WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding a proposed grant priority aimed at expanding career pathways and enhancing career readiness. This initiative is crucial for AACC's member colleges, which primarily focus on workforce development. In its letter, AACC expressed strong support for the proposed priority that emphasizes activities at both secondary and postsecondary levels, aim more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- AARP submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the proposed regulatory framework for pooled employer plans (PEPs). These plans, designed to increase retirement savings accessibility for small businesses, require regulatory oversight to ensure participant protection. In their letter, AARP emphasized that access to workplace retirement plans is crucial as workers are significantly more likely to save for retirement when such plans are avail more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) addressing proposed changes to the Monetary-Based Industry Size Standards. The proposals were published in the Federal Register and include adjustments to the size thresholds for various industries involved in engineering services. Founded in 1906, ACEC represents approximately 5,500 engineering firms across the country, consisting of nearl more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Alexandria, Virginia, and Advance CTE, Silver Spring, Maryland, two organizations focused on developing career education programs, have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Meaningful Learning Opportunities. The associations express strong support for the Department's initiative to utilize discretionary gran more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Alaska Chadux Network (ACN), Anchorage, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard advocating for a reconsideration of the classification of Vessels of Opportunity (VOOs) under the agency's proposed guidelines for Multi-Service Vessels (MSVs). The comments were filed in response to a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insights into the operational and regulatory implications of categorizing VOOs as MSVs, which would necessitate adherence to multip more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- JJ Apodaca, executive director of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC), Louisville, Kentucky, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) expressing opposition to a proposal that seeks to modify or eliminate Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for eleven species treated as Listed Due to Similarity of Appearance (SOA). The organization argues that this change would allow for the recreational harvesting more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The American Public Health Association Occupational Health and Safety Section sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the proposed changes to the Methylenedianiline Standard, highlighted in the recent publication in the Federal Register. The organization, which includes a diverse group of public health professionals, expressed strong concerns that the alterations might undermine existing health and safety protections for workers exposed to th more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The American Public Health Association Occupational Health and Safety Section has issued a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing concerns about the proposed changes to the Asbestos Standard, outlined in a rulemaking document. The APHA, a prominent organization representing public health professionals, contends that modifications to the existing standard will weaken health and safety protections for workers facing asbes more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Authors Guild, New York, a national nonprofit association representing over 17,000 professional writers, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) emphasizing the critical need for copyright protections amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This plea comes in response to the OSTP's Request for Information on regulatory reform that could allegedly hinder AI development in the United States. In it more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Oakton, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) ahead of its 2025 Fall Meeting emphasizing the importance of preserving the current listings of inert ingredients under the National Organic Program. The BPIA, representing over 175 member companies involved in biological solutions, including biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilizers, asserts that these listings are more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Kristin J. Cummings, occupational health branch chief at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) voicing opposition to proposed changes concerning the Benzene Standard (29 CFR 1910.1028). The letter emphasizes concerns that the modifications could undermine vital worker protections against a known carcinogen. In the letter, the CDPH's Occupa more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Credential Engine, a national nonprofit organization focused on improving the credentialing ecosystem in the U.S., submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed discretionary grant priority on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. The organization emphasized the importance of credential transparency to ensure effective navigation of the extensive credential landscape available to students and workers. In its communication, more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Disability Law Center (DLC), Boston, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) addressing issues related to the agency's information collection activities, specifically focusing on the Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Report and the Security Authentication PIN (SAP) process. In its letter, DLC outlined concerns that the burden estimates associated with these processes are significantly underestimated, impacting m more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration expressing concerns over potential regulatory constraints on Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) intended for small businesses. ERIC, which represents major employers across various sectors, emphasized the need for the agency to avoid overly burdensome regulations that might restrict the options available to these businesses. In its lett more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Group Plan Systems LLC (GPS), San Diego, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) requesting updated guidance regarding pooled employer plans (PEPs). The letter highlights the need for additional clarity in regulatory structures, conflicts of interest, and fiduciary responsibilities, aiming to promote innovation and competition in the retirement plan sector. In the letter, GPS emphasizes that any fiduciary safe harbor establi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Christopher Herbert, managing director of the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, has expressed its support for the continuation of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA) in a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In its correspondence, the center emphasized the survey's critical role in providing essential data on the nation's rental housing market. Acco more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Investment Company Institute (ICI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing concerns over proposed regulations regarding pooled employer plans (PEPs). ICI, the foremost association representing the asset management sector, emphasizes that these regulations could hinder retirement savings options for small businesses. The Department of Labor's recent guidance, aimed at assisting small employers in selecting high-quality, low-cost more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- KnowledgeWorks, Cincinnati, Ohio, a national nonprofit organization focused on transforming education, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed priorities and definitions related to Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. The organization emphasizes the necessity for modern education systems to meet the unique needs and aspirations of today's learners through personalized and competency-based learning. In its communicat more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS), Baltimore, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management regarding the agency's proposal to rescind the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, designated as Document ID BLM-2025-0001-0001. The organization firmly opposes the proposed rescission, emphasizing its importance for wildlife habitat on public lands. The Public Lands Rule, adopted in 2024, is critical for preserving ecosystems that support vario more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- McGraw Hill Inc., New York, a provider of education solutions, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its proposed supplemental priority on Meaningful Learning Opportunities in Education, recently published on September 25, 2025. The organization seeks to highlight the importance of robust educational resources and professional development to enhance learning outcomes for students at all academic levels. In its letter, McGraw H more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Muddy Water Dredging, Orange, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) urging the agency to raise the current dredging size standard of $37 million to align with standards set for Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. The request stems from concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses in the dredging industry, particularly in the wake of economic hardships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to withdraw proposed revisions that would weaken respiratory protection standards for construction workers. The letter, representing the interests of over three million construction workers, highlights concerns over increased exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens. According to NABTU, the proposed changes c more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR), Houston, Texas, submitted a public comment letter addressing the Social Security Administration's (SSA) proposed request for information collection activities. NADR, representing over 700 representatives who assist individuals with Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims, expressed strong support for the agency's commitment to maintaining program integrity and ensuring ongoi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in response to the agency's request for information regarding pooled employer plans (PEPs). NAPEO, which represents the professional employer organization (PEO) industry, emphasizes the necessity of enhancing retirement plan access for small businesses, a crucial segment of the U.S. economy. In its lette more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The National Employment Law Project (NELP), New York, has voiced opposition to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposal to rescind important illumination requirements outlined in federal regulations. The public comment letter, submitted on October 31, highlights potential dangers that the proposed change could impose on construction workers, particularly those lacking union protections. The NELP, a well-established non-profit organization dedica more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Nashville, Tennessee, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding its notice titled "Pooled Employer Plans: Big Plans for Small Businesses." The NFIB emphasizes the importance of pooled employer plans (PEPs) as a viable solution for small businesses aiming to provide retirement benefits for their employees. In its letter, NFIB highlights the potential of PEPs to attract and retain  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The National Organic Coalition (NOC), Arlington, Massachusetts, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program expressing concerns regarding the handling standards in the organic sector. The coalition represents a diverse group of organizations dedicated to securing strong, enforceable organic standards that maximize health, environmental, and economic benefits for organic agriculture. In it more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The National Organic Coalition (NOC), Arlington, Massachusetts, representing a broad alliance of stakeholders in organic agriculture, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the agency to bolster protections and funding for the National Organic Program (NOP). The coalition's letter, directed to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), emphasizes the need for not only maintaining but enhancing organic standards and promo more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Stacy Gutierrez, president and CEO of Nicklaus Engineering Inc., Yuma, Arizona, has submitted a public comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) urging for an increase in the size standards for small businesses in the Engineering Services sector. The company, which is a graduate of the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program and certified as a Women-Owned Small Business, made its case on October 21, 2025, in response to the Proposed Rule that aims to update more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to proposed rule changes that would revise respiratory protection standards for several toxic substances. The proposed rules, which include revisions affecting standards for chemicals such as 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane and benzene, raised serious concerns about the impact on the safety of construction workers.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Dan Martens, vice president of Novamont North America, Shelton, Connecticut, submitted a public comment letter to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture appealing for the acceptance of Biobased Biodegradable Mulch Film (BBMF) for use by certified organic farmers. Martens argued that the product category has been unfairly blocked since 2015 when an agency memorandum overrode the board's prior materials approval. The executive urged more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- National Professional Planning Group Inc. (NPPG), Shrewsbury, New Jersey, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in response to a request for information regarding Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs). The letter, submitted in response to a July 2025 inquiry from the Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA), outlines NPPG's extensive experience as a pooled plan provider and presents insights on enhancing the structure and oversight of PE more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), Eugene, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) addressing the complexities surrounding the discussion on induced mutagenesis in seed production. OMRI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring compliance with organic production standards, expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to provide comments on the NOSB's discussion document about induced mutagenesis. In the more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), Eugene, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) calling for an improved approach to the review of input materials used in organic production. OMRI, an independent nonprofit organization focused on reviewing materials for compliance in organic practices, emphasizes that its comments aim to provide technical data and support the National Organic Program's (NOP) efforts in upda more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Organic Produce Wholesalers Coalition (OPWC), Eugene, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) for consideration during the Fall 2025 meeting. The coalition is comprised of seven certified organic businesses that provide fresh, organic produce to customers both domestically and internationally. In their letter, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a selection of materials integra more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board