Federal Register
Here's a look at news stories involving Federal Register notices and rules
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Federal Railroad Administration Issues Safety Advisory on 'Track is Clear' Rule Compliance
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration has issued a safety advisory to stress the importance of verifying that the "track is clear" before railroad equipment pushes or shoves across highway-rail grade crossings. This advisory specifically targets crossings equipped only with flashing lights or passive warning devices.
Recent fatal accidents involving Union Pacific Railroad Co., Omaha, Nebraska, Watco Rail Services, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Norfolk Southern Railway Co., Atlanta, Georgia, employees have demonstrated a need for enhanced
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration has issued a safety advisory to stress the importance of verifying that the "track is clear" before railroad equipment pushes or shoves across highway-rail grade crossings. This advisory specifically targets crossings equipped only with flashing lights or passive warning devices.
Recent fatal accidents involving Union Pacific Railroad Co., Omaha, Nebraska, Watco Rail Services, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Norfolk Southern Railway Co., Atlanta, Georgia, employees have demonstrated a need for enhancedtraining and operational testing to ensure sufficient understanding of, and compliance with, procedures for ensuring the "track is clear."
These incidents often occurred when a crewmember providing "point protection" was riding the leading end of a shove movement and collided with a semi-truck or dump truck at a passively protected crossing.
According to Federal regulations (49 CFR 218.99(b)(3)), a crewmember must provide point protection during shoving or pushing movements by making a visual determination that the "track is clear" of vehicular traffic. The agency emphasized that this assessment must consider visual impediments like weather, vegetation, buildings, or vehicles that could restrict a complete view of the crossing and its access roadways. If a complete visual assessment cannot be performed for any reason, the movement must not proceed over the crossing without alternative protection, such as a designated employee stationed at the crossing to stop vehicular traffic.
To improve safety, the agency recommends that railroads review their rules and recurrent training programs regarding job briefings and "track is clear" requirements. Railroads should also review existing operational testing data and implement a program to evaluate all crossings with only flashing lights or passive warning devices.
Based on this evaluation, operating rules or bulletins should be updated to require a stop and flag where it is not feasible for a riding employee to safely ascertain if the track is clear.
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only With Flashing Lights or Passive Warning Devices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christian Holt, Staff Director, Operating Practices Division, Office of Railroad Safety, FRA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, telephone (202) 366-0978.
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/12/2025-22693/safety-advisory-2025-02-track-is-clear-determination-during-shoving-or-pushing-movements-across?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
NOAA: Rodent Detection Dogs May Get Exception to Land on Pribilof Islands
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed to revise regulations that currently forbid dogs on the Pribilof Islands. This change is being pursued to allow trained and certified rodent detection dogs to respond to and prevent invasive rodents from becoming established on the islands.
The current rule prohibits the landing of any dogs to prevent the harassment of fur seal herds and disease transmission. However, the introduction of a rat reported on St. Paul Island in June 2024 sparked
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed to revise regulations that currently forbid dogs on the Pribilof Islands. This change is being pursued to allow trained and certified rodent detection dogs to respond to and prevent invasive rodents from becoming established on the islands.
The current rule prohibits the landing of any dogs to prevent the harassment of fur seal herds and disease transmission. However, the introduction of a rat reported on St. Paul Island in June 2024 sparkedconcern over the threat invasive rodents pose to indigenous wildlife, including the northern fur seal, which is classified as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act . Rodents also threaten local food security and human health.
The proposed rule would create a limited exception, allowing the Regional Administrator to authorize the use of rodent detection dogs for up to 180 days per incident. The exception applies only when a dog is necessary to search for and eliminate invasive rodents.
To mitigate risks, any authorized dogs must be trained and certified, have current immunizations, undergo Alaska's quarantine period, and remain under constant control by a professional handler. Handlers would also be responsible for collecting and incinerating all feces on the island.
NOAA believes the ecological benefit of detecting and eradicating invasive rodents outweighs the manageable risks posed by trained dogs. The agency initiated this rulemaking after a multi-agency task force, including the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island and the Fish and Wildlife Service, determined that a trained dog is the most effective way to confirm and locate any rats.
Comments are due January 12, 2026.
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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Docket No. 251205-0178
Pribilof Islands Administration; Dogs Prohibited
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Williams, NMFS Alaska Region, 907-271-5117, michael.williams@noaa.gov.
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/11/2025-22542/pribilof-islands-administration-dogs-prohibited?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
ITC Extends Nonfat Milk Solids Submission Deadline Due to Funding Lapse
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The International Trade Commission has extended the deadline for all written submissions tied to its investigation of competitive conditions for nonfat milk solids.
ITC pushed back the original due date of October 14, 2025, due to an intervening lapse in appropriation that halted its operations.
The delay stems from a lapse in appropriation, which caused a halt in Commission operations.
As a result, ITC has rescheduled the cut-off date. Interested parties must now file their submissions within fourteen calendar days after the publication date of the notice in the
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The International Trade Commission has extended the deadline for all written submissions tied to its investigation of competitive conditions for nonfat milk solids.
