Federal Register
Here's a look at news stories involving Federal Register notices and rules
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DOEd Proposes Workforce Pell Grants, Eligibility Changes
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Education issued a proposed rule expanding the student aid for short-term career programs and establish limits on aid for students whose costs are covered by other sources.
The proposed regulations would establish "Workforce Pell Grants" for students enrolled in high-quality, short-term programs. These eligible workforce programs must consist of 150 to 599 clock hours and last between eight and 15 weeks. To qualify, a program must be approved by both the Secretary of Education and the Governor of the state where it is located.
Under the proposal,
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Education issued a proposed rule expanding the student aid for short-term career programs and establish limits on aid for students whose costs are covered by other sources.
The proposed regulations would establish "Workforce Pell Grants" for students enrolled in high-quality, short-term programs. These eligible workforce programs must consist of 150 to 599 clock hours and last between eight and 15 weeks. To qualify, a program must be approved by both the Secretary of Education and the Governor of the state where it is located.
Under the proposal,Governors must certify that these programs align with high-skill or in-demand occupations and meet local hiring needs. The Department of Education also plans to implement a "value-added earnings" metric. This standard would ensure that the total tuition and fees charged by an institution do not exceed the median earnings increase of program completers compared to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
DOEd is also proposing a strict limitation on Pell Grant eligibility to prevent over-awarding of funds. Students would be ineligible for a Pell Grant during any period in which they receive non-federal scholarships or grants--such as those from states, private sources, or the institutions themselves--that equal or exceed their cost of attendance.
Institutions would be required to either reduce the non-federal aid within their control or return the Pell Grant funds if a student's total non-federal assistance reaches the cost of attendance threshold.
Comments are due April 8, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Washington, Office of Postsecondary Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 202-987-0911. Email: aaron.washington@ed.gov.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04520/accountability-in-higher-education-and-access-through-demand-driven-workforce-pell-pell-grant?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Announces Waiver Requests for Organ Procurement Agreements
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has received applications from 12 hospitals in South Carolina requesting a waiver of statutory requirements regarding organ procurement organization (OPO) agreements.
Under the Social Security Act, hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid must maintain an agreement with their designated OPO to identify potential donors. These 12 facilities are seeking to enter into agreements with an OPO other than the one currently designated for their specific geographic service
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has received applications from 12 hospitals in South Carolina requesting a waiver of statutory requirements regarding organ procurement organization (OPO) agreements.
Under the Social Security Act, hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid must maintain an agreement with their designated OPO to identify potential donors. These 12 facilities are seeking to enter into agreements with an OPO other than the one currently designated for their specific geographic serviceareas.
HHS may grant such waivers if the change is expected to increase organ donations and ensure equitable treatment for patients referred for transplants. HHS will also consider factors including cost effectiveness and improvements in quality.
Currently, these hospitals are designated to work with Sharing Hope SC, Charleston. They have requested to transition to LifeShare Carolinas, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Comments are due May 8, 2026.
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Table 1-Hospitals Requesting Waivers To Enter Into an Agreement with an OPO Other Than Their Designated OPO
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lindsay Pulliam, (410) 786-8674.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04544/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-announcement-of-applications-from-12-hospitals-requesting-waivers-for?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Proposes Rule to Reduce Financial Burden on Offshore Energy Producers
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has proposed amending its risk management and financial assurance regulations for oil and gas operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
The agency estimates the proposal will reduce the financial burden on the regulated community by approximately $6.2 billion, increasing capital available for exploration and production.
The proposed rule suggests several modifications to how the agency evaluates the financial health of lessees and grant holders. Key amendments include:
* Credit Rating
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has proposed amending its risk management and financial assurance regulations for oil and gas operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
The agency estimates the proposal will reduce the financial burden on the regulated community by approximately $6.2 billion, increasing capital available for exploration and production.
The proposed rule suggests several modifications to how the agency evaluates the financial health of lessees and grant holders. Key amendments include:
* Credit RatingThresholds: Revising the threshold for supplemental financial assurance from investment grade to a BB- rating from S&P Global Ratings or a Ba3 from Moody's Investor Service Inc.
* Predecessor Consideration: Returning to the practice of considering the financial strength of jointly liable predecessor lessees when determining if a current lessee must provide additional security.
