New regs for Thursday: Endangered, nuclear, flu

Thursday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new safety standards for nuclear reactors, protections for endangered beetles, and protections against the avian flu.

Here’s what is happening: 

Endangered: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is considering new protections for the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.

The FWS on Wednesday issued a draft recovery plan for the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle, which has been listed as an endangered species since 2005. For the beetle to be removed from the endangered species list, it must meet certain criteria to prove it is no longer at risk of extinction.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Flu: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing new protections from the avian flu.

HHS’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking to add certain influenza virus strains, including the avian virus, to a list of select agents and toxins.

“We have determined that these influenza viruses have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety,” the agency wrote.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Nuclear: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering new safety standards for nuclear reactors.

The agency is reviewing a petition that recommends new requirements for all nuclear power plants to use in-core monitoring devices throughout the reactor core.

Housing: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is moving forward with new housing discrimination rules.

The housing rules are intended to promote diversity. They will provide more affordable housing units in nicer neighborhoods, while also seeking to improve the state of poor communities.

HUD announced the rules last week, but is just now posting them in the Federal Register, starting the clock on the effective date.

The rules go into effect in 30 days.