both regional planning and the implementation of transportation projects. In the letter, MARC highlights that local entities own the ma more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The National Association of Letter Carriers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards offering its support for a proposed rule that would revise filing thresholds for labor organization annual reports. The union also recommended an additional change to further reduce reporting burdens. The organization agrees with the department that increasing the filing thresholds for Forms LM-2, LM-3 and LM-4 will fairly refl more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The National Association of Manufacturers has formally submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the agency's proposed methodology for ranking chemicals in food for post-market assessments. The NAM, representing a broad spectrum of manufacturers across the United States, seeks to ensure that any such tools align scientifically with established regulatory practices. The proposed methodology, known as t more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The National Milk Producers Federation, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the agency's proposed tool for prioritizing food chemicals for post-market assessments. Representing 20,000 U.S. dairy producers, NMPF has emphasized the importance of an efficient and scientifically rigorous approach to food safety. In the letter, NMPF expressed appreciation for the opportunity to provide input into the FD more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Railroad Administration expressing concerns about the proposed expansion of the Elwood to Braidwood high-speed rail project in Will County, Illinois. The environmental organization, a key stakeholder in the region due to its partnerships with local conservation entities, highlighted potential adverse impacts on crucial natural areas, including the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. In its l more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Friends of the Mariana Trench (FOMT) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa in a public comment letter submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The organization emphasizes the need for a science-based approach to ocean stewardship that respects the traditional knowledge of Pacific Island communities. In the letter, FOMT argues that the current permitting process is rooted in colonial governance structur more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors, Salem, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation outlining critical recommendations for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization legislation. The letter emphasizes the vital role that counties play in managing a significant portion of the nation's transportation infrastructure and calls for targeted support to enhance local roadways and bridges. In the letter, the Ore more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Salem, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation indicating a pressing need for permanent funding dedicated to wildlife transportation mitigation and the construction of wildlife crossing structures. Highlighting alarming statistics from the Federal Highway Administration, the agency reports that an average of one million vertebrate animals are killed each day on American roadways, a situation more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advocating for the listing of seven pangolin species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This move is intended to enhance enforcement measures within the U.S., bolster international conservation efforts, and protect these critically threatened mammals, which are among the most trafficked species globally. The organiza more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Partnership for Financial Equity has delivered a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, expressing serious concerns about a proposal to rescind recent changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations. The organization emphasizes that reversing these changes would undermine progress in addressing the financial needs of low- and moderate-income communities. PFE, established in 1990, aims to br more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Pennsylvania State University Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences Richard B. Alley submitted a public comment letter addressing concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) report titled, "A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate." The letter emphasizes that critical scientific inaccuracies mar the chapter on sea level changes, specifically in the chapter summary presented on page 75. According to the professor, the document  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Houston, Texas, and Buckeye Partners L.P., Houston, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in response to a proposed rulemaking on regulatory reviews. The companies supported the agency's goal of improving efficiency and offered recommendations on integrity management and inter-agency coordination. The companies recommend several amendments  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) advocating for essential enhancements to the surface transportation framework. Representing a vast network of over 200 retail companies, RILA emphasizes the importance of a resilient and modern transportation system as the foundation for efficient supply chains serving American consumers. In its communication, RILA outlines the critical need for the more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Right to Life of Michigan, Grand Rapids, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in support of the agency's proposed rule to reinstate its longstanding exclusion of elective abortion from the Veterans Affairs medical benefits program. This proposed change aims to revert to the coverage policies that were in place prior to 2022 when the Biden Administration modified the rule. The proposed rule has garnered attention as it seeks to r more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Rogosin Institute, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concern over proposed changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System. The organization emphasized the potential negative impact these changes could have on dialysis providers, particularly in the New York City area, where operating costs are significantly high. In the letter, the Rogosin Institute acknowledged CMS's  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fort Hall Business Council, Idaho, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expressing opposition to proposed revisions of National Environmental Policy Act procedures. The tribes argue that changing and decentralizing NEPA policies poses a threat to their sovereignty and their ability to protect their lands, resources and sacred sites. According to the letter, NEPA has historically been a vital tool for ensuring th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Six animal welfare, conservation, and environmental advocacy groups have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, advocating for the immediate listing of seven pangolin species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The letter emphasizes that each species is in dire danger of extinction, driven primarily by habitat loss and illegal trade. Pangolins, often targeted for their scales and meat, face grave threats across their distribut more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- TransPro Consulting, Spring Hill, Florida, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation urging comprehensive reforms to the National Transit Database (NTD) as part of the surface transportation reauthorization efforts. The organization argues that updating the NTD is crucial for reflecting the diverse needs of communities across the nation and for improving transportation outcomes. In its letter, TransPro Consulting points out that the tr more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Tyson Foods Inc., Springdale, Arkansas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposed tool for the prioritization of food chemicals for post-market assessment. The comment outlines critical areas for improvement and collaboration to ensure consumer safety and trust as the administration works on this regulatory instrument. In their feedback, Tyson Foods emphasized the importance of collaboration between the FDA more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration requesting the agency to rescind a direct final rule that would remove a regulation concerning the definition of "plan assets" for insurance company general accounts. The organization states that the regulation is a vital safe harbor that is still in use by many of its members. According to the organization, numerous "Transition Policies more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- United for Infrastructure, Los Angeles, California, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) advocating for strategic enhancements in the upcoming surface transportation authorization legislation. The organization, comprising a coalition of businesses, labor unions, elected officials, and various advocates, emphasizes the necessity of substantial investment in America's infrastructure for promoting safety, economic resilience, and more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Virginia Department of Transportation submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation offering suggestions on their proposed revisions to National Environmental Policy Act procedures. VDOT expressed appreciation for the departments' efforts to align the regulations with current federal law but requested additional clarifications to ensure smooth implementation. VDOT raised a concern that public-facing information, such as the FHWA Environmen more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- Wabtec Corp., Pittsburgh, PA, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing urgent infrastructure needs within America's freight rail and transit sectors. This initiative comes in response to the agency's Request for Information concerning a surface transportation proposal aimed at enhancing the country's foundational infrastructure. Wabtec, specializing in rail solutions with nearly 24,000 locomotives in operation worldwide, is com more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The Western Growers Association, Irvine, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing significant concerns regarding the agency's new Tool for the Prioritization of Food Chemicals for Risk Assessment. Western Growers, representing producers and handlers of specialty crops, fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables in Western states, emphasizes the vital nutritional contributions of fresh produce, warning that the prop more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 -- The World Shipping Council, a trade association representing the global liner shipping industry, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regarding its investigation into flags of convenience and practices that compromise maritime safety and security. The letter emphasizes the dangers posed by vessels registered under fraudulent flags or irresponsible nation-states, which not only endanger seafarers but also disrupt the vital flow of o more ST