Federal Regulatory Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal regulatory agencies
Featured Stories
USITC Votes To Continue Investigations for Chromium Trioxide from India and Turkey Chromium Trioxide from India and Turkey
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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USITC Votes To Continue Investigations for Chromium Trioxide from India and Turkey Chromium Trioxide from India and Turkey
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Bulletin 25-080
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-779, 731-TA-1765-1766
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission has made affirmative determinations in its preliminary phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning chromium trioxide from India and Turkey.
Note to users: This bulletin will be replaced by the news
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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USITC Votes To Continue Investigations for Chromium Trioxide from India and Turkey Chromium Trioxide from India and Turkey
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Bulletin 25-080
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-779, 731-TA-1765-1766
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission has made affirmative determinations in its preliminary phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning chromium trioxide from India and Turkey.
Note to users: This bulletin will be replaced by the newsrelease when the release is available. News releases are generally issued approximately three hours after a Commission vote.
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Original text here: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er1231_67909.htm
Court Approves Order Requiring Disney to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Allegations the Firm Enabled the Unlawful Collection of Children's Personal Data
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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Court Approves Order Requiring Disney to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Allegations the Firm Enabled the Unlawful Collection of Children's Personal Data
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A federal judge has approved an order requiring Disney to pay $10 million to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that the company allowed personal data to be collected from children who viewed kid-directed videos on YouTube without notifying parents or obtaining their consent as required by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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Court Approves Order Requiring Disney to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Allegations the Firm Enabled the Unlawful Collection of Children's Personal Data
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A federal judge has approved an order requiring Disney to pay $10 million to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that the company allowed personal data to be collected from children who viewed kid-directed videos on YouTube without notifying parents or obtaining their consent as required by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPARule).
A complaint, filed in September by the Department of Justice upon notification and referral from the FTC, alleged that Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. and Disney Entertainment Operations LLC (Disney) violated the COPPA Rule by failing to properly label some videos that it uploaded to YouTube as "Made for Kids" (MFK). The complaint alleged that by mislabeling these videos, Disney allowed for the collection, through YouTube, of personal data from children under 13 who viewed child-directed videos and use of that data for targeted advertising to children.
Under the settlement order finalized by a federal judge last week, Disney is required to:
* Pay a $10 million civil penalty for violating the COPPA Rule;
* Comply with the COPPA Rule, including by notifying parents before collecting personal information from children under 13 and obtaining verifiable parental consent for collection and use of that data; and
* Establish and implement a program to review whether videos posted to YouTube should be designated as MFKunless YouTube implements age assurance technologies that can determine the age, age range, or age category of all YouTube users or no longer allows content creators to label videos as MFK. This forward-looking provision reflects and anticipates the growing use of age assurance technologies to protect kids online.
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Original text here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/12/court-approves-order-requiring-disney-pay-10-million-settle-ftc-allegations-firm-enabled-unlawful
NRC Reflects on 2025 Successes
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
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NRC Reflects on 2025 Successes
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's accomplishments in 2025 underscore the agency's commitment to enabling the safe and secure use of civilian nuclear energy and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation to benefit society and the environment.
"This past year has been one of fast-moving change and accomplishment at the NRC," said Chairman David Wright. "Our priorities in 2025 included implementing requirements in Executive
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
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NRC Reflects on 2025 Successes
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's accomplishments in 2025 underscore the agency's commitment to enabling the safe and secure use of civilian nuclear energy and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation to benefit society and the environment.
"This past year has been one of fast-moving change and accomplishment at the NRC," said Chairman David Wright. "Our priorities in 2025 included implementing requirements in ExecutiveOrders and the ADVANCE Act while contributing to interagency efforts to meet broader national energy objectives. We'll build on these achievements in 2026 as we modernize our regulatory approach to safely reach licensing decisions faster, using fewer resources."
Reactor licensing highlights included completing the technical review of the TerraPower construction permit application within 18 months. The NRC also approved the NuScale US460 small modular reactor design, and the first-ever return to operational status for a retired reactor, paving the way for a potential Palisades restart. Additionally, the NRC renewed 13 reactor licenses each for an additional 20 years, preserving 12,000 megawatts on the U.S. power grid.
