New regs for Wednesday: Public transportation, flights, detergent gasoline

Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for public transportation safety procedures, airplane takeoff procedures, detergent gasoline and capital requirements for credit unions.

Here’s what is happening: 

Public transportation: The Department of Transportation is considering new rules to improve the safety of public transportation systems. 

The Transportation Department’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Tuesday interim safety certification training provisions for federal and state officials who oversee the safety of public transportation systems. 

The public has 60 days to comment.

Testimony: The Federal Maritime Commission is moving forward with new rules that prevent the agency’s employees from testifying about information they came across in the course of their jobs.

However, agency employees would not be prevented from complying with congressional inquiries, federal court civil proceedings in which the government is a party or Freedom of Information Act requests.

The rule is intended to “preserve the agency’s employee resources, minimize involvement in matters unrelated to its mission and programs, and maintain its impartiality,” it wrote.

Flights:  The Federal Aviation Administration is moving forward with new rules for certain airports.

The FAA’s rules establish new takeoff and obstacle departure procedures at certain airports, the agency announced Tuesday. 

“These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace,” the agency wrote.

The rule goes into effect immediately.

Capital requirements: The National Credit Union Administration is moving forward with new rules for federally insured credit unions that have assets of $10 billion or more.

The new rules require these credit unions to establish capital plans and go through annual stress tests.

EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment and other information on its rules governing detergent gasoline. 

The EPA regulates fuels, such as detergent gasoline, to make sure they are effective before being certified. Currently, the EPA maintains a list of 17 manufacturers that are certified to produce 374 types of detergent gasoline.

“Gasoline combustion results in the formation of engine deposits that contribute to increased emissions,” the agency wrote. “Detergent additives deter deposit formation. The Clean Air Act requires gasoline to contain a detergent additive.”

The public has 60 days to comment.

Fees: The U.S. Copyright Office is correcting a rule it published in March concerning the fees the agency charges for its services. 

The Copyright Office accidentally omitted a fee that the agency announced Tuesday it is adding. 

The new fee goes into effect on May 1.

Health coverage: The IRS is correcting an error the agency made in a rule it published in March. 

The agency’s regulations that it is correcting offer guidance to the providers of minimum essential healthcare coverage.

The correction is effective immediately.