New regs for Wednesday: Helicopters, fireworks, foreign vehicles

Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for the helidecks where helicopters land, public utilities, fireworks, asset-backed securities, and foreign vehicles imports.

Here’s what is happening:

Helicopters: The Department of the Interior is considering new safety standards for the helidecks at offshore facilities where helicopters land.

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said Tuesday it is looking at new rules for the design, construction, and maintenance of these offshore helidecks.

The rules would also cover the storage and handling of aviation fuel at these offshore facilities.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Public utilities: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is moving forward with new rules for public utilities.

The new requirements include communication protocols and standards for business practices for public utilities. 

The rules go into effect in 30 days.

Antennas: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is moving forward with new rules for antenna structures.

The new rules streamline requirements for the construction, marking and lighting of antennas.

The rules go into effect in 30 days.

Foreign cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is updating a list of foreign vehicles that can be imported into the U.S., even though they don’t comply with federal safety standards.

The NHTSA says these vehicles may be imported if the safety features are “capable of being altered to comply with” federal standards.

The exemptions go into effect immediately.

Fireworks: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is moving forward with new rules for certain types of fireworks.

The new requirements apply to two types of fireworks, including display aerial shells with attachments and display mines.

The rules go into effect immediately.

Health care: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide health care to veterans who were exposed to toxins in the water while serving at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987.

The VA said Tuesday it will cover their hospital care and medical costs.

The rules go into effect immediately.

Wall Street: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving forward with new disclosure rules for asset-backed securities.

The new rules require companies to provide more information about the real estate and auto assets that are backing these securities.

The rules go into effect in 60 days.