The NRC's strong 2025 performance also covered nuclear fuel facilities, materials and decommissioning programs. Over the past year, the NRC approved six fuel facility requests. This included continued high-assay, low-enriched uranium operations at the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio (part of the Department of Energy's HALEU demonstration project), as well as approving Urenco USA's enrichment facility in New Mexico to produce higher-enriched U-235 for advanced reactor and accident-tolerant fuel.
The NRC also modernized fuel cycle facility oversight, safely reducing upcoming inspection hours by 40 percent at the Honeywell conversion facility using risk-informed insights. The agency prepared for commercial fusion facilities by laying the foundation for a clear, predictable regulatory framework. The NRC's 2025 success story continued with an innovative 6-month review to license a first-of-a-kind remediation technology to address abandoned uranium mine waste. The agency also authorized Connecticut as the 40th Agreement State, allowing it to license and oversee radioactive materials within its borders.
These accomplishments were driven in large part by an updated mission statement and accompanying implementation guidance.
Significant NRC 2025 Accomplishments Operating Reactors
* The NRC authorized license renewals for 13 reactors in Ohio (1 reactor), South Carolina (4 reactors), Wisconsin (2 reactors), Alabama (3 reactors) and Illinois (3 reactors). Collectively, these 13 reactors will deliver 12,000 megawatts of power to the grid for 20 more years.
* The NRC authorized the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power plant in Michigan - the first-ever regulatory approval of a reactor to restart after entering decommissioning. The NRC's experience with Palisades is also being applied to two additional reactor restart projects, the Crane Clean Energy Center in Pennsylvania and Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa.
* The NRC completed over 700 licensing actions for the 94 nuclear reactors in operation across the United States, 90 percent of which were completed ahead of schedule, reflecting efficiencies driven by the ADVANCE Act and Executive Order 14300. Since implementing these efficiencies, the NRC has lowered project estimates by roughly 40 percent for schedules and 35 percent for staff hours, while continuing to meet safety standards.
New and Advanced Reactors
* The NRC completed review of the construction permit application for TerraPower's Kemmerer Unit 1 facility, the agency's first approval of a non-light water reactor in the last 50 years and the first next-generation advanced power reactor. Kemmerer Unit 1 review was completed in 18 months (nine months ahead of schedule and 11 percent under budget), facilitated in part by changes directed by EO 14300 - specifically, streamlining the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards review and environmental review efficiencies.
* The NRC issued a FY25 construction permit for the Kairos Hermes 2 test reactor facility, a fluoride salt cooled high temperature reactor. This built off work done in FY24 to issue the construction permit for Hermes 1, a very similar design, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in resources between the two reviews and completion in only 10 months.
* The NRC completed its review of NuScale's US460 Standard Design Approval, a light water small modular reactor, in 22 months (two months ahead of schedule and 13 percent under budget).
* The NRC is actively reviewing the construction permit application for Project Long Mott in Texas, establishing an 18-month or shorter schedule for the review.
* The NRC issued a direct final rule extending the expiration of design certifications from 15 (or 20) to 40 years (e.g., extended the AP1000 design certification), and the Commission is considering the Part 53 "Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Commercial Nuclear Plants," proposed rule.
New and Advanced Reactors (Cont.)
* The NRC is actively working with Fermi America on their combined license application and an applicant-led environmental impact statement pilot for a four-unit Westinghouse AP1000 plant in Texas.
* The NRC is actively working with Westinghouse to prepare for an expedited review of an updated Design Certification for the AP1000. Furthermore, the NRC staff is working to ensure the NRC is prepared for the anticipated submittal of 10 new applications.
* The NRC continues to engage with dozens of companies and organizations, including X-Energy, NuScale, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, and TerraPower, to support future applications.
Fuel Facilities, Decommissioning, Nuclear Materials, and Environmental Reviews
* The NRC completed over 100 licensing actions this year related to facilities, new fuels, storage, and transportation; and conducted over 150 inspections for fuel facilities and storage and transportation, including 6 new fuel facility approvals and 4 new transportation approvals.
* The NRC delivered robust environmental reviews in less time and with less resources, realizing up to a 50 percent reduction in resources and schedules for license renewal, 40 percent schedule reduction and 50 percent resource reduction for materials reviews, and a 35 percent schedule and 40 percent cost reduction for new reactor reviews.
* The NRC issued a license for a first-of-a-kind remediation technology for abandoned uranium mine waste.