ITC pushed back the original due date of October 14, 2025, due to an intervening lapse in appropriation that halted its operations.
The delay stems from a lapse in appropriation, which caused a halt in Commission operations.
As a result, ITC has rescheduled the cut-off date. Interested parties must now file their submissions within fourteen calendar days after the publication date of the notice in theFederal Register.
This investigation was instituted on May 23, 2025, and examines the global market and export competitiveness of nonfat milk solids from the U.S. and other key suppliers, including Australia, Canada, select EU member states and New Zealand.
Comments are due December 25, 2025.
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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Nonfat Milk Solids: Competitive Conditions for the United States and Major Foreign Suppliers
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Project Leader Rudy Telles Jr. (202-205-2597 or Rodolfo.Telles@usitc.gov) or Deputy Project Leaders Kim Ha (202-205-3343 or Kim.Ha@usitc.gov) and Ivan Lee (202-205-2163 or Ivan.Lee@usitc.gov) for information specific to this investigation. For information on the legal aspects of this investigation, contact Brian Allen (202-205-3034 or Brian.Allen@usitc.gov) of the Commission's Office of the General Counsel. The media should contact Claire Huber, Office of External Relations (202-205-1819 or Claire.Huber@usitc.gov).
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/11/2025-22483/nonfat-milk-solids-competitive-conditions-for-the-united-states-and-major-foreign-suppliers?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Railroad Administration: Utah Cities Seek Extended Relief for Quiet Zone Crossing Upgrades
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- North Salt Lake and Salt Lake City, Utah, have petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration for more time to install required warning devices at two grade crossings located in a quiet zone.
The cities are seeking an extension of a waiver concerning regulations that mandate active warning devices--specifically flashing lights and gates--be fully operational at all quiet zone crossings by the time the zone is implemented.
The petition relates to provisions within the Federal railroad safety regulations governing the use of locomotive
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- North Salt Lake and Salt Lake City, Utah, have petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration for more time to install required warning devices at two grade crossings located in a quiet zone.
The cities are seeking an extension of a waiver concerning regulations that mandate active warning devices--specifically flashing lights and gates--be fully operational at all quiet zone crossings by the time the zone is implemented.
The petition relates to provisions within the Federal railroad safety regulations governing the use of locomotivehorns at public highway-rail grade crossings. The administration's rule requires grade crossings within a designated quiet zone to be equipped with active warning devices comprising both flashing lights and gates which control traffic over the crossing.
The two crossings at the center of the request are within the Woods Cross Quiet Zone. The cities were granted a prior one-year waiver to complete the design and construction of signal masts and gate arms necessary to bring the crossings into compliance.
The joint petition asks for an additional year of relief to complete construction. The cities state that involved railroad companies must still finalize agreements to perform the required work and then order the specialized equipment, which has a long lead time for delivery.
Comments are due January 12, 2026.
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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Docket Number FRA-2024-0124
Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Gilleran, Railroad Safety Specialist, FRA Grade Crossing & Trespasser Outreach, telephone: 202-493-6276, email: brian.gilleran@dot.gov.
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/11/2025-22541/notice-of-petition-for-extension-of-waiver-of-compliance?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
FAA: Providence Seaside Hospital Heliport Airspace in Oregon to Be Established for Enhanced Instrument Flight Rules Safety
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has proposed to establish controlled Class E airspace above Providence Seaside Hospital Heliport, Oregon, to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) at the facility.
The proposal aims to create Class E airspace extending upwards from 700 feet above the ground. This airspace would fully contain the Area Navigation (RNAV) (Global Positioning System [GPS]) 17 approach procedure and the CEKOG ONE (RNAV) departure procedure, which are vital for IFR
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has proposed to establish controlled Class E airspace above Providence Seaside Hospital Heliport, Oregon, to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) at the facility.
The proposal aims to create Class E airspace extending upwards from 700 feet above the ground. This airspace would fully contain the Area Navigation (RNAV) (Global Positioning System [GPS]) 17 approach procedure and the CEKOG ONE (RNAV) departure procedure, which are vital for IFRoperations.
This measure corrects an issue discovered after an earlier proposal to establish the airspace. The previous plan contained an incorrect containment area for the CEKOG ONE departure procedure.
The airspace configuration has been updated to maintain IFR operations within controlled airspace until departing aircraft reach 1,200 feet above the surface.
The amendment to 14 CFR part 71 would create an airspace area approximately 3.7 miles by 10.3 miles. The boundaries are designed to accommodate arriving IFR traffic below 1,500 feet and departing IFR traffic until it reaches 1,200 feet. Specifically, the northern boundary will extend eight miles from the heliport, while the southern boundary will extend 2.3 miles.
Comments are due January 26, 2026.
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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Docket No. FAA-2025-2616; Airspace Docket No. 25-ANM-135
Establishment of Class E Airspace; Providence Seaside Hospital Heliport, Seaside, OR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bryantjay T. Toves, Federal Aviation Administration, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 S 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231-3465.
