WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Southern Environmental Law Center, Asheville, North Carolina, on behalf of four wildlife conservation organizations, has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) voicing support for the agency's proposal to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The letter underscores the urgent need for protections surrounding this vulnerable species. The southern hognose snake, known for its unique bu  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor opposing a proposal from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that seeks to relax key respiratory protection regulations concerning ethylene oxide. The AFL-CIO represents a coalition of 63 national unions and nearly 15 million workers across diverse industries, highlighting that effective respiratory p  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to proposed changes in the asbestos and lead standards for General Industry and Construction. AFSCME, which represents over 1.4 million workers across various sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, and emergency services, emphasizes that these propose  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- AIDS Foundation Chicago, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expressing support for maintaining the collection of HIV data through the National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS). The foundation emphasizes that consistent data collection is crucial for effectively addressing the ongoing HIV epidemic in the United States. In its letter, the organization recalls the critical role that data played since the early days  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education concerning proposed changes to the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (IL-OIB) program report. AFB's letter emphasizes the importance of transparent and comprehensive data collection for assessing the effectiveness of the program that serves older adults who are blind or have low vision. In its communicati  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Falls Church, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizing the need for regulatory clarity and enhanced worker protections amidst ongoing deregulatory efforts. AIHA represents professionals dedicated to occupational safety and health, and their comments address concerns related to several open rulemakings and interpretive p  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The American Public Health Association Occupational Health and Safety Section has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding proposed revisions to the acrylonitrile standard, which the organization feels could undermine the health and safety of workers. The letter expresses strong objections to planned changes that would modify the existing health standards related to acrylonitrile, a chemical that has been linked to serious health concerns  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The American Public Health Association (APHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) voicing objections to proposed changes regarding the 1,2 dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) Standard. The association argues that the alterations could undermine health protections currently in place for workers exposed to this hazardous chemical. In its communication, APHA emphasizes the importance of maintaining stringent health sta  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI), Lexington, Kentucky, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) raising alarm over the potential implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on copyright protection for its members. The AMI, representing a community of biomedical illustrators, animators, and interactive designers, emphasizes the critical role its professionals play in conveying scientific information through vi  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Blairstown Township Mayor Rob Moorhead, Knowlton Township Mayor Frank Van Horn, and Hardwick Township Committeeman Johh Lovell, all of Warren County, New Jersey, have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior advocating for their inclusion in the Gateway Community Pilot Program under the EXPLORE Act. The letter highlights the pressing need for improvements to visitor services and infrastructure around the Delaware Water Gap National Recreatio  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) asserting the urgency for regulatory reform on artificial intelligence (AI) to foster innovation and enhance national security. The letter, dated Oct. 27, outlines recommendations aimed at overcoming existing barriers that impede the effective deployment of AI technologies by federal agencies. Booz Allen emphasizes the critical importance  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Ajita Talwalker Menon, president and CEO of Calbright College - California Online Community College District, Sacramento, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing support for proposed priorities aimed at enhancing career pathways and workforce readiness. The college, designed to serve the needs of adult learners in California, emphasizes the importance of aligning educational programs with real-world job requirements. In their c  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Center for Biological Diversity, Tucson, Arizona, and Coastal Plains Institute, Crawfordville, Florida, have submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) urging the agency to elevate the status of the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) from "threatened" to "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal aims to offer enhanced protections for the species, which is at risk of extinction due to severe habitat loss and other th  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has voiced his concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed rule to remove the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). In a public comment letter submitted in response to the Interim Final Rule (IFR), the state highlighted that this decision could have detrimental effects on both the local economy and its workforce. The letter outlined the history of the automatic extension policy, which w  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Concentra, Addison, Texas, has expressed opposition to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposed amendments to the medical evaluation requirements for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). In a public comment letter, the organization emphasized the importance of maintaining thorough medical evaluations to safeguard worker health and safety. Concentra operates over 1,000 medical centers  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Conservative Political Action Coalition Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom, Alexandria, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) addressing proposed regulatory changes under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The letter, dated Oct. 27, 2025, seeks to support the FWS's efforts in revising regulations for species treated as listed due to similarity of appearance. In the letter, the foundation's Center for Regulatory Fre  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has issued a public comment letter to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the agency's Tonnage Tax Modernization Interim Final Rule. The letter articulates support for the amended regulation that aligns the tonnage year for calculating tonnage taxes with the fiscal year of the Federal Government. In the letter, CLIA emphasizes that this alignment simplifies and streamlines the tracking of tonnage taxes across  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing opposition to proposed changes in the Lead in General Industry Standard and Lead in Construction Standard. CSTE represents over 3,500 public health epidemiologists across all states and territories and emphasizes that these changes could jeopardize worker safety amid significant health ri  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Defenders of Wildlife has voiced strong opposition to a proposed rule from the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that would alter regulations pertaining to eleven species listed due to their similarity of appearance to endangered species. Through a public comment letter submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, the