* The NRC issued the Agreement to make Connecticut the 40th Agreement State.
* The NRC completed a fusion vision and strategy, roadmap, and project plan to support development of a regulatory framework to license fusion machines.
* The NRC issued licensing guidance for four emerging medical technologies ensuring consistent licensing across National Materials Program and patient access to new radiotherapies and radiopharmaceuticals.
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The global gold standard for nuclear regulation, the NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
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Original text here: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2025/25-071.pdf
Agencies Release Annual Asset-Size Thresholds Under Community Reinvestment Act Regulations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following news release:
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Agencies Release Annual Asset-Size Thresholds Under Community Reinvestment Act Regulations
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The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation today announced the 2026 updated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) "small bank" and "intermediate small bank" asset-size thresholds.
The CRA regulations establish the framework and criteria by which the relevant agencies assess a financial institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its entire community, including low-
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following news release:
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Agencies Release Annual Asset-Size Thresholds Under Community Reinvestment Act Regulations
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The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation today announced the 2026 updated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) "small bank" and "intermediate small bank" asset-size thresholds.
The CRA regulations establish the framework and criteria by which the relevant agencies assess a financial institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its entire community, including low-and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations. Financial institutions are evaluated under different CRA examination procedures based upon their asset-size classification. The asset-size thresholds are adjusted annually based on the average change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which is a measure of inflation.
As a result of the 2.51 percent increase in the CPI-W for the period ending in November 2025, the CRA asset-size thresholds for small banks and intermediate small banks are:
* A small bank is an institution that, as of December 31 of either of the prior two calendar years, had assets of less than $1.649 billion.
* An intermediate small bank is a small institution with assets of at least $412 million as of December 31 of both of the prior two calendar years and less than $1.649 billion as of December 31 of either of the prior two calendar years.
These thresholds are in effect from the latter of January 1, 2026 or the date of publication in the Federal Register through December 31, 2026. A list of the current and historical asset-size thresholds is available here.
Attachment(s)
Federal Register Notice (PDF)
Contact(s)
FDIC: LaJuan Williams-Young, (202) 898-3876
FRB: Chelsea Grate, (202) 452-2955
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Original text here: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2025/agencies-release-annual-asset-size-thresholds-under-community-reinvestment
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Dynamic Random Access Memory (Dram) Devices, Products Containing the Same, and Components Thereof
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Dynamic Random Access Memory (Dram) Devices, Products Containing the Same, and Components Thereof
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News Release 25-132
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1472
Contact: Michelea Wyatt-McLeod, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, products containing the same, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Dynamic Random Access Memory (Dram) Devices, Products Containing the Same, and Components Thereof
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News Release 25-132
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1472
Contact: Michelea Wyatt-McLeod, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, products containing the same, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are describedin the Commission's notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Netlist, Inc. of Irvine, California, on September 30, 2025. The complaint was supplemented on November 20, 2025, December 5, 2025, December 12, and December 16, 2025. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, products containing the same, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
* Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Suwon, Republic of Korea
* Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Plano, Texas
* Samsung Semiconductor, Inc., Plano, Texas
* Google LLC, Mountain View, California
* Super Micro Computer, Inc., San Jose, California
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1472), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
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Original text here: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er1229_67906.htm
SEC Announces Retirement of Division of Corporation Finance Deputy Director Cicely LaMothe
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following news release:
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SEC Announces Retirement of Division of Corporation Finance Deputy Director Cicely LaMothe
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The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Cicely LaMothe, Deputy Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, has retired from the agency.
"Cicely has gone above and beyond the call of duty over the past twenty-four years to serve the public in her many critical roles in the Division of Corporation Finance," said Jim Moloney, Director of the Division of Corporation Finance.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following news release:
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SEC Announces Retirement of Division of Corporation Finance Deputy Director Cicely LaMothe
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The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Cicely LaMothe, Deputy Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, has retired from the agency.
"Cicely has gone above and beyond the call of duty over the past twenty-four years to serve the public in her many critical roles in the Division of Corporation Finance," said Jim Moloney, Director of the Division of Corporation Finance."Throughout her tenure she has contributed her passion, commitment, and accounting expertise to support our mission - to ensure investors have the information they need to make informed decisions. She will be sorely missed, and we wish her all the best on her next chapter."
