New regs for Monday: Vets, cars, elephants

Monday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new protections for disabled veterans, labeling requirements for automakers, and protections for elephants.

Here’s what is happening:

Cars: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is considering new guidelines for fuel economy claims from automakers.

The FTC proposed Friday changes to the “Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles.” The fuel economy labeling requirements would “prevent deceptive … advertising,” the agency said.

The public has until Aug. 8 to comment.

Retirement: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. is proposing new rules for multiemployer pension plans that are looking to merge.

The public has 60 days to comment.

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

The FWS announced Thursday it is cracking down on the trade of ivory, which is obtained from the tusks of elephants, but is now formally publishing the restrictions in the Federal Register.

The ivory ban will prohibit Americans from selling most products containing ivory across state lines. However, the FWS will exempt antique guns and musical instruments from the rule.

“This final rule will allow us to more strictly regulate trade in African elephant ivory and help to ensure that the U.S. ivory market is not contributing to the poaching of elephants in Africa,” the agency wrote.

Vets: The Office of Personnel Management is proposing a new disabled veteran leave program for government employees.

The proposed rules would provide veterans with leave to seek medical treatment for injuries sustained in the military.

The public has 30 days to comment.