addressing key issues related to proposed eCommerce Organic Labeling Requirements. The OTA, representing a broad coalition within the organic agricultural sector in North America, emphasized the need for uniformity between digital and physical labeling practices, ensuring that organic products maintain their integrity across all p more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- PCC Community Markets, Seattle, Washington, has issued a public comment letter to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) urging the agency to prioritize sustainability and food safety in its upcoming decisions. As the largest community-owned food market in the United States, PCC represents over 120,000 active members and promotes organic food systems across its 16 stores in the Puget Sound region. In the letter, PCC expresses gratitude for the opportunity to provide  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The American Chemistry Council's Formaldehyde Panel has issued a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding proposed revisions to the respirator requirements in the Formaldehyde Standard. The revisions aim to align the regulation more closely with the agency's broader Respiratory Protection Standard. In the letter, the panel expressed support for these efforts, stating that streamlining the Formaldehyde Standard will reduce unnece more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy organization representing over one million members nationwide, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urging the agency to halt its proposed rescission of construction illumination requirements delineated in regulations 29 C.F.R. 1926.26 and 1926.56. The organization argues that OSHA's plan lacks valid evidence to support the change and could significantly increase the risk of in more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Semper Tek Inc., Lexington, Kentucky, urging the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to raise the size standard for the construction industry, specifically for the NAICS 236220 code, from $45 million to $100 million. The organization's president highlighted how the current size standard falls short amid rising costs and inflation. The SBA's NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) was published in August 2025 and prompted Semper Tek to voice its concern regarding the gro more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA), New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) advocating for regulatory enhancements aimed at promoting the growth of pooled employer plans (PEPs). TIAA emphasizes the importance of these plans in enhancing retirement security for small business employees who often lack sufficient access to quality retirement options. The organization highlights its longstanding commi more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) has submitted a public comment letter addressing the U.S. Department of Education's proposed Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness supplemental priority. TICAS, known for its focus on research and advocacy for equitable higher education, urges the department to prioritize the creation and expansion of quality labor-aligned pathways that facilitate ongoing education. TICAS expresses support for the department's commitm more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC), Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH) and Parents Against Tired Truckers (P.A.T.T.) have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing opposition to a proposed pilot program by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This initiative aims to allow commercial drivers increased flexibility in split sleeper berth time, a move that advocates argue could jeopardize road safety.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC), Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH), and Parents Against Tired Truckers (P.A.T.T.) have jointly submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, voicing strong opposition to the proposed Hours of Service pilot program. The coalition argues that the program, which would allow commercial drivers to pause their 14-hour driving window, poses significant safety risks and fails to address the critical issue more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Detroit, Michigan, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opposing a proposed rule to eliminate substance-specific respirator requirements for asbestos. The union, representing around one million active and retired workers, argues that removing these critical safeguards endangers worke more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The United Steelworkers Union (USW), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to the proposed revision of the Formaldehyde Standard. The union, representing workers across diverse industries, emphasizes that changes to the respiratory protection provisions pose serious risks to worker safety. In their letter, the USW asserts that removing exist more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Jamie Pleune, associate professor of law at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) opposing the proposed rescission of the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, also called the Public Lands Rule. The writer, who previously served on an advisory committee for the Rule's implementation, stated that the justifications for rescinding the Rule inaccurately characterized b more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Redge B. Johnson, director of Utah Department of Natural Resources Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, Salt Lake City, has voiced support for the rescission of the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, a regulation adopted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on May 9, 2024. In a public comment letter submitted to Bill Groffy, Acting Director of the BLM, Utah officials expressed concerns that the Rule would fundamentally alter management practices of BLM lands, ne more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Vitalis Organic Seeds, Salinas, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program regarding challenges in organic seed production. As part of the Enza Zaden family, Vitalis emphasizes agricultural input in ensuring the potential of organic farming. In the letter, Vitalis addressed issues surrounding the production of organic red kuri squash and spinach, two crops facing starkly different market demands and pro more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the proposed rulemaking on 16 substance-specific standards and their implications for worker protection. The comments reflect apprehensions regarding the potential weakening of respiratory safety measures amid regulatory changes. L&I's letter highlights that while the proposed cha more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing concerns regarding proposed changes to 16 substance-specific standards which could have serious implications for worker safety. In its communication, L&I highlighted that the Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) suggest revisions aimed at simplifying regulations surrounding respir more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Wolf and Associates Inc., New Castle, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) outlining key recommendations to strengthen organic standards and practices. The letter emphasizes the importance of the National List as a critical toolbox for organic producers, aiming to enhance both accessibility and competitiveness within the organic sector. The organization expressed gratitude for the ongoing more ST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Willis Towers Watson (WTW), London, England, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) voicing concerns regarding the agency's recent Request for Information on pooled employer plans (PEPs). The organization expressed apprehension about the Interpretive Guidance that outlines employer responsibilities when joining a PEP, as well as the potential implications for fiduciary liability. In its letter, WTW highlighted that the DOL's guidance may m more ST