New regs for Tuesday: Elephants, refrigerators, fire safety

Tuesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new protections for African elephants, energy conservation standards for refrigerators and walk-in coolers, and fire safety standards at VA facilities. 

Here’s what is happening:

Elephants: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing new protections for African elephants.

African elephants are already listed as threatened species, but the agency is looking to expand those protections by placing more restrictions on the ivory trade. 

The move is expected to “increase protection for African elephants in response to the alarming rise in poaching of the species to fuel the growing illegal trade in ivory,” the agency noted.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Refrigerators: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is signing off on proposed energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators and walk-in coolers.

The efficiency rules stem from the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. As part of the rulemaking process, the Justice Department has determined that the rules will not adversely affect competition.

“Based on this review, our conclusion is that the proposed energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment are unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on competition,” the DOJ wrote.

Fire: The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving forward with new fire safety standards at VA facilities.

The VA is incorporating the National Fire Protection Association’s latest safety standards at its residential facilities and hospitals “to ensure the continued safety of veterans in these facilities.”

The changes go into effect in 30 days.

Dental: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing new medical standards for dental and oral conditions.

The VA’s new dental ratings account for medical advances, the agency noted.

The public has 60 days to comment.