WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Thirty-five environmental, conservation and community advocacy organizations has expressed significant concerns in a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding its 2025 draft List of Critical Minerals. The letter contests the methodology USGS used to determine which minerals to classify as "critical," which are essential for the nation's economy and security. The letter, representing voices directly impacted by mini  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- AASA, the School Superintendents Association, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding the proposed changes in data collection processes under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The association, which represents over 10,000 local district leaders, asserts that the alterations could exacerbate, rather than alleviate, the administrative burden on schools. In the letter, AASA highlights that it  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- ACE Photography and Inspection Services owner and COO David Wurster submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The writer expressed concern that the proposed rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations removes pathways for human-in-the-loop and non-autonomous operations, negatively affecting businesses that operate under Part 107. The letter stated that excluding Part 107 remote pilots from conducting BVLOS operations disregar  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Ad Hoc Utilities Group has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey expressing its support for the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals, which notably excludes uranium. This stance reflects AHUG's advocacy for established legal definitions and the current U.S. energy landscape. In its communication, AHUG emphasized its role in the nuclear energy sector, which operates a substantial number of the nation's nuclear react  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Advance CTE, Silver Spring, Maryland, and Association for Career and Technical Education, Alexandria, Virginia, has expressed their gratitude to the U.S. Department of Education for reaffirming pre-existing reporting requirements under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V). In a recent public comment letter, the organizations emphasized the importance of these requirements for the stability and effectiveness of CTE programs across the nation.   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Advocates for Trans Equality, a nonprofit dedicated to the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission expressing significant concerns regarding the agency's Request for Information (RFI) on gender-affirming care for minors. A4TE's response, submitted on September 25, highlights perceived biases in the FTC's approach toward pediatric transition-related healthcare (PTRH), claiming it threatens indiv  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Alakai Technologies Corp. has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration advocating for crucial amendments to the proposed regulations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight operations. The company raises safety concerns surrounding the current draft, which may limit necessary operational flexibility for testing new aircraft designs. In its letter dated September 26, Alakai Technologies points out that the proposal's  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. This letter expresses support for the inclusion of copper and silver on the list while advocating for the retention of tellurium and the addition of metallurgical coal. In its correspondence, the DNR emphasized the vital role copper plays in various sectors, including electric vehicle  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- America's Blood Centers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in which the organization expressed strong support for the agency's proposed changes to blood donation testing protocols, specifically the removal of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing requirement for whole blood and blood components. ABC, which unites community-based blood centers across the country, plays a critical role in supplying nearly 60 percent of the b  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The American College of Radiology has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement addressing proposed regulations that could impact the admission and extension of stay for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and healthcare representatives. The ACR detailed in its comments the essential role of international medical graduates (IMGs) in the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing that 23 percent of licensed physicians in the   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The American Exploration & Mining Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey advocating for enhancements to the agency's Draft List of Critical Minerals for 2025. This call to action aims to underscore the crucial role of various minerals in the U.S. economy and national security. AEMA emphasizes that all minerals should be recognized as critical due to their indispensable applications across multiple sectors  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The American Trucking Associations has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expressing concerns about the agency's proposed revisions to California's Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Program. The letter highlights the need for careful consideration of the program's implications for interstate commerce and calls for the agency to disapprove provisions that impact out-of-state vehicles. In the letter, ATA conve  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The American Urological Association (AUA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration advocating for the removal or revision of warning labels mandated for low-dose vaginal estrogen products. Citing concerns over customer accessibility and clinician hesitancy, the AUA emphasizes the importance of these therapies for women experiencing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). In its communication, AUA expressed appreciation for   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission addressing the agency's request for input on gender affirming care (GAC) for minors under Docket No. 2025-0264. In their letter, AGLP advocates for the necessity of GAC and its positive impacts on the mental health and quality of life for youth who experience gender dysphoria. Emphasizing the importance of GAC, AGLP asserts that the care is grounded in establishe  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Astellas Pharma has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expressing