* Decommissioning Estimates: Adjusting the probabilistic decommissioning cost estimate from P70 to P50, representing a 50% likelihood of covering full costs.
* Appeal Bonds: Removing the requirement for an appeal bond to stay a demand during the Interior Board of Land Appeals process.
By lowering the amount of supplemental financial assurance required, the Department seeks to prevent offshore investment from being at a competitive disadvantage. Previous feedback from industry members indicated that high financial burdens could decrease production in the Gulf of Mexico and limit capital for small businesses.
Comments on the proposed rule are due May 8, 2026. Comments regarding the information collection burden are due April 8, 2026.
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Estimated Regulatory Savings of the Proposed Rule [2026-2045, 2025$ millions]
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Entities Potentially Affected by This Proposed Action
NAICS code...Category description
211120...Crude Petroleum Extraction.
211130...Natural Gas Extraction.
486110...Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil and Natural Gas.
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OMB Circular A-4 Accounting Statement; Estimates, Annualized Over 2026-2045 [$2025]
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Thundiyil, Office Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs, BOEM, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240, at email address regulatory.affairs@boem.gov, or at telephone number (202) 742-0970.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View table and source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04517/risk-management-and-financial-assurance-for-ocs-lease-and-grant-obligations?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Agricultural Marketing Service Proposes Updates to Washington Cherry Size, Pack Requirements
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed increasing the minimum size requirements and update pack designations to better align with current market conditions and grower needs for sweet cherries grown in Washington state.
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee to update the handling regulations for all sweet cherry varieties, except the Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar varieties.
The proposal seeks to increase the minimum size requirements for most sweet cherries from
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed increasing the minimum size requirements and update pack designations to better align with current market conditions and grower needs for sweet cherries grown in Washington state.
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee to update the handling regulations for all sweet cherry varieties, except the Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar varieties.
The proposal seeks to increase the minimum size requirements for most sweet cherries from54/64 inch to 57/64 inch in diameter. Under the proposed change, at least 90% of cherries in any lot would be required to measure not less than 57/64 inch in diameter, and not more than 5% could measure less than 54/64 inch. According to the committee, small cherries ranging from 54/64 to 57/64 inch account for approximately 1% to 2% of the market annually and often command a lower market price.
In addition to size changes, the proposal would remove the 12-row count/row size designation and add two larger designations: 7-row and 7 1/2-row. Currently, cherries larger than 84/64 inches in diameter are all designated as 8-row. The committee believes adding these larger size designations will benefit growers and handlers by helping them differentiate and market premium fruit in export markets.
The committee held public meetings on May 22, 2024, and Aug. 27, 2025, to consider these modifications. The changes are intended to maximize market returns and facilitate access to crop insurance for growers.
Comments are due April 8, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Virginia Tjemsland, Marketing Specialist, or Barry Broadbent, Chief, Northwest Region Branch, Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; telephone: (503) 326-2724; or email: Virginia.L.Tjemsland@usda.gov or Barry.Broadbent@usda.gov.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04571/sweet-cherries-grown-in-designated-counties-in-washington-modification-of-handling-regulations?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Agricultural Marketing Service Proposes Higher Assessment Rate for First Handlers, Importers of Honey
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed increasing the assessment rate for the honey industry from 1.5 cents per pound to 2 cents per pound of assessable honey and honey products.
This adjustment, recommended by the National Honey Board, would be implemented in two stages to fund research, promotion and consumer education programs. The proposal aims to offset a 36% rise in inflation since the last rate change in 2015, which has reduced the purchasing power available for industry marketing efforts.
Under the proposed timeline,
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed increasing the assessment rate for the honey industry from 1.5 cents per pound to 2 cents per pound of assessable honey and honey products.
This adjustment, recommended by the National Honey Board, would be implemented in two stages to fund research, promotion and consumer education programs. The proposal aims to offset a 36% rise in inflation since the last rate change in 2015, which has reduced the purchasing power available for industry marketing efforts.
Under the proposed timeline,the assessment rate would move to $0.0175 per pound on June. 1, 2026. A second increase to $0.02 per pound would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. These assessments apply to first handlers and importers who manage more than 250,000 pounds of honey annually. The agency expects the higher rate to add approximately $2.99 million to the program budget, with $2.42 million paid by importers and $567,782 paid by first handlers.