organization asserts that the proposed amendments are inconsistent with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and would undermine crucial protections for vulne  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Disability Belongs, Fredericksburg, Virginia, has addressed the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) urging the agency to retain the self-identification of disability form as part of its information collection requirements. The call is in response to a proposed revision published in the Federal Register in August aimed at updating regulations related to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In their public comment letter, Disability Be  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Edmentum, Bloomington, Minnesota, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing support for the agency's focus on career pathways and workforce readiness as essential components of educational policy and funding. The organization highlighted the importance of aligning education systems with the evolving demands of the global workforce to better connect education with economic opportunity. In its letter, Edmentum, a provider of digital c  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education commending recent efforts to prioritize Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness within federal education grants. This initiative is seen as a vital step toward aligning education with the demands of a changing labor market, mirroring a growing acknowledgment of the skills students need to thrive in modern workplaces. In its correspondence, ET  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- ForHumanity, Thornwood, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) urging the development of robust regulatory frameworks for AI technologies. The organization emphasizes that effective governance is essential for building public trust in AI systems, which must be transparent, accountable, and independently auditable to prevent the potential risks associated with unregulated innovation. The letter highlights the c  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Forum on Education Abroad, Warren, Rhode Island, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to recognize education abroad as a vital component of career readiness and workforce development. Representing over 800 institutional members, the Forum highlighted the importance of international learning opportunities in preparing students for success in a competitive job market. In its correspondence, the Forum pointed out tha  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Thomas Stratmann, professor of economics at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy proposing actionable reforms to accelerate AI adoption and regulatory clarity for tribal governments. The professor advocates for granting tribal governments parity with states in federal AI governance policies, arguing that current systems often force tribes to route essential services through state st  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Groom Law Group, on behalf of coalition of client organizations dedicated to advancing the Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) marketplace, has submitted a public comment letter to the Employee Benefits Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor. The letter responds to a July 29, 2025 Request for Information (RFI) and presents comprehensive opinions on issues affecting the growth and implementation of PEPs, which are designed to enhance retirement savings options for s  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Harrison.ai, Haymarket, Australia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy urging regulatory reform to improve the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics. With a mission to augment clinician capacity and enhance patient care, Harrison.ai emphasizes the potential of AI-powered solutions to deliver timely and accurate diagnoses across its expansive footprint. In their letter, Harrison.ai expressed conce  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund have submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service, urging the agency to abandon its proposed rule that would reduce protections for certain endangered species, including the Florida panther and the desert tortoise. The organizations argue that the proposed changes would undermine vital conservation efforts and exacerbate the threats faced by these already vulnerable species. In their letter, the o  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The International Center for Law & Economics (ICLE), Portland, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) urging a reform of existing regulations that hinder the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). The organization argues that many federal statutes and regulations are outdated and based on prescriptive, human-centric assumptions that do not align with the capabilities of modern AI technologies  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) expressing opposition to a proposal that would amend or remove protections for "similarity of appearance" species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This proposed rule seeks to remove protections for eleven species, including various turtle and butterfly species, the shovelnose sturgeon, and the puma, which have been designated as needing prote  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressing its views on the agency's proposed revisions to the Cadmium standard. The proposals aim to enhance employer compliance regarding respiratory protection requirements and to align rules with existing respiratory protection standards. The proposed changes include revisions to sections of OSHA'  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning, Austin, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing support for the Department's proposed Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. In this correspondence, the organization commended the Department's ongoing efforts to expand access to career pathways that are responsive to labor market demands and aimed at preparing learners for success in high-  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Pete Hildreth, Conservation Recreation Division administrator at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service expressing opposition to a proposed rule revision that seeks to remove the Shovelnose Sturgeon from its threatened status due to similarity of appearance with the endangered Pallid Sturgeon. The DNR emphasizes that the original designation remains essential for the conservation and recovery o  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Mary M. Spellman, instructor at the Monongalia County (West Virginia) SPOKES, a program administered by the West Virginia Adult Education Department, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of adult learners in a proposed supplemental priority. The instructor was encouraged by the Secretary's recognition that prioritizing access to demand-driven career pathways and workforce readiness (CPWR) is essential. The l  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), Alexandria, Virginia and Reshoring Initiative, Sarasota, Florida, have jointly submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education outlining their vision for expanded career pathways and improved workforce readiness in the U.S. Both organizations emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address current labor shortages in the manufacturing sector, which they believe is crucial for rekindling Ameri  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding proposed regulations for the southern hognose snake, a species considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NAFO highlighted the importance of private working forests in the conservation strategy for the species, emphasizing that sustainably managed forests can provide crucial habitat for the snake. In the letter, NAFO remar  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), Leland, North Carolina, has issued a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supporting the agency's proposed rule regarding revisions to the Inorganic Arsenic standard. This proposal is aimed at streamlining respirator requirements for industries dealing with inorganic arsenic, specifically allowing a wider selection of respirators to enhance workplace safety. In