strong support for increased awareness and education regarding menopause and hormone replacement therapy for women. The submission follows Astellas' participation in an expert panel addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by menopause and the need for improved treatment options. The company highlighted the fact that approximately 1.3 million women enter menopaus  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Barrick Gold of North America Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging the agency to recognize gold as a critical mineral in its 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The organization echoed the need for this designation in light of increasing geopolitical competition and the financial instability affecting the U.S. economy. In its letter, Barrick, the largest gold producer in the U.S. and a subsidiary of   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The BATT Coalition submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior advocating for the inclusion of silicon in the final list of critical minerals for 2025. The organization, which represents U.S. battery materials manufacturers, emphasized that recognizing silicon as a critical mineral is essential for securing and growing the domestic supply chain of lithium-based battery materials. In its letter, the BATT Coalition outlined that silicon plays a  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The California Agricultural Aircraft Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing its proposal for Normalized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BYLOS) operations. Representing the professional aerial application industry across California, CAAA urges caution regarding potential risks to manned aviation amidst the expanding use of UAS technology. In its correspondence, the CAAA highlights   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC) has submitted a public comment letter opposing a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that would establish a fixed period of admission for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign information media. CLINIC argues that the proposed rule imposes unnecessary burdens on immigrants and the faith-based communities that depend on them, particularly affecting religio  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Center for Responsible Lending has raised concerns regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposed rule on legal standards applicable to supervisory designation proceedings. In their public comment letter, CRL argues that the proposed regulation could negatively impact consumer protection by unnecessarily restricting the CFPB's jurisdiction over non-depository financial institutions. CRL, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fair lending pra  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Centrus Energy Corp. submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey advocating for the inclusion of uranium on the agency's final List of Critical Minerals. The letter emphasized the importance of this step in supporting the administration's efforts to revitalize the U.S. nuclear industry and ensure energy security. The comment letter was submitted in response to an opportunity for public input regarding the potential addition   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Combination Products Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration addressing its draft guidance on Unique Device Identifier (UDI) requirements for combination products. The coalition, composed of major manufacturers in the drug, biological, and medical device sectors, is urging the FDA to incorporate updates and clarifications that could enhance industry compliance and patient safety. In the letter, the CPC acknowledges the  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Community Home Lenders of America has submitted a public comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau expressing its support for a proposed rule that aims to establish a clearer standard for defining "risks to consumers with regard to the offering or provision of consumer financial products or services." The CHLA contends that this standard should prioritize substantial harm to consumers over minor technical violations, asserting that the Bureau has hi  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Concerned Women for America has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission urging the agency to investigate what they describe as deceptive practices surrounding "gender-affirming care" (GAC) for minors. According to CWA, this care, which aims to align a person's physical characteristics with their declared gender identity, is not legitimate healthcare but rather a misrepresentation that can lead to significant physical and psychological harm. CWA arg  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- CONTINUUS Pharmaceuticals Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlighting the economic hurdles faced when establishing new domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The letter emphasizes that while regulatory concerns exist, they are considered minor compared to the financial challenges of such efforts. The letter notes the leadership role the FDA has taken in supporting advanced manufacturing through the provision  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Covia Holdings LLC CEO and President Bruno Biasiotta submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior requesting the agency to reconsider designating nepheline syenite as a Critical Mineral after its exclusion from the draft 2025 Critical Minerals List. The company stated that the exclusion of the mineral was an oversight, noting that nepheline syenite was not included in the published methodology and technical input analysis. The writer asserted   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- CRH PLC has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding the proposed 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. In its letter, CRH advocates for the inclusion of cement, emphasizing its vital role in the economic and national security of the United States. CRH operates a robust network of over 1,925 locations across 48 states and employs nearly 48,000 individuals. The company is known for its production of cement, aggre  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Do No Harm has urged the Food and Drug Administration to take immediate action by mandating a boxed warning on all estrogen-containing pharmaceuticals intended for systemic use. This public comment letter expresses deep concern regarding the off-label use of these hormones in natal males for "gender-affirming care," highlighting the increased risks associated with such practices. The FDA is currently reviewing the existing boxed warning