Ms. LaMothe joined the Division of Corporation Finance in 2002 and has served in multiple senior leadership positions, including Program Director of the Disclosure Review Program, Associate Director of the Office of Assessment and Continuous Improvement, and Associate Director of Disclosure Operations before being named Deputy Director for Disclosure Operations in 2022. She served as Acting Director until Jim Moloney was appointed Director on September 30, 2025.
During Cicely's tenure she:
* Increased regulatory transparency through the issuance of external guidance, including 25+ new and updated Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (covering clawbacks, deSPACs, Rule 10b5-1, etc.), Staff Legal Bulletin 14M clarifying views on the application of Rule 14a-8, and seven CF Staff Statements on rapidly evolving crypto-related matters (liquid staking, stablecoins, mining activities, meme coins, crypto ETPs).
* Drove policy recommendations to the Commission regarding the acceleration of registration statements with mandatory arbitration provisions as well as Concept Releases covering both Foreign Private Issuers and Asset-Backed Securities.
* Expanded accommodations for companies submitting draft registration statements to promote capital formation.
* Advanced key improvements in the division's approach on the reviews of public company disclosures that modernize and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
"After more than two decades at the SEC, I depart with a deep sense of honor and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the American public. The work has been incredibly challenging and rewarding, and I have learned immensely from the dedicated individuals who commit themselves daily to this critical mission. To my colleagues, your integrity and, more importantly, your friendship, has been my true inspiration and constant motivation," said Ms. LaMothe.
Before coming to the SEC, Ms. LaMothe worked for six years in the private sector, including as the financial reporting manager for a public company and with a national accounting firm. Ms. LaMothe earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Hampton University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-145-sec-announces-retirement-division-corporation-finance-deputy-director-cicely-lamothe
Deputy Director of Enforcement Nekia Hackworth Jones Concludes Her Tenure at the SEC
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following news release:
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Deputy Director of Enforcement Nekia Hackworth Jones Concludes Her Tenure at the SEC
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The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Nekia Hackworth Jones, Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Southeast), concluded her tenure with the agency on December 26, 2025.
"I am thankful to Nekia for answering the call to return to public service and for her leadership in the Division of Enforcement," said SEC Division of Enforcement Director Margaret A. Ryan. "She has shown
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following news release:
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Deputy Director of Enforcement Nekia Hackworth Jones Concludes Her Tenure at the SEC
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The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Nekia Hackworth Jones, Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Southeast), concluded her tenure with the agency on December 26, 2025.
"I am thankful to Nekia for answering the call to return to public service and for her leadership in the Division of Enforcement," said SEC Division of Enforcement Director Margaret A. Ryan. "She has showndeep commitment to her colleagues, the Division, and the Commission, all motivated by her passion for protecting investors. We deeply appreciate her contributions to the agency's mission and wish her the best."
Ms. Jones said, "Serving at the SEC for almost five years has been a pleasure and a privilege. As both Atlanta Regional Director and Deputy Director overseeing the Home Office and the Atlanta and Miami regional offices, I have seen colleagues across this agency show a relentless commitment to protecting investors, impeccable judgment in carrying out the agency's mission, and tremendous expertise in every aspect of the securities industry. This agency and its exceptional staff are a shining example of public service. I owe a debt of gratitude to Chairman Paul Atkins, former Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda, and current and former Directors of the Divisions of Enforcement and Examinations for entrusting me with this remarkable opportunity to help protect investors and the markets."
In April 2025, Ms. Jones was appointed to serve as the Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement (Southeast). In that role, she supervised the agency's enforcement investigations and litigations across the Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Miami offices.
Prior to that national role, Ms. Jones served as the Regional Director of the Atlanta Regional Office from March 2021 through April 2025. As Regional Director, she supervised more than 100 attorneys, accountants, analysts, securities compliance examiners, and other staff, and she led the regional examinations and enforcement programs covering Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Before joining the SEC, Ms. Jones spent nearly a decade with the Department of Justice including as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. She also served as Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General and later as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Executive Director of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.
Ms. Jones clerked for the Honorable Sterling Johnson, Jr., of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Ms. Jones received her bachelor's degree cum laude in business administration from Emory University, and her juris doctorate and MBA degrees from Harvard University.
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-146-deputy-director-enforcement-nekia-hackworth-jones-concludes-her-tenure-sec