it  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), Greenville, South Carolina, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice regarding its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at providing relief for individuals prohibited from acquiring, possessing, or transferring firearms under federal law, as specified in Docket No. OAG 191. The organization commended the proposed rule for creating a pathway for individuals who have lost their Second Amendment  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding concerns with the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Feedback System (Docket ID ED-2025-SCC-0647). The association, which represents around 29,000 financial aid professionals serving approximately 16 million students annually, expressed its apprehensions about recent modifications to the system's feedback mechanisms. NASFAA h  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The National Lab Directors' Council (NLDC) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advocating for essential regulatory reform aimed at fostering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and adoption within the country's National Laboratories. The letter highlights the transformative potential of generative AI and its ability to reshape scientific research methodologies, thereby accelerating advancements in science and technology. The NLDC   more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the proposal to list the Southern Hognose Snake as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The commission expressed strong support for the proposed listing, citing substantial declines in the species' population throughout North Carolina and beyond. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal, announced in August 2025  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed priorities and definitions for Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. In their letter, NCLD expressed support for the Department's commitment to expanding career opportunities but raised concerns about equity and expectations for students with disabilities. NCLD, an organization that advocates for equitable policies and innova  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The National Education Association (NEA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing its proposed priority and definitions related to career pathways and workforce readiness. With over 3 million members, the NEA expresses strong support for the Department's commitment to enhancing workforce development, particularly for inclusive career pathways for both youth and adults. In the letter, the NEA raises vital concerns about the propo  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The News/Media Alliance (N/MA), Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) regarding proposed regulatory reforms in artificial intelligence (AI). The N/MA emphasizes that the establishment of "smart" rules is crucial to maintaining American leadership in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. In its letter, N/MA supports the administration's commitment to innovation while highlighting the importance of robu  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Orpheus Ocean Inc., an ocean technology company in New Bedford, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding potential mineral leasing activities on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The company emphasized the importance of advanced technologies for environmentally responsible deep-sea exploration and mineral extraction. In its letter, Orpheus Ocea  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Joe E. Ross, president of Reach University, Oakland, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the Secretary's proposed priority and definitions on career pathways and workforce readiness. In its letter, Reach University emphasizes the importance of enhancing access to demand-driven career pathways and workforce preparedness. The organization expresses strong support for the proposed priorities outlined by the Departme  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Safari Club International (SCI) has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service urging the agency to reconsider regulations regarding eleven species currently listed due to similarity of appearance under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The organization argues that the current listings impose unnecessary regulatory burdens that do not align with actual conservation needs. In its comments, SCI expresses support for the delisting or reduced regulatio  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Society for Conservation Biology North America (SCBNA), Boulder, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service endorsing the proposal to classify the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The SCBNA, representing nearly 3,000 members across North America, emphasizes the urgent need for protections to ensure the species' survival in the face of escalating threats. The  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- TNTP, New York, a national nonprofit organization focused on transforming public education, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing the proposed priority on expanding career pathways and workforce readiness. The organization emphasizes the importance of career-connected learning in enhancing economic and social mobility for young people. In its communication, TNTP highlights alarming statistics indicating that a majority of hig  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Detroit, Michigan, has penned a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) voicing opposition to a proposed rule change regarding respiratory protection standards. The proposal seeks to eliminate some specific respiratory protection language, which the union argues could place workers exposed to hazardous  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opposing proposed revisions to regulations concerning cadmium exposure. The union represents a wide variety of workers in several industries, including steel, aluminum, paper, and healthcare, an  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW), Kansas City, Missouri, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) supporting a proposed rule intended to enhance the assessment of pain for veterans with painful scars. This proposed rule, identified as 38 CFR Part 4 RIN 2900-AS37, aims to introduce clearer guidelines specifying that objective evidence of pain must be confirmed during evaluations for disability ratings under the rele  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Walmart Inc. has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing support for the department's proposed Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. The retail giant highlighted the importance of the initiative in fostering skills-based talent marketplaces that connect various stakeholders, including learners, employers, and education providers, through interoperable data systems. In the letter, Walmart pra  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addressing potential risks associated with proposed revisions to substance-specific standards. The letter outlines concerns regarding a set of notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) related to various hazardous substances, including methylene chloride, asbestos, and lead. In their correspond  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- Wayve, Sunnyvale, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation urging the need for a sector-specific approach in the regulation of artificial intelligence. The company is currently testing advanced driver assistance systems in various global markets, including the U.S., UK, Germany, and Japan. In its correspondence, Wayve emphasizes that a tailored regulatory framework is essential for the effective and safe deployment of AI,   more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has submitted a public comment letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service regarding a proposal to amend regulations affecting eleven species classified due to their similarity of appearance. The Department, which is responsible for the management and protection of wildlife in Wyoming, expressed its support for eliminating unnecessary regulations that currently protect certain species. In the letter, the agency emphasized that the proposed  more