for estrogen therapies approved fo  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding its proposed rule on the legal standard applicable to supervisory designation proceedings. ETA's communication emphasizes the need for clarity and precision in defining the entities that should be subject to the agency's supervision, particularly in relation to risks posed to consumers. In the letter, ETA praises the Bureau's initiativ  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Equality California has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Trade Commission expressing profound concern regarding the agency's recent Request for Information related to gender-affirming care for minors. The organization argues that gender-affirming care is vital, medically necessary, and supported by established medical bodies. The FTC's inquiry into gender-affirming care has sparked criticism from Equality California, which contends that the agency's approach  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Essential Minerals Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging significant revisions to the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The organization represents over 100 mineral extraction and processing companies, highlighting concerns over current supply chain vulnerabilities and emphasizing the urgent need for domestic resource development. In its letter, EMA commended the inclusion of silver, pota  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Functional Government Initiative has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging the inclusion of boron in the final List of Critical Minerals. The organization emphasizes that this mineral is vital not only for the U.S. economy but also for national security, particularly in defense manufacturing and advanced technology. FGI, dedicated to fostering public awareness and advocacy regarding governmental decisions, h  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey expressing strong support for the agency's 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals while urging the inclusion of phosphate in the final version. The organization praised the agency's use of transparent, peer-reviewed methodology but argued that phosphate's exclusion overlooks a vital threat to U.S. food security. The farm bureau stated that pho  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- GLOBSEC US Foundation has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey expressing strong support for the inclusion of copper on the agency's updated Critical Minerals List. In its letter, GLOBSEC lauded the USGS for adopting an advanced methodology that utilizes scenario-based economic impact modeling to assess mineral supply disruption risks and bolster policy decisions. The organization emphasized the critical nature of copper  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Hermes Pharma GmbH has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration regarding the agency's proposed administrative order on over-the-counter drug products. This letter, dated September 23, presents a strong case for the inclusion of powders and granules intended for direct oral administration within the scope of the proposed rule. The regulatory framework proposed by the FDA, titled "Over-the-Counter M  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Hispanic Leadership Fund, a nonpartisan advocacy organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration urging the renewal of the modified risk granted orders for Philip Morris Products S.A.'s IQOS 2.4, IQOS 3.0, and HeatSticks products. The organization emphasizes the importance of providing adult smokers with access to less harmful alternatives, highlighting its commitment to promoting pub  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Hoverfly Technologies Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration advocating for a risk-scaled regulatory approach for Dedicated Tethered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TeUAS). The company emphasizes that the proposed regulatory framework under Part 108 should recognize the distinct operational characteristics and safety precautions associated with tethered operations, which are inherently different from free-flying aircraft. In its lett  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Idaho Mining Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding the agency's 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. In its comments, IMA expressed gratitude for the agency's recognition of the importance of a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals essential to both national security and economic stability. Founded in 1903, the IMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsib  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The International Food Additives Council (IFAC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service regarding the upcoming Fall 2025 meeting of the National Organic Standards Board. The letter emphasizes the need to relist several food additives essential for organic food production during the board's Sunset Reviews of Handling Substances. IFAC represents manufacturers and end-users of food ingredients worldwide. I  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Israeli Perimenopause Community and Israeli Menopause Society submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration advocating for a reevaluation of the labeling and approval processes for Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Local Vaginal Estrogen (LVE). The letter highlights findings from a recent survey conducted within an Israeli community that underscores the critical need for government agencies to acc  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- J.R. Simplot Co. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging for the inclusion of phosphate on the critical minerals list. The letter highlights the failures of current methodologies in assessing the risks posed by foreign supply chains to U.S. food security. The organization emphasizes that the existing approach overlooks the significant imports of finished phosphate fertilizer products, putting the national food   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Jetti Resources, a technology company focused on enhancing copper production, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey addressing the agency's 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals (LCM). The organization emphasizes the importance of copper in ensuring U.S. national security and urges an annual update to the list to account for fluctuating market demands. In the letter, Jetti articulates how its innovative technology e  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Laramide Resources (USA) Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey advocating for the inclusion