Data from the 2024 fiscal period shows that 34 first handlers and 95 importers were covered under the program. Total assessments for that year reached $8.96 million. The revenue supports a coordinated program designed to strengthen the position of the honey industry in the marketplace and expand markets for honey and honey products.
The proposal also addresses administrative costs associated with organic exemptions. Currently, 100% organic products are exempt, but assessments are often collected at the border, requiring the board to process reimbursements. The increased funding ensures stable operations and allows the board to maintain research projects despite these financial constraints.
Comments are due April 8, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katie Cook, Marketing Specialist, or Alexandra Caryl, Chief, Mid-Atlantic Region Branch, Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; telephone: (202) 720-8085 or via email: Katie.Cook@usda.gov or Alexandra.Caryl@usda.gov.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04567/honey-packers-and-importers-increased-assessment-rate?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
National Council on Disability Seeks Input for Emergency Management Toolkit
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The National Council on Disability is seeking public input to assist in the creation of a toolkit for state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management. This initiative aims to provide guidance and promising practices for developing emergency plans that fully include people with disabilities. The project will serve as an update to the 2009 report regarding improvements for communities and people with disabilities.
Natural disasters have increased in frequency and severity, leaving people with disabilities disproportionately impacted. This population is more
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The National Council on Disability is seeking public input to assist in the creation of a toolkit for state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management. This initiative aims to provide guidance and promising practices for developing emergency plans that fully include people with disabilities. The project will serve as an update to the 2009 report regarding improvements for communities and people with disabilities.
Natural disasters have increased in frequency and severity, leaving people with disabilities disproportionately impacted. This population is morelikely to be displaced, injured, or die during major disasters. A primary factor in this disparity is the lack of inclusive planning for unique needs within government emergency management plans. This vulnerability was evident in 2024 when hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated Asheville, North Carolina, a location previously considered safe.
The upcoming toolkit will assist government organizations by highlighting successful inclusive planning and explaining the importance of these efforts. It will also feature templates and information on federal programs available to be incorporated into local plans.
The agency invites comments on the challenges encountered when creating inclusive plans and examples of successful collaborations between the disability community and local governments. Respondents are encouraged to provide testimony on practices that should be addressed.
Comments are due April 3, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Nicholas, Senior Attorney Advisor, National Council on Disability, anicholas@ncd.gov.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04513/request-for-information-creation-of-a-state-local-territory-and-tribal-emergency-management-toolkit?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Foreign Agricultural Service Proposes Updates to Dairy Import Licensing Rules
WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service has proposed amending the regulations governing the issuance of annual licenses for the import of dairy articles under tariff-rate quotas.
The proposal aims to make the current system more user friendly by updating language and clarifying existing provisions within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S.
Key changes include the replacement of the section regarding license transfers and a move to strengthen suspension and revocation protocols. To encourage higher utilization of quotas, the agency
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WASHINGTON, March 9 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service has proposed amending the regulations governing the issuance of annual licenses for the import of dairy articles under tariff-rate quotas.
The proposal aims to make the current system more user friendly by updating language and clarifying existing provisions within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S.
Key changes include the replacement of the section regarding license transfers and a move to strengthen suspension and revocation protocols. To encourage higher utilization of quotas, the agencysuggests moving the surrender date for unused quantities to Sept. 1 of every year. This change would allow for the earlier reallocation of dairy articles to other participants.
The proposed rule also introduces the Agriculture Trade License Administration System (ATLAS), which replaces the former DAIRIES system. Applicants will be required to maintain suitable business facilities in the United States and provide a tax identification number. Additionally, the rule simplifies terminology, such as adopting the term "non-cheese product" and defining "days" specifically as calendar dates.
Under the new provisions, the transfer of licenses would no longer be permitted if a business is sold or merged. This ensures that when a licensee ceases operations, the associated import quantities can be reallocated to other eligible applicants, potentially increasing the number of participants in the program.
Comments are due April 8, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Riley, International Trade Specialist, Import Programs, Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-1703; Elizabeth.riley@usda.gov.
-- Jaymar B. Talang, Targeted News Service
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View source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/09/2026-04599/dairy-tariff-rate-quota-import-licensing-program?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