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/11/2025-22499/establishment-of-class-e-airspace-providence-seaside-hospital-heliport-seaside-or?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
EPA Finalizes Ozone Fee Rule for California South Coast Air Quality Management District
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given final approval to a revision for the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) portion of the California state implementation plan (SIP).
This action concerns a rule designed to meet requirements under section 185 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) regarding the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
The approved rule, identified as SCAQMD Rule 317.1, is titled "Clean Air Act Nonattainment Fees For 8-Hour Ozone Standards." It was adopted by the local district on June 7, 2024,
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given final approval to a revision for the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) portion of the California state implementation plan (SIP).
This action concerns a rule designed to meet requirements under section 185 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) regarding the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
The approved rule, identified as SCAQMD Rule 317.1, is titled "Clean Air Act Nonattainment Fees For 8-Hour Ozone Standards." It was adopted by the local district on June 7, 2024,and submitted to the federal agency on August 13, 2024. The rule establishes a fee program as required by the CAA for nonattainment areas.
Following a proposal period, the EPA received three public comments. Two of the comments expressed support for the proposed rule. The third comment, which focused on carbon dioxide emissions, was deemed outside the scope of this rulemaking. Finding no reason to alter its assessment, the agency is approving the rule, incorporating it into the California SIP as authorized under section 110(k)(3) of the Act.
The action finalizes the incorporation by reference of SCAQMD Rule 317.1, which the EPA determined to comply with all relevant CAA requirements. The rule aims to improve air quality and address standards for volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, which are precursors to ozone.
The rule is effective on January 12, 2026.
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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EPA-R09-OAR-2025-0199
Air Plan Approval; California; South Coast Air Quality Management District
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Doris Lo, EPA Region IX, 75 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105; telephone number: (415) 972-3959; email address: lo.doris@epa.gov.
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/11/2025-22584/air-plan-approval-california-south-coast-air-quality-management-district?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled Proposes 2 Additions, 4 Deletions to Procurement List
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled proposed to modify the procurement list with two additions and four deletions, an action that affects mandatory purchases by federal entities from nonprofit agencies employing people with disabilities.
The committee proposes adding both a product and a service while deleting one product and three services from the list.
The additions aim to create more employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have other severe disabilities. Proposed for addition is one tool kit, which would
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (TNSFR) -- The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled proposed to modify the procurement list with two additions and four deletions, an action that affects mandatory purchases by federal entities from nonprofit agencies employing people with disabilities.
The committee proposes adding both a product and a service while deleting one product and three services from the list.
The additions aim to create more employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have other severe disabilities. Proposed for addition is one tool kit, which wouldbe supplied by an authorized nonprofit agency to satisfy the entire Government requirement.
Additionally, a type of document service is slated for inclusion, limited geographically to the U.S. Air Force, Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Complex, with a qualified nonprofit agency as the authorized source of supply.
Conversely, the Committee plans to remove a group of items from the mandatory purchasing list. Deleted products include a synthetic cloth item. Services proposed for deletion are a warehouse and distribution service from the National Institutes of Health, a laundry service from the U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, and a multi-function support service for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Corps Reserve Center. Each deletion affects a specific Government contracting activity and its respective nonprofit supplier.
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Additions
Product(s)
5180-00-650-7821--Kit, Electrician's Tool, Quick Change, 23 PC
Authorized Source of Supply: Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., West Allis, WI
Mandatory For: Total Government Requirement
Contracting Activity: GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, GSA/FSS GREATER SOUTHWEST ACQUISITI
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Services(s)
Service Type: Document Destruction
Mandatory for: U.S. Air Force, Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Complex, 7858 5th Street, Tinker AFB, OK
Authorized Source of Supply: The Meadows Center for Opportunity, Inc., Edmond, OK
Contracting Activity: DEPT. OF THE AIR FORCE, FA8132 AFSC PZIMC
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Deletions
Product(s)
7920-01-215-6569--Cloth, Synthetic Shammy, Orange, 20" x 23"
Mandatory For: Total Government Requirement
Contracting Activity: DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, STRATEGIC ACQUISITION CENTER
Contracting Activity: GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, GSA/FSS GREATER SOUTHWEST ACQUISITI
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Service(s)
Service Type: Warehouse and Distribution Service
Mandatory for: National Institutes of Health, Information Resource Center, Rockville, MD, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD
Authorized Source of Supply: The ARC of the District of Columbia, Inc., Washington, DC
Contracting Activity: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NIDA
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Service Type: Laundry Service
Mandatory for: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd., Portsmouth, VA
Authorized Source of Supply: Louise W. Eggleston Center, Inc., Norfolk, VA
Contracting Activity: DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY, BASE PORTSMOUTH (00027)
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Service Type: Multi-Function Support Services
Mandatory for: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Corps Reserve Center, St. Paul, MN, 6400 Bloomington Road, St. Paul, MN
Authorized Source of Supply: AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Contracting Activity: DEPT. OF DEFENSE, W074 ENDIST CHARLESTON
-- Jaymar Talang, Targeted News Service
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Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For further information or to submit comments contact: Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703) 489-1322, or email CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov.
View Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/11/2025-22507/procurement-list-proposed-additions-and-deletions?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