of uranium in the agency's 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The Toronto-based company, focused on uranium development and production in North America, asserts that the absence of uranium from the 2022 Critical Minerals List was a misapplication of regulatory language, undermining its crucial roles in defense, energy  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research has submitted a public comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the legal standard applicable to supervisory designation proceedings. The organization, known for its capacity as a think tank, expressed support for the proposed rule changes aimed at clarifying the agency's supervisory capabilities. The letter emphasizes the importance of defining "risks to consumer  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Manufactured Housing Institute, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau responding to a proposed rule that aims to establish a standardized definition of "risks to consumers" related to consumer financial products and services. This rule is significant as it could affect which nonbank covered persons will fall under the bureau's supervision and enforcement. In the letter, MHI emphasized that the supervisi  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Menopause Advocacy Working Group has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to remove the boxed warning from Local Vaginal Estrogen products. The coalition, composed of physicians, researchers, and nonprofit leaders, aims to enhance the well-being of millions of women suffering from the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). GSM is a condition that arises in a significan  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Mint Innovation submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding the recently published 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The company expressed strong support for the inclusion of key minerals, namely copper and silver, which it deemed essential for bolstering domestic supply chains and enhancing national security. In the letter, the organization highlighted the critical role that these minerals play in American man  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Motor Vehicle Lighting Manufacturers Safety Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to a temporary exemption application from Emergency Safety Solutions. The letter expresses concerns over ESS DeliverSafe, a truck and trailer lighting technology that deploys emergency flashing alerts in the event of a crash or manual activation when a vehicle is stopped. The Motor Vehicle Lighting Manufacturers Safety Insti  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding their Request for Information on Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF). The department expresses its support for both agencies in establishing a clear definition of UPF, which could influence policy decisions and improve consumer awareness. In the comment letter, the NYC Health Department highlights the  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The National Consumers League (NCL) has urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove the boxed warning for local, low-dose vaginal estrogen products, a preferred treatment for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). In a public comment letter submitted on September 24, NCL highlighted the critical need for women to have access to effective treatments for GSM, which affects a substantial percentage of postmenopausal women. GSM is a chronic condition result  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The National Mining Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging the need for a more robust strategy to address the United States' increasing dependence on foreign minerals. Emphasizing the strategic vulnerabilities posed by reliance on imports from geopolitical adversaries, the NMA highlights the importance of securing domestic mineral supply chains essential for the economy, national security, and ener  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Geological Survey urging the federal agency to reconsider the inclusion of copper in its proposed 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The environmental group argues that the addition of copper contradicts established criteria outlined in the Energy Act of 2020 and previous determinations made by the agency. According to the letter, the USGS's decision to include copper marks a dep  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Pacific Lutheran University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security advocating for the withdrawal of a proposed rule regarding admission periods for nonimmigrant academic students and exchange visitors. The university strongly opposes the rule that aims to establish fixed time limits for admissions, citing the need to maintain the duration of status for international students and scholars. In its communication, Pacific Lutheran U  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Pelican Institute for Public Policy has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration advocating for the approval of modified risk tobacco product applications for Philip Morris Products S.A.'s IQOS heated tobacco system. The organization, which focuses on policy solutions to enhance opportunities in Louisiana and across the nation, highlights the potential health benefits associated with this innova  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- PH Health Limited submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration opposing a citizen petition filed by NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The petition requested that the agency ban or withdraw approval of all ketamine injection products containing the preservative benzethonium chloride (BZT). In its letter, PH Health points out that the petition and its supplement are based on misunderstandings of BZT's safety profile and the longstanding efficacy of KE  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration addressing critical updates needed for hormone therapy product labeling related to menopause. This response follows the FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women convened in July 2025. As the nation's leading advocate for sexual and reproductive health care, PPFA emphasizes  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the risks and benefits associated with menopause hormone therapy (MHT). PCCA, which supports compounding pharmacy members with necessary resources, expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to an ongoing national discussion on this critical topic. MHT continues to evoke much debate within women's health, with rese  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Public Citizen, a national nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration urging caution regarding potential updates to the labeling of menopause hormone therapy products. The letter comes after a July 17, 2025, FDA expert panel meeting where panelists suggested that the current boxed warnings related to hormone treatments may overstate risks and proposed that  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Rep. Paul A. Gosar (R-Arizona) has expressed strong support for the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals recently issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey (USGS). In a public comment letter submitted to USGS, Gosar emphasized the importance of recognizing mineral resources to bolster national security and reduce reliance on foreign imports. The draft list includes 54 mineral commodities, with notable additions like copper, potash, silicon, silver,   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- SAFE has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey concerning the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. SAFE, a nonpartisan entity committed to advancing transportation, energy, and supply chain policies, emphasized the importance of aligning mineral supply chains with national economic and security interests. Their Center for Critical Minerals focuses on empowering the U.S. to dominate in the future minerals-driven economy  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation expressing her strong opposition to the agencies' move to withdraw the 2023 joint proposed Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule. In the letter, the senator emphasized the positive outcomes achieved through the collaboration of regulators and stakeholders in improving the CRA and criticized t  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Stillwater Mining Company DBA Sibanye-Stillwater has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The company expresses its gratitude to the agency for utilizing a science-based methodology to identify essential mineral commodities vital to the country's energy, economy, and national security. In its letter, Sibanye-Stillwater emphasizes the importance of including platinum   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Society for Women's Health Research has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the agency's expert panel on menopause and hormone replacement therapy for women. The SWHR, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting women's health since 1990, emphasizes the pressing need for improved access to effective treatments for women experiencing menopause symptoms. Every year, around 1.3 million women in the United States  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging for the inclusion of copper on the agency's 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. As the national trade association representing the solar and storage industries, SEIA emphasizes copper's vital role in supporting domestic manufacturing and the nation's energy security. According to SEIA, the solar and storage sectors have ma  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Solar Energy Manufacturers for America Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey pressing for essential critical minerals to be included in the agency's 2025 draft list. In the letter, SEMA emphasized the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by the solar manufacturing sector due to concentrated global supply chains, particularly concerning critical materials such as silicon and tellurium which are crucial for sol  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Thor Resources Inc. and Thor Resources USA LLC have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey urging the agency to include helium on the 2025 Final List of Critical Minerals. In their appeal, the company emphasizes the vital role helium plays in both national security and the economy, asserting that overlooking this element poses significant risks. Helium, which is essential for medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- University of Minnesota Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Associate Professor Rahel Nardos submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The writer, a urogynecologist, urged the agency to remove the black box warning on low-dose vaginal estrogen products and to prioritize approval of testosterone therapies for perimenopausal and postmenopausal people. The commenter stated that the current boxed warning on vaginal   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The University of St. Thomas has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule that could create excessive administrative burdens for institutions, international students, and the federal agency itself. The letter, filed as part of the DHS Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001, argues that the rule is not only unnecessary but may also undermine national security efforts and have adverse economic impac  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- Uranium Watch has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey expressing opposition to the potential inclusion of uranium in the agency's 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. The document, signed by representatives from several environmental organizations, raises concerns regarding the classification of uranium, asserting that it is primarily a fuel mineral used in nuclear power production and thus does not meet the statutor  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Wisconsin Technical College System has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education objecting to a proposed addition to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) that would introduce a new "Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement" (ACTS) survey component for all four-year institutions using selective college admissions. WTCS urged the department to exclude two-year community and technical colleges from this requirement  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Women's Health Advocates, a policy organization dedicated to advancing women's health, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for the removal of the black box label on Hormone Therapy (HT) intended for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. This request comes as the organization highlights the significant benefits of HT and calls for a reevaluation in light of eme  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration expressing concerns about the recent FDA Expert Panel on Menopausal and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women. WHI emphasizes the critical need for recommendations regarding menopausal treatments to be rooted in robust scientific evidence, following the organization's pivotal research over the last 30